"I like to think of my eye as more curatorial than decorative," Interior Designer Dalton Scott reflects, offering insight into his approach. "People need to live in homes, not showrooms,” he continues, noting that the best spaces aren’t just beautifully designed—they reflect the lives and personalities of those who live in them.
That perspective has clearly served him well. His work has been featured in such high-profile media outlets as The New York Times, Vogue, House Beautiful and HGTV. Yet for him, the real reward is the reaction from his clients.
"After a recent project, the homeowner walked in and said, This is exactly what we wanted We just didn’t know how to do it!” he shares, adding, “That’s the best feedback I could ever get."
He believes that simple statement is at the heart of what so many people struggle with when trying to decorate their home—and it’s exactly why he’s so passionate about helping them.
How would you describe your approach?
My role as an interior designer is to interpret my clients’ unique vision, blending their goals and personal style into a cohesive design that truly reflects who they are. I consider a project successful when I walk away knowing the space captures that essence.
What are your favorite types of projects to work on?
I’ve always had a soft spot for older homes with a rich history. I’m a bit of a history buff, so I love learning about a home’s past and finding ways to reinterpret that history for modern living.
“I’ve always had a soft spot for older homes with a rich history.”
How do you achieve a sense of warmth in your designs?
Lamps and layers! I can’t stand overhead recessed lighting—there’s a place for it in kitchens, but I prefer to keep overhead lights more decorative and atmospheric. I like to add multiple lamps in every room to create warmth and ambiance. Another trick I use in all my projects is layering textiles—rugs, window treatments, pillows and throws are essential for softening a space and giving it an inviting touch.
How do you create a sense of continuity and harmony?
At the beginning of any project, whether residential or commercial, I always ask, “How do you want to feel in this space?” It takes some digging to truly uncover the answer but, once we establish the feeling we’re aiming to evoke, it becomes our guiding light and all of our decisions are based on it. Each room needs to serve specific functions tailored to the client’s lifestyle, then comes comfort. Both function and comfort are paramount to a successful project.
What sets your design approach apart?
I take a very hands-on approach. At the start, I explain the process and guide them through the flow of a project, so it’s not overwhelming. Then we dive into design. I love collaborating with specialized craftspeople, from fabric to furniture, to create a more bespoke feel. I also have an approachable sense of design and believe that great design can be achieved on any budget—it’s all about the mix of high and low.
Where are you from originally?
I was born and raised in Florida. After attending Florida State University, I moved to New York City, where I gained a wealth of knowledge and had the opportunity to work on amazing projects from California to Colorado…Manhattan, London and the Caribbean. Ultimately, my goal was to bring all those experiences back to Florida with a bit more Southern hospitality.
Visit daltonkscott.com for more information. Anne Zimmerman Briand can be reached at anne@annezimmerman.com
