Interview with Charlotte Moss - The San Francisco Fall Show

The San Francisco Fall Art & Antiques Show is thrilled to have Charlotte Moss as one of the entrance vignette designers, as well as a participant in the October 13 panel discussion on design and entertaining. Recently honored with the New York School of Interior Design’s Centennial Medal and named to Elle Décor’s Grand Masters list of top designers, Charlotte Moss celebrates thirty-three years in the design business this year.

A middle-aged woman with short, wavy gray-blonde hair smiles softly during an interview. She wears a dark sweater, gold earrings, and a necklace. Behind her is a green lattice structure and a blurred light-colored wall, evoking the elegant style often associated with Charlotte Moss.

In addition to her residential interior design projects, Charlotte’s work includes designing collections of fabric and trim for Fabricut, carpets and sisals for Stark Carpet, and china for Pickard. Most recently, Charlotte has used her experience culled from thirty-three years of decorating homes to design a collection of furniture and upholstery with Century Furniture. Charlotte’s capsule clothing collection with IBU movement launched last year. IBU is a groundbreaking apparel and accessories brand that partners with women artisans in developing countries around the world who craft every piece by hand. This fall Charlotte will also launch a jewelry collection with PE Guerin Hardware based on historical designs in their archive.
Charlotte is a prolific author, having published ten books to date. Charlotte Moss Entertains, is her most recent title (Rizzoli, 2018). She will sign this book at the show on October 13 at 3:30PM.

A split image: Left shows a pink floral tablecloth, blue-and-white china, flowers, and a book title Charlotte Moss ENTERTAINS—a beautiful setup reminiscent of scenes discussed in her interview. Right depicts a dining room with a set table, blue-check chairs, and mirrors above a fireplace, styled in classic, elegant decor.

Charlotte lectures widely and considers philanthropy some of her most important work. She is a Trustee of Thomas Jefferson Foundation at Monticello, The Bone Marrow Foundation, American Corporate Partners, The Madoo Conservancy, a member of the International Council of Hillwood Estate, Museum and Gardens, and she serves on the Advisory Board of The New York School of Interior Design where she holds an Honorary Doctorate Degree.

Elegant bedroom with a dark wood four-poster bed, floral-patterned bedding, and matching wallpaper inspired by Charlotte Moss. A fireplace with a mirror and red flowers, a patterned chair, decorative lamps, and a window with floral curtains complete this space worthy of an interior design interview.

In anticipation of Charlotte’s vignette at the upcoming show, we’ve asked her a few questions:

How did you first become interested in antiques?
In my grandmother’s house. I was exposed to them early and they just became a part of the landscape.

Are there any specific historic periods that you are drawn to?
I always seem to be pulled to Directoire and Empire.

In your interior design work, what is your approach to incorporating art and antiques?
My approach is always through a filter, based on the client.

A living room reminiscent of a Charlotte Moss interview, with a floral sofa, patterned pillows, a wooden desk, red lamps, a large yellow floral lamp, and a wall filled with many black-and-white framed art and photos arranged gallery-style—all set against blue wallpaper with a subtle pattern.

What was your most favorite/memorable art/antique find? Or alternatively, can you tell us about “the one that got away”?
The first antique I bought for myself (that I remember) was a hall tree at a country auction in Virginia. I was a teenager and remembered the exhilaration that it was announced that it was mine. As for the one that got away, out of sight, out of mind, I choose not to focus on those things!

What most excites you about coming to the San Francisco Fall Art & Antiques Show?
I have been to the show previously and I love its diversity, and bottom line, I always love a good reason to shop.

How do you walk the show? What are you looking for? Any tips for shopping the show?
With any antique show, I study my list before I go. I like to walk, not talk and strike when I know it’s right! Sometimes it takes several rounds to take it all in. Oftentimes, you can’t even describe what you’re looking for, but you hope it’s looking for you.

Elegant living room with dark wood-paneled walls, bookshelves, a large framed painting, white sofa with throw pillows and blanket, two armchairs, ornate coffee table, intricate red rug, and a window with a patterned Roman shade—an inviting space inspired by the refined aesthetic of Charlotte Moss and perfect for a cozy interview or intimate conversation.