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A midwestern native trained in commercial design, Suzanne Kasler made two big pivots in the mid-1990s: she moved to Atlanta, and began working exclusively on residential projects. Both changes turned out to be prescient: She quickly became one of the south's biggest names, and is now a nationally recognized designer, regularly earning a spot on the AD100 and Elle Decor's A-List—not to mention a robust portfolio of product licenses with everyone from Hickory Chair to Visual Comfort to Ballard Design.On this episode of the podcast, she speaks with host Dennis Scully about why business is about more than just productivity, why she focuses on pricing transparency with clients, and how the logistical challenges of the pandemic have changed her firm forever.This episode is sponsored by CryptonLINKSSuzanne KaslerDennis ScullyBusiness of Home
One result of the coronavirus quarantine is an increased appreciation for the great outdoors. Parks, beaches, and hiking trails are packed, and sales at plant nurseries are booming. What does this mean long term for America's homes and backyards? In this episode, renowned interior designer Suzanne Kasler and landscape architect Janice Parker talk about all things garden—from elaborate outdoor kitchens for entertaining, the new popularity of loggias, chicken coops and firepits, why the sudden the rage for raising vegetables and the best ways to make the connection between indoors and out closer and more seamless than ever. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
One result of the coronavirus quarantine is an increased appreciation for the great outdoors. Parks, beaches, and hiking trails are packed, and sales at plant nurseries are booming. What does this mean long term for America’s homes and backyards? In this episode, renowned interior designer Suzanne Kasler and landscape architect Janice Parker talk about all things garden—from elaborate outdoor kitchens for entertaining, the new popularity of loggias, chicken coops and firepits, why the sudden the rage for raising vegetables and the best ways to make the connection between indoors and out closer and more seamless than ever. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
We kick off this week with some Trials and Triumphs about architects, puzzles, and house plans. Then, our beloved partner and award-winning interior designer Suzanne Kasler joins the show. Suzanne updates us on how she is personally dealing with way more time at home than usual, and the cool products and pieces we can expect from her new line with Ballard in terms of colors, textures, and accessories. What You’ll Hear On This Episode: Some trials and triumphs on a new architecture endeavor, fancy house plans, puzzles, hoses, and a cool wardrobe idea for men. Suzanne collects what she likes as she travels and visits new places. We can pull our design from what inspires us and makes us feel the most connected to our home instead of having strict boundaries or rules. Suzanne explains why people are gravitating towards woven texture, and how to incorporate woven texture with other patterns and textiles in an elevated and timeless way. Our new summer collection with Suzanne features the classic and tried and true pieces, but also new fabrics, bright patterns, and items that will create a splash of fun and liveliness. Fashion and interior design can be very much interwoven, and some of Suzanne’s plaid pieces are inspired by the shirts from Christmas. Of course, Suzanne is making the most of her stay at home time, and she gives us ideas on easy ways to make big changes while our resources may be limited. Ideas on how we would use a divider screen in our house. How we can mix brown furniture in a light and bright room without making it feel heavy. Suzanne’s two favorite white paint colors, and how to know which one to choose for the specific function. A few of the new colors in the collection such as mandarin orange, and more about the cyclical timeless colors like blush. Mentioned In This Episode: Ballard - Suzanne Kasler Collection Link to Sweepstakes for $10k at Ballard and tour of Suzanne Kasler’s house Overstock.com Martha Stewart Charlotte Moss John Derian Hermes Benjamin Moore White Dove Benjamin Moore Simply White Decorating Dilemma: You have so much space and natural light already, so congrats on that! A few suggestions of ours would be to paint the brick white and buy a fireplace screen. If you don’t use the fireplace then adding some white birch logs could look great. If you wanted to add a divider screen that matches the linen on the bed, that could be a solution to your window/bed issue. The room could be a great place to relax and watch TV, so making it comfortable and functional would give you options for a retreat or just a temporary escape! In the fall, Suzanne will be expanding her Mathes collection, so check back in for some chaise options that would look great. Also, we love your wood floors! Suzanne recommends a neutral linen sofa, and you can add your color in through beautiful throws and pillows. That way you have a timeless couch, and you can change up your color scheme as you desire. The neutral linen sofa would also look great with the textures and tones in your room. We recommend moving the sofa so it is centered, and getting a bigger rug. Put the two end tables at each end of the sofa, and two lamps on them would bring an anchored feel to the room.
