Inspiration and Learnings from Suzanne Kasler
Last week I had the pleasure of attending a presentation by Suzanne Kasler. Suzanne is one of the country’s most talented and recognized interior designers and has designed some of the most beautiful homes and spaces out there.
Suzanne’s shared her personal design mantras by giving us a visual tour through her home. The presentation was informative and inspiring and I walked away with a few design tips to add to my arsenal.
Here’s what I learned and here are a few of the images that inspired me.
According to Suzanne, she spent several years searching for “her” home here in Atlanta. This is the house after it was taken down to the studs and rebuilt to Suzanne’s specifications. A beautiful Regency style home with a touch of European flair.
In this living area as well as a majority of the home, Suzanne created a signature color palette of all white. To keep the spaces open and airy, all surfaces were painted white, some surfaces slight variations of others but all in the same white palette.
To play up the ceiling height, the drapery panels were taken all the way to the ceiling. In many areas of the home were standard windows existed, Suzanne replaced them with french doors to add architectural interest and create a true indoor/outdoor feel. The idea of adding french doors throughout, for style and function, was a great design tip.
The kitchen was done in all white and a few glass front cabinet doors were added to create an open feel. Every inch of wall space was maximized with floor to ceiling cabinets/drawers.
In this eating area, metal framed french doors replaced windows. Another great design tip Suzanne shared was the idea of raising the door openings to elevate the visual height of a room. In many areas of the home the ceiling were only 8″ tall so Suzanne raised the door opening to 7″, leaving on 12″ between the top of the door and the ceiling.
Architectural details can be found in every room of here home and in the words of Suzanne, “if you get the architecture right, you’ll do less decorating.”
Suzanne is big of showcasing collections within your decor. Here are grouping of globes sit atop a simple desk.
“Creating a collection is the best way to personalize your home.”
In Suzanne’s view, there’s a trend in design where people are looking to create smaller more intimate spaces vs large and expansive spaces. Throughout here home, Suzanne created smaller rooms for reading, gathering and socializing.
I love the details of this study, from the drapes to the bookcases and furniture placement.
White on White again in the bedroom.
A pristine bathroom retreat with classic white floor tiles and white walls.
Another bedroom where the foundation of the space is kept white and splashes of subtle color are brought in through accessories and textiles.
Drapes hung high and fabric repeated throughout the room to create a story.
And finally, Suzanne’s outdoor living space, all done in white.
P.S. Suzanne’s go to white is Benjamin Moore’s White Dove!
Much of the furniture used in Suzanne’s home is from her Hickory Chair line which you can view here. And to take a peek at her new Lee Jofa fabric collection head here.
If Suzanne’s book, Inspired Interiors is not part of your design collection, I suggest you pick it up. It’s a great read and full of inspiring images!
