Here we are…at the end of another year. I hope, despite all that life is throwing our way, everyone is healthy, safe and happy with this year’s accomplishments!

First off, thank you for trusting us with your homes! We value the relationships we’ve built, and look forward to continuing to strengthen them in the future. We care about each and every one of you and the work we accomplish together. I’m grateful you feel you can count on us for your projects whether large or small.

As we look ahead to 2026, we’re focused on what has always set Susan E. Brown Interior Design apart…our appreciation for our amazing clients, and the subcontractors who work right along side us, to create amazing, fulfilling environments! And of course, always color!!

If you have friends or family who share our passion for vibrant spaces and the power of color, please pass this newsletter on to them! They can also subscribe via the form on our website.

Here’s to a wonderful 2026!!

NEW PROJECT REVEAL (PICTURED ABOVE)

Project Reveal: Raven

I met this wonderful client at the tail end of 2019 hoping to start a whole house update within a couple of months, but we all know what happened in March of 2020, right?

Nonetheless, we did our best, pushed through and by now, we’ve tackled almost every room of the house and become dear friends.

This traditional home has now been transformed and updated maintaining the traditional, art infused environment while adding inviting energy and warmth with a colorful palette.

One of the homeowners has an immense appreciation and love for classical wall art and sculpture, collecting many, many pieces over the years. Each piece comes with a glorious historical story narrated by the homeowner. Our goal was to incorporate this amazing, timeless collection with traditional, yet up to date style throughout the house.

It’s truly been a treat, and a remarkable education of a lifetime to work amongst such exquisite pieces and clients!

Click here to see more of this project!

Photographer: Drew Gray Photography (visit website)

IN INTERESTING TIDBIT

A Very Colorful Wool Collection

As many of you know, I am a wool nut. I truly think it’s the best fiber out there for anything and any time of day. It’s assets are superior to pretty much any other fiber and it’s use and functionality are never ending. Why, even Venus Williams wore a wool tennis outfit at the U.S. Open in August!

I found this article extremely interesting about a woman who is archiving and cataloging her grandmother’s wool skirt collection. It’s organized via color, and besides being an undertaking to admire, it’s truly a fascinating art piece to enjoy. It is visually glorious and amazing with a wool skirt count of 632! Her grandma, named Audrey, was born in 1922 in Oslo, Minnesota. She moved to Minneapolis as a child, and to Roseville, as an adult. She began collecting secondhand wool skirts in the 1960s and continued for four decades, until around the year 2000.

The essay from her granddaughter (not long) is very interesting also.

MADE WITH HEART

Handmade Paper Art

I’ve completed a couple new handmade paper art pieces for your viewing (in my spare time…ha!).

As always, if any one has questions or would like to view them, I’d be more than happy to share. Hopefully one of these days I’ll have some time to submit them to exhibitions! I’ve been encouraged to “get them out there” by a local well known artist, which has been really encouraging.

Left: Sunsets and Rainstorms, 48”x 36” | Right: The Creep, 25” x 27”

Thank you for reading and here’s to a Very Happy 2026!

Until next time,

I love Summer! I thrive in the warmth and the sun, so as far as I’m concerned…bring it on!

We’re busy finishing up two large projects with a few smaller ones drizzled in. We had such a hectic Fall and Winter that we’ll be taking it a bit easier over the summer. Letting our brains and creativity cells regenerate is a much needed requirement from time to time!

Read on to hear about my travels (always the best thing for design inspiration!) as well as an 1886 home where we helped with a kitchen remodel. It turned out so fabulous, and is absolutely gorgeous!

NEW PROJECT REVEAL (PICTURED ABOVE)

Design Decoded: Sixth Street East

The kitchen in this 1886 home needed a lot of love. It had one existing wall of original cabinets, two different ceiling heights (8’ and 7’) as well as a sloped down floor leading to a room that presumably at one point was added on. The small mud room opened up right into the work space of the kitchen creating an obstacle.

But what designer doesn’t like a challenge, huh?!

Fortunately, the homeowner had been collecting ideas and dreaming about this kitchen for quite some time, so we had a wonderful aesthetic foundation to work from. She also loved new ideas and thinking outside the box, so all in all, it couldn’t have been more of a dream project.

