At Home with Interior Designer Mark D. Sikes

Los Angeles-based interior designer Mark D. Sikes is renowned for creating classic and traditional spaces that reflect his personal style — timeless, spirited, and All-American. In our exclusive interview, we explore his 1930s Hollywood Hills home, the influences that shape his work and what he has in store for the year ahead.

A Westward Move: From San Francisco to Los Angeles

Sikes and his partner made the pivotal decision to relocate from San Francisco to Los Angeles in 2010. The move coincided with the start of his blog and the opening of his design office, marking the beginning of his illustrious career in the world of interior design.

Muses and Inspirations: A Fusion of Fashion and Elegance

Sikes is greatly inspired by the timeless homes and lifestyles of iconic fashion designers such as Bill Blass, Hubert de Givenchy, Oscar de la Renta, and Calvin Klein. Beyond fashion, he cites figures like Jacqueline Kennedy, Jayne Wrightsman, and C.Z. Guest as muses — women celebrated for their refined taste, personal style, and exquisite homes. This amalgamation of inspirations imbue his designs with a timeless elegance that transcends trends.

Defining All-American Style: Timeless, Spirited, and Enduring

Describing his personal style as “timeless, spirited, and All-American,” Sikes translates these qualities into his design work. For him, American style is enduring, clean and crisp – qualities evident in each of his projects. He emphasizes originality, collaborating with vendors to create unique, custom designs tailored to the distinct preferences and personalities of his clients. Each project is approached with a commitment to authenticity, ensuring that no two designs are alike.

 “We try to create rooms that have a timeless quality, meaning they would look great 20 years in the past or future”

Home Sweet Hollywood Hills: A Tranquil Oasis

Sikes’ beautiful 1930s Regency home in Hollywood Hills is a complete reflection of his design ethos. He expresses love for the garden, the seamless indoor-outdoor transition, and the airy ambiance created by expansive windows and light-colored floors. His home demonstrates the peaceful harmony that can be achieved through thoughtful design.

Design Philosophy: Splurges and Savings

When it comes to home decor, Sikes advocates splurging on beautiful antiques and art, while recommending saving on solid fabrics and natural fiber rugs. This balanced approach ensures a tasteful and personalized interior without compromising on quality.

“I prefer to splurge on beautiful antiques and art. A good place to save in my opinion is on solid fabrics and natural fiber rugs”

Holiday Wishes: Peace, Love, and Joy

For Sikes, the holiday wishlist eclipses material desires, focusing on the intangible gifts of peace, love, and joy—a sentiment that aligns with his approach to design and life.

Creating a Homeworthy Space: The Essence of Home

Sikes believes a house transforms into a home when filled with people and items that hold personal significance. The key lies in achieving a balance between comfort and refinement, incorporating layers, textures, fresh flowers, and books. His own home exemplifies this philosophy, embodying an inviting, comfortable, and relaxed elegance. 

“A home should feel inviting, comfortable and relaxed, but also refined. Layers and textures are important, and fresh flowers and books go a long way”

Sneak Peek into 2024: A New Chapter Unveiled

Anticipation surrounds Sikes’ upcoming book in 2024, promising twelve never-before-seen projects spanning from California to Bermuda and beyond. Keeping details under wraps, he tantalizingly hints at a departure from his previous works, promising a fresh perspective on design and lifestyle.

Photography: Amy Neunsinger