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Designer Spotlight: Margaret Donaldson – The Art Of Living Well


In this latest edition of our Designer Spotlight series, I’m thrilled to show you the work of interior designer Margaret Donaldson, the creative mind behind MDI Luxury Design.

Home tour featuring living room designed by Margaret Donaldson
Julia Lynn Photography

Rooted in the belief that homes should reflect the style of their owners while meeting their lifestyle needs, Donaldson’s portfolio showcases a stunning array of diverse interior design aesthetics. Yet, despite this versatility, a common thread of sophistication, clean lines, artisanal details, and nuanced use of color and texture weaves through her designs.

Designer Spotlight: Margaret Donaldson

Her design work seamlessly adapts to a wide range of styles. What I love the most is that all of the designs maintain a cohesive thread of refined elegance. Such timeless spaces!

Transitional home tour featuring traditional decor, designed by Margaret Donaldson
Julia Lynn Photography

Directly across from the kitchen, this seating area is a perfect example of the understated elegance found in Donaldson’s designs.

Vibrant pops of blue and green pop against the neutral hues in the space. An ivory sofa with clean lines pairs perfectly with a round coffee table that grounds the space, its exposed wood grain adding a rustic touch.

Transitional home tour featuring traditional decor, designed by Margaret Donaldson
Julia Lynn Photography

We can see the same color scheme and elegant balance of style in other rooms, like in this delightful seating nook.

Home tour featuring transitional bedroom in white, green and blue decor, designed by Margaret Donaldson
Julia Lynn Photography

Through simple forms, the design composition packs a powerful punch.
In the living room, the neutral color palette continues with crisp creams setting the stage.

Home tour featuring living room designed by Margaret Donaldson
Julia Lynn Photography

Pale wood accents lend a delicate rusticity to the space, complementing the plush light grey upholstered sofas and rugs.

Home tour featuring dining room designed by Margaret Donaldson
Julia Lynn Photography

The dining area sits next to the kitchen, separated by one of the many elliptical arches featured in the home design.

Home tour featuring kitchen with pale blonde wood designed by Margaret Donaldson
Julia Lynn Photography

Both spaces exude a luxurious warmth with layered wood finishes and creamy hues that lend this space an inviting, yet streamlined aesthetic.

Home tour featuring dining room designed by Margaret Donaldson
Julia Lynn Photography

In this home, nothing feels overstated or fussy – just a harmonious blend of refined materials that come together to craft truly sophisticated living spaces.

Home tour featuring study room designed by Margaret Donaldson in a transitional style with warm color palette
Julia Lynn Photography

But a few corners stand out against the neutral color scheme with moody tones and darker wood hues. For example, this little reading nook is complemented by stunning abstract artwork.

Home tour featuring sophisticated reading nook designed by Margaret Donaldson
Julia Lynn Photography

Or this charming spot. The dark wooden console with distressed details creates a striking contrast against the lush and moody floral wallpaper backdrop. And the vignette atop the console – the oversized ceramic lamp, the gilded mirror, the books, the vibrant floral arrangement – makes it come together flawlessly.

Home tour featuring traditional decor, designed by Margaret Donaldson
Julia Lynn Photography

The bedrooms, too, feature a playful use of pops of color that result in spaces that feel both timeless and current, with a warm elegance that is utterly captivating.

Home tour featuring bedroom with neutral color palette with lilac in transitional style designed by Margaret Donaldson
Julia Lynn Photography
Home tour featuring bedroom with neutral color palette in transitional style designed by Margaret Donaldson
Julia Lynn Photography

Just take a look at this home!

Home tour featuring modern dining room designed by Margaret Donaldson
Julia Lynn Photography

The interiors artfully blend coastal influences with a cool and contemporary color palette.

Home tour featuring living room designed by Margaret Donaldson
Julia Lynn Photography
Home tour featuring modern living room designed by Margaret Donaldson
Julia Lynn Photography

Sleek metal finishes complement soft greys, icy blues, and silvery accents along with modern artwork. This mix gives the home such a modern edge.

Home tour featuring modern dining room designed by Margaret Donaldson
Julia Lynn Photography


Yet the spaces maintain a timeless feel thanks to the layering of traditional furniture pieces throughout.

Home tour featuring modern kitchen designed by Margaret Donaldson
Julia Lynn Photography

This creates a harmonious balance of new and classic, resulting in a space that feels utterly chic.

Don’t forget to keep updated and inspired by Margaret Donaldson’s designs! You can find her new work on her website and follow her on her Instagram page!

What was your favorite home or room in this Designer Spotlight feature? Let me know in the comments.

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