The biggest challenge was where to put the stunning French stove that was to be the focal point of the space. I would have loved to have it in the 8’ ceiling area but truly there wasn’t room unless we moved the sink, but who doesn’t want their sink under a window…it was too perfect to keep it there. In the end we put it in the 7’ high area, and it worked beautifully.

Now the homeowner has a small island behind and lots of countertop space and storage in that area to work. The mud room now is sans door, and has became part of the kitchen as a whole instead of a separate room. Read on and enjoy the photos!

Click here to see more of this project!

Photographer: Drew Gray Photography (visit website)
Builder: Metamorphosis (visit website)
Cabinetry: Hamlin Fine Furniture (visit website)

TRAVEL ADVENTURES

LA Getaway: Canals, Creativity, & Cool Doors!

Being near the great expanses of the beaches and the sun in LA is always fun. Exploring the area with a good girlfriend makes it even more special.

My favorite area we visited was Venice Beach. I loved wandering along the canal! The artificial canal area was built in 1905 and is inspired by Italian canals with sidewalks & bridges for pedestrians.

The homes are so unique, inspiring, and chock-full of artisan touches!

I loved how the entry doors off of the canal were so creative and truly spoke to each home’s personality…definitely something I’m always aiming for in my projects.

Enjoy your summer! Until next time!!

Truly, if I had to pick just 3 months for “summer”, hands down it would be July, August, and September. June just seems to be too wishy-washy.

The weather has been so gorgeous and inviting, just like we want our homes — right?!

We are truly busy bees over here tackling many unique projects from a 4 story rowhouse to a downtown condo to a suburban home and more. Keep reading to see what we’ve been up to with interior design, art, and travel inspiration!

NEW PROJECT REVEAL (PICTURED ABOVE)

Design Decoded: Fifteenth Avenue

We recently wrapped up and photographed a kitchen and bathroom remodel in an Arts and Crafts bungalow. Our goal was to keep the warmth and worldly feel of the Arts and Crafts style, while adding a few updated pops of fun.

As any designer knows, bungalow kitchen and bathroom spaces are small with typically not a lot of leeway. This one was no exception.

Moving and widening the doorway as well as changing the opening style to match the rest of the house welcomed the kitchen into the living spaces while keeping true to the Arts & Crafts architecture of a more separate kitchen.

Proper layout of the appliances (let’s put that sink under the window instead of next to the opening!) helped with the work flow in the kitchen. A small perch for a quick snack for the homeowner was a nice addition.

The very small, tight bathroom became a jewel box of its own! By removing the built-in tub, we were able to have a larger shower with a focal wall of custom colored cement tile.

To complement that color, we included a custom wood vanity reminiscent of a furniture piece, as we continued to carry the warm and worldly feel throughout the home.

Ahhh… sweet success!!

Click here to see more of this project!

Photographer:
Drew Gray Photography (visit website)

MADE WITH HEART

Eddara Handmade Paper

I’m so thrilled to announce my artwork piece “Integration/Segregation” was selected by the Carnegie Arts Center in Mankato, MN for a show beginning January 31, 2025!

The show is called “Selections from A Common Thread”. Let’s all hope the weather holds beautifully for end of January!

Integration/Segregation, 36 x 36”, abaca pulp, twine, machine stitching, tea stain, recycled mulberry inked paper, watercolor, dried plant material, sealant.

To view more of my handmade paper art, please visit my Handmade Paper webpage.

Recently I’ve been able to grace the walls of a couple of clients’ homes with my pieces, which I’m over the moon about! Don’t hesitate to let me know if you would like to see some pieces in person.

EXPLORING FRANCE

Inspiring Travel from Amy, Assistant Extraordinaire

As you may or may not be aware, Amy Ouradnik is my assistant and has been with me for about 4 years now.

We’ve known each other since 2009, and have been friends, but now working together, we get to collaborate, brainstorm, and enjoy each other’s company even more!

Recently, Amy traveled to France with her husband for a bike ride through the Loire Valley. Here’s what she had to say, in addition to some inspiring photos!

~

“During our recent bike tour through the picturesque Loire Valley, we cycled between some of France’s most iconic chateaus.

Starting with the grand Château de Chambord, with its Renaissance architecture, we continued on to the elegant Château de Chenonceau in Amboise.

The journey also included a visit to the beautifully landscaped gardens of Château de Villandry and the fairy-tale-like Château d’Ussé.

The blend of scenic countryside and majestic history made this an unforgettable adventure.”

