Does thinking about your outdoor space make you smile? Or... does it make you sigh wistfully as you imagine all the unmet potential for greatness? Or, maybe you’re like me and there are kids’ toys scattered everywhere despite your best intentions? Lol. If you’ve been following me for a while, you might know that we decided to renovate our garage back in February last year. It was totally falling apart, so it prompted us to make something amazing out of something broken. Boy, did we achieve that!  Now, it is truly our oasis, and even though the girls’ toys are scattered everywhere m ..read more

  Does this sound familiar? You’ve seen stunning, professionally designed interiors when flipping through Architectural Digest, browsing House Beautiful, or scrolling the ‘Gram. You and the huz are planning to renovate, and you know you’d love a designer’s touch to make it perfect.  But what about all that stuff in the middle? Do you know what it takes to get from the space you have now to the one you want? And how does a designer guide you on this journey to “Best Home on the Block?” If you’re nodding your head and saying, “I have no idea, Susie. What does a designer actually do dur ..read more

  Happy New Year, everyone! To start us off on a positive note (we need it, right?), I am beyond excited to share this design project with you. It took us a few months to complete, and the final look was — is — so pretty. So stick with me as I walk you through our room-by-room process of prettying up this San Francisco home. When I say this design was life-changing, I mean it… be sure to read to the end to find out why! P.S. This project was featured in Architectural Digest Spain!  Come meet the clients… Jenna and John are a lovely couple who were looking to furnish their new Sa ..read more

  We’ve all heard it…kids grow up in the blink of an eye. As a parent of two rapidly growing girls, I have to agree. One moment they’re adorably twirling around in their new ballerina outfits, and the next, they’re trying on makeup and basically leaving for college. Cue the tears. It’s true – kids change like the wind, but their rooms shouldn’t have to. They can grow with your child. So before you go to town creating that Peppa Pig bedroom for your toddler, here are a few things to keep in mind… Tip 1. Select High-Quality and Durable Furnishings When your kids are tiny, it can be tempt ..read more

  If I had a nickel every time a client described their style as “modern,” I would be one wealthy interior designer. I would buy my own island in the Caribbean, move the huz and the kids, and spend the rest of our lives enjoying the island life. Okay… maybe not (we love the Bay Area), but you get my point — the word “modern” is used a LOT, and not always in the right way.  What most people don’t realize is that the term “modern” indicates a specific period of design from the mid-1900s. (Ever heard of mid-century modern? That’s the one!) However, the term “modern” has since ..read more

  Coming from a background in the art world, I am always thrilled when asked to help curate meaningful artwork for a client’s home. Whether it’s an enthralling window to the past, a happy reminder of a memory, or a textural piece that invites cozy vibes, art has a transformative effect on the mind...as well as your home. But the secret? Knowing how to curate a collection. If you don’t know your Monets from your Manets…don’t worry. Today, I’ll be your guide to all things art. Plus, I’ll share some fun deets about our brand-new art consulting service. (Yasss!!) But first, let’s take a minu ..read more

  Interior design trends and hanging out with friends over wine and furniture? It doesn’t get much better than that! The next best part? Getting to share my discoveries with you. Yep, I’m talking about High Point Market. In case you aren’t familiar with it, High Point Market (HPM) is the largest furnishings industry trade show in the world. Every 6 months, more than 75,000 people travel to High Point, North Carolina to discover the latest home design trends, meet top-notch artisans and vendors, and have fun (obvi!). It’s THE place to be if you’re a designer! What Do We Do at High Point ..read more

  Photo by R. Bradley Knipstein from our San Jose project If you’re investing in a renovation or in new furnishings for your home, you probably want the peace of mind that your design is going to last. Better yet, what if the materials you choose get even sexier as years pass?? Now, we’re talking! Like a fine wine (a good one), there are several home materials that really do get better with age… if you know where to look. Today we're sharing 5 of our fave materials for creating a relaxed yet sophisticated vibe that will withstand the test of time. Can you guess them all? 1. Keeping It C ..read more

  Think about standing in front of the breathtaking Taj Mahal in India, tossing a coin into the Trevi Fountain in Rome, or feeling small beside massive colonnades at the Parthenon in Athens. What do all 3 of these landmarks have in common? Marble.  Constructed centuries (even millennia) ago, these places still maintain gorgeous and luxurious character. Isn’t that remarkable?! In my opinion, marble (and some TLC, of course) is to thank. Even better? Your home doesn’t need to be ancient to experience the ageless sophistication and luxury of marble, too. Today, I’m sharing all the reas ..read more

  Portfolio Organic modern is my latest design crush. It gives a nod to the refreshing and restorative feeling of being outdoors with the clean-lined, sophisticated look of modern style… Sign me up! After all, you know I love modern style mixed with, well, just about anything: Modern Meets Historic Coastal Modern Modern Meets French Country (I couldn’t resist) Modern Meets Moody Modern Comfort Modern Traditional Whew, you would have thought I’d run out of ways to reinvent modern style for everyday living, right? But the ideas keep coming. This month, we’re moving right alo ..read more