The A List

The A List: Marshall Watson

New York-based interior designer Marshall Watson is best-known for creating classic, light-filled interiors with a modern sensibility. Internationally recognized, his projects have spanned the globe, from Cabo to Stockholm and across the United States. Read our interview and explore the stunning interiors of a Hacienda in Cabo San Luca.

New York-based interior designer Marshall Watson is best-known for creating classic, light-filled interiors with a modern sensibility. Internationally recognized, his projects have spanned the globe, from Cabo to Stockholm and across the United States. As an award winning designer, Marshall’s work has been featured in numerous publications including Architectural Digest, House Beautiful, Veranda, Luxe, Cottages & Gardens and Traditional Home. Watson has created top-selling furniture collections for Edward Ferrell + Lewis Mittman and a line of couture, outdoor carpets for Doris Leslie Blau. His first book, The Art of Elegance , will be available from Rizzoli in March 2017.

Great craftsmanship elevates interior decoration from the common, careless and oft times sloppy application to the most thoughtful, considered and refined execution.

What does "Made in Italy” mean to you?

“Made in Italy” immediately brings to mind an exquisite level of craftsmanship, creative yet refined style, impeccable proportion, and an intimate understanding and appreciation of life’s simple luxuries.

Who/what has inspired the most your work and style?

The Italian architecture of Palladio has inspired my sense of volume, space and balance. The great Italian painters from Veronese to Tintoretto, from Caravaggio to Canaletto, have influenced my color palette, and the Italian gardens have focused my landscape design on structure and shape.

Describe your design approach and philosophy.

Using the finest materials and craftsmanship, we transform our clients’ houses into genuine, coherent homes that are suffused with warmth, light, peace, comfort, balance, proportion and livability. Our highly original form of design and elegance blends modern and classic elements, seamlessly translating our clients’ dreams and aspirations into exciting yet approachable homes.

What is the one design/decor you cannot imagine your clients living without?

A comfortable yet beautiful chair to sit in, within an architecturally pleasing seating arrangement that still encourages both relaxation and conviviality. Also, since we spend a third of our life in bed, well-made Italian linens of the finest Egyptian cotton and a suitable thread count.

What is your idea of the "Ultimate Luxury”?

Light, space, comfort, tremendous views, being surrounded by good friends and a fabulous glass of Montepulciano wine.