A Review: Mario Buatta: Fifty Years of American Interior Decoration, Antiques & Archival Photographs

Originally released in in 2013, this eagerly anticipated first monograph to celebrate the fifty-years-and-counting career of decorating legend Mario Buatta. Influenced by the understated elegance of Colefax and Fowler and the doyenne of exuberant American decor, Sister Parish, Buatta reinvented the English Country House style stateside for clients such as Henry Ford II, Barbara Walters, Malcolm Forbes, and Mariah Carey, and for Blair House, the President’s guest quarters. The designer is acclaimed for his sumptuous rooms that layer fine antiques, confectionary curtains, and sublime colorations, creating an atmosphere of lived-in opulence. This lavishly illustrated survey-filled with images taken for the foremost shelter magazines as well as many unpublished photographs from the designer’s own archive-closely follows Buatta’s highly documented career from his professional start in the 1950s working for department store B. Altman & Co. and Elisabeth Draper, Inc. to his most recent projects, which include some of the country’s finest residences. Buatta shares exclusive insights into his process, his own rules for decorating, and personal stories of his adventures along the way.

[@AvecPoesie]

I am a young woman and a fairly new Homeowner. I am decorating my 1945 Colonial Revival architectural style Home in the Spirit of Mario Buatta, aesthetically. He truly captured all that I adore beyond measure. The sumptuous, elegant, and opulent appearance of his interiors make my heart quicken. I have been growing my collection of Vintage and Antiques and soon, will acquire a copy of this book, which you so thoroughly reviewed. Thank you. This video was everything I needed. 🖤💐🖤

[@jimmycooks7680]

Mario was a guest speaker at my design school I’m NYC I loved his style and personality so much! A few years later while working for a major fabric house in NYC, our paths crossed again. I had the opportunity to work with him on several occasions. He will always be my idol!

[@thetartantopiary]

What a great story! The book is full of stories and anticdotes from his life. He was a one of a kind and worthy of idol status!

[@armandomolina2096]

Lucky men, to meet mr Buatta and wirk with him... greetings from sonora mexico

[@doglady174]

My son asked what I wanted for Christmas a few years ago and I said I wanted this book. I fell in love with Mario Buatta's fabulous design sense over 20 years ago. It is timeless, and always class personified. This book is a work of art and full of great style and delightful ideas. You have certainly given it a great showing. Thank you for this great review of his work.

[@adeledelarosa7819]

I certainly cannot ever afford Mario's furniture, drapes, wall decor etc but I myself have found that I have never forgetten...when I bought a magazine in the 70's on the cover page a room of his was featured...colors, everything just beautifuly comfy. I shop thrift, estate...some how (luck) finding that item that has that Buatta feel/color...and affortable, never NO WAY coming close to any of his rooms/homes but I do splash here and there in my studio apt. the Buatta color, feel...to this day. Thanks for sharing

[@thetartantopiary]

You are right. Inspiration is free and when we go to thrift shops or estate sells that inspiration is what usually inspires my purchases. I love what you wrote about "a splash here and there".

[@chrisogrady4956]

Mario Buatta has always been a favorite of mine. His rooms are full of so much warmth, color, personality and beauty. Each of your videos is a special treat. Your lovely, soothing voice is perfect for taking us along on these fabulous adventures. I enjoy each journey. I always look forward to watching you gracefully turn the book pages in perfect rhythm. Florida grandma

[@thetartantopiary]

Mario was one of my main inspirations for entering design school. Thank you for your thoughtful comments!

[@dianewatier50]

I don't know what I appreciate more Mr.Buatta's design style or his fun loving sense of humour 😊. Congratulations 🎉🎉 Mary your channel has hit 10k subscribers!!!!!

[@thetartantopiary]

Thank you. My son was very encouraging when I began with KZbin and I remember telling him I would be shocked if I could get 700 subscribers. 😁 I appreciate you watching!

[@lindaortolano7837]

Hello Mary, I love designers like Mario Buatta and Charles Faudre because of the beautiful fabrics they use. I love using strips with plaids and florals! The rooms they design are always charming, warm and so inviting. They are so talented! Thank you for another beautiful book review. Have a wonderful day and I will see you in the next one. Hugs! :)

[@thetartantopiary]

I love them too. They were both fabulous designers and extraordinary personalities. Thanks for watching! You have a wonderful weekend.

[@northtexas4110]

I passionately adore your decorating book review videos! Mario saw Sister knew what she was about in decorating a room to look lived in and so did Mario! At least one would want to sit down in their rooms and spend some time there! Antiques are my favorites of course and especially those that are past down from generation to generation! Has life stories already there saying now add your own life story to these rooms!

[@jeffcarnes3898]

Wow - thank you for featuring this great book - I have to purchase it. I have always admired his design style. Didn't realize he was so humorous or sense of humor - but that just makes him seem even better. He has a tremendously sophisticated eye for detail. Just doesn't get any better than Mario Buatta! I love everything you feature too - you likewise have amazing taste and style. Thanks again for great education and entertainment - you are the best!

[@thetartantopiary]

What a thoughtful comment. I do love Mario and I really appreciate your generous comment. Thanks for watching.

[@naturallynaz369]

I absolutely love the design’s, patterns, colors and arrangements! Treats for the heart! ❤🥰 Thank you so much for sharing and your time and labor in editing and postings these amazing home design videos. 🙌🏽

[@thetartantopiary]

Thank you for sharing that with me. I appreciate it more than you know!

