Mario Buatta - The Prince of Chintz
A Storied Designer’s Estate is For Sale
A little bird told me about the upcoming Sotheby's auction of Mario Buatta’s treasures. Famously known as The Prince of Chintz, he died in 2018 . He held the distinction as one of Architectural Digest's AD100 interior decorators, celebrating top names in interior decoration, architecture, and landscape design. During my convalesce from foot surgery, I have very few options for activities that can keep me busy, so I revisited one of my favorite coffee table books, "Fifty Years of American Interior Decoration," by Mario Buatta and took a peek at the auction preview.
“He was a master at placing furniture exactly where it should be, and it would always be the right size and it would fit perfectly.”
Mixing chintz never looked so good.
Altschul’s bedroom in her Charleston home decorated by Mario Buatta
Color and Collectibles Made His Designs so Fanciful
Loads of color, comfortable furniture, and whimsical decor seem to be what he achieved in all of his designs. It appeals to me because I think his rooms are a narrative of his glamorous life. His use of chintz in every shape and form: on the walls, curtains, bedding, lamps, and upholstery works. In my opinion, the use of chintz wasn't too much because he integrated gorgeous antiques and fun collectibles to steer the eye in other directions.
Some of his favorite collectibles were dog paintings even though he never owned a dog.
Designer to the Stars
Born in Staten Island, New York, he had humble beginnings but knew at age 12 that he wanted to be a decorator. Some of Mario's clients included Mariah Carey, Nelson Doubleday, Charlotte Ford, Billy Joel, Malcolm Forbes, and close friend Patricia Altschul, of Southern Charm. He worked on projects around the globe and oversaw the renovation of Blair House, the official guesthouse for distinguished foreign dignitaries in Washington. He traveled extensively in search of his heirlooms and had quite a sense of humor. He carried a rubber cockroach named Harold, who he would use to startle dignitaries and clients alike. If you have a chance, check out his book and go on Sotheby's auction site to see what his estate has for sale. It speaks to the collector in all of us.
Further reading:
https://www.elledecor.com/celebrity-style/a30454023/patricia-altschul-mario-buatta/
https://www.amazon.com/Mario-Buatta-American-Interior-Decoration
https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2020/mario-buatta-prince-of-interiors
Photo credits: Elle Decor Magazine and Architectural Digest
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