20 questions with Scot Meacham Wood

He's a lover of fabulous design, gracious living and all things tartan. Interior designer Scot Meacham Wood has made quite the name for himself in the design world, heading projects everywhere from the Four Seasons San Francisco to the luxe beachside residences in East Hampton. His 13 years of working in creative services for Ralph Lauren has built up his impeccable style and he now sits at the helm of his own design studio, SMW Design. Being a fabulous designer and one of our favourite bloggers (tartanscot.blogspot.com), it was a delight to include Scot in our 20 Questions series, discussing everything from design inspiration to favourite restaurants.

1 If you could shadow any designer for a day, who would it be? 
Scot Meacham Wood Probably Michael Smith. I love his point of view and his rooms never fail to inspire me. I would love to see him in action.

2 Where do you look for obscure sources of inspiration?
SMW I really wouldn’t consider any source of inspiration to be obscure -- inspiration comes in whatever form is close at hand. I do admit that I watch fashion shows intently each season for great new colour and textile ideas. I worked in fashion for years with Ralph Lauren, and even now will often look through a new client’s closet to see what colours he or she responds to.

3 Favourite restaurant? 
SMW Izzy’s Steaks and Chops -- it's a great little place right in the centre of the Marina District in San Francisco. Seriously, they might have the best creamed spinach anywhere on earth. 

4 What’s your favourite room to decorate? 
SMW It could just be the Southerner in me, but I love working on entertaining spaces -- beautifully detailed dining rooms or gracious living rooms that are just begging to be filled with conversation and laughter. 

5 What’s your current paint colour obsession?
SMW There’s this dark navy-ish, slate-ish, royal-ish, charcoal blue from Benjamin Moore that’s called "Gentlemen’s Gray" that I am totally obsessed with. I may just have to re-paint part of my house.


Living room of Four Seasons San Francisco "The homeowners needed a space that was as striking as the spectacular views of downtown San Francisco," says Scot, who designed the space. "By basing the colour story on the twilight sky, the rooms open seamlessly into the skyline."