District Home Magazine: How would you
describe your overall design aesthetic?
Mary Douglas Drysdale: I would describe
my style as “traditionally based with a
modern lens.” In terms of scope, I look to
find and develop a balance between art,
architecture and decoration.
I started my practice in Washington, DC in
my late 20’s and the work I was doing then
was very minimal and spare, what I would
describe as more modernist than traditional.
However, working in Washington, which is
after all the “Federal” city, I realized that the
architecture here is often historic, and even
those buildings that are recent or currently
being built are more often than not
inspired by traditional architectural styles.
As the years passed, I found that my style
became more architecturally traditionally
based in terms of details, but remained
modern in terms of furniture layouts
and overall sparseness from a decorative
impact perspective. I tend to incorporate
modern art in many of my jobs, as often
times my clients are collectors, and I have
found that this contrast of modern art with
traditional detailing gives a fresh and clean
decorative look.
DHM: Where do you find inspiration aside
from actual furniture and décor?
A Home for the
Holidays
A Conversation with
Interior Designer Mary Douglas Drysdale
44 ISSU E N O. 1 0
MDD: History. To borrow a line from T. S.
Eliot, “that which we know comes from
those who came before” (or something
close to that). I have a wonderful library of
books which I have collected for years and
I refer to it often. I have learned from the
best by accessing their work through books
that share their thoughts and pictures of
their work. I tend to be inspired by those in
history who have taken a full and complete
look at design and its elements, from
Thomas Jefferson to Frank Lloyd Wright. It
is the completeness of the work, as much
as their individual talent, that makes their
houses and buildings so memorable.
DHM: What qualities do you think make a
room really stand out?
MDD: For me it is a remarkably difficult
balance between completeness and iconic
thinking. A room should be rich in idea,