Inspired by architecture, art, fashion, and travel, Suzanne Kasler designs spaces and products that are luminous, distinctive, and timeless. Suzanne’s designs always reference the past but move towards the future with an edited and discerning eye on the present. Mixing the high and the low, traditional and contemporary, the new and the old — creating signature interiors and products that convey a sophisticated simplicity. Her designs inspire everyone to live a more beautiful, stylish, and authentic life. Suzanne’s work has been published in major design magazines, including Architectural Digest, Elle Décor,House Beautiful, Traditional Home and Veranda. She has been named to Architectural Digest’s AD100 and Elle Décor’s A-List. Her award-winning interiors have been captured in three books with Rizzoli, Inspired Interiors, Timeless Style, and her most recent title, Sophisticated Simplicity. In addition to designing timeless interiors for her clients, Suzanne has produced signature lines for Ballard Designs, Hickory Chair, La Cornue, Lee Jofa, and Visual Comfort.
Design blogger Kevin O’Gara joins the show this week to discuss the inspiration and background behind his traditional yet youthful style. Kevin is a rising superstar in the world of design, and talks about his blog Thou Swell, the inspiration behind his new maze inspired rug collection, and what trends he is most excited. Kevin also talks with us about using contrast and color in both traditional and modern, how he took his design skill to his very own dorm room, and what it was like working with Suzanne Kasler. What You’ll Hear on This Episode: Trials and triumphs including water leaks (yes, a new one!), garbage disposals, and why you should leave it to the professionals to do the fixing. Also, a search for the perfect lamp, the Margot Slubby Velvet Quilt, and finding the right box that is both beautiful and functional. Kevin has always found ways to turn things he is interested in into a business or entrepreneurial venture. He started his blog, Thou Swell, in high school, and mixed his interest in design, photography, and graphics. Kevin’s design style is rooted in classics with a playful twist. He grew up with traditional design, but found balance between that and modern while spending time on Pinterest and blogs, What it was like for Kevin to work in Suzanne Kasler’s office, and the biggest things he learned throughout his experience. Some do’s and don’t of wallpaper that Kevin has learned, including accent walls and how to get over the feeling of intimidation when starting with a blank slate. Kevin’s rug collection, and how the color choice was inspired by nature. The Invitation Homes show house that has been one of Kevin’s favorite projects, where he got to be playful and step out of his comfort zone. Why working on tiny spaces such as a dorm room has been one of Kevin’s most fun challenges and how they are a great creative experience. Kevin’s biggest tip: focus on textiles and invest in comfortable bed linens and lots of throw pillows and blankets. How Kevin’s blog name “Thou Swell” mirrors the traditional and modern aspects of his design. Mentioned In This Episode: Kevin O’Gara | @kevinfrancisdesign Kevin Francis Design Thou Swell Double Gourd Lamp Margot Slubby Quilt Suzanne Kasler Ep #115 with Tammy Connor
1. THIS PODCAST IS SPONSORED BY HELSER BROTHERS HADRWARD Helser brothers are a fully custom manufacturer of drapery hardware. It is run by Brothers Jay and Mark. Jay was an expert independent drapery installer and designs new products that are install friendly and engineered for strength and Mark, a talented metal worker with a mind of an engineer, has been regarded as a mechanical genius by all who know him. Helser has an outstanding reputation and has been in business for 24 years. Their customer service agents known as “The Rod Squad” include retired interior designers and drapery workroom owners with decades of experience. They can customize anything and any order over $100 is shipped free. you can see their products at helserbrothers.com or find them on facebook, instagram, Twitter and Pinterest. 