The Style Files: Suzanne Kasler
Suzanne Kasler is a designer I have admired for many years now. Her work is typically more traditional, but she does many styles so very well, always with her distinct European-inspired flair. Regardless of the inspiration for any specific project she has designed, those of us who love her work can always count on it to be elegant, timeless, and pretty. Drawing inspiration from the worlds of fashion, architecture, interiors, and art, Suzanne carefully crafts a unique vision for each of her clients and encourages them to incorporate their personal collections with new, bespoke pieces created especially for them. Defined by her effortless approach to casual elegance, Suzanne’s beautifully designed spaces have been featured in many important design publications including Architectural Digest, House Beautiful, Traditional Home, and Veranda. In addition to her design work, Suzanne has also collaborated with some of the top manufacturers in our industry to create signature licensed collections including furniture with Hickory Chair, fabric with Lee Jofa, lighting with Visual Comfort & Co., rugs with Safavieh, artwork with Soicher-Marin, and a retail collection spanning all of these categories for Ballard Designs.
I first met Suzanne many years ago when I had just started blogging and visited High Point for the first time. She has always been one of the loveliest, most gracious people in our business. Over the last year or so, I have had the opportunity to get to know her a bit better through our dear mutual friend and am delighted to share that she is extraordinarily kind. When we live in such a complicated world, what could be better than knowing that someone of Suzanne’s caliber of talent with such a significant body of work and inspiring career is genuinely nice and continues to create beautiful work?
Paloma Contreras: How would you describe your style?
Suzanne Kasler: Defining style can be difficult because it can be expressed in so many different ways. My style is marked by unexpected juxtapositions, a European sensibility. I love to mix high and low– casual elegance– and a focus on the architecture and the space.
{Chairs with a Beautiful Patina and Gorgeous Chinoiserie Wallpaper}
PC: Has living in Atlanta influenced the way you decorate?
SK: Atlanta is a big city, but it has been able to maintain a southern charm that so many people love. I like to design a room that is chic, but still comfortable which I think is just like Atlanta. We are a big, growing city but we still have that sense of southern comfort that attracts so many people. And in the South, it is all about creating a lifestyle, not just decorating.
{Suzanne’s Beautiful Home in Atlanta’s Buckhead Neighborhood}
PC: What does your home say about you?
SK: It is my favorite, edited, and personal collection.
{A Lovely Vignette in Suzanne’s Home that also Graces the Cover of her Second Book, Timeless Style}
PC: Where do you turn for inspiration?
SK: Paris! Really, I am inspired everywhere with Paris being the most favorite for interiors and fashion.
{A Snapshot from the Opening Night Gala for the Biennale in Paris a few Weeks Ago | Image via Suzanne’s Instagram}
PC: What trait do you most admire in a person?
SK: Honesty and a positive attitude.
{A Pretty Moment in a Bedroom Designed by Suzanne}
PC: Who are your personal style icons?
SK: Miuccia Prada. Her collection always seem to set the tone for the rest of the fashion world.
{Miuccia Prada}
PC: What do you consider to be your greatest achievement thus far?
SK: Personally, my wonderful husband and daughter. Professionally, I have published two books with Rizzoli, Inspired Interiors and Timeless Style.
{Suzanne’s Books}
PC: Who has been your greatest professional influence?
SK: My parents, Martha and Jim who inspire me to be the best and to always have passion.
{A Lovely Sitting Room by Suzanne Kasler}
PC: What is your idea of living “la dolce vita”?
SK: Living life with perpetual enthusiasm and never losing curiosity. Live in the present and make the most of each day. Also, finding a way in one’s life to be involved and give back.
{A Chic Black and White Bedroom by Suzanne Kasler}
PC: What can we look forward to next from you?
SK: I am so excited to have designed another collection of fabrics for Lee Jofa that is launching this fall; a new collection for Hickory Chair launching Fall 2015, new lighting designs for Visual Comfort & Co., and a new outdoor collection for Ballard Designs.
{A Photo I snapped in the Hickory Chair showroom during Spring Market in High Point featuring Suzanne’s Annsley Slipper Chair and Tuxedo Armoire for Hickory Chair alongside her Quatrefoil Floor Lamp for Visual Comfort & Co.}
Go-To Outfit: Morgane le Fay
Style Mantra: Casual Elegance
Scent: Hermes Rouge
Piece of Jewelry: Hublot Watch
Color I Never Tire Of: White
Flower: Roses
Indispensable Design Element: Starburst Mirrors– Also a mix of high and low…
Era for Design: French Moderne
Dream Project: Working with a great team and a wonderful architect
Fabric/Textile: Velvet and Linen
Hostess Gift: My book from Rizzoli with a handwritten note
Meal: Caviar
Drink: Veuve Clicquot Champagne!
Way to Unwind after a Long Day at Work: Reading the new fashion and interiors magazines
Weekend Destination: The beach on 30A
Hotel: The Peninsula in Los Angeles– They monogram my pillowcase.
City: Paris
Museum: Vaux-le-Victomte
Artist: Cy Twombly
Song that Always Puts Me in a Great Mood: Pharrell’s “Happy”
Prized Possession: My Picasso Lithograph
Risk Worth Taking: Unconditional Love
