Designer of the week: Matthew Quill

Matthew Quill is an interior designer based in Washington, DC. His work blends heritage craftsmanship with a modern sensibility. Rooted in natural materials and refined textures, his spaces are defined by balance, warmth, and a timeless restraint. Drawing inspiration from architecture, art, and the rituals of daily life, Matthew creates interiors that feel both elevated and deeply personal. His portfolio reflects a belief that great design should not only be seen, but felt in the way we live.
Why do you love interior design?
I love design because our homes shape how we live, even in the smallest ways. Every surface we touch, every texture and finish, quietly influences how we feel and move through our day. Great design isn’t about what shouts the loudest, it’s about the quiet details that make life feel more grounded, more inspired, and more like you. For me, interior design is the art of turning those subtle, often overlooked moments into something deeply felt and beautifully lived in.
Describe your style in three words
Organic. Refined. Timeless.
Where do you find inspiration?
I draw inspiration from the honesty of natural materials, the quiet elegance of architecture and the rituals of everyday life.
Name a current trend that you love.
One trend I love right now is the return of limewash and plaster finishes. There’s such beauty in the texture and tonal shifts. They soften modern spaces, add warmth, and celebrate the imperfections that make a home feel soulful.
What's a trick of the trade that you live by?
Layering textures. A room comes to life when stone meets wood, plaster meets metal, fabric meets light. Even in the most neutral palette, texture creates depth, warmth, and a sense of timelessness. It’s never just about how a space looks, it’s about how it feels.
Share the story of your project with Ernesta. How did the custom-sized rug make an impact? Any memorable reactions from your client? We'd love to hear the details.
This space was all about balance. The custom-sized Ernesta rug grounded the sculptural furniture perfectly, creating cohesion without overwhelming the room. When my client walked in, they immediately said, “I didn’t realize how much the rug would change everything.” It was the final layer that made the room feel complete.

Share your approach to custom-sizing rugs for a space. What factors do you consider to ensure a tailored fit and aesthetic harmony?
For me, a custom rug is about proportion and balance. It should ground the furniture, frame the room and leave negative space that feels intentional. When sized right, it quietly anchors the design and elevates the whole space.
What is your idea of great design?
Great design is where beauty, function and emotion meet — timeless, effortless, and deeply felt in daily life. A well designed space evokes emotion.
What are you reading or watching right now?
"The Local Project"
If you could design a home for one famous person / couple, who would it be?
If I could design a home for anyone, it would be Jennifer Aniston. Her effortless, laid-back elegance and love for natural materials feel so in sync with my approach — refined, warm, and timeless.
