Podcast Summary: How to Decorate
Episode: Ep. 415: Embracing Bold Design with Susan Ferrier
Host/Author: Ballard Designs
Release Date: May 27, 2025
Introduction and Welcome
In Episode 415 of How to Decorate, hosts Caroline, Taryn, and Liz warmly welcome returning guest Susan Ferrier, an award-winning interior designer renowned for her bold and atmospheric room designs. Susan's unique blend of traditional symmetry with unexpected twists has made her an iconic figure in the interior design world.
Susan Ferrier’s Journey Since 2019
Susan begins by reflecting on the growth of her business over the past six to seven years, highlighting how the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated her work, multiplying her projects by four. She emphasizes her commitment to independence and adaptability in the ever-evolving design landscape.
Susan Ferrier [02:17]: "I've been up to the same. Hope that's more and better."
Spotlight on Villa Violeta
The conversation delves into Susan's standout project, Villa Violeta, a testament to her ability to create spaces that are both bold and functional. She shares the backstory of her client, a remarkable woman undertaking her first home project after the loss of her husband. The design aimed to reflect independence and honor a shared dream with her late husband.
Susan meticulously crafted a color palette inspired by beach sunsets, incorporating blushes, pinks, lavenders, and plums. This unconventional choice allowed her to introduce atmosphere, romance, and a strong sense of femininity without compromising functionality.
Susan Ferrier [03:46]: "I loved working in a color palette that most people are not brave enough to venture into."
Design Elements and Color Usage
Draped Sofas
A unique feature of Villa Violeta is the draped sofas in the living room, which resemble elegant ball gowns with fringed trims. Susan explains her inspiration from period films and the Merchant Ivory style, aiming to evoke romance and softness.
Susan Ferrier [12:24]: "I get a lot of inspiration from watching period films."
She discusses the importance of selecting furniture that not only serves a functional purpose but also interacts harmoniously with the room's overall aesthetic. The draped sofas add texture and warmth, creating an inviting and emotionally resonant space.
Susan Ferrier [13:56]: "It's about the relationship between the forms that are next to each other and how you carry your eye through the space."
Teal Room and Jewel Tones
Susan highlights a teal room within Villa Violeta, where she transformed a bold rug into the room's neutral base, allowing jewel tones like lavenders and blue-greens to add depth and interest. This approach prevents monotony and introduces dynamic visual elements.
Susan Ferrier [14:32]: "There's always one room that kind of breaks the flow every once in a while."
Functionality Meets Aesthetics
Kitchen Island Seating
Susan shares her innovative approach to kitchen island seating, combining a single statement chair with long, unadorned benches. This mixture not only adds variety but also enhances functionality, accommodating different usage scenarios such as working, entertaining, and family interactions.
Susan Ferrier [24:40]: "Putting something back at a kitchen counter, you can engage what's in front of you and what's behind you."
She advises balancing ornate and simple pieces to maintain a cohesive look without overwhelming the space.
Susan Ferrier [29:36]: "Not every piece of furniture can be the star in the room. There needs to be supporting characters."
Balancing Light and Color
Susan emphasizes the importance of creating rhythm in a room by balancing dark, medium, and light tones. She advises against using a single tone throughout, as it can make a space feel flat.
Susan Ferrier [37:03]: "It's kind of like a ping ponging effect."
She cautions against relying solely on imagery for room design, noting that photographs can exaggerate light and shadow, which may not translate accurately to the actual space.
Susan Ferrier [39:29]: "The lens is really great at capturing light and creating shadow when shadow might not be there."
Emotional Impact of Spaces
Susan discusses her philosophy of designing rooms that evoke feelings of safety, calmness, and security. She likens the emotional resonance of her rooms to the deep, resonating sound of a gong, providing a sense of arrival and comfort.
Susan Ferrier [42:06]: "I want the rooms to feel like you hear a gong rather than you hear chimes."
Personal Anecdotes and Inspirations
The Suitcase Tower
Susan shares a personal story about her "suitcase tower" in her bedroom, an artful arrangement of antique suitcases that serves both as storage and a striking visual feature. Her dedication to unique design elements sometimes leads her to make unconventional choices that later become beloved parts of her home.
Susan Ferrier [48:22]: "It was a amazing decision because years later, I met the antique dealer again, and he remembered me for buying the whole collection."
Listener Interaction: Window Treatment Advice
A listener named Kate asks for advice on window treatments for a condo with sliding glass patio doors. Susan recommends using sheer linen fabrics and a French return rod but suggests stacking drapery on the larger wall to maximize light and functionality.
Susan Ferrier [51:00]: "Stack everything on the nine-foot wall. It should be a sheer to maximize light."
She offers practical tips on balancing ornate and simple elements to create a cohesive and functional window treatment solution.
Susan Ferrier [53:22]: "You have to be brave. And the most important thing is that it is not blocking the light."
Final Thoughts and Personal Space
Susan reflects on her own home, noting that while it shares some similarities with her client spaces—such as a commitment to large pieces and scale—her personal space is highly curated with inspiring collections. She is currently in the process of decluttering, aiming to maintain a harmonious and functional environment.
Susan Ferrier [44:39]: "My home is a highly curated space where personal items must belong or be removed."
Conclusion and Farewell
The episode concludes with Susan sharing where listeners can find her work online and in upcoming design magazines. The hosts thank her for her invaluable insights and expressive storytelling, expressing their desire to have her back on the show.
Carolene [57:10]: "You have the best voice."
Susan expresses her enthusiasm for future collaborations, hinting at potential roles such as hosting segments or engaging more interactively with the podcast.
Susan Ferrier [57:37]: "I'd love to be the person asking the questions."
Key Takeaways
- Bold Color Palettes: Embrace unconventional colors to add depth and personality to spaces.
- Functional Aesthetics: Balance functionality with aesthetic elements to create harmonious environments.
- Emotional Design: Design spaces that evoke specific emotions, such as calmness and security.
- Mixing Furniture Styles: Combine ornate and simple furniture pieces to maintain visual interest without overwhelming the room.
- Lighting Considerations: Utilize light and shadow effectively, understanding the difference between photographic and real-life lighting.
- Personalization: Ensure that personal spaces reflect one’s own tastes and needs, maintaining balance and harmony.
Notable Quotes
- Susan Ferrier [12:24]: "I get a lot of inspiration from watching period films."
- Susan Ferrier [42:06]: "I want the rooms to feel like you hear a gong rather than you hear chimes."
- Susan Ferrier [54:44]: "You're taking your challenge and you're turning it into almost what could be the best feature in the house."
Connect with Susan Ferrier
- Website: Susan Ferrier Interiors
- Instagram: @susanferrier
- Location: Atlanta
- Publications: Featured in Loft, Atlanta Homes and Lifestyles
For more insights and to explore Susan Ferrier’s stunning portfolio, visit her website or follow her on Instagram.
Thank you for tuning into Episode 415 of How to Decorate. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and send in your decorating dilemmas to podcast@ballarddesigns.net. Until next time, happy decorating!