Three Can’t Live Without Products

Kassatex: How did you start designing?
SB: Oh gosh. Well if I am being honest with myself, I started when I was a teenager and my mom gave me the opportunity to “redo” my bedroom for the first time ever. I am a little sister to two brothers so my life up until that point was hand-me-downs from them, so when they were out of the house I was able to finally do my own thing. That bedroom was a pale yellow angel theme which is so funny to look back on. That carried on to every new space I lived in, but I never thought of it as a talent or a skill even though the people in my life would always compliment me on the final product. It wasn’t until I was 35 that I recognized my eye for design. That’s when I went back to school for design and turned it into a profession!

Kassatex: Three designers who inspire you?
SB: Raili Clasen– her work is so vibrant and fun and her journey is just inspiring! She just exudes effervescence.
Chango & Co– Susana and her team have created so many beautiful spaces. It’s light, it’s approachable, it’s unfussy. I just love they way they incorporate all of the elements together.
Ken Fulk– his work at the Commodore Perry Estate was some of the most inspiring interior design I have ever seen in person in my life. It was so layered and intentional. There was no detail left undone.

Kassatex: A bathroom must always include…
SB: Ways to decant your everyday essentials! A canister for q-tips, a cup for toothbrushes, and so on.

Kassatex: Favorite room to design?
SB: Powder bathrooms. They’re like the little jewel boxes of a home and often where a homeowner will let you have the most fun.

Kassatex: Three classic paint colors you always use?
SB: Benjamin Moore October Mist– a clean, mossy pale green that looks good in so many styles and lighting schemes.
Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace– sometimes a too-bright-white for some, but one that never reads too blue or too yellow. Always good.
Farrow & Ball Hague Blue– a deep navy blue that is absolutely classic in every way.

Kassatex: What is currently on your bedside table?
SB: A yummy candle, a framed picture of my daughters, linen spray and mouth tape…that stuff is life changing!

Kassatex: First thing you do in the morning?
SB: Sadly, look at my phone. I am a slow riser, so I like to check in on what’s happening outside my world and digest what I need to do that day.

Kassatex: Most exciting moment of your career thus far?
SB: Seeing your work on the cover of a magazine is pretty surreal and definitely a highlight. Second most exciting– having your kids excited to brag about you to their friends.

Kassatex: Three decor trends you wish would disappear:
SB: White kitchens– put a little life in your space!
Schluter edges on tile– it’s the laziest and cheapest way to finish off your tile. Do it right!
Sectionals– such a controversial opinion, but our living spaces are slowly turning into giant bedrooms and I am not here for it!

Kassatex: Forever favorite hotel?
SB: Any of the Soho Houses. They’re always designed to the nines.

Kassatex: Finish this sentence: When in doubt in design…
SB: Just do the risk thing. Nothing is permanent and can always be changed! Have fun with design.

Kassatex: Favorite cost-effective brands you love to use when mixing high/low.
SB: Zara Home and H&M Home are great for quick, stylish accessorizing. World Market always has great stuff as well. And I love using Surya for inexpensive rugs in a pinch.