Known for his relaxed, casual, All-American style, and his signature use of white-and-blue, Mark D. Sikes answered a couple of questions about these subjects just in time for the Fourth of July for us. Check out his answers below and explore some spaces that bring our MDS x HVL collection to life.

HVL: What does “All-American style” mean to you? What makes it so desirable?
MDS: All-American style is fresh, casual, and easy. I think of stripes, denim, checks, and khaki. It’s desirable because it’s classic.

HVL: Your love for blue-and-white is legendary. What does red add to this combination?
MDS: Some fun! 

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Blue hue💙 featuring our new Painted No.1 pendant from our collection with @markdsikes. Design: @clarybosbyshell Photo: @heidiface —Link in bio for Painted No.1—

A post shared by Hudson Valley Lighting (@hudsonvalleylighting) on Jun 11, 2019 at 8:53am PDT

FRESH. Blue-and-white wallpaper establishes a feeling of freshness, like taking a cool drink of water in with your eyes. Of course, that's only deepened by all those beautiful flowers and plants getting watered and trimmed. Painted No. 1 in Aged Brass/Bird Blue from our CLASSICS collaboration with MDS complements this fresh, airy feeling. Blue-and-white for the win!

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Modern farmhouse vibes🌿 featuring our new Metal No.1 pendants from our CLASSICS collection with @markdsikes — swipe to see the gorgeous Antique Distressed Bronze finish up close! Design: @houseofjadeinteriors Photo: @lindsay_salazar_photography —Link in bio for Metal No.1—

A post shared by Hudson Valley Lighting (@hudsonvalleylighting) on May 29, 2019 at 8:47am PDT

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Love this modern farmhouse kitchen, featuring our new Metal No.1 pendant from our collection with @markdsikes, plus our Pelham sconce over the sink🌿 Design: @houseofjadeinteriors Photo: @lindsay_salazar_photography —Link in bio for light fixtures—

A post shared by Hudson Valley Lighting (@hudsonvalleylighting) on May 8, 2019 at 8:52am PDT

CASUAL. Metal No. 1 keeps things casual in this kitchen space. While a beautiful fixture with timeless allure and a gorgeous finish, it's also approachable. It's not over-the-top or angular. This kitchen keeps things mostly light and bright but grounds the space iwth some wooden tones, grey colors, and pops of brass. Metal No. 1's placement above the island with stools makes for an inviting environment where one can relax. 

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The Sphere No. 2 pendant, from our CLASSICS collection with @markdsikes, pops in this beautiful neutral dining space🌿 Design: @sherryhdesigns Photo: @anthony.masterson —Link in bio for Sphere No. 2–

A post shared by Hudson Valley Lighting (@hudsonvalleylighting) on May 30, 2019 at 9:02am PDT

EASY. While this room is somewhat formal, it still feels inviting and ready for you to set yourself at ease. There's not a lot of undue fuss; it's ready for its purpose, which is dining; and it looks set to for guests to enjoy a long meal and conversation in with minimal work. The Sphere No. 2 pendant above the table at once creates impact and feels accessible. Its celebration of circular shapes give it an easy, approachable feeling. 

Homeowner: Ariel Garneau of PMQforTwo | Sphere No. 1

FUN! Like Mark says, while blue-and-white together create endless elegance, throw some red in there and it gets fun. And fun is one of the main words that comes to mind with this space, with its Sphere No. 1 pendants, funky wallpaper, light-blue-and-white elements, and red pop chairs. You can find out more about that space and others in our One Room Challenge post.

Homeowner: Jennifer Flores of Rambling Reno | Sphere No. 2