Markham Roberts - (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

Known for his ability to work in any design vernacular, Markham Roberts brings a fresh approach to traditional and contemporary styles alike. His work is not defined by signature looks or design trends. Rather, using an inventive combination of layered patterns and color as well as bold juxtapositions of furniture of different styles and periods, custom designs, and works of art from around the world, he creates interiors that have been described as "the very definition of chic."

Roberts structures the book as he would a project, taking readers step-by-step through the design process, beginning with the basic interior elements--floor plan and furniture layout, color palette and fabric schemes, furniture selection, and incorporation of objects and art--and moves on to architecture, landscaping, and gardens, showing the important interrelationship between interior and exterior design. Finally, he puts all of the pieces together, using his own country house, a nineteenth-century gentleman's farm in the Hudson Valley, as an example.

Illustrated with more than 350 photographs of some forty projects, including New York City apartments large and small, historic estates on Long Island, seaside Florida mansions, stately Southern and Midwestern houses, rustic Montana ski retreats, and modern Puget Sound compounds, Decorating: The Way I See It reveals Markham Roberts's diversity and sophistication as a decorator. Whether working on private projects or for clients across the country, he infuses interiors with his personal, and exceptionally personable, touch.

Review Quotes

"Markham Roberts: Decorating The Way I See It reveals the stunning results of the decorator's efforts. From his considered furniture plans to his careful employment of color and pattern, Roberts's rooms are always successful."-- "Elle Decor"

"[Roberts] gives readers a delicious peak into his decorating philosophy. As it should be, this 'open me, please' book welcomes readers with well-placed color photographs. . . . By showing his and his partner's two homes in varying states of design, and with his honest assessment of not-ready-for-primetime decorating, Roberts should get applause for his transparency, humor, and great talent."-- "Booklistonline.com"

"A smorgasbord of design ideas from a designer known for his refreshing approach...examples run the gamut of Hudson Valley gentlemen's farm to Montana ski retreat, each showing his personal attention to detail and exquisite skills."-- "Serendipity"

"A total delight. With inspiring imagery, practical information and some amusing banter, you'll find yourself fully immersed from page one."-- "Quintessence"

"Consider Markham Roberts' Decorating: The Way I See It THE textbook for furthering your design education. . . . it is one of the most engaging, inspirational, and instructional books in my (large!) collection."-- "The Pursuit of Style"

"Hot fall title for your home library."-- "Domino"

"I can't help but fall in love with this beautiful book. . . . Diverse, layered, effortlessly chic, sophisticated and inspiring, what's not to love about his design approach?"-- "Mix and Chic"

"In this age where every top designer feels compelled to publish a portfolio book, Markham Roberts: Decorating: The Way I See It is one worth buying. Not only is it filled with gorgeous, inspiring photographs, you will find many a designer secret hidden among its pages."-- "Decor Arts Now"

"It is easily my favorite design book of 2014 as there is so much to learn and to be inspired by in the gorgeous pages of Markham's first design tome."-- "La Dolce Vita"

"It's just one jaw-dropping beautiful room after another ... There's so much inspiration ... I truly can't get enough ... New favorite book!"-- "The Zhush"

"Manhattan-based interior designer Markham Roberts is a master at creating modern-yet-traditional rooms. Decorating: The Way I See It is a detailed explanation of his method and design decisions, from floor plans to furniture selection."-- "Manhattan"

"Markham Roberts has written and composed a gorgeous book showcasing his work while incorporating meaningful tips and design details. If you are looking to take your decor to the next level, above well planned, this is the perfect book for you. Alternatively, if you're in the market for a coffee table book that will get your guests talking, this is the book."-- "Life in Sketch"

"Markham Roberts is a master of timeless American style."-- "Vogue.com"

"Markham Roberts, the high-flying set's low-key decorator of choice - who recently released his first monograph - creates spaces that are at once modern and traditional, soothing yet stimulating, cozy but cool."-- "Introspective on 1stdibs"

"Markham Roberts' book is a must-see, must have. You will love this book. There is so much education of the eye in here, and with each additional viewing, something new is discovered. This book should be on your list of must reads."-- "Examiner"

"Markham Roberts' comfortable approach to decorating and living is a breath of fresh air, and that's what helps to make his book so inviting. It's a book that you will want to add to your design library."-- "The Peak of Chic"

"One of the best design books I have read in years and years HANDS DOWN. I might even say in decades."-- "The Enchanted Home"

"Pulling freely from European, American, and Asian influences, Markham Roberts has earned a reputation for synthesizing distinctly daring combinations of color, pattern, and style."-- "Architectural Digest"

"Quintessential design monograph ... Required reading ... Classicism with a twist."-- "Veranda"

"The diversity, sophistication and exceptional personable touch he delivers project after project is truly outstanding. . . . I know you will adore this book and fall in love with Roberts' work like I have. It's an absolute must have for any design library. Don't pass on this one!"-- "Simplified Bee"

"The most anticipated book has been Markham Roberts' new book, Markham Roberts: Decorating: The Way I See It. . . . This book is absolutely amazing and most definitely the best book of the fall 2014 season."-- "Mark D. Sikes: Chic People, Glamorous Places, Stylish Things"

"This is a book of beautiful diverse interiors. . . . This is a tome you will want to revisit again and again as a reference for your own projects."-- "Pittsburgh Post-Gazette"

"Top New York interior designer Markham Roberts' Decorating: The Way I See It provides readers with a step-by-step primer of the design process. Everything from how to create a floor plan to demystifying color palettes, fabrics, furniture, lighting and accessories is spelled out. The designer presents a broad diversity of projects in the book, including Manhattan apartments, a ski lodge in Montana and even his own Hudson Valley farmhouse."-- "New York Post"

"Using a variety of his projects as an example, Roberts helps inspire readers with ideas for their own homes."-- "NY Cottages & Gardens"

"What will set Roberts' book apart from the others is that this is not a book you will want to put up ... On the contrary ... You will want to display it with the pages open. And each time you walk by it you'll turn another page to take in such a masterful portfolio reflecting a range of interior design style."-- "Duchess Fare"

"Within the gorgeous hardback cover Markham pulls the lid back on the often mysterious world of interiors and reveals his process, his thinking and his sharp-witted humor to do his level best to equip you with as much of his design prowess as possible. . . . I absolutely loved this book and feel Markham has cemented his status as design rockstar by rolling out such a terrific design book."-- "Frankie Durbin"

"I just saw an advance copy of Markham Roberts' book. It is going to go NUCLEAR!! It may be the best design book I've EVER seen. WOW!!!"--Alexa Hampton

About the Author

Markham Roberts trained with the renowned decorator Mark Hampton for six years before opening his own firm in 1997. Since then, he has earned the reputation as one of the top decorators of his generation. His work has been published in Architectural Digest, Domino, Elle Decor, House Beautiful, House & Garden, Southern Accents, Town & Country, and the New York Times. He has been named to the AD100.

A leading authority on interior and garden design, Senga Mortimer is Editor at Large at House Beautiful.