Interiors Consultant Carlos Mota Shares His Best Home Styling Advice
Carlos Mota’s love for colour is evident in everything from his body of work to his personal style. For the Venezuelan design and interiors consultant, author, AD100 winner and self-proclaimed maximalist, it’s part of his DNA.
To him, bright colours and India are synonymous. “I think that’s one of the biggest attractions [of India] for me. I always say Indian people invented colour. Every colour here is more vibrant, more beautiful. Man or woman, people are not afraid of mixing colours, and I absolutely love that.” This attraction is evident in his books that combine stunning interiors with photographs of his travels across the world, including India.
Mota will be back in the country this month for not one, but two big launches—his latest book, G: Forever Green, and his homeware brand, Casa Mota—both at Le Mill. “[Le Mill] is such a beautiful space. I love the high ceilings, it’s so modern. It has such an international feel. It could be anywhere: London, Singapore, you know. And I love that.”
Ahead of the launch, we asked him for his top styling tips for anyone looking to redecorate their homes. Read ahead for his advice.
Start big, then edit
I always start with the idea of more and then start editing things down, as opposed to starting small and then adding things. I love to add many different layers to everything that I'm doing. Through the process of adding layers, whether it's through pictures, textiles, sculptures, paintings, you can create an interesting and eclectic room.
Experiment with colour
Let’s take green, for example; there are a few ways of adding green to a room. You could have a lamp shade in a beautiful green silk. You could do beautiful pillows on a bed in green damask, or a simple chair covered in damask. You could do simple white drapes with a green piping or a green border. Or you could just go crazy and paint the whole room a dark emerald green.
Make it your own
The most important thing for me when designing a home with a client is that it needs to feel personal. By personal, I mean make the best use of the client’s own collection. You know, things that you buy when you travel to places like India, Egypt, Morocco, Paris. The more you add interesting elements that tell a story of your travels or your taste, the more interesting and personal the room will be.
Mix high and low
I love mixing something very, very expensive with something that is not expensive or precious. I think that's a very elegant and chic way to do interiors. Having a very expensive painting with a simple chair or whether it's an expensive chair with a simple rug, it's always good to find the right balance.
Carlos Mota’s top 5 things every home should have:
1. Flowers and plants! They make rooms feel more alive.
2. Books. A house without books is not a house.
3. A dog, for unconditional love.
4. Sheets—the best possible. We spend half a lifetime in bed.
5. The best lighting that money can buy, especially dimmers.
