Issue link: http://papercitymagazine.uberflip.com/i/1203912
MARTYN LAWRENCE BULLARD X THE RUG COMPANY PHOTOGRAPHY JONATHAN ZIZZO W hen you're designing houses for Sir Elton John, Cher, Patti LaBelle, and the K's —Khloe, Kourtney, and Kylie — charisma is a must. Martyn Lawrence Bullard delivers. "If I wasn't a decorator, I'd be a pop star," he said. Bullard, in leopard-print trainers and black jeans, looked the part. He treated Texas Design Week guests to a witty performance at The Rug Company, moderated by PaperCity culture editor Billy Fong. In his charming British accent, the L.A. designer shared his inspirations — a big one is Palm Springs, where he owns an historic mid-century home, which influenced his new collection for The Rug Company. An exchange with the audience provided advice on managing multiple clients, product collaborations (he's got more than a dozen), and travel (he loves Round Top). Afterwards, The Rug Company's Shari Ajay, in from NYC, guided Bullard through the throng like Mick Jagger, where he signed copies of his book, Martyn Lawrence Bullard: Design and Decoration (Rizzoli). Or should we say, autographed. RAPID-FIRE WITH MLB • "I'm really into Lizzo at the moment, so I'm playing her music nonstop." • "Benjamin Moore's Emerald Forest is a beautiful, deep sexy green that when you do it lacquered, it's the best color you could ever imagine." • "I'm an Instagram maniac! I'm always looking for new and interesting people to follow. I love @worldofinteriors in England. It's a real decorator's magazine." • Cook? "Oh, my god! No one wants me to cook. Definitely go out." • "Texas Design Week in one word: Delicious." WHO: Lloyd Princeton, Michelle Nussbaumer, Gonzalo Bueno, Luis Araujo, Heidi Arwine, Rebecca Atkinson, Dawn Bergan, Eddie Bickers, Christy Blumenfeld, Rupal Dalal, Kimberly Denman, Courtney Callahan, Margaret Chambers, Kitty Corser, Rob Dailey, Chad Dorsey, Taylor Eichenwald, Marcella Generalovich, Courtney Genovese, Carrie Hatfield, Julie Hayes, Kathleen Sierra, Emory McKim, Brittany Hozeska, Deirdre Huffines, JR Hernandez, Shawna Kuykendall, Susie Kwiatkowski, Liane Lane, Lisa Leet, Kirk Marlow, Denise McGaha, Ellett MiCiotto, Elyce Mouskondis, Kelley Roberts, Joseph Schmidt, Philip Vanderford, Carolyn Wheaten, Barry Williams, Camie White, and Matthew Wilson. Martyn Lawrence Bullard Kimberly Denman Summer Kath Lisa Leet, Mollie Shelby, Carrie Hatfield Phara Queen, Douglas Horton Chad Dorsey, Courtney Genevese Shaun Thompson, Lloyd Princeton Camie White, Lauren Gonzalez Rupal Dalal, Liane Lane Eddie Bickers Rob Dailey Martyn Lawrence Bullard Michelle Nussbaumer Dawn Bergan Deirdre Huffines, Julie Hayes Philip Wanderford, JR Hernandez Billy Fong Kirk Marlow Shari Ajayi Kathleen Sierra 68