We recently chatted with interior designer Megan Pisano, whose eponymous Chatham-based firm has been featured on television shows including TODAY and George to the Rescue. Pisano’s makeover of a 1954 home in Madison graces our April issue, showcasing her signature blend of simple, chic design and family-friendly livability.
How long have you been a designer?
I’ve been a designer roughly since I was five. I used to rearrange my bedroom on a daily basis. Then I went to school for interior design. I started my business a little over six years ago. My firm consists of three women: me (creative director), a lead designer and studio operations manager. It is full service; we love to do full-room design and homes. We offer all design services.
While home design doesn’t change as quickly as fashion does, trends do have a shelf life. What has changed on the design landscape since you opened your doors?
When I started, white was all the rage. White everything. It still is timeless, but people are getting bolder and wanting to add more warmth and color in their spaces. I’m all for it!
What is the signature of your agency? What makes your aesthetic or approach different from other designers?
I design for my clients’ [lifestyles]. Everyone has different styles, needs, wants and aesthetics. I like to bring out the designer in each client. And sometimes I push them a little outside of their comfort zones—not too much, though.
Do you ask for clients’ pictures or Pinterest boards, or do you take their ideas and talk through them with suggestions?
After the on-boarding phase, we send them “design homework” with specific questions about the space. We ask for photos, Pinterest [boards] or whatever inspiration they have. We get to know them and their families pretty well so we can understand what they are looking for.
What is the most fun part of your job?
I love, love, love seeing the space come together—and seeing how happy the clients are. I would say photoshoot days are also my favorite. After months of hard work, we get to see the space in real life.
What is the number one accessory, piece of furnishing or other simple change or addition that you would recommend to refresh rooms?
For an easy update, I would say paint! Paint can change a space easily and quickly.
In this Madison home, Pisano and her team redesigned a single room—the living room, which the client had envisioned in a “Southern grandma” style. Pisano says, “I took that vision and ran with it. I love how it turned out!” Photo: Meghan Balcom
I see you use a lot of wallpaper in your jobs. Can you speak about the latest trends in wall coverings?
Funny enough, when I first started six years ago I was like, Nope, not using wallpaper. Fast-forward [to now,] and I am obsessed with it. It really elevates the space, and we curate it for each client. Trend-wise, go all out. Don’t hold back! Do what you love; design with what you love. There really are not rules.
What can consumers expect to see a lot of this spring?
I see mauves and beiges; more warm tones popping out. Mood lighting: not so bright, kind of subtle. But warmer tones, layers and textures. Not so hospital-like.
Minimalist/maximalist?
I think more toward maximalist, but not crazy heavy.
What design trends are now passé? Loads of pillows? Tone-on-tone looks? Farmhouse looks? Rattan?
This is a tough question. I’m not a really what’s-in, whats-out type of designer. But yes, farmhouse and shabby-chic would probably be counted as dated design.
Are there any products on the horizon that you are excited to integrate into your work?
Bold-colored free-standing bathtubs. I love them; I think they are so fun.
What is the latest in kitchen design? Is the all-white kitchen still the most popular? Is the kitchen still the center of home renovations?
I’m getting so many bathroom projects. People are still wanting white, but maybe with a touch of color in the tile or even wallpaper. All-white is not a thing anymore, sorry to say. Well, it is…but we are going more toward warm colors. For kitchens, usually the island will be a color or a warm wood tone.
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