Interviews

Studio Hour with Hilary Matt

Known for her comfortable, contemporary and effortlessly cool designs, Hilary Matt, principal and founder of Hilary Matt Interiors, creates spaces that prioritize function and comfort. In this Studio Hour, Hilary gives us a look into her process, inspirations, and her debut collection with Mitzi. 

 

Can you tell us about your background and how your design style has evolved over time, including the influences that have shaped it most? 

Hilary Matt: I studied business and apparel merchandising. After graduating, my first job was at a women's contemporary showroom in NYC. I had always loved fashion and wanted to be in the industry. After a year, I realized it wasn’t quite what I expected. I had always been interested in interior design, so I took a leap of faith and accepted a job as an assistant to an interior designer. I was initially nervous to leave fashion, but I figured I could always return. I ended up loving it and worked with her for eight years, learning the ins and outs of the business. I also took classes on weekends and evenings to learn computer programs, scaling, and other essential skills. After leaving that position and having my first son, I started my own company, which has snowballed into what we are today. My aesthetic has always remained the same: a comfortable, livable space for my clients that transcends the test of time. 

 

When did you first know you wanted to become a designer, and was there a defining moment or piece of advice that helped shape your perspective?

HM: I have always had an interest in interior design. As a young girl I was always changing my room around. I thought I wanted to be in the fashion industry. I took a leap of faith and started working for another designer and realized I loved it. My advice is to always take a chance. You never know unless you try. I was nervous about switching career paths, but I'm so happy I did. I would never have discovered my future if I hadn't taken that chance. It’s important to embrace discomfort and make changes, knowing you can always go back if it doesn't work out.

 

Photo: Kirsten Francis

 

Walk us through your studio and desk setup - what’s always within arm’s reach when you’re deep in a project?

HM: My inspiration bulletin board is something I am always reaching for when I am putting together a presentation. And I usually always have a handful of candy close by. 

 

When starting a new space or product, what are your first steps, and which part of the creative process do you find most rewarding?

HM: I love going through inspiration pictures first. From there, I come up with a plan for each room and start to source different items. The most rewarding part is finding new vendors, new resources, and exciting new pieces I haven't used before. 

 

Photo: Kirsten Francis

 

How do you think lighting shapes the emotional experience of a space, and what response did you hope to evoke when someone encounters these pieces?

HM: Lights completely finish a space. They make a space dressy or more casual. Sconces add ambience to a room. All of these elements help to evoke emotion within a space and are all important things to take into consideration when designing a room and picking a fixture.

 

How do you balance visual impact with everyday functionality when designing lighting, and was there a project that taught you something unexpected about how light creates atmosphere?

HM: I think sometimes you see beautiful fixtures but they don't give off good light so I really wanted to design beautiful fixtures that could also light up a room especially in a place like NYC where a lot of apartments have a center fixture and nothing else in the room. I think adequate lighting is necessary and you still want it to be beautiful. 

 

 

Design: Hilary Matt, Photo: Kirsten Francis | Miller Flush Mount and Alexandra Floor Lamp by Mitzi 

 

What was the original vision for this lighting collection, and how did that idea guide the designs as they evolved?

HM: The original vision was easy pieces that designers and end users could incorporate into their homes. I focused on pieces that I thought were missing in the industry that I am always trying to source. The final collection is pretty true to that original vision, which I am proud of and excited to use! 

Explore Hilary Matt’s collection with Mitzi here!