We’re revisiting Suzanne Kasler’s Sophisticated Simplicity in joyous anticipation of Edited Style which launches soon! When I reviewed this beautiful book in 2018, I was seriously ill and on a highly restricted diet. I was constantly hungry and needed as many fat-free diversions as possible. The work of digging into design books was a refuge. So as you read, keep in mind it was years ago, and things are better. Prepare for elegant design goodness!
Celebrating the Art of Suzanne Kasler’s Sophisticated Simplicity
From 2018: You know those clickbait titles we often see online that inevitably involve numbers? 50 WAYS TO LEAVE YOUR LOVER & STYLE A SHELF and so forth? This post with inspiring projects from an esteemed Atlanta-based designer could have just as easily been entitled:
101 REASONS TO IMMEDIATELY ORDER THIS BEAUTIFUL BOOK!
Reasons #1 through 101 would simply read:
BECAUSE. Suzanne Kasler.
Why are we so excited about a new book from this magician? Because another beautiful book of breathtaking projects by designer Suzanne Kasler is a boon for the whole world of interiors.
What to Expect Inside SOPHISTICATED SIMPLICITY
If you’re familiar with her rooms, then you know why this volume is truly a big deal.
The spaces are flawless; to be studied and savored slowly like a gourmande sampling a richly complex, gourmet chocolate. (Why, yes, kittycats. I am starved half out-m’mind at the moment as I am presently unable to tolerate solid food. More sweet and savory references within this post seem as inevitable as the deliciousness in my pantry remains inedible!!! Boo! J’ai besoin de chocolat maintenant!)
Suzanne Kasler: Sophisticated Simplicity (Rizzoli, 2018) is destined to thrill you to pieces whether you desire to better train your already sophisticated design eye or simply indulge it with a scrumptious feast of interior loveliness. (Mercy…there I go again.)
First, the book’s rich photography is more gorgeous than you can imagine. Second, I was enthralled by the commentary straight away since Kasler reveals details about her upbringing and personal influences shaping her journey.
How Suzanne Kasler’s Upbringing Formed Her Sensibilities
The Atlanta-based designer grew up in the Midwest in a military family who moved every couple of years.
(Like Kasler, I also grew up in the Midwest as the child of parents who worked for a religious organization which uprooted us with frequent moves…we were always starting over.) Her father, James H. Kasler, was a fighter pilot for the United States Air Force and a prisoner of war in Vietnam for seven years. (Thank you for your service, Mr. Kasler.)
What a precious homecoming this veteran’s return must have been!
Naturally, I was anxious to keep devouring the text and images, noting how Midwestern sensibilities from Kasler’s early life may continue to nuance the designs she creates for clients.
I pondered how the beauty to which she is drawn has been influenced by the time she spent as a child in Indiana. (Something else this Indiana-born blogger shares in common with her…do you suppose she is familiar with the unforgettable pastries found at Mr. Freshie?)
Wisdom Within the Interior Designer’s Book
There is also wonderful design wisdom to glean alongside all of the stunning examples of country homes, city houses, and residences by the sea in Sophisticated Simplicity.
For example, I for one am always curious about an interior designer’s approach to color.
Here’s what Kasler says about using color in her Buckhead project (p.75):
“You can sequence color strategically throughout a house, but it doesn’t have to be obvious. The subtle reference to coral shows up in room after room in different guises–in the pattern of a curtain fabric, as pillows, in a bouquet, as cording. In the rooms that are mostly shades of bone and neutral, the coral color really stands out.” – SUZANNE KASLER
Don’t you love such a subtle approach to a sophisticated color palate palette?
Aside: What Kasler terms as ‘coral’ on these pages, I am seeing as peach or pumpkin-y goodness. However, we shall indeed yield to the peepers of the award-winning design goddess and not to those of the ‘fairy blogger of the growling tummy.’
Secrets to White Decor
Since readers of Hello Lovely SIMPLY MUST KNOW the designer’s philosophy about white decor, I thought you might appreciate hearing a few of her thoughts concerning the use of white in design.
“When you do a house in neutrals and whites, one of the prettiest ways to make the rooms come alive is to play texture off texture.” -SUZANNE KASLER
For example, in a lovely breakfast room photographed for the book, you’ll find the beautiful paneled walls, window trim, and window seat trim painted a high gloss white. Pale and natural woven shades also filter the light and add texture along with buttery chestnut hued leather upholstered seats and pillows.
(Butter my biscuit…the upholstery on beautiful built-in banquettes on page 120 looks toffee-delicious enough to eat!)
What have we learned from all the gushing and lip smackin’ design sophistication enticing us here?
OUR DESIGN LIBRARIES ARE HUNGRY FOR THIS SATISFYING MENU OF TIMELESS DESIGN!
C’est délicieux!
– Hello Lovely Studio
Order Your Copy!
You’re going to want to live in the pages of this new book, and I wish we could meet in a tranquil spot like the one above to dish about its beauty.
You may be familiar with Suzanne’s collections at Ballard Designs:
Suzanne designed a furniture collection last year inspired by my favorite Paris neighborhood: Le Marais:
Can’t wait for Suzanne’s new book!
Find more classic design inspiration HERE and HERE!
I independently selected products in this post—if you buy from one of my links, I may earn a commission.