Enjoy the crisp autumn air and all its wonders.

Until next time!

I’m very excited to share all the things happening at the studio – new projects, artwork, and exclusive insights into interior design trends! Let’s dive right in.

NEW PROJECT REVEAL (PICTURED ABOVE)

King’s Highway

This was a new client for us who found us online. They had lived in their home for many years and it needed an update on the main floor to include the foyer, living room, family room, and kitchen.

Their initial goal was to update the furniture and spaces, art placement, as well as create a space to be sellable in the future. However, after meeting with them and going through their art, we came to the conclusion something more mainstream for sellable purposes would not be “livable” for their vibrant personalities and wonderful art collection.We decided to create a home for their true nature (music to my ears!) and guess what, they love it!

Even R.T. Rybak, the former mayor of Minneapolis, after seeing the most colorful and patterned room of them all, stated he could easily live in the space and be very happy! I like hearing that!

Click here to see more of this project!

Photographers:
Karen Melvin (visit website)
Homecoming Photography (visit website)

MADE WITH HEART

Eddara Handmade Paper

In my free time, I create handmade paper art, a passion I discovered during grad school at the University of Minnesota.

Initially seeking a medium to showcase my thesis, “Integrative Interruptions in Color Relationships,” I explored various techniques before finding my calling in paper making.

Inspired by weaving classes with Charlene Burningham and paper making with Rebecca Alm, I developed a love for texture and versatility in paper pulp. My artwork, showcased at the University of Minnesota’s Vice President’s office, beautifully embodies my thesis.

Explore my work on my website’s Eddara Paper page or visit my Instagram, @eddarahandmadepaper.

DESIGN DECODED

Color Blocking

I love the concept of color blocking and use it quite often in my design environments. What is color blocking you ask? According to the Dictionary (Oxford Languages)…

“In fashion and design, the use of contrasting blocks or panels of solid, typically bright color. For example, “coral leather looked infinitely cool styled with a cobalt skirt—a modern lesson in colorblocking.”

It’s often thought of as using colors that are opposite on the color wheel.

In interiors, I see color blocking as using large chunks of color on furniture and walls. I love how it strongly grounds a room creating a foundation for pattern in smaller proportions.

I believe it works whether you’re staying on one side of the color wheel using royal blue, purple, and teal or complementary colors such as blue, orange, and green.

Below are some wonderful ideas of Color Blocking. Check it out, and play around in your own home with the concept!

(left) The first from my most recent Interior Design magazine, Design by Giuliano Andrea dell’Uva Architetti, Photographer Nathalie Krag.

(right) A wonderful example from an old 1960s decorating book.

AND an example of my own work!!

Enjoy!

It’s been a very long time since I’ve shared project updates (since 2020, and we all know what a year that was!) and I’m so excited to be back in the circuit again… this time with wonderful help from my fabulous website designer extraordinaire, Natalie Hilscher of De Lu Studios.

I love keeping everyone up to date with current projects—whether they are in progress or completely finished—as well as other happenings, tricks of the trade, etc. in my neck of the woods.

When you come to the conclusion that you just can’t do it all, it’s best to reach out for help to those who make it look easy! So please stay tuned for more!

My goal is to provide updates four times a year… I don’t want to overwhelm anyone’s inboxes as I know we all get way more mail than we want. However, I hope you’ll keep this one active in your mailbox.

Don’t hesitate to reach out if you’d like to be added to my quarterly email newsletters!

NEW PROJECT REVEAL

Riverside Lane

BRAND UPDATE

Logo Reveal

Remember, we are all strongly affected by our surroundings, whether we are aware of it or not!

Thanks for reading and enjoy your spaces!

Kind regards,

Welcome to my first blog post on behalf of Susan E. Brown Interior Design.  Look for more posts from both Susan and me in the weeks to come.

Susan and I had the opportunity to attend an advanced screening of Downton Abbey, the movie. We both loved the PBS series with its splendor and drama.  The movie was no less grand in its depictions of the abbey and surrounding countryside.  The costuming was, as expected, amazing and detailed.  The story felt a bit choppy, as if the writers were trying to put a lovely, lush silk bow around every character and circumstance, but worth the trip to the theater if only for the beauty of it all.  I’m no critic but there you have my two cents.