2. INTRO We have been wanting to attend this show for years and could never work it out either because of our workload or because both shows, Spring and Fall, are right before High Point Market. That is one of the reasons we are not in High Point right now. We made the decision, and with the help of design friend Sarah Eilers, that now was the time to go. What is this show? A show where you can find antiques, furniture, rugs, artwork, mirrors, clothing, jewelry, boots, one of a kind pieces and so much more. Round Top is located in between Austin and Houston, Texas and started in 1968. The population of this area is 90, but in the Spring and Fall about 200,000 descend upon the area. It spans over a twenty mile stretch. Fly into Austin or Houston and rent a car. 3. HOW TO NAVIGATE A. Go with a seasoned professional - Lucas Eilers Design – Sarah Eilers – Houston Interior Designer i. Sarah was the ultimate hostess, picking us up at the airport, taking us to some of her favorite shops in Houston and then to tour her amazing office in the Houston Design Center. We left the next day to head to Round Top – about a 1-1/2 hour drive. ii. Stay in a reputable place – Sarah found an amazing rental just a few miles from all the action – There’s a crazy story about this place. iii. Map out the shows you want to go to – (some open later than others) Sarah did this all for us J iv. Save the air conditioned places for the afternoon v. Know where the best bathrooms are vi. Dress comfortably and bring sunscreen. It is HOT!!!! vii. Bring cash – not all dealers take credit cards and you have better options to haggle viii. Take a break and have a nice lunch – Lulu’s B. THE SHOWS i. Marburger Farm – our favorite – can spend a whole day here 1. Entrance Fee 2. 350 Dealers 3. Big field - All outdoor tents ii. Big Red Barn 1. Quality Antiques 2. 30,000 square feet – air conditioned 3. Estate jewelry, silver iii. Blue Hills 1. First top along Highway 237 2. 26 acres 3. Antiques, textiles and outdoor furniture 4. Great BBQ lunch at the picnic tables iv. The Compound – 5 Barns 1. Beautiful European antiques 2. 40,000 square feet 3. Doors 4. Armoires 5. Mirrors v. Market Hill 1. Large indoor venue 2. Art, rugs, décor, furniture 3. Air-conditioned restrooms vi. The Arbors – a favorite 1. Artwork 2. Textiles and linens 3. Clothing 4. Boots 5. Handcrafted Jewelry C. SOME FAVORITE VENDORS i. Pascal Home (shows at Scott Antique Market) – beautiful tables, beds, seating and lighting ii. Southern Classic Jewelry (shows at Scott Antique Market and Americasmart) – Joann purchased the nurse buckle iii. The Crooked Antler – great clothes, accessories, and jewelry iv. Kim Hoegger Home – design colleague selling furniture, linens, pillows, accessories v. Outpost Original – horns boxes, ostrich eggs, shell necklaces, quills, etc. vi. Stephanie Wheeler – fine artist – colorful abstracts vii. Paul Michael Company – large store selling several vendors viii. Haute Horns – bedazzled horns! ix. Southern Beasts – vintage fabric covered sculptures – mostly animals – unique one of a kind x. Jackies Folk Art – Interesting and unique framed art D. PANEL DISCUSSION SPONSORED BY TRADITIONAL HOME – MODERATED BY KRISSA ROSSBUND, SENIOR STYLE EDITOR i. Suzanne Kasler ii. Martyn Lawrence Bullard iii. Robert Passal iv. Mary McDonald Each panelist chose their favorite piece from the show, had it on the stage and discussed why they chose it. E. HOW TO BRING YOUR LARGE PURCHASES HOME i. Bring your own U-Haul or Trailer ii. There are several companies that will transport your purchases – a reputable (but somewhat expensive) one is Distinguished Transport. You can bring them your receipts and they will pick up each item from each the vendor and bring them back to your home. First item to Atlanta was $600 and then $100 for every item thereafter. It would be a good idea to share purchases with friends or only use this service if you plan on bringing back a lot of items.
I’m Josh Cooperman, host and publisher of Convo By Design. This is another episode of Legendary Conversations featuring the stories, events and intimate chats with legends of design. I am bringing you chats, conversations and keynotes from the magnificent showrooms of the LaCienega Design Quarter. This one is really fun, it was hosted by Circa Lighting. It’s called Breaking The Rules and features Mary McDonald, Suzanne Kasler and Thomas O’Brien. It was moderated by House Beautiful Editor-in-Cheif, Joanna Salta, who stated, and I think she was correct in her assertion that she might be the first panelist to moderate a Legends panel in overalls. And she crushed it with both the look and the conversation. This is “Breaking The Rules” from the Circa Showroom during Legends 2019. Convo By Design Instagram: @ConvoXDesign Mary McDonald Twitter @MaryMcDonaldINC House Beautiful Instagram: @HouseBeautiful Thomas O’Brien Instagram: @AEROStudios Suzanne Kasler Instagram: @SuzanneKaslerLEGENDARY Conversations From the LaCiene
