Megan Molten, the Founder of Megan Molten Design + Shop, captures the serene beauty of the South Carolina coast in her new wallpaper collaboration with Mitchell Black. Rendered in a palette of muted colors, the inaugural design, Charleston Marsh Mural, evokes the tranquil atmosphere of seaside living, while the other six designs in the collection will be unveiled later this year.
We spoke with Megan about her inspiration for the collection here:
Raymond Paul Schneider: When did you first start to develop this new collection?
Megan Molten: When I discovered Mitchell Black wallcoverings I was immediately drawn to their artistry and craftsmanship, sparking a vision for my own collection. Inspired by the charm of Charleston, South Carolina, I knew I wanted to create designs that captured its coastal beauty, historic architecture, and vibrant energy through a painterly style. Collaborating with Mitchell Black felt like the perfect opportunity to bring this vision to life, blending timeless elegance with a fresh, modern touch. Through this collection, I hope to share my love for Charleston and create pieces that bring its magic into any space.
RPS: What was the overall timeline from conception to achieving the final design?
MM: Collaborating with Mitchell Black on this collection was a truly fabulous and creative experience. From the very beginning, we worked closely together, blending my painterly vision of Charleston with their expertise in wallcovering design that took about 6 months from beginning to end. It was incredible to see my ideas come to life through color, texture, and pattern, with every detail thoughtfully crafted. The process was inspiring, seamless, and full of excitement, resulting in a collection that beautifully captures the essence of Charleston in a fresh and artistic way.
RPS: What was your initial inspiration, and where did the idea(s) come from?
MM: The breathtaking beauty of Charleston and the Lowcountry has always been my greatest inspiration since the first time I even visited, and I wanted to bring that to life in my wallpaper designs. The soft, painterly hues of the marshlands, the delicate patterns of seashells, and the organic flow of nature all influenced the collection. I wanted each design to capture the serene coastal charm and timeless elegance of this special place. Every brushstroke reflects my love for the Lowcountry, creating wallpapers that bring its natural beauty into any space.
RPS: Please describe your overall creative and design process.
MM: I spent time collecting seashells along the coast, visiting Charleston’s beautiful parks with my family, and immersing myself in the colors and textures of nature. These experiences shaped my concepts, allowing me to translate the organic beauty of the marshlands, ocean, and historic charm into my designs. Collaborating with Mitchell Black’s designer, Dan Rizzo, was an incredible experience as we refined each pattern, bringing my vision of Charleston to life in a truly special way.
RPS: Did you have a specific audience or theme that you had in mind?
MM: I had a wide range of coastal homes and enthusiasts in mind. Whether it’s a breezy beachfront retreat, a charming historic home in Charleston, or a space that simply embraces coastal style, I wanted these designs to bring a sense of relaxed elegance. I envisioned them complementing everything from modern, airy interiors to timeless, traditional spaces, allowing anyone to bring a touch of the Lowcountry into their home. My goal was to create wallpapers that capture the beauty of coastal living in a way that feels fresh, sophisticated, and effortlessly inviting.
RPS: Did you utilize a new technique or technology to conceptualize this product?
MM: I gained a deep understanding of pattern making, ensuring each element flowed seamlessly to create a cohesive design. Exploring colorways was just as exciting, as I experimented with different palettes to capture the beauty of the coastal landscape. This process pushed my creativity and gave me a newfound appreciation for the art of pattern designing.
RPS: Describe your overall brand DNA and Ethos
MM: I describe our brand aesthetic as “Lowcountry Luxe,” which is marked by airy, modern features with thoughtful colors drawn from my coastal surroundings. Our brand DNA will always be marked with natural, woven, and modern elements that blend seamlessly together. Our goal is for every client to walk into their home and feel like they’re in their own personal sanctuary that energizes and restores them from whatever life throws their way.
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