David L. Merryman, award-winning interior designer and Houstonite, loves a challenge; the more difficult the better. “Challenging projects are my favorite. Whether due to a tight budget or logistics, I love accomplishing the impossible.” He was gracious enough to share some very sage design advice and beautiful images of his past projects.

What styles do you find are lasting and why?

I think furnishings (the majority anyway), should be timeless, so I tend to lean toward traditionally appointed interiors. However, my definition of timeless includes well appointed contemporary interiors replete with iconic 20th century furniture (Mies, Corbu, Bertoia, Aalto, Gray), Art Deco or mid-century pieces. Furnishings should always be the best quality one can afford.

The absolute worst thing anyone can do who is on a budget is purchase the same $600.00 sofa over and over again. I’ve had one of the quality sofas in my home for fourteen plus years. The English-arm, tight-back, three-seat, turned-legs-on-casters sofa has worn linen, a slipcover (very tailored), and now a kilim rug but it was a very high quality, bench-made piece and looks as good today as when it was first delivered.

“My definition of timeless includes well appointed contemporary interiors replete with iconic 20th century furniture (Mies, Corbu, Bertoia, Aalto, Gray), Art Deco or mid-century pieces.”

Where do you draw inspiration for your designs?

The inspiration varies, it can be as complicated as a favorite painting or as innocuous as an interesting paint color.

How do you first approach each design project?

Pretty standard process, I listen to my client and really hear what they say about their expectations, the way they live and then start with the interior architecture.

Do you incorporate any decorative wall treatments, finishes or murals in your work?

I really love traditional wall finishes: lacquers, hand-painted stripes, striès, stenciling….

With the increasing popularity of social media, how do you maintain an online presence? Do you blog, guest blog, Facebook and Twitter?

I am on Facebook, I have a presence on the ASID, Texas Gulf Coast Chapter website with a blog and a new website in development.

Do you cater to a certain niche or specialization?

Not necessarily, although if a client is interested in simply filling their home until it’s full without much thought about the furniture, art or accessories, then I am definitely not the designer for them.

Any advice you would like to share with homeowners who are considering hiring an interior designer?

DO hire a professional…mistakes are so much more expensive than a design fee. With the popularity of home and garden television and shelter magazines, everyone is an amateur decorator. And while I encourage the development of creativity, as evidenced by nearly every show on these channels, a little knowledge is a VERY dangerous thing.

Half of the hosts of these shows should not be giving ANYONE design advice. I am here to give everyone a reality check, while good design does not have to be price prohibitive, it costs more than $1000.00 and takes longer than 24 hours to complete a room.

For more information about David or to hire him to work his magic on your own abode contact him below.

David L. Merryman Interior Design
7026 Old Katy Road
Suite 251
Houston, TX 77024 map
Phone: 7134435654
Email: dmerryman@me.com