Alex Alonso is the design principal of Mr. Alex Tate Design, a Miami- and Los Angeles-based firm heralded for its global perspective and love of storytelling through design. Born in Cuba and raised in Miami, Alonso later attended Northwestern University and worked in advertising in Chicago before moving to Los Angeles to work in entertainment. Known for his “modern Victorian” design style, Alonso has traveled extensively and cites these experiences as a major source of inspiration for his work. Recently, he appeared on the Bravo TV show “Best Room Wins,” where his room design was featured in ELLE Decor. Learn more about Alex Alonso and his design work in today’s Designer Friday.
This bedroom features a mix of patterns that reflect the designer’s Cuban roots. Unafraid of color and pattern, Alonso uses Tarma blue and white upholstered armchairs, a geometric wallpaper and graphic artwork to create an aesthetic all his own.
Andrew Joseph: What’s your design pet peeve?
Alex Alonso: (This will likely get me a lot of local heat, but…) That “Miami” look – white/polished floors, white/neutral walls, neutral furniture. I’m just not a fan of the neutral on neutral look. I just can’t envision myself living in it and whereas I can appreciate it, it’s just not at all anything that gets me excited. It is such a “Miami look”; I really can’t get behind it. And yes, we’ve turned down clients who’ve requested that look.
AJ: What is the last book you read?
AA: Admittedly, not Nietzsche or Faulkner, but I dare say as stimulating mentally: Jackie Collins “Hollywood Wives”. Having lived in LA for 12 years, the book is a time capsule of an LA that we only saw in TV and movies at a time when so much was happening. Having grown up in Miami I lusted after the parties, the celebrity encounters and that oh-so-decadent lifestyle. Joking aside, at surface level it is a great Summer read, but there are some very smart nuances that give a peek into a very real LA that lingers, decades later.
AJ: If you could guest star on any TV show -on or off air- what show would you guest star in?
AA: “Better Things” on FX. That house has so much personality and character; I love it! The characters all fit so well in that physical space of the home – are all so dynamic and complicated. I’d love to be that friend of Sam’s (Pamela Adlon) who is over for dinner in an episode that she ends up spending the day with.
Here, a Mediterranean-style tiled bathroom becomes a jewel box for the home. Hand-painted turquoise railroad tiles on the walls and black hexagon tiles on the floor are contrasted with the rich stained wood and gold fixtures.
AJ: What was your first job?
AA: My first paying job was at the Gap in Miami. I was lucky to get something the Summer before going to college, but in all honesty, I think we could’ve all done without it. It lasted a minute and I’m pretty sure I’ve had phone calls that lasted longer. The best thing was the shoppers. It was so interesting to have total strangers ask you for advice. The hard part was always being honest. Sometimes, you just have to validate a bad decision is a bad decision; the trick is to do it tactfully and from an impartial perspective.
AJ: Are you a pet person? Why either way? Dogs or cats?
AA: I’m through and through a dog person. I grew up with dogs and can’t think of a day without a dog by my side. The amount of love they give is unfathomable and they don’t ask for much in return. Sandy, a senior chihuahua we rescued last year comes in under 7 pounds (who we affectionately call “Peanut”), but makes such an impact when she’s around. She comes to the office every day and makes it known she expects to be included on the AM commute.
AJ: Best advice you’d give your teenage self?
AA: Things happen for a reason. As a teenager, I couldn’t wait to grow up and be an adult. I was so anxious to be an adult that I didn’t realize that things happen on their own time. Some experiences only make sense at a certain age or time in your life, even though you can’t make sense of why. Somehow it all works out in the end and if it doesn’t, then it’s not yet the end…(and yes, I totally just quoted “The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel”).
This energetic room has a clear influence of the Impressionist movement, notably drawing inspiration from “The Red Studio” by Henri Matisse. Featured here is a vintage red wallpaper in a damask pattern with animal motifs.
AJ: Favorite tea to decompress, and in what mug?
AA: Fortnum and Mason’s Smoky Earl Grey. It’s a nice twist on a classic. Always, always in a mug my husband and I picked up on a stop in Colonial Williamsburg road tripping it down from a project in DC. The mug says, “Today we make history.” That just always stuck with me on so many levels.
AJ: What do you find yourself daydreaming about most these days?
AA: Traveling! I’ve missed the feeling of seeing something new and exploring a part of the world that isn’t driveable. It was always so inspiring; it refueled me mentally. Beyond the pandemic, work has just been so hectic that it’s gotten so hard to get away. My husband and I used to travel a lot – for fun, for family visits, for work, you name it. So the last few years have been such a change. We are eagerly looking forward to (more) freely moving around the planet again.
AJ: Where is the next place you’d like to travel?
AA: I’d love to make it to India (never been) or Botswana. They have both been on my list for years, but have never had the opportunity to make it there. I’ve had friends who have been to both and rave about the experience. Both have always seemed so layered and mysterious to me. Perhaps the romance will wear off after hours on a plane (after a couple of years relegated to shorter air travel.). One way to find out.
About the Designer | The studio team collective is led by design principal Alex Alonso. A maximalist at heart, after years in media and entertainment on both coasts and travels abroad, he launched a studio that embraces a global perspective and celebrates the power of storytelling through spaces. Reflecting a distinct design approach that is all about the mix, the result is a bold sensibility he calls “modern Victorian.”
Cuban-born Alex grew up under the insane humidity of Miami. After attending Northwestern University and working in advertising in Chicago, he moved to Los Angeles where he worked in entertainment for many years. All along, he perfected his craft in his true passion: design. His travels have taken him across five continents and function as a constant source of inspiration for his designs. A voracious collector, Alex is drawn to anything with a story.
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