I mentioned last week that I was able to swing by Susanna Salk’s book signing for Be Your Own Decorator at the LCDQ Legends event. I also mentioned that it is my favorite design book of the moment… and for good reason! There are so many delicious photos inside you can’t help but to be inspired!  Over 75 featured designers such as Bunny Williams, Kelly Wearstler, Miles Redd, The Novogratz, and Nate Berkus make this book an eclectic collection of design tips and tricks for EVERYONE. I’ve seen some of these rooms before and have tabbed them, ripped them out, marked them, etc., but this book pulls those favorites and many more all together into one glorious style file at your fingertips. Thanks Susanna!

Susanna also had a moment to answer a few questions. Check out what she had to say and take a peek at some of my favorite rooms from the book below.

1. You were recently in Los Angeles for the LCDQ Legends of La Cienaga Windows to the World event. What do you miss about living in Los Angeles?

Valet parking even at the dry cleaner!

2. What do you think sets LA apart in terms of it’s designers and design aesthetic?

First of all, the LA designers are so much FUN! They are witty and confident, accessible and eclectic. Not to mention generous and down to earth despite their fabulousness. They have such a strong sense of themselves and it translates to their work.

3. I love how in your book Be Your Own Decorator, you speak about a shared creativity within design that we can all be inspired by and draw from. Do you feel that the emergence of design blogs, sites like Pinterest and reality design shows are inspiring people to “be their own decorator”? How does this affect the role/importance of the interior designer?

The book is  all about validation through visuals from the very best. We need to take cues from their confidence and their experience. If we are lucky enough to be able to hire them, we should. If we can not, then let their work lead us to decorate with fearlessness. Having a collection of some of the very best rooms collected in one place to inspire you, whether you are a designer helping guide your client, or a first time home owner in search of an idea, is what the book is about.

4. If you could travel any where in the world, RIGHT NOW, for a little design inspiration, where would you go?

I’d do a loop:  St. Barths. Nantucket. Corsica. Barcelona. My all time faves.

 

The cover got me from the get go…

Design by Kendall Wilkinson

Before I commit to a headboard for our new King bed, I’m thinking of a mural like this one. Just need to find the artist! (oh… and I ADORE everything in this room!… turquoise and orange… GOOD MORNING!)

Design by Paul and Sara Costello

One of my all time favorite rooms. I love the entire composition… it makes me so happy 🙂

Design by Kristen Buckingham

Gorgeous gallery wall and pops of color everywhere…

Design by Miles Redd

I love me some Miles 😉 …

Design by Geoffrey De Sousa

A color palette I wouldn’t normally be drawn to, but done SO well in this room… and the chandelier is out of this world!

Check back next Monday for Part 2 of Bookshelf with Susanna Salk, where I will feature Room For Children and share our discussion about decorating for kids!