Suzanne MacCrone Rogers • Italian Girl in Georgia™

FLOWERWORKS - ART, SURFACE & PATTERN DESIGN, VOLUME I

2025-10-13T22:00:00.004-04:00

Sharing the first collection of my Flowerworks surface and pattern design. The medium I use to create this collection of contemporary, botanical paintings is concentrated alcohol ink on Yupo paper. The surfaces and patterns in this collection begin from my original hand painted florals, which I then digitally modify and customize to create a collection of coordinating patterns.

These luminous florals are appropriate for application on resources such as wallpaper, textiles, rugs, and tile, which are used in the residential and contract interior design industry, as well as collections of fine art prints on walls and are wonderful designs for greeting cards, home décor, and gifts.

= SMR Flowerworks - Art , Surface & Pattern Design Volume I =

To view the collection, click the arrow in the portfolio above which shows the vibrant and whimsical Flowerworks collections of surface and pattern design available on wallpaper, fabric, and home décor in my Spoonflower shop.

Several beautiful collections of Flowerworks are available in my Spoonflower shop. I am always happy to do custom work. Please contact me for any special requests. As an interior designer and surface designer, I enjoy working with other interior designers on their creative projects and would love to create something unique for you and your clients.

Volume II coming soon!

DESIGNER SPOTLIGHT INