Matthew White
Famed American interior designer Matthew White details his lifelong passion for Italian style in his new book, Italy of My Dreams. The gorgeously designed tome not only tells his inspirational and unlikely life story (starting with his boyhood in a trailer park in Amarillo, Texas), but also offers readers a private peek into his world by picturing homes he has both designed and lived in. But, still, we wanted to know more, so we've decided to put him on the couch.
When he's not penning books, White is busy transforming spaces for clients via his design firm White Webb, LLC, which he co-founded with partner Frank Webb. A true design-world darling, White was included on Architectural Digest's highly coveted list of the one-hundred best designers in the world, the AD 100. He also serves as President of Save Venice, Inc.
Italy of My Dreams is available at select retailers worldwide, and direct from the publisher, Pointed Leaf Press.
Q: What do you consider to be your best asset?
A: My ability to take an ordinary space and create magic. That said, I prefer to play with extraordinary spaces.
Q: What was your proudest moment?
A: Two moments ~ having my book accepted for publication and then a year later holding it in my hands.
Q: What is your favorite drink?
A: A Bellini in the shade at the Cipriani in Venice
Q: What is your favorite food?
A: Hand-made pasta with truffles ~ or really good chocolate
Q: What is your favorite condiment?
A: Olive oil.
Q: What is your current obsession?
A: A nineteenth century building I’m restoring in upstate New York.
Q: If you could give up one of your vices, what would it be?
A: I’d like to cut my sugar intake by half (okay, so maybe by a quarter).
Q: What is the one professional accomplishment you long for most?
A: To restore and decorate a palazzo in Venice for someone with a sense of adventure and an open spirit.
Q: What is the one thing you waste too much money on?
A: I don’t waste money, I invest in life.
Q: What is the one activity you waste too much time doing?
A: E-mail.
Q: What do you consider to be the single greatest threat to your health?
A: Not having something to look forward to.
Q: What is the single best trait you inherited or learned from your parents?
A: My inability to think in a linear fashion.
Q: What is the single worst trait you inherited or learned from your parents?
A: My inability to think in a linear fashion.
Q: What in the world most thrills you?
A: Boarding the water taxi after just landing at the Marco Polo Airport in Venice
Q: What current trend in popular culture most irritates you?
A: All trends annoy me, what ever happened to personal style?
Q: What was the single most embarrassing moment you’ve ever experienced on the job?
A: The day I sat on a freshly painted bench at a job site while wearing a white suit.
Q: What is your favorite place in the world?
A. Italy in general, Venice in particular
Q: What is the most important trait you seek in a romantic partner?
A: An enormous sense of humor and a nicely firm code of ethics.
Q: Do you prefer the company of dogs or cats?
A: Dogs! (one in particular)
Q: What would have to happen to make today the best day of your life?
A: Did I mention chocolate?
Q: What is your personal motto?
A: Don’t seek beauty, make it.