THE STYLIST COLLECTION

 

Mallory’s collection for Desenio is layered, sophisticated, and rich – it’s inspired by history and romance, and those quick sketches in an artist’s notebook where an idea is starting to take shape. We sat down for a chat with Mallory in the Stockholm Atelier, when she shared the inspiration and ideas behind the collection with Desenio.

Describe your interior style in three words.

Romantic, Layered, Cozy

What sparked your interest in interiors?

Moving to New York City really awakened my love for interiors. When we found our first apartment in Brooklyn, it had all of these incredible original details intact - mouldings, original flooring, tall ceilings. It inspired me to be intentional with designing the space to honour the history of the building.

What’s your secret tip for people getting started with their own interiors?

I think a lot of the difficulty surrounding designing your own home comes down to not fully understanding what your interior design style is, which can understandably make decorating feel *extremely* overwhelming.

For me, I find a lot of inspiration and direction watching films and scrolling social media. Pinterest is absolutely amazing for this, so if you’re trying to find your style, start there! Once you know what you like, the process becomes much more approachable. It’s not always a quick process, but the fun is in the journey.

 

Who or what is your biggest style influence?

My style is heavily influenced by watching films. I constantly find myself taking mental notes of design details I spot in the background of movie scenes. I draw inspiration from the romantic and historic details highlighted in period dramas just as much as the cosy, layered interiors often seen in 1990’s and early 2000’s romantic comedies.

Which object couldn’t you live without?

I love objects that have both a pretty and practical use. I have two antique mini cabinets that I used to store my toiletries and jewellery. They are beautiful pieces with hand painted details and dainty hardware, but also extremely utilitarian. Objects like this remind me of why I appreciate antiques so much and how they can spark creativity when you bring them into your home.

How do you get your creativity flowing?

I’m a very visual person, so when I’m in need of a jolt of creativity for a design project at home, I like to flip through old design magazines and decor books, scroll and pin interesting ideas on Pinterest, and walk around my home with a notepad in hand and visualize different possibilities for the room or corner I’m working on.

Tell us about your influences for the collection with Desenio.

My affinity for vintage and the ancient world played a large role when I was developing this collection with the Desenio. I wanted every piece to feel like it could be a lucky vintage find at a flea market, and it was important to me that I would be excited to buy and hang each piece in my own home. The collection is a culmination of interests, with nods to classical imagery, interiors, history, art, and film.

I love that there’s something for everyone, the romantic, the cat lover, the artist, and the historian.

Describe the process of creating your collection with Desenio.

This process was a true collaboration and a dream come true! I had a long list of initial ideas and inspirations and the Desenio team helped me hone down every detail, from colour palette, to medium used. I was blown away by the artist’s interpretations of my ideas and the collection evolved over time into a cohesive collection that felt very me.

If you could share three essential decorating tips that you always swear by, what would they be?

1. I love a home that feels collected and lived-in, so I always focus on layering while incorporating as many pieces that hold a special meaning as possible. It’s the small details like family heirlooms, finds from your travels, coffee table books on subjects you enjoy, that make a room feel cozy and lived-in.

2. Nothing beats the character and craftsmanship that vintage can bring to a space, so I always mix antiques with modern to add charm to a room.

3. Decorating is rarely a quick process and sometimes you need to live in your space for a while before you know what you want to create. The joy is in the process, the collecting, and the experimenting. Take your time and have fun!

 

Do you have a favourite piece from your collection? What makes it stand out to you personally?

While it’s hard to choose, The Dreamers is particularly special to me. It reminds me of one of my favourite books and films, Pride and Prejudice, and there’s something moving about the way the women are looking out the window as they watch the world go by. The drawing itself is beautiful, and even after seeing it in person, it’s hard to believe it’s a print and not plucked directly out of an artist’s notebook.

What message or feeling do you hope people take away from your collection?

I hope people see and appreciate the beauty in the little details, from the aged background paper, to the artist's signatures, to the texture and shadows in the collage pieces. My aim was to create a vintage-inspired collection that would translate beautifully to prints and I think it’s these details that make all the difference.

Was there a particular story or moment that sparked the idea for the collection?

I knew I wanted a variety of themes and materials represented in the collection, so it was not a particular moment, but rather a handful. I tried to lean into the feeling I have when finding pieces of art out in the world, honing in on what qualities they possessed - how the marks looked on the canvas, the way the artists added their signature, the colour palette, and mix of mediums used.

If you could describe the collection in just one word, what would it be, and why?

Refined, yet approachable. The collection has a sort of quiet elegance and romantic feel to it that feels elevated but still warm and rooted in an appreciation for detail and beauty.

How do you think art can transform a room?

Art is the life and soul of a room. It sets the mood, draws the eye, and adds layers of interest that make a space feel alive and complete. Better yet, it allows you to showcase your personality, your interests and personal taste, and the special quirks that make you, you.