Talk Shop: Hilary Matt // Hilary Matt Interiors
ABOUT HILARY
Hilary Matt is the founder and principal of Hilary Matt Interiors, a New York-based design firm known for creating spaces that are bold, layered, and livable. Her signature style strikes the perfect balance between post-modern edge and Scandinavian minimalism, bringing depth and warmth to every project through rich textures, thoughtful materials, and a focus on true comfort. With projects across the country, Hilary is known for designs that feel fresh, personal, and effortlessly cool — always a true reflection of the people who live there.
Over the years, her work has caught the eye of top design publications and a growing roster of clients who appreciate her fearless yet approachable take on interiors. Read on as Hilary shares her approach to creating beautiful, functional spaces — plus the trends, materials, and design pieces she’s loving right now.
Photo by Rikki Snyder
Describe your style in three words or less:
Comfortable and contemporary with an edge.
What have been the three biggest influences on your aesthetic in your life:
Photo by Rikki Snyder
The biggest influence is having children. I have two boys, and understanding first-hand how kids live and what it means to have a ‘kid-friendly’ home has changed how I design tremendously. This not only includes durable materials, but also when it comes to the layouts of spaces.
Living in New York City serves as constant inspiration. What is so amazing about this city is that it is ever-evolving, which encourages you to do the same. Each neighborhood has its own personality, and being able to incorporate elements of each into my projects makes for such a layered design.
I’ve always been inspired by vintage furniture, but I feel like my appreciation for it has grown so much over the last couple of years as I’ve been able to visit more vintage markets around the world and expand my knowledge. Seeing how the markets in Paris differ from Round Top in Texas, and how endless the possibilities are for using vintage in projects. I’ve specifically grown my appreciation for vintage lighting.
How did you start your company, and what is your favorite thing about what you do:
After working for another interior designer for eight years, people around me started asking for my help with their own spaces, and it grew organically into me founding my firm. It began as a start-up style business, really being scrappy and dynamic. Since then, I’ve learned and matured through my business, in all aspects of design and business fundamentals. I now have a true team behind me and a support system that pushes me to take on new roles in my own company.
My favorite thing about HMI is truly the basics of what interior design is-- I love making beautiful homes for people to live in and enjoy– I think this passion has allowed my firm to be so successful.
What does your home say about you:
First off, it says that I am a mother. It is very obvious that two boys and a dog live there, but a family-friendly, inviting environment is what I love. Additionally, it shows that I am constantly evolving, I am always switching out pieces or styling in a new way; a home should evolve with the people that live in it, even if it is just in small ways.
Where do you find inspiration:
Everywhere – from travel and design publications to Pinterest.
Photo by Rikki Snyder
Who are your style icons:
Kelly Wearstler, Joseph Dirand, and Pierre Yovanovitch.
What are your key ingredients for entertaining:
Good food and good company.
Do you collect anything:
Hamptons Magazines
Favorite Instagram accounts to follow for inspiration:
Photo by Rikki Snyder
What design “rule” do you always follow, and which is made to be broken:
Attention to scale will always be a ‘rule’ to follow when designing a room– you can have the most beautiful individual pieces, but if they aren’t the right size for the space, they might as well be the ugliest pieces.
A rule I love to break is the idea that you need to use all of the same metal finishes in a space. I love to mix metals throughout rooms– I think it adds so much personality and depth
What are you working on right now:
We are currently working on two ground-up builds in Sagaponack, a Penthouse duplex in New York City, and are excited to have some amazing projects in Miami.
I’ve also been working on expanding my brand into different categories. Not just focusing on my interior design services, but developing Hilary Matt outside of those purely design transactions, which has been such a fun new venture that I hope continues to grow for me.
Wardrobe staples:
A good white tee and jeans.
Favorite fabric/wallpaper:
Anything from Dedar!
Best interior advice you ever received:
Make sure you are making your clients happy! We are a service industry at the end of the day.
Photo by Rikki Snyder
Best career advice you ever received:
Do something that makes you happy, and it’s always good to have your own money :)
Types of home purchases you invest in, and save on:
Invest in a sofa and save on accessories
Your greatest extravagance:
Facials once a month
Favorite places to shop for home:
AnnSandra, Garde Shop, Invisible Collection.
Most prized possession and why:
My plain gold wedding band that I got married in; it embodies one of the most special nights of my life and the start of growing my family. And my dog, Presley, of course!
Your interiors motto:
Your space should be a reflection of you
Your life motto:
“Treat others the way you want to be treated.” As my firm grows and my role as a leader has become even larger, the importance of this saying has grown as well.
Advice for someone looking to define their own interior style:
Start to save pictures you like on Instagram and Pinterest, and look for a common theme in all of them.
Take Ten: My Favorite…
Food: Candy (not a food, I know)
Drink: Skinny Spicy Margarita- Skinny Margarita
Film: Clueless
Hotel: Beverly Hills Hotel
City: Chicago
Bedding: Matteo - Boll and Branch
Tea or Coffee (and how do you take it): Coffee with almond milk and a Splenda
Playlist: Top Hits
Weekend Activity: Running around outside with my kids
Design Book: Ryan Joseph Dirand: Interiors