Million Dollar Decorators Visits Manila

I am blessed to have been able to meet and talk to Mary McDonald and Nathan Turner, two outstanding interior designers known for their great works in renovating homes of celebrities in the United States. They are also part of the hit TV show called "Million Dollar Decorators".

During Mary and Nathan's recent Manila visit, both shared about home design and showed photos of their work during their talk at the PIFS(Philippine International Furniture Show) event held in Manila last 13th of March 2015. 

Mary McDonald and Nathan Turner 

Their TV show,  Million Dollar Decorators, is one of the most entertaining decorating shows today. It provides viewers good examples of how they can make beautiful homes. Their source of inspiration, ideas and tireless search for wonderful things are all shown in the TV show. It is simply wonderful seeing the creatively executed and cozy home improvements that they have done for their celebrity clients.

Some interesting information I learned about these two creative designers is that their lifestyle have certainly influenced their love for interior design.

Mary McDonald started in fashion and began her career as a milliner. She studied fashion at Parson’s  School of Design in New York.  Her first client was the PR person for shoe designer Robert Clergerie who asked her to decorate her apartment because she loved her glamorous home.  She is also someone who has been greatly influenced by her stylish mother and grandmother. These women supported her and encouraged her creativity. Mary simply finds inspiration being surrounded by things that make her feel like she is in an ultra-feminine petit salon. She continues to apply fastastic ideas from fashion to interiors that she makes. Today, Mary McDonald is an award winning, internationally published Los Angeles-based interior designer.

Mary McDonald's home foyer area which she
jokingly calls as "The Lobby" since it looks
like a lobby of a fine European hotel.

Nathan Turner, is a Californian whose growing up years included spending weekends with his family in a ranch in Northern California. His passions include design, travel and food. He has lived on the coast, in the city and in the mountains. Nathan’s approach to decorating and entertaining is all about finding new ways to live and celebrate with low effort and high style. Thus, many of his works include laid-back but highly stylish designed homes and one can easily relate to the “relaxed style” that is being conveyed.

Nathan Turner's Malibu home entrance which is
both nice and functional.

Nathan also made a DIY  bulletin board in his home where he posts photos of friends who have visited him in his Malibu home.

DIY wall by Nathan Turner in his home in Malibu

During the event, the two designers also selected some home furniture items that were tagged with their photos. Here are some of the interesting pieces that they tagged.

A basket made by Hacienda Crafts tagged by Mary McDonald.

One of the baskets on the right was tagged by Nathan Turner.

Vito Selma designed  furniture tagged by Mary McDonald.

A stool made of metal by Vico that was tagged by Mary McDonald

Chair made in Cebu tagged by Nathan Turner

Mirrors tagged by Mary (the mirror on the left) and Nathan (the mirror on the right)

I also went around looking at the other exhibitors' booths and below are some interesting ones.

Kenneth Cobonpue furniture

Vito Selma designed furniture

Industria's home stuff

Hacienda Crafts items handmade by a group of women in Negros

Cocoon looking lamp made from woven plastic by Hacienda Crafts

Woven abaca rugs made from Bicol

Vico's furniture made of iron and wood

Outdoor garden chairs made with iron

It was such an awesome day. I was able to learn more about home interior design from Mary and Nathan,  I also had the privilege of meeting and talking to them. To make the event even more memorable, I was able to get my books signed by them too.

Books by Nathan Turner and Mary McDonald

My book signed by Mary McDonald

My book  signed by Nathan Turner

The works of Mary and Nathan are truly inspiring. Their books are both visually delightful and are good sources of inspiration for people who appreciate beautiful interiors and design. In Manila, their books are being sold at National Bookstore and Fully Booked.