Don't let the fact that Mariette Himes Gomez describes herself as a minimalist-and that her two books are simply entitled Homes and Rooms-mislead you. While her interiors are uncluttered, period furniture, interesting objects, paintings, and books are nevertheless paramount in her design schemes. She is widely acclaimed as the sultana of subtle colors, like Devonshire cream with hints of cinnamon and rose. Her genius is in creating backdrops that permit beloved objects, as well as the architectural details she loves, not only to catch the visitor's eye but also to capture the owner's soul. "A house is an autobiography," she explains.
"Luxurious but levelheaded" is the way the New York Times has described Gomez's style, one she honed as a little girl in a household of females who loved to sew, care for children, and create beautiful homes. Her mother sold fabric boxes and doll costumes; one of Gomez's first design gigs was to decorate for the high school prom; she recreated the Eiffel Tower.
Check out her New York shop (you guessed it, it's called simply The Shop), which features a mélange of decorative furnishings plus furniture of her own design. Her current gig? Updating the presidential yacht. -Rebecca Christian
Mariette Himes Gomez's website:
www.mariettehimesgomez.com
