by ROGER GRODY
AS A FORMER SCULPTOR, it is natural for interior designer Christine Markatos Lowe to infuse residential living spaces with sumptuous finishes and textures. But with her particular affinity for color, she also introduces rich, emotive palettes that express her adopted city’s lively, creative spirit. After working with idiosyncratic architect Peter Marino in New York
“I don’t have a signature style, but I do have a point of view,” Markatos says. “We work with such diverse architectural backdrops—having a particular ‘look’ wouldn’t allow each project to speak for itself.”
Markatos describes her approach: “It’s very layered, incorporates lots of color, has a strong sense of form, and is elegant.” She adds that her work leans more feminine than masculine. Her highly organized design process reduces the inherent stress of renovation or redecorating, something appreciated by busy entertainment industry producers, entrepreneurs and corporate executives.
A native of suburban New York, Markatos appreciates the Southern California environment and attitude.
“The light is so special here, and I’m able to explore and play with vibrant, saturated colors that would be more difficult to sell in New York,” she says. She also values the region’s indoor-outdoor lifestyle, the practice of expanding living spaces through landscaping and the emphasis placed on capturing views, even in modest residences.
“There’s a lack of rigidity here that promotes a sense of freedom as a designer, without anybody telling you, ‘That isn’t how we do it here,’ as they might back east,” Markatos says.
Influenced by the cinematic qualities of designer and mentor Michael S. Smith, Markatos believes that Hollywood’s storytelling legacy offers designers greater latitude, even encouraging environments that incorporate a sense of fantasy.
In a 1920s Georgian-style home in Brentwood, Markatos infused traditional spaces with a luscious contemporary color palette, previewed by a rich sapphire entry door with subtle violet undertones. This project was a turning point for her unapologetic use of color, Markatos recounts. “The client was not only comfortable with color, but encouraged me to create a really vibrant aesthetic,” she recalls.
Markatos worked closely with the client to acquire a significant collection of art—including works by Andy Warhol, James Welling and photographer Melvin Sokolsky—that further contributed to pops of color throughout a living environment designed to express joy.
For an Italianate Santa Monica residence, Markatos was challenged to completely reimagine the living spaces for a client moving back into the home after a 20-year absence and anxious to build new memories.
“I loved the fact that I wasn’t here just creating designs but helping someone transform her life,” says Markatos. The elegantly whimsical dining room features helleboresinspired wallpaper by Farrow & Ball, art from painter Donald Sultan’s poppy series and a customized chandelier by Arteriors.
For that project, the veteran designer used abundant color and contemporary wallpaper from designers Rebecca Atwood, de Gournay and Holland & Sherry to create intriguing moods. Elaborate outdoor cooking, dining and living spaces, and a soaring freestanding fireplace, reinforced the connection to the natural environment.
Read more stories at Performances Magazine Pasadena Playhouse October Issue
Christine Markatos Design 1211 Montana Ave., Suite 203 Santa Monica, 310.576.0908 markatosdesign.com
Photo credits: Photo courtesy of Performances Magazine Pasadena Playhouse October Issue
