Matthew Patrick Smyth

Timeless, impeccable, attention to detail, design integrity. All of these aptly describe Matthew Patrick Smyth, one of New York’s premier interior designers.

Many of us, when starting out in a new career dream of working for an icon in our chosen field. For Smyth it was David Easton. Easton is one of a handful of renowned, respected American decorators. His work is legendary and Smyth wanted to learn at his feet. He was warned, though, that while he would learn a lot, he wouldn’t last long.

“I didn’t want to go to work for him and then get fired, so I worked for several other designers and then finally got my chance with David Easton. It was more than I ever dreamed. David taught me so much, not just about design, but also about manners and travel and appreciating good taste. As an assistant I got to work on projects that were once-in-a-lifetime opportunities.” After awhile, Smyth stopped worrying about being fired and wound up working with Easton for six years – longer than any other employee at the time.

In 1989, he struck out on his own and became a major force in the world of interior design. Smyth approaches a project from both a practical and an artistic point of view.

“Interiors have to suit their time, their place, and their purpose. I can see a room five different ways, but in the end it has to satisfy the client’s needs. I don’t like just throwing furniture into a room; it’s all about balance. It doesn’t have to be perfect, it has to be comfortable and appropriate.”

No job is too big or too small if the chemistry is right. “I will design a single lampshade for a nice person. When I first started on my own, the biggest job I had was designing a closet. I took that job and since then have designed five residences for that client. You just never know where something will lead.”

Although his business makes it necessary for him to spend much of his time in New York, Smyth escapes to his retreat in Sharon whenever possible.

“I wanted to be in the Northwest corner and Sharon is a prime example of a beautiful New England town and has everything you identify with such a town,” Smyth said. “It’s close to New York, as well as having proximity to Hudson, Great Barrington, and Tanglewood, where I go whenever I can.” Smyth combines the glamour of his work and life in New York with the beauty and serenity that New England offers. And that’s what Berkshire style is all about.