Our guest this week is good friend Susanna Salk, lifestyle and design expert, and author of over 14 books including the memoir she just snuck in. She talks about her new book, Making a House a Home, and some of the things she’s been most surprised about in the designer’s homes. Susanna talks about the difference between a designer’s home vs. a non-designers home and how we can bring that casual elegance into our own life. Susanna talks about why spring cleaning isn’t exactly her thing and ways to edit your wardrobe and home in an easier, more consistent way.
What You’ll Hear on This Episode:
Mentioned in This Episode:
Ballard Designs
Susanna Salk
Making a House a Home
Miles Redd
Decorating Dilemma
Susanna wishes she was right with you! If she was there, the first thing she would do is get you a fantastic rug to cut up some of the wood. This would be the biggest game changer, and it doesn’t even have to be an expensive rug. Check out the Ballard rugs with a big, beautiful juicy pattern on it, and put the rug under your table area. Next, you should paint those current cabinets a nice white. Then, take the spindly chandelier that's coming down low and kind of blocking the windows above that table. And I would put a more recessed light above there.
You don’t need window treatments, and the windows and the view are beautiful enough. As far as the table, Susanna recommends getting rid of the little table and replacing it with a series of flower pots down along the floor area or a fiddle fig tree along the side.
If you can replace the dining room table, a vintage table or long farmhouse wood table would highlight the rug and make it feel less matchy-matchy. Or if you do replace the black solid barstools, pick a soft fun pattern and don’t worry about it matching with the rug.
If you only have $500 to spend, have an electrician take down the chandelier and put in another ceiling light. Thanks so much for writing in and good luck!
Ep. 265: Trials & Triumphs
Ep. 264: Art 101 with Liz Lidgett
Ep. 263: Pools, Patios, and Porches w/ landscape architect Brantley Snipes
Ep. 262: What Makes Upholstery Last with Hope Austin
Ep. 261: Trials and Triumphs
Ep. 260: Best Ways to Make a Room Look Finished with Jenna Gross
Ep. 259: Living Large in Small Spaces with Ginger Curtis
Ep. 258: Giving New Builds Charm & Character with Brandon Ingram
Ep. 257: Trials & Triumphs
Ep. 256: Vibrant Interiors with Andrea Monath Schumacher
Ep. 255: Breaking Design Rules with Summer Thornton
Ep. 254: Designing Kid Spaces with Pebbles Nix
Ep. 253: Trials & Triumphs
Ep. 252: A Modern Take on Traditional Design with Katie Rosenfield
Ep. 251: How to Hire an Interior Designer with Emily Wyatt
Ep. 250: Landscape Design with Carmen Johnston
Ep. 249: A Sustainable Approach to Design with Laurence Carr
Ep. 248: Creating Outdoor Spaces with Brantley Snipes
Ep. 247: Product Design 101
Ep. 246: How to Live in Color with Sophie Robinson
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