Since she can remember, Marguerite Rodgers has always had an appreciation and whimsy for design. From her Philadelphia college days, building an entire barn for her parents, all the way to designing for Striped Bass, Rodgers has leaped through obstacles in the interior design world with effortless grace. Rodgers has crafted spaces for many residential and commercial clients all over the world including the tropical Bahamas. She has also been featured in major publications such as Luxe Magazine, Elle Decor and now aspire design and home. Introducing this week’s Designer Friday, Marguerite Rodgers.
Breathtaking views paired with high quality design is what this luxurious space created by Rodgers offers. This room features pristine furnishings and elements from design powerhouses such as Holly Hunt, Rago Auctions, and Martin Industries.
Andrew Joseph: If you could be any animal in the world, what animal would you be and why?
Marguerite Rodgers: My cat because I would live a life of luxury, be fed well, travel with my family and live in the woods in Maine when I am not looking down on the world from the 31st floor.
Andrew: Describe your design style as if you were explaining it to someone who cannot see.
Meg: Comfortable, Elegant, Classic and Approachable.
Andrew: What is the last book you read?
Meg: The Once and Future King by T.H. White for the 2nd time since (I first read it when I was 22).
Andrew: If you could live in any home in a movie or television series, what would it be?
Meg: The Vandamm house at Mount Rushmore in North by Northwest.
Andrew: What’s a guilty pleasure you have?
Meg: A dinner consisting of a giant bowl of salted popcorn, a bowl of chocolate chip ice cream and a large enough single malt scotch that I don’t have to get up for a refill.
Andrew: What’s the best thing that happened to you this month?
Meg: One of my best friends survived the ICU on a ventilator and is now in rehab and going to recover. I found her unconscious on her floor after being there for 48 hours.
Andrew: What’s your favorite cocktail?
Meg: Single Malt Scotch neat.
Rodgers designed the lounge area for Boyds Philadelphia, a staple shopping spot for her fellow Philadelphians.
Andrew: What are your ideal weekend plans?
Meg: The whole family is home at The Lake where we play dominoes, have big dinners. I swim out to the tree and go horseback riding.
Andrew: What was your first job?
Meg: Cleaning horse stalls and grooming horses in exchange for riding lessons.
Andrew: Are you a good cook? If so, what’s your specialty?
Meg: I retired from cooking as my husband does not share the kitchen well and he LOVES to cook. So I am the best short-order cook in the family known for my grilled cheese, fried egg or any kind of sandwich for that matter, and salads… and of course popcorn.
Andrew: What would your dream project or dream client be right now?
Meg: A family compound on a fabulous property near my home in Maine with a talented team of design professions for a realistic budget and time frame.
Andrew: Are you a pet person? Why either way? Dogs or cats?
Meg: Both, I am a monogamous dog person and always have 3 to 4 cats so that there is always at least one at my side.
Andrew: What are three things you can’t live without?
Meg: Besides my family, I would say animals, my family home in Maine, and Scotch.
Andrew: What’s inspiring you in life (in the industry) right now?
Meg: Being able to work from anywhere and having almost everything accessible.
Andrew: What were the last 3 things you panic bought on Amazon?
Meg: Vitamins, Skin Care Products, Horseback Riding accessories like gloves and a phone case that wraps around my boots.
Andrew: When you’re trying to avoid work, who’s the first person you call?
Meg: One of my riding buddies to go for a ride in the woods.
Andrew: What’s one thing you hate admitting that you love about quarantine?
Meg: I love to be alone.
Andrew: Has your mindset changed into 2021? In what ways?
Meg: We are going completely digital and are able to get more done with fewer people and I will work remotely especially from Maine when I can.
Andrew: Who/what was your biggest supporter or motivator in these unsettling times?
Meg: No one person – my team, children, husband and friends.
About The Designer | The daughter of a naval officer and the youngest of five siblings, Marguerite V. Rodgers was born in Bethesda, Maryland, in 1953. Her family moved from home to home during Meg’s formative years until finally settling in Maine, where Meg was as influenced by her father’s ingenuity as by her mother’s appreciation for beautiful things.
Fascinated by composition and color, materials and craft, Meg arrived in Philadelphia as a college freshman in 1972 and soon began to explore media ranging from fibers to wood. By her sophomore year, Meg was designing and crafting commissioned furniture for clients. By the end of her junior year she had launched a long-term independent study program, using eighteenth century construction techniques and the help of friends to build a barn on her parents’ property in Maine.
Today, with a staff of 15 Meg Rodgers continues to work on projects that range from private residences and condominiums to hotels and restaurants. Her love of culture, landscape, and antiques takes her around the world. Her passion for movies and conversation inspires her work.
Andrew Joseph is a regular contributing editor for aspire design and home magazine. See more of his work here.
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