Suzanne Tucker is one of my favorite interior designers. Not only she has “the style” but also she’s quite a nice person. All her project have a different and unique touch that make us feel like home. Textures and colors, different styles but always the elegance I love to see. I talked to her with the kind and unique support of Vera Vandenbosch , her Marketing Director that made this interview possible. For you both, thank you! You are amazing.
Here I leave you the interview from one of the best interior designers of the US…
How and why did you get into the interior design Industry?
My mother will tell you she saw it in me when I was a little girl spending hours re-arranging all the ornaments on the Christmas tree. And growing up in Montecito, the world was my architectural and horticultural oyster! My sister and I would spend days on end building forts and creating fantasies, and even as a child, I loved tagging along with my parents to their friends’ parties so I could see their houses and exploring the gardens. I always took art classes outside of my school curriculum and it was natural for me to gravitate towards the arts, art history, architecture and design when I was in college. I studied interior architecture and design at university and was happiest when totally immersed in the art department. It may sound a bit odd but I didn’t set out with the intention of become an interior designer or for that matter even thinking about a career. I followed what I loved, worked for some incredible people, had some indelible mentors, and it all fell into place.
How would you describe your style? Do you have a signature touch?
My style has been described as “European-inspired, with a California sense of scale”, but really, it’s not my style that matters. My goal is always to create high-end residential interiors that are tailored to each individual client. My team and I attend to our clients’ every need and desire – from helping to procure exceptional art and antique collections to custom designed furnishings, sumptuous upholstery, specialized lighting, finely detailed linens and beautiful accessories. We endeavor to design a home that encompasses our clients’ individual and personal style.
Is there anything exciting that you are working on at the moment that you can tell us about? Any new projects?
I am currently putting the finishing touches on a brand new textile collection for Suzanne Tucker Home, which will be launched later this fall (late October, early November). I was inspired by the idyllic surroundings of the Islamic Alhambra palace complex in Granada, Spain. Described by Moorish poets as a “pearl set in emeralds” – an allusion to the color of its buildings and the woods around them – the Alhambra has provided a wealth of textile inspiration: from the decorative arabesques to the Andalusian architecture, from the white washed colors to the windswept stone textures, from the reflecting pools to the tranquil gardens. This has resulted in four new textiles: Onda, a soft patterned chenille, Alcazaba, a geometric weave, Filigrana, a print with couching embroidery, and finally Cordova, a tumbled cotton/linen basic.
What do you love about being a designer?
Interior design is a fantastic profession – constantly evolving, always challenging, very hard work, but immensely rewarding – and NEVER boring.
Where do you draw your inspiration from?
I feel it is crucial to continue to expose oneself to inspirations throughout your lifetime. For me, I am always nursing a mild to strong case of wanderlust so I am compelled to travel and find my most enduring design education in other countries & cultures. But certainly museum exhibits, books, films, performances…. can also feed one’s creative soul.
Which design brands do you love the most?
I always try to incorporate a Fortuny textile into a project, and I absolutely adore the Bevilacqua cut velvets. Shears & Window is my go-to showroom in San Francisco, as is Michael Taylor Designs.
Which colors, textures and techniques do you prefer in furniture design?
Antiques! I always encourage my clients to have at least one piece in a room with some age. Incorporating something old and beautiful into a room transforms it in a subtle way and gives a welcomed tension between the old and new. It doesn’t have to be over the top expensive but I find that an antique piece resonates differently in a room, whispering with history’s silent voices. The appeal resides in a patina only achievable with time; their very imperfections speak to me of character and life lived and gives a room a depth of soul.
What is your philosophy on design and life?
Kill ’em with kindness! 🙂
Describe yourself in just a few words.
Architecture enthusiast, textile passionata, animal lover.
