DESIGNER PROFILE
Martyn Lawrence Bullard
Actor turned designer Martyn Lawrence Bullard, recently named one of the world’s best interior designers by Architectural Digest, is an English expat with a knack for creating wildly sumptuous interiors for Hollywood’s elite. Speaking to H&G from LA, Martyn explains the overlap between his professions. “You have to be a showman. You need to know how to present yourself and your designs, and the show must always go on. If the sofa won’t fit through the door, you find a way around the door.”
Martyn always had a love of design but didn’t consider it as a job until he moved to LA. “I was working on a film and became friends with the producer,” he says. “When we wrapped, I had the producer and his fiancé over to my tiny rented house for dinner. They loved what I’d done with the place, using things I found at a flea market. I was asked to decorate the film-studio offices.”
The producer then recommended him to the president of Capitol Records, to redesign that company’s offices. One job led to another, and by the age of 24, Martyn had established his own practice, with a reputation for his eclectic, layered style.
The key to good design, Martyn says, is being true to yourself instead of following trends. “I don’t like to pinhole myself into one particular style. I like to evolve with every client I work with.”
Well-known for his collaborations, Martyn has just launched a range of wallpapers inspired by his travels. Later this year he plans to release a line of fine jewellery, a lighting collection and a new range of outdoor furniture created in partnership with Australian brand Harbour.
Martyn is scheduled to give the keynote talk at Melbourne’s Decor+Design show in July and is keen to check out the local design scene. “There’s a real fan base for design in Australia, and a breaking down of barriers between indoors and outdoors. It will be interesting to see homegrown designers and the work they’re presenting.” # martynlawrencebullard.com; decordesignshow.com.au