Yesterday, we introduced you to Susan Serra, author of The Kitchen Designer and one of the bloggers participating in the DDB's Bloggers Lounge during Fall Market. We spent some time talking with Susan about her blog and what she decorates with in her own home.
GDG: What are a few fundamental elements of your own space?
SS: Due to my 100 percent Scandinavian heritage, Scandinavian design is in my DNA and I grew up with mid-century modern furniture in my family home. The interior of my current home is white—two rooms have painted white wood floors with white walls. Color in my home is added primarily by incorporating artwork and accessories.
The mix of styles in my home has a foundation in Scandinavian design but the interiors surely have an overall eclectic element as well. I need to feel connected to the decorative elements in my home — that is the criteria for any purchase that I make.
GDG: Were there any trends this summer that you especially loved—or didn't?
SS: I have been taken recently with area rugs. Rugs have sparked my interest as I’ve observed beautiful and innovative color combinations, great looking and easy to live with motifs and sophisticated textures.
The whole Belgian/Restoration Hardware/greige/linen look is now clearly overdone to the point where new interpretations are often designed in poor taste, which is disheartening. Actually, it can be a lovely look when done well, but to my eye, too much of a trend is all bad and certainly not a sustainable way to design an interior.
GDG: What are you looking forward to seeing during the DDB's Fall Market?
SS: As today’s kitchens are ever more open to surrounding spaces, it is important that I be open to interior design styles, themes, trends, products and materials. Visiting D&D’s Fall Market is a superb opportunity to be exposed to fresh design inspiration. As personal expression is a significant trend (sort of the anti-trend) in interior design, being open to design in all its forms will be both interesting and helpful to my practice.
GDG: Can you share some fun facts about yourself?
SS: Inspired by the clean lines and warm aesthetic of Scandinavian design, I have designed a collection of cabinetry for the kitchen and other rooms. Bornholm Kitchen is continually under development as I become inspired! I have just spent 10 days in Bornholm, a tiny island off the coast of Denmark and in Copenhagen to visit family and otherwise soak in the Danish culture in all its forms.
I also collect Scandinavian pottery from the 40s to the 70s, a notable period in Scandinavian ceramics, and I also collect vintage Swedish rag rugs--their charm and color combinations are unique and lovely.
Check back with GoDesignGo to meet more of the DDB's Fall Market Bloggers.
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