Profile: Matthew White

Having known Matthew White for a few years, and after reading the introduction to Italy of My Dreams, I wanted to find just the right words to describe the breadth of his character. Without a doubt, he is one the most charming, humble and talented people I have come across in recent years. So, when words failed me, I went back to a story that Matthew originally wrote for the September-October 2007 issue of Southern Accents.

I have linked to the article for you to read. Every time that I read his words I choke back tears. It is a wonderful reminder that the richness of our existence comes from finding and appreciating beauty in our everyday life.

How would you describe your personal style?
My personal style is steeped in history and clearly influenced by Italy, but always has elements of wit. I’m not a fan of design that takes itself to seriously.

What is your most prized possession?
I’d say my sanity, but that would be a stretch! The carved wood Monkey once owned by Billy Baldwin has a deep, personal meaning for me on many levels. I first saw it it his book, Billy Baldwin Decorates. That book changed my life.

What is your idea of earthly happiness?
A day without email, at home with my dog in my lap

What is the one thing in life you cannot live without?
Great food. And chocolate, but that’s redundant.

What inspires your creativity and designs?
Great architecture is a huge inspiration, also travel, gardens and art.

Who are your style icons?
Billy Baldwin, Rudolph Nureyev, Palladio, George Balanchine

Who would you most like to collaborate with on a project?
Anyone with a palazzo in Venice (as long as they are nice).

What books are currently on your bedside table?
The Edith Wharton biography
Titian, Tintoretto, Veronese: Rivals in Renaissance Venice

What is your favorite luxury in life?
A Bellini at the Cipriani in Venice on a perfect summer day.

Past or present who has most influenced your direction in life?
As a child—my parents, and my piano and ballet teachers.
As an adult—an army of dear souls who have mentored and encouraged me.

Profile by Ronda Carman
Photos From Italy of my Dreams
Photographs by Art Grey
Copyright © 2010 Pointed Leaf Press, LLC

Italy of My Dreams

I know that most of you are like me when it comes to books—you are running out of room and running the risk of being crushed by the ever-growing stacks. However, I highly recommend that you try and squeeze one more on the shelf. Italy of My Dreams: The Story of an American Designer's Real Life Passion for Italian Style (Pointed Leaf Press) is an awe-inspiring glimpse into the private world of interior designer (and fellow Texan) Matthew White.

Italy of My Dreams is a study of classical Italian style in contemporary settings. With nearly two hundred pages of beautiful photos and heartfelt recollections, Matthew takes the reader on a visual journey from his childhood in Amarillo, to his first, life-changing trip to Venice and, finally, the development of his deep personal connection with the art and architecture of Italy. Each project detailed in the book is one that Matthew not only designed, but has also called home.

While in Venice I attended Matthew’s fascinating book lecture. His passion for the subject is evident not only in the pages of this book, but in the way he lives his life and the organizations he supports. His celebration of Italian style is both intimate and inspirational.

Tomorrow I will have a Q&A profile with Matthew.

Soup on Sunday: Matthew White's Tomato Bread

Matthew and Holden on the Staton Island Ferry. Photo by Andrew French.

I thought it would be fun to start adding soup recipes from friends and loyal readers. One person that I knew would come through with a great recipe is fellow soup enthusiast and Texan Matthew White. Half of the the uber talented design firm White Webb, Matthew will soon add the title of author to his list of accomplishments.

Italy of my Dreams: The Story of an American Designer’s Real Life Passion for Italian Style, is now available for pre-sale from Pointed Leaf Press. I can assure you this is one for the bookshelf! Enjoy this Italian inspired soup.

Creamy Tomato and Bread Soup

1.5 liters of stock (veggie, chicken or beef, your choice)
4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 onion, peeled and chopped
1.2 kg very ripe tomatoes, chopped
300 g white bread, thinly sliced with crusts removed (should be stale and must be good quality bread)
3 garlic cloves, peeled and crushed
125 g freshly grated Italian Parmesan, plus extra for the table

Heat the stock in a large saucepan. Meanwhile heat oil in another large saucepan, add the onion and tomatoes. Saute over low heat for 10 minutes until soft. Push the mixture through a sieve and stir into stock. Add the bread and garlic. Cover and simmer gently for about 45 minutes until thick and creamy. Give the soup a good whisk every now and then to break up the bread. Be careful, as the soup can catch and burn on the bottom of the pan.

Stir in the Parmesan. Salt and pepper to taste. Serve in bowls with a trickle of rich olive oil, plus extra Parmesan on the side. Depending on the weather, it can be served hot, at room temperature or cold (but never ice-cold).