DORÉ

Mariam Naficy is the CEO of Minted, an online marketplace comprised of independent artists. It’s no surprise then that her home in Calistoga, a few hours outside of San Francisco, is a reflection of the type of artists she brings to the world. We were thrilled when she offered us a peek inside her light filled and of course, art filled, home.

What are three words you would use to describe your home?

I would say it’s a warm minimalism — there are many parts of the house that are really leaning on texture versus color–mixed with eclectic, global finds as a nod to my husband’s and my international childhoods.

You mentioned that your interior designer is also a good friend of yours — what was it like collaborating on such a large project with a good friend?

I collaborated with two friends separately on this project, interior designer Maca Huneeus (and her partner, Ona LeSassier) and stylist Rosy Fridman. Maca and I have traveled together to treasure hunt in Paris and in her native Chile, and it has been an enormous pleasure to blend work with fun. When you can take a break to have that perfect cup of coffee or bistro dinner, you get to celebrate over food and create great memories of how you found that perfect piece! As for decision-making, it’s fine to work with a friend if there is mutual respect and also an understanding where each person will lean in or lean out. For example, since I have such strong feelings about the art on my walls, I always choose my own art.

When choosing art for your home, is there something specific you gravitate towards? Color, composition, or subject matter?

To me, collecting art is about falling in love with a piece, and that can mean many different colors, compositions, or subject matters. For example, I fell in love with Ethan Cook’s hand-woven cotton canvases, which look like paintings from afar (see the big color block piece in my living room). I also like to experiment by adding and subtracting pieces from the mix to evoke a feeling or a memory of a specific time and place. In Calistoga, I’ve chosen quiet, abstract pieces by some of our amazing Minted artists such as Tipping Point by Kara Kosaka and Red Sun by Jennifer Morehead. I love the way these pieces bring a special kind of serenity to the house.