During the movie I found myself distracted by my own thoughts regarding beauty in our environments.  My internal dialog sounded something like, “That dress is amazing with its beading and embroidery” or “That room is remarkably grand but seems so comfortable at the same time.”  Maybe that was because I found the story lines lacking or perhaps it’s because I’m a visual person and naturally respond to those elements.  The things that stayed with me in the days following the viewing were all visual and it occurred to me that the visual elements in this movie told as much, or more, of the story as did the words spoken.

That brings me to my point.  Beauty matters. Beauty is subjective, yes, but it matters greatly to each of us in our daily lives because it helps us to tell our stories.  It’s more than fluff and decoration. Listening to a client describe their likes and dislikes, showing off a treasured family heirloom, hearing how they want their space to feel… these are all elements of a finished design that must be interpreted visually in order to create a sense of beauty for that individual or family.  A beautiful room is worth the energy it takes to create simply because it’s beautiful and tells a story.

It’s a joyful and gratifying thing to be in a business that’s all about interpreting words into visual beauty that tell a story.  Lucky us!

And go see the movie.  It’s beautiful.

—Susan

Bright, vibrant designs aren’t for everyone, so it’s comforting to know that dark wallpaper is very much in vogue in 2017.

Creating a mysterious vibe, black wallpapers ooze style and sophistication, and you’ll be surprised at just how much life these dark designs can breathe into your room. There are many different patterns and styles to choose from, which means you can really get your creative juices flowing.

Allow us to guide you through some of the best black wallcoverings that money can buy, explaining why these wonderful products will look perfect in your home.

Jewel Black / Gold

This stunning wallpaper designed by Julien MacDonald shows a much more feminine side with a delicate lace motif.

Offsetting this dark wallpaper with subtle texture and a gentle metallic shimmer, black interior design doesn’t have to display your dark side. The intricate pattern of Jewel Black/Gold really adds a sense of attention to detail that guests will notice straight away. Why not bring the lace texture away from the walls and into your soft furnishings to finish off this look?

Majestic Black

Nothing beats the regal sense of a sophisticated dark design and this black patterned wallpaper in particular instantly transforms your room. The traditional scrolls dance along your wall to create a little hideaway just for you.

Adorning your walls with an unmistakable sense of chic our Majestic Black wallpaper makes a style statement that sets the tone for your room. From our paste-the-wall range, this product is extremely easy to put up and take down.

Twilight Black

Have you ever considered stepping away from the conventional white kitchen and bathroom? With our stunning Twilight Black wallpaper, you can quickly revamp each room with a look that resembles intricately-laid tiles.

This textured wallpaper boasts sudden hints of glitter that twinkle as the light captures their splendor. Extra washable to give the clean finish of real tiling, this dark wallpaper is printed on our paste-the-wall paper to offer ease of application, allowing you to get the job done in an afternoon.

Flutterby Black

Black wallpaper isn’t all about dark and mysterious landscapes, though. By adding pops of vibrant color, you can create a cheery canvas that lifts the mood in any room.

Another design from our incredible Julien MacDonald collection, Flutterby Black displays colorful butterflies that dance along your walls and contrast the dark textured background. With subtle glitter elements that also add a glamorous touch, this sophisticated wallpaper makes a chic style statement.

We’ve merely scratched the surface here, but we hope we’ve given you enough inspiration to take into your next decorating project. You can check out our full range of black wallpaper here.

Since then, they have used a few of my photos in some of their editorial pieces. And when I see some of the names I’m grouped with, I’m seriously, very excited!! Yes 5 editorial inclusions in a little over a month! Check out the links below and let me know what you think! Can you find which one is mine? (OK, they do have my name listed…)

44 Seating Arrangement Ideas

Rooms With Pops of Purple

28 Rooms With Sunny Paint Colors

32 Pattern-Rich Homes

40 Vibrant Bedrooms with Personality

I pause and think, yes, it is fun; and yes, I do like what I do; but is it always “fun?” Is any job always fun?

No; but if you can excel during those trying times and work through them, you’ll know you can succeed and experience fun with your career.

Lately, as soon as I arise in the morning, I feel like all I’m doing is putting out fires.

In a new construction project, one glass chandelier is missing an arm.

Another exceedingly expensive fixture (in a three-story stairwell mind you) is blinking when it shouldn’t.

Cushions that should last ten years are completely flat after eighteen months.

