Episode Summary: How to Decorate Ep. 393 – Decorating Throwback Special, Pt. 1: Susan Ferrier
Release Date: December 24, 2024
Guest: Susan Ferrier, Atlanta Interior Designer
Introduction
In this special throwback episode of How to Decorate by Ballard Designs, the hosts Caroline, Taryn, and Liz revisit a standout past episode featuring Atlanta-based interior designer Susan Ferrier. As they near their milestone of 400 episodes, the team reflects on the valuable insights Susan shared in Episode 84 and delves deeper into her design philosophies and experiences.
Revisiting Episode 84: Susan Ferrier
[00:33 – 05:30]
Caroline introduces the focus of the episode, expressing admiration for Susan Ferrier’s expertise and recounting how her advice played a pivotal role when Caroline purchased her own home in 2019. Taryn and Liz echo Caroline’s enthusiasm, highlighting Susan’s adept use of light and dark contrasts and textures over patterns to create dramatic, yet practical spaces.
Notable Quote:
- Caroline: “Susan Ferrier, she was a great guest. We gotta have her back. Long overdue as a return guest.” [04:35]
Susan Ferrier’s Design Philosophy
[05:28 – 16:34]
Susan Ferrier is introduced as an award-winning decorator known for her sensuous, atmospheric interiors. With over 18 years at Bobby McAlpine Interiors, she now leads Susan Ferrier Interiors and co-authored Art of the House with Rizzoli.
Key Points:
- Drama and Texture: Susan emphasizes the use of dark colors and rich textures to add depth and warmth to spaces without relying heavily on patterns.
- Functional Lighting: She advocates for layered lighting—combining dramatic large lamps with task lighting to balance ambience and functionality.
Notable Quotes:
- Susan: “I like texture. I think that the people in the room need to be the pattern.” [06:16]
- Caroline: “It sounds like a science.” [07:36]
Starting Her Own Design Firm
[14:10 – 16:34]
Susan discusses her transition from a partner at an established firm to launching her own design company. This move was driven by her compulsion for design and the desire for self-actualization. She highlights the challenges and rewards of maintaining client relationships and ensuring each project reflects the client's personality.
Notable Quote:
- Guest Speaker: “Design for me is a compulsion, and I can't stop myself...” [14:18]
Design Strategies and Techniques
[16:34 – 24:40]
Susan delves into her approach to balancing client styles with her own, emphasizing the importance of a thesis statement for each project. She likens her role to that of a visual mathematician, ensuring all elements in a room work harmoniously.
Key Topics:
- Mixing Metals: Susan advises sticking to two metals (e.g., silver and gold) and considering their origins and reflectivity.
- Using Oversized Furniture: In large rooms, she recommends starting with a central, large piece to create a calm focal point before layering smaller items.
- Handling Mid-Century Modern in Classic Homes: She suggests updating proportions to fit larger spaces while maintaining design integrity.
Notable Quotes:
- Guest Speaker: “I refer to myself as a visual mathematician...” [19:55]
- Caroline: “The chair needs to feel good when you sit in it, but it also needs to look good when you walk in the room.” [20:10]
Renovating 80s Houses
[24:40 – 44:56]
Addressing the challenge of updating 1980s architecture, Susan shares her experience renovating a Lake Martin home. She emphasizes blending modern furniture with existing architectural features to create a cohesive look. Techniques include:
- Using Dark Paint to Enhance Views: Painting walls in dark hues like Sealskin to draw the eye outward.
- Layering with Textures: Incorporating hide rugs and organic elements to add warmth without clutter.
- Strategic Furniture Placement: Floating furniture away from walls to create inviting conversation areas and maintain the flow.
Notable Quotes:
- Susan: “You can have a place to set down a cocktail or a water.” [09:02]
- Guest Speaker: “It's a little bit of a visual trick...” [42:23]
Listener Q&A: Eileen’s Decorating Dilemmas
[45:13 – 67:54]
The latter part of the episode features a detailed Q&A session with listener Eileen, who seeks advice on several decorating issues in her home. Susan provides actionable solutions:
-
Rug Size
- Issue: Eileen’s rug (8x11) may be too small for her large room.
- Advice: Pull furniture closer to the rug to make it serve as a centerpiece, ensuring all major pieces rest on it for cohesive grounding.
Notable Quote: - Susan: “The rug is too small... it’s trying to save the lives of the chairs and the sofa.” [53:56]
-
Coffee Table Placement and Selection
- Issue: Matching wood tables don’t fit well; husband prefers pushing furniture to walls.
- Advice: Opt for a large, statement coffee table that complements the rug and encourages conversation, possibly relocating chairs for better flow.
Notable Quote: - Guest Speaker: “The cocktail table needs to find another home...” [55:12]
-
Lighting Concerns
- Issue: Limited and inefficient lighting fixtures.
- Advice: Replace overhead fixtures with task and ambient lamps, ensuring lighting enhances the room’s functionality and aesthetic. Incorporate floor and table lamps strategically.
Notable Quote: - Guest Speaker: “Put some great lamps in the room...” [60:42]
-
Mirror Style Behind Sofa
- Issue: Mirror is too small and lacks complementary elements.
- Advice: Use a larger mirror or artwork to create a statement, ensuring it interacts harmoniously with the window and furniture arrangement.
Notable Quote: - Guest Speaker: “I’m always gonna say bigger. I mean, and then bigger and fewer...” [63:13]
Notable Interaction:
Caroline shares a personal story about installing floor outlets, highlighting persistence in achieving design goals despite technical challenges.
Quote:
- Susan: “You love the wire things.” [65:30]
Conclusion
The hosts wrap up the episode by expressing gratitude to Susan Ferrier for her invaluable insights. They tease the upcoming episode featuring another favorite guest and encourage listeners to engage via social media and email with their own decorating questions.
Notable Quote:
- Caroline: “Until next time, happy decorating.” [69:30]
Key Takeaways
- Texture Over Pattern: Utilizing rich textures can add depth and warmth without relying on patterns that may date a space.
- Layered Lighting: Combining different types of lighting ensures both functionality and ambiance.
- Client-Centric Design: Understanding and reflecting the client’s personality is crucial for creating personalized spaces.
- Strategic Furniture Placement: Thoughtful arrangement enhances the flow and usability of large or uniquely shaped rooms.
- Adaptability in Renovation: Blending modern elements with classic or outdated architecture can rejuvenate spaces without losing their inherent charm.
Follow Susan Ferrier:
Visit SusanFerrierInteriors.com to explore her portfolio and design services.
This episode serves as a comprehensive guide for both novice and seasoned decorators, offering practical advice backed by professional expertise. Whether tackling large open-plan spaces or breathing new life into 80s homes, Susan Ferrier’s insights provide a valuable roadmap for creating beautiful, functional interiors.