Peace to you right where you are.
-michele
Thanks for shopping RIGHT HERE to keep decor inspiration flowing on Hello Lovely!
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I hope you’re feeling better!
Looking at these photos, I’m struck by how yes, they are simple and uncluttered, but they don’t feel bare. Sometimes I see rooms that feel “undone” or “not yet done,” like the residents are still settling in, even though there’s a lot more stuff. Maybe it’s the scale of the furniture, which often is too big. I guess that’s why Suzanne Kasler is so successful–she has the eye for balance and scale.
Author
She is definitely a queen of editing – can you even imagine that task when in many cases, there is no budget and you have access to it ALL? Thanks for reading! Not feeling better and another doctor appointment today.
Prayed for you this morning. What a beautiful post today! Love Suzanne.
Author
Thanks so much, friend. I feel so blessed and uplifted by the prayer and support. What a community of faithful, lovely, kindred spirits it is!
Michele, I just love this post!!!!!!!!!!! Suzanne is one of my favorite designers!!! She is so talented! That pale blue side entrance looks just gorgeous! Thank you for this inspirational post! xo Greet
Author
Thank you for reading and adding your beautiful energy to the topic, Greet! Not sure if the book is in your hands yet, but you are going to be THRILLED! 🙂
I hope you’re feeling much better and getting answers as to the reason for your illness! I’m a GI nurse and understand only too well how hard this has been for you. Prayers and well wishes for healing so you can get home and take care of yourself in your own way!
Author
Thank you for the prayers – you are so kind. You know how these things take time since they involve tests. I am hoping the cause will be the least serious possibility! I’m at home, and there’s no place like home. 🙂
this prayer was sent to me in the summer of 2005….. it served me well through countless chemo and radiation treatments…..it was on my niece’s refrigerator through a devastating miscarriage until she gave birth to her first child…. it is still there….. i hope it gives you comfort in the days ahead….praying for your healing and the decisions of your medical team…. blessings, lynne
I said a prayer for you today
And know God must have heard…
I felt the answer in my heart
Although He spoke no word.
I didn’t ask for wealth or fame,
I knew you wouldn’t mind,
I asked Him to send treasures
Of a far more lasting kind.
I asked that He’d be near you
At the start of each new day
To grant you health and blessings
And friends to share your way.
I asked for happiness for you
In all things great and small
But it was for His loving care
I prayed the most of all.
Author
So beautiful and such a gift. Thank you so much for the reminder I am in His loving care. I had more energy today and visited a very kind doctor. I can see blessings and am recovering my sense of humor so I cannot ask for more. 🙂
i just sent you the prayer; but i had a thought that i had to send along…… not knowing a thing about your symptoms or onset of your problems, is there any chance that you might
have been bitten by a tick??? the reason i am asking is because a friend of ours has lyme disease and it took FOREVER to diagnose….( i do believe that lyme disease was dismissed initially by one doctor; so therefore tons of time was spent pursuing too many dead ends….) i just had to suggest this possibility to you….. hopefully to save YOU some time!!!!!!! blessings, lynne
Author
Thank you so much for your kindness in mentioning this – so important to be reminded of lyme disease. I will keep it in the forefront of my mind. I did go on several hiking trips. I think because I have a history of Crohn’s disease, the main question is am I experiencing a bad flare or do I have gallblader disease, pancreas issues, an infection or something new? I’ll keep you posted and am so grateful for prayer. xox
i forgot to say that i love suzanne kasler’s style….. i always look for her section in the ballard design catalog!!!!!
Author
I love her Ballard pieces too!
Hi Michele, I’m very excited about Suzanne’s new book! I’m still enjoying her last one. I hope that you can eat solid food soon, you’re going to be too thin! I’m praying for your healing and a cure, with God all things are possible ❤️
Author
It is frustrating to not have all of the answers when you want them. However, I am encouraged today since I feel more like myself. I ate some solids yesterday and did not have an attack so am celebrating that!
Good Morning Michelle,
Praying for you today. These posts from your readers are God’s love letters to you. When our son died I had a friend tell me the cards I would receive in the mail were God’s love letters to me. She had walked the same sad journey years before. It really helped me to think about them in that way on I hope it helps you too.
Love, Kristin
Author
Beautiful, Kristin. What a lovely gift from you. I’m feeling not half bad today! 🙂
Michelle, Prayers and wishing you better days ahead. Love your blog–always enjoyable and design enlightening.
Author
Thank you so much, lovely one. Trying to get better! xox
Love this Post! Such a beautiful house. White is always been my fav.
Thanks for sharing
Author
So happy to spotlight her amazing work – thanks for taking the time to visit! 🙂
this is really beautiful house. Amazing pictures as well. Thanks for sharing
Author
Thanks so much for reading – Suzanne Kasler’s work is some of the most timeless and beautiful to my hungry design freaky eyes! Happy weekend.
On the cover, I never understood the pinstripe panel screen partially covered up by the mirror. Any ideas?
I did enjoy this book as her work is very similar to mine. I call mine “soft grandeur”.
Author
Right? Do you suppose there was a reason there was a particular reason they needed to show the abstract painting and this vignette, and the mirror allowed the reflection of it? No idea. Soft grandeur sounds amazing.