[@carmenpalacios2907]

I start admiring " The King Of Chintz" when I was an Interior Design student, I dreamed of someday meeting him, and all my projects had a touch of his sophisticated taste.

[@johnmyers7008]

Thank you for another wonderful and entertaining book review, Mary!

[@vickeypierce293]

Loved his sense of humor and love of dogs 🐕

[@thetartantopiary]

The perfect man, a great designer, funny and loves dogs! 😉

[@grigsbywhite3309]

This book is currently on our coffee table at this time and one of my favorites. You did a great review as always.

[@thetartantopiary]

It’s a valuable insight into his life. I think he was unpretentious and grounded. I enjoyed his accounts of the kind people in the design world and those not so kind. I also think his dad was difficult to please, but Mario handled it all with gracious humor. After reading the book I liked him even more.

[@armandomolina2096]

Mario one of my favorites designer..... I enjoy a lot this video. .. congratulations... greetings from sonora mexico

[@prettylady995]

Love this video however Can’t Wait For The Next Video!!!! The Folk Art Museum in Williamsburg!!!! Been quite awhile since I’ve been there!!! Thank You Thank You Thank You!!! ❤️❤️❤️

[@bettylowdermilk4296]

Love Mario’s style. Love your videos. So comforting and inspiring.

[@thetartantopiary]

Thank you, I really appreciate that.

[@elainekoska4007]

Thank you for all the beautiful pictures and the wonderful stories to remember Mario Buatta.

[@thetartantopiary]

This book was a delight in every way!

[@margaretbrowne8368]

BEAUTIFUL INTERIORS

[@pinkpoodle7100]

Delightful, thank you!!

[@jordanvilchez2900]

I enjoyed this thoughtful review, the music, and your pleasant voice. Loved the cockroach story too! 😊

[@thetartantopiary]

Thank you, the cockroach joke is pretty funny and reminds me of my son's sense of humor. Can you imagine Barbara Walters reaction? From all I've read, Mario was very well liked.

[@emiliagarcia6868]

Beautiful home tour and decor ❤️ Thanks for sharing ❤️🙂

[@thetartantopiary]

Thanks for watching

[@pattifeatheringill7600]

As always, another wonderful review! The bass line in background music is dreamy! 🌴💚

[@JJ33438]

my favorite designer. thanks for this one.

[@thetartantopiary]

I love him too. He was my inspiration for going to design school in 1988!

[@TheFiown]

My very first antique purchase was at auction, I was 8 years old. It was a small Meissen Fennec and I paid about 40 cents it was the 60's, no one wanted 'old' stuff) . I still have it, it's one of my treasures and each time I move it travels in a large box full of cotton wool! I have a large box labelled 'colours' and it contains, bits of egg carton, ribbons, gros grain, paint swatches and bits of magazine pages, it's my 'bible box' and it gets bigger each year.

[@thetartantopiary]

It sounds like you have some unique and meaningful treasures. I think you have the heart of an artist and the wisdom of an old soul. I love your comments!

[@TheFiown]

We forget that some fabulous collections begin with just one piece and then it often escalates! After seeing a collection of blue Chinese FÔ dogs in a country house I decided to buy one then found two at auction, paid 3 euros the two (no bids) in different sizes. THEN things got out of hand and after two gorgeous large ones converted to lamps found very late at night I now must have about 40 or more. I had initially decided to fill one shelf as a splash of colour against an ochre back in a niche. Need a bigger niche ! I do try not to buy anymore. I have avoided dog paintings because I know me. I do have one, a copy of Eos by Landseer done by me when I had better eyesight!

[@susanwu8339]

You have beautiful soul. Thank you

[@thetartantopiary]

That is such a kind thing to say. Thank you!

[@jenh9361]

Yay... Mario Buatta... Design Icon! I'm pretty sure this book, now sells for 100+ 🤣 A few of his "tricks" of the trade, steadfastly remain his... But, It will be awhile before Chince circles back around 😉 Like shoulder pads and big hair... As always, a Delight !

[@thetartantopiary]

I do see his early designs in a nostalgic way. I remember when an interior designer friend came into my living room, years ago, and said “Mary, don’t you think it’s time to get rid of the bows and ribbon behind your paintings.” My heart broke!

[@MariaReyes-te7lk]

Great designer!

[@thetartantopiary]

Agree! ❤️

[@TheFiown]

I was quite surprised to see that in Mario's famous living room hung with dog paintings that on dismantling the ribbons behind the drops of paintings were not one continuous ribbon but pieces stapled in between ! I was thinking of hanging pictures like this in the next guest room I am doing. Just some trivia. I also wonder if the wonderful old house he used to store this hoard of goodies in was actually bought and restored after the contents were sold?

[@thetartantopiary]

I read that there was actual discussion of taking that room and putting it in the Smithsonian. I'm not sure about his apartment but that does make me curious. In 2020 most of his estate was auctioned by Sotheby's.

[@dianemunson9698]

His work was always just to fancy for me but I do recognize his talent

[@thetartantopiary]

I was in design school when he was dubbed the “prince of chintz” and I would have lived in a shoe box if he had decorated it. 😀

[@evelynbyrd4961]

Mario was fond of red walls, I've noticed....e

[@d.l.l.6578]

That bug stuff was disgusting. I’d be very upset if someone pulled that on me.

[@apebass2215]

Why is a bit of plastic "disgusting"? You need to find a sense of humour.

[@brendawood6712]

I hate this style decorating