Biography

Marty Cohen
Chief Creative Officer, Interior Designer
The M Group Interiors

Interior designer Marty Cohen is a self-professed designaholic, home therapist, and lifestyle expert who believes we should have happy, fun and personal experiences in the space we inhabit.

Growing up in Boston, Massachusetts, he was influenced by the architectural and cultural mix of his hometown. While other kids were still scribbling stick figures, Marty was drawing homes and re-imagining the look and feel of interior spaces.

For fun, young Marty made sure evening meals were events for his family to experience and enjoy. He would create a dining room lush with decoration for themed dinners. Wednesday was “Prince Spaghetti Day” in Boston, which featured his custom-designed checkerboard tablecloths, Chianti bottles laden with melted candle wax, and menus cut into the shape of Italy to create his own Italian trattoria. Neighbors begged for invites.

Marty studied architecture and design in the School of Environmental Design at the University of Colorado, and then returned to the Boston area to obtain a master’s degree in Design Studies (MDesS) from Harvard. There he collaborated on commercial and residential projects as the interior designer of record with noted architects Graham Gund and Moshe Safdie.

One of his early solo commissions was the original Bradford Hotel in Boston. Marty was asked to re-interpret the guests’ hotel experience while revamping furnishings, fabrics and window treatments. All decisions needed to improve the perception and experience of space while also providing comfort, practicality and personality. This mantra drives his design process to this day, in all projects whether commercial or residential.

The Bradford Hotel before had a cold and unwelcoming two and a half story lobby. A more intimate space was created with the addition of a mezzanine level of function rooms with lowered ceilings below. Each plush seating area In the lobby were grouped behind velvet drapes for an aura of mystery, privacy and warmth. Fabrics chosen felt good, the cushioning was deep and sumptuous. The aroma from complimentary mulled cider and candle fragrances added to the comforting atmosphere. Revelers from Boston’s theatre district took refuge from the bustle of activity outside.

In the 90’s Marty’s focus shifted to residential design after accepting a commission to design an avant-garde setting for a residential home. As devoted patrons of the arts, the family’s love of the symphony was a natural inspiration for Marty. Rich with both technology and history, his design created an exciting blend of old and new compositions made fresh for this generation. The architecture of this carriage home served as the foundation of the composition, its interior furnishings and décor as the melody, and its inhabitants and guests as the rhythm of life. A very personal space designed for enjoyment and fun, rich with laughter and always ready for entertainment.

Throughout his career, Marty has seen again and again how design can genuinely improve our lives. His projects have ranged from the elaborate to the intimate, from grand scale resorts to modest residential face-lifts. Each new project brings the opportunity to make a space radiate with charm and warmth, truly reflecting his client's wishes to capture the essence of who they are and how they wish to live.