Rebel Yell: Scot Meacham Wood On National Tartan Day
In honor of National Tartan Day, Masculine Interiors talks to designer Scot Meacham Wood, a Ralph Lauren alum known for his liberal use of tartan.
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MI: In the early days of the site we did a popular post where tartan was mixed with punk rock posters. Tell us a bit how tartan can do highbrow as well as ironic and edgy.
SMW: I think the history of tartan plays well into its usage as both a highbrow fabric and also a more edgy motif. Tartan was clearly a huge part of high society in Scotland – and also in England during the reign of Victoria. The Victorians loved tartan! But prior to that it was a textile of rebellion – even to the point that the wearing of tartan was banned by the crown in the mid-1700s. Here in the States it has always had a more conservative and preppy aspect after being a significant part of so many school uniforms over the years. Any fabric with that rich of a history is bound to be incredibly flexible in its applications, both in fashion and in interiors.
MI: You’re a big exponent of it. What’s the appeal?
SMW: I’m asked this question fairly often, and you’d think by now I’d have a proper answer. These classic tartan fabrics always tick off several boxes whenever I see them. First, I love the history of the fabrics. Not just of rebellion and Scottish national pride, but their important use during the Victorian and Edwardian periods, which is kinda my sweet spot for furniture design and general aesthetics. Their flexibility can be somewhat endless. They offer a great balance of masculine – think military and politics – and feminine, and here I’m thinking windswept highlands and romance.
MI: How can tartan be used in a room? I’m seeing throw pillows, curtains, bedding, but there must be wallpaper, too. What does it bring to a room, as far as mood, vibe and taste go?
SMW: We’re always looking for a good mixture of patterns when putting together a room, and classic and even modern tartans very often fit the bill quite nicely. Their geometry is a natural complement to other more fluidly styled floral and botanical patterns, and also works well with solids and stripes.
You can go a bit more on the subtle side and use tartan for pillows and throws, or you could swing for the fences and use it more boldly on sofas or window treatments. We’ve done everything from wrapping a men’s library in upholstered custom tartan walls to using bright fuschia tartan in a ladies’ “card tournament room” for a showcase house.
If you’re a little hesitant of using tartan in your home, the holiday season is always a great time to trot some plaid out. The options are seemingly endless.
Anyone have a favorite?
I like that these rooms ae less cluttered than the rooms featured in the earlier MI post on this guy, though there’s still too much stuff in most of them for my personal preference. Having said that, I think there are a lot of good ideas expressed here, and that men looking to decorate could glean a lot from these examples.
I like the tartan accent pieces, like pillows and blankets. I think those could be worked into many decor schemes effectively.
Henry –
These images are for an array of client’s homes as well as shots from my own house over the years. So . . . you’ll notice spaces that are more lushly layered – as well we rooms that are a wee bit more spare. Minimalism is not really a word that gets tossed are these part very often – so we almost always land on the ‘layered’ end of things when we’re finishing up a room.
Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment.
cheers,
Scot
Layered—I see what you mean. Thank you for the explanation. I appreciate these spaces as well-thought out and executed, and they are appealing.
No advocate of minimalism I; it’s just that my preference is for less layering.
I recognize the book on the left-hand coffee table in the second picture, but can’t place the title. Could you remind me, please? (Incidentally, that is very clever, incorporating the pattern on the cover of a book into the overall design.)
My favorites are photos 3, 4, 8, and 9. I like the layered look, probably because I grew up in a house with lots of paintings and prints on the walls, and other antiques and books everywhere else. If I could claim my own room in our small house, I would want it to look similar to photo number 3, but with some British swords on the wall and a painting of a British officer as a focal point. And maybe a Chesterfield sofa. The room on photos number 8 reminds me of a childhood neighbor’s house. Very comfortable and attractive.
Henry –
It’s a book on “Scottish Estate Tweeds” – a great place for inspiration and reference as we were creating our new textile collection.
cheers,
Scot
JGH –
Glad to hear that you’re loving our work.
cheers,
Scot
These photos just rocked my aesthetic!! Plaid perfection!! franki
Thank you, Scot.
I really love the tartan fabric upholstered walls. Ralph Lauren’s Chicago store has done this to great effect around their second floor boys department. The ‘layered’ look is fantastic for my money. Too many decorating magazines show home interiors that could be your proctologist’s waiting room for all the personality they have. Most of us live with framed family photos to say nothing of the odd personal tchotke, it’s what makes each of us unique and special. Keep up the good work Scot!
I have no favorite as I can truly see myself living in and enjoying each and every room! I love the layered look and also am no minimalist (lol). Scott is a master at layering and mixing patterns. Care to share some tips, Scott? Thank you!
Thank you so much for featuring my friend Scot. He more than anyone has driven my own love of plaids! There are so many Gorgeous patterns and colors!
Xoxo
Karena
The Arts by Karena
Perfection. Lush, snug, classic livability. Forever rooms.
There must be an alternative to distorting “portrait lights”….
Love them all, and your work SMW. My favorite has to be the bedroom. Where did you find that horn(?) nightstand? FABULOUS!
Christy –
That marvelous little horn dresser simply fell into my lap during a major antique shopping tour I was on for a client. Blessedly, it would have never worked for them – and it was perfect for me. It still sits next to my bed.
Scot