Industry Insiders: Consort Design
Author:Lindsey ShookWhether stalking them on Instagram or admiring their work on Domaine, we can’t get enough of Consort. An uber cool design duo with seasoned backgrounds in design, architecture and media, their talents have touched the homes of celebrities and cool kids alike in Los Angeles, New York and Telluride. We want to get to know Mat Sanders and Brandon Quattrone, and suggest you do the same.
You define your style as cutting edge, classic. Who brings more cutting edge and who brings more classic? We both have cutting-edge and classic in our DNA, but in different ways. When we are designing a space, Brandon has a cutting-edge eye for architecture and Mat brings a focus on making things cozy and comfortable. When it comes to decor, Mat’s approach is more trend-driven and Brandon’s aesthetic is more restrained. We like to think that makes for the perfect balance!
Consort design for Jessica Alba
Which design icons and style inspire you both?We love Italian modernism, with Marco Zanuso and Gio Ponti being two of our favorite designers from this era. Italian furniture design from the 1950s and 1960s has an upscale ‘Jetsons’ feel to it, and it still looks modern and luxe today.
How has social media played a role in the success of your brand? We’ve been fortunate to team up with some really creative clients, bloggers and celebrities alike. Having clients with who are excited about our work and want to share it with their followers has made a huge impact on our business. Given Mat’s background in digital design, we’ve focused on our digital presence to ensure that Consort is a brand people are talking about. To date, we have really only been published online and we are very happy with the results!
Consort design for Joe Trohman, guitarist of Fall Out Boy
Top 5 California designers (past or present) you admire and why?
Interior Designers:
- Jamie Bush: He has a like-minded casual, cool California aesthetic. Jamie is someone whose designs we look up to.
- Estee Stanley: Estee is one of our dear friends. Her rustic, romantic interiors are pure genius.
Architecture:
- John Lautner: The homes that be built were so unreal. We love his optimistic point of view.
Furniture and Lighting:
- Atelier de Troupe: We love the California spin on this French lighting design.
- Sabin: This furniture designer always keeps things exciting with his bold shapes and casual finishes.
Can you tell us more about the LA store concept? We are so excited to bring Consort’s cutting-edge classic interior aesthetic to more customers by launching our first brick-and-mortar shop. You’ll find a cool mix of high and low in the store: everything from custom upholstery to vintage finds to entertaining accessories and decor. We are most excited for some exclusive collaborations with some very talented designers that are only available in our store. There will be a little something for anyone who wants a chic, comfortable home.
A vignette at their new Los Angeles boutique
FAVORITES…
Place for staycationing in California:
The Goodland: It has a classic laid-back Santa Barbara feel with a cool, modern twist. The design is right up our alley!
California Restaurant:
Leona: We couldn’t have designed the interior of this Santa Monica eatery any better ourselves. And the menu is always different, which makes it great for repeat visits!
California Antique or vintage store:
J.F. Chen has the most impressive mix of wildly bizarre and unique antiques.
And for fun…what artists/musicians are you currently listening to?
We’re having a synth-disco moment. Betty Who and Classix are some favorites. And, of course, RAC’s song “Hollywood” is the perfect soundtrack to cruise around the city listening to.
