Designing Experiences: An Interview with Arielle Madilian of The Marin Merchant

Creating an event that feels alive and memorable takes more than just decoration. It requires a thoughtful design that connects guests to the place and the story behind the gathering. I recently had the chance to speak with Arielle Madilian, owner of The Marin Merchant, about her approach to design and how she shaped the atmosphere at the Sausalito Guide launch. Her insights reveal how small details and a deep understanding of place and people transform events into experiences.

About the Launch & the Power of Design

At the Sausalito Guide launch, you shaped everything from florals to flow. When guests first walked in, what feeling were you hoping they would experience before they even picked up a glass?

I wanted it to feel like an extension of Sausalito itself. When thinking about florals, I focused on what’s in season, locally sourced, and familiar to our landscape — eucalyptus, acacia, and touches of curly willow. The goal was for guests to feel immediately grounded, welcomed, and connected to the city we were celebrating in. 

Many people underestimate the role of a designer in an event. From your perspective, what transforms a gathering from “beautiful” into truly memorable?

It’s the small, thoughtful details — subtle signage, the branded takeaways, the way drinks are garnished, the scent, the sounds, and how spaces unfold. Those elements shape how you move through an event and how it feels, and that feeling is what people remember.

When you’re designing a space for someone else’s vision, like Jon’s, how do you balance honoring their story while still bringing your own creative voice into the room?

For me, it starts with deep observation — noticing patterns in what they’re drawn to: colors, materials, textures, and overall mood. Do they like to keep things classic, do they like to be bold, or do they like to keep things subtle? Once I understand that language, I can layer in elements that complement and quietly enhance their vision rather than compete with it.

The Marin Merchant & Creative Philosophy

The Marin Merchant is such a distinctive name. What’s the story behind it, and what does it represent to you?

I wanted a name that felt memorable and unique. I also knew I wanted to curate an eclectic mix of objects, so I began exploring the meaning of “merchant.” A merchant is a curator of goods and stories — someone who sources with intention and offers objects that carry meaning, craft, and soul. It felt aligned. The logo references a trade route and highlights the letter “M,” which is also an ode to my last name.

Your designs often feel like they have a narrative of their own. How do you use florals, textures, and layout to tell a story within a space?

I design in layers, guided by natural materials, texture, and tone. I think about the origin of the pieces I am featuring, the colors, and texture of each piece and how they can coexist in a way that feels layered but cohesive. It’s about creating dialogue between objects. A space doesn’t need to explain itself — it should be captivating and unfold slowly as you spend time in it. 

What’s one detail most clients never notice, but you obsess over because you know it changes the entire experience?

The sensory layer — scent, light, sound, and touch. Something can be visually beautiful, but when an experience engages multiple senses, it becomes immersive. And that’s what makes it unforgettable.

As your business has grown, how has your definition of “success” evolved, creatively and personally?

To me, success is helping people feel really good in their homes and environments — places where they spend so much of their lives. It’s also about community: collaborating with local creatives, sharing their work, and dreaming up meaningful projects together. I never imagined this work would connect me with so many incredible people, and I feel deeply grateful and personally fulfilled by it.

Inspiration, Community & Sausalito

When you’re feeling creatively drained, where do you go or what do you do to refill your well? A walk, a café, a view, a ritual?

If I’m short on time, I hike to the redwoods — it immediately grounds me. If I have a full day, I’ll drive up the coast, stop for oysters, wander small towns, visit hole-in-the-wall shops, and spend time in nature. That kind of wandering always resets me, and it's my favorite way to spend the day.

Do you have a favorite spot in Sausalito for coffee, inspiration, or quiet reflection, and what keeps drawing you back there?

I love walking across the bay and looking at Sausalito from a distance — it always reminds me of the Amalfi Coast. Seeing it from another perspective helps me zoom out, both creatively and personally. There’s a spot with a beautiful view where I like to sit, reflect, and think about what’s next.

What is it about the Sausalito community that continues to inspire your work, and how does living and creating here shape the way you design for others?

I love Sausalito — it’s stunning, but what really makes it special are the small moments and connections. There’s a strong sense of community here, from neighbors to clients I see around town, and it feels genuinely welcoming and collaborative. People truly beat to their own drum, and there’s a quiet creative energy that keeps me inspired. It also keeps me thinking about others — what my clients would be excited to experience, and what they might be missing or craving in their spaces.