Sectional fabric that has become grossly pilled and looks like it has been sitting in grandma’s basement since the ’70s.

And the list goes on.

That’s precisely the moment I think of Cyndi Lauper’s top hit. (You know the one.)

With that in mind, another question I often get asked is “Can we shop retail?”

I don’t even have to think about the answer to this one. Immediately, I say no.

One of the best things an interior designer can have in their pocket is excellent sources and great relationships with designer-only resources.

Those product issues I mentioned? They would have been a disaster and probably bankrupted me, had I not had those amazing relationships with my suppliers.

Sure, perhaps it was the electrician’s fault. Perhaps it was a faulty product. Perhaps it was a clumsy installer. But in the end, I had backed it as a quality product that would fit my client’s needs and was well worth it for them to spend their hard-earned money.

Because I have such amazing relationships, my vendors and showrooms will back me up so I can give my clients the ultimate customer service they deserve. In the end, if I have to spend some of my money to make sure my clients are happy, then that’s what I have to do. But working with exceptional people that back up their product and know what’s really at stake — the customer’s happiness — those are the only type of individuals whom with I want to work.

This is why I cannot (and will not) shop retail for my clients. I won’t get that type of personal relationship and commitment. It is an entirely different ballgame.

Did my resources help out with the issues above? You bet they did! New cushions were purchased for me for the sectional. Any costs associated with the expensive chandelier were taken care of by the lighting company. I did spend six straight hours with a de-pilling shaver (why are they all so small?) on the sectional after finding out most fabric companies do not consider pilling as defective! Should my client have to do that after purchasing a sectional from me? Absolutely not!

My role as a professional interior designer is to be full and comprehensive service. My job isn’t like HGTV or the DIY channel; it is a luxury service, and I truly believe all aspects of the business should reflect that level of service and quality.

And when all is said and done? Yeah; my job is exceedingly fun.

I’ll show you how we took one homeowner’s above-garage, add-on alcove, and converted into a truly spectacular lounge area for the entire family to appreciate.

The owner had built this extra room a few years back over their attached garage. Not knowing exactly how they would use the space, the family installed durable, commercial-grade flooring, along with plumbing and electrical hook-ups, so they’d have the flexibility in the future.

The room wore many proverbial hats: media room, kid sleepover room, game room — you get the idea. They were ready to change the space into something fun and usable.

Plus, given that this house is on a lake, the homeowners wanted the room to reflect their love of the water, the beach, and family trips to sunny locales.

We had to make the difficult decision to get rid of the hanging swing the kids had used for several years. It was right in the middle of the room, and severely limited our options for furniture.

Fortunately, the kids had grown older, so we didn’t get too much pushback.

Welcome to the lake!

To capture that lazy summer, beach feel, we pulled out plenty of stops.

We have a lovely, huge mural; a grasscloth wallcovering; a custom “jellyfish inspired” pendant; a beautifully beach-y sectional; custom cabinetry; and a custom LED-lit glass countertop that mimics the texture of the beach when you peer through it. (Fun!)

Here you see a partial glimpse of the lake map on the floor. Hanging near the sectional is an oyster shell light. There are also two more ottomans the family can put in place of the weathered wood coffee table to have a great lounging experience for all. It also makes an excellent place for the kids to have sleepovers.

Here’s a close up of the wet bar area, and its lit-up, glass countertop which comes complete with the waves, sand, and bubbles look. My amazing woodworker, Hamlin Fine Furniture, was able to make the curved peninsula like I wanted to imitate the feel of the soft moving waves of the ocean…as well as the movement of the wood grain. Love the “sloppy” aqua pendant, and the Alys Edwards glass mosaic tile is amazing. I’ve used it before, and it never disappoints.

All these elements come together and create a magical summertime space. It’s hard to believe this is the same room!

Want to bring your own lakeside into your home? See below for a list of featured elements and their makers:

• Lakeview mural, Magic Murals
• Grasscloth, F. Schumacher
• Jellyfish Pendant, October Design Co
• Sectional, Lovesac
• Curved peninsula cabinetry, Hamlin Fine Furniture
• LED-lit glass countertop, GlassArt Design
• Oyster shell lighting, Currey & Co
• Glass mosaic tile, Alys Edwards

Special thanks to all of the wonderful contributors of this project!

Ready to transform your that “bonus room” in your home? Send me a quick note today. I’d love to chat with you and see what we can create together.

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