We have been participating in Dwell with Dignity for several years but this is our first time being asked to design a vignette for Thrift Studio here in Atlanta. 1. DWELL WITH DIGNITY - WHAT IS IT? A. Dwell with Dignity started in Dallas in 2009 by Lisa Robison and Kim Turner. They deal with agencies who work to place homeless families. The agencies nominate families who want to be self-sufficient. DWD furnishes the families home, stocks the pantry with groceries and provides the first night’s meal. Theses families have faced some very tough times and have worked hard to earn a beautiful place to live. B. They are able to furnish these homes (mainly apartments) with donations from the design community, manufacturers , retailers and the community. Thrift studio is their largest fundraiser. 2. THRIFT STUDIO - WHAT IS IT? Thrift Studio is a pop-up shop created to provide funds to Dwell with Dignity by selling donated furniture, housewares, accessories and high-end designer finds to the public. Since the concept launched in Dallas in 2011, the event has grown into a highly anticipated and can’t-miss event for DWD supporters, the interior design community and the general public looking for a fabulous deal on home furnishings. The Preview Party is Wednesday, September 27th where you can get first dibs on the best items. Tickets are $150 but you can easily save that in one purchase alone! If you can’t make it that evening, there is a pop-up shop starting September 28th through October 19th Monday – Friday from 10:00 am to 5:30 pm. For full details or to purchase tickets go to dwellwithdignity.org A. Co-Chairs i. John Oetgen of Oetgen Design ii. John Lineweaver – Lineweaver Designs & Communications, Graphic Design/Branding B. Art Chairs: - from Trinity Mercantile and Design in Decatur – in charge of finding artists to donate their original work to the thrift studio and the designers can choose items for their vignettes. i. Lisa Turner ii. Wallace Bryan C. Designers: i. Douglas W. Hilton ii. Kandrac & Kole Interior Designs, Inc. iii. Kristin Kong of K. Kong Designs iv. Amy Morris of Amy Morris Interiors v. Bradley Odom of Dixon Rye vi. Loren Audrey Taylor D. Where: i. ADAC – The Atlanta Decorative Arts Center – 4th Floor – Suite #417 3. HOW IT WORKS A. Donations from showrooms, designers and manufacturers are kept in a warehouse i. The selected designers “shop” the warehouse to help create a vignette along with items they fill in with. ii. Our additional donors: 1. Taylor Cox – one of her signature beach paintings 2. Jay Scott – 48 x 60 Serene landscape in gray/pink 3. Laura Park – Colorful abstract art 4. Pamela Copeman – original art of blonde lady in colorful jacket 5. Currey and Company – Funky cool floor lamp 6. Couture Lamps – Buddha and black and white lamps and accessories 7. Surya Rugs – 2 8 x10 – colorful pink and orange rugs 8. Greg Fleming Designs – terrarium, succulents iii. The pricing: 1. Art is 40% off retail 2. Furniture and all other décor items are 60% off retail iv. Our space: 1. Very colorful – Benjamin Moore Peony 2079-30 donated by Strathmore Floors a. 2 orange leather chairs b. Neutral linen sofa and chairs from the Thrift Studio warehouse c. 2 – 8 x 10 rugs – Antioch – made in turkey - Low pile in bright pink, yellow, garnet, lime, saffron, white and lavender – donated by Surya d. Lots of artwork - many from the Suzanne Kasler collection of softly curated abstracts that were donated to the warehouse as well as those mentioned above. 4. LAST YEAR'S THRIFT STUDIO A. Totally fun event with great music and food B. Lots of designer friends and colleagues C. So many deals to be had – we bought a few items for our design projects 5. WAYS TO BE INVOLVED A. DWD sets up volunteer days you can sign up for: assemble furniture, paint, sew, clean, hang draperies and much more. It is a way to get involved and learn a new skill. Go to the DWD website for updates.
We hear what keeps award-winning interior designer Suzanne Kasler so busy, and the inspiration behind her new wicker Southport Collection. We talk about her love for pink, modern trends, guilty pleasures and much more. What You’ll Hear on This Episode: How Suzanne stays relevant in the industry and fresh in her approach through travel, shopping and educationThe more inspired you are, the more it seeps into your client workThe release of Suzanne’s new book Sophisticated Simplicity and her newsletter InspiredHow Suzanne picks certain projects to publish and her approach to photographing her book with designers, stylists and photographersHer go-to accessories for photoshoots and why she keeps them indigenous to the areaHow Suzanne uses lamp slips to create a look of proportion and layeringThe trends of darker walls and wall coverings is something Suzanne is now seeing in every room of the houseThe backstory of Suzanne’s Southport collection and how a daybed in a flea market in Paris was her muse in creating the collectionThe difference between wicker and rattan and why you should have a piece in your homeThe timeline of her purchases to when it is available for purchase as part of a collectionThe mix of pieces and styles that go into her Paris Apartment collection for Hickory Chair, and why Paris is one of her top choices of cities to shopWhy she is in the “thinking pink” zonePetite chairs and why Suzanne is always on the hunt for a great oneThe new flagship store opening in Atlanta is coming soon, so check the website for grand opening event details
While in Atlanta for market, Baton Rouge interior designer Rachel Cannon stopped by the podcast to talk brown furniture, waiting for that perfect piece, letting your layout dictate your furniture pieces, and her 'cantaloupe' bookshelf styling trick. Definitely don't miss this one! WHAT YOU'LL HEAR ON THIS EPISODE: First things first, we get a lesson in how to say 'Baton Rouge'Rachel talks about her first room and the most important decorating lesson her mom taught herRachel talks about why your room dictates your furniture layout and the pieces you needRachel tells us her number one piece of dream furnitureWe give Rachel all our Scott's Antique Market tips and we talk about AmericasMart in AtlantaWe quiz Rachel on her tips for dressing up a space while keeping it comfortableWhy paint color isn't necessarily the best route if you want a colorful homeRachel shares her favorite paint colorsWe talk bookshelves and how to fill all that space without it being clutteredRachel's 'cantaloupe' trick for bookshelf stylingWe ask Rachel who about her designer inspirations -- Suzanne Kasler, Kelly Wearstler, and Phoebe Howard
The impossibly talented Barbara Westbrook stops by the podcast to talk antiquing, her book Gracious Rooms, her client work, renovating her homes, and her decorating pet peeve. And of course, we answer your decorating questions! WHAT YOU'LL HEAR ON THIS EPISODE: Barbara tells us about some of her earliest memories antiquing with her mom in a shop in her hometown of Lynchberg, VirginiaHow she ended up in Atlanta in the interior design business working for one of our podcast guestsBarbara tells us a story of Suzanne Kasler's bathroom, and we talk about Miles Redd's mirrored bathroomWe talk about Barbara's previous home in a historic neighborhood in AtlantaShe talks about why it's a good idea to live in your home before you renovateBarbara tells us about why she bought her new house and the improvements she's making to itWe talk about collecting items you love and finding a place for them laterWhy she loves designing kitchens and how she'd love to just design kitchens one dayHer best lesson for designing a kitchen or bathroom -- edited the design down to two 'tricks'How she transitioned from a petite home to a larger homeWe talk about picture frames and Barbara's approach to incorporating them into your decor
Ever since we worked with interior designer Jonathan Savage on the 2016 Southern Style Now Showhouse, we've been itching to share his work with you. When he was in town for Discover ADAC, he sat down with us to share everything he's been up to, tips for renovating, and so much more. What You'll Hear on This Episode: Jonathan gives us a rundown of his first overseas designerWe talk about Jonathan and Suzanne Kasler's recent shopping trip in LondonWe talk about how style differs from coast to coast and even generation to generationJonathan shares the inspiration by his stairwell in the Kips Bay ShowhouseJonathan shares why showhouses are such great opportunity for designersJonathan plans to use pieces from Miles Redd's collection for an upcoming showhouseWe talk about updating family heirloomsWe talk about choosing appliances when you're doing a home renovationJonathan suggests talking to friends and family members before choosing appliancesWhy it's important to test drive appliances and fixtures before using them in your renovationJonathan walks us through his Nashville home renovationWe talk about how we were inspired by Jonathan's room in the Southern Style Now Showhouse in New OrleansWe talk about wallpaper and why some rooms need it
Today's guest is not only one of our favorite designers and a hometown hero in the design world, she's also our design partner, Suzanne Kasler. Suzanne's interiors are usually riddled with classic furniture pieces, but she presents them with a modern point of view. They're tailored, edited, and punctuated with color. We launched our first collection with Suzanne in 2011, and ever since then, we've been making design magic together, so we're thrilled to have her as our guest today on the blog! WHAT YOU'LL HEAR ON TODAY'S SHOW: Karen's recent framing victory inspired by Natalie Nassar's houseTaryn talks about a product she recently designedA new hobby I'm trying outSuzanne talks about showhouses and why she loves themWhy she likes to keep her team smallHow she does it all and where she finds her creative energyHow her love of shopping translates to design inspirationWhy Suzanne can't share her favorite places to shopWhy she started working with design partnersWe talk about her new outdoor furniture collection, her Directoire collection in whiteWhy you should start planning your outdoor space earlySuzanne talks about using white as a paint color and she uses it so much in her clients' homesSuzanne talks about her 'architectural envelope' and why she pays so much attention to the architecture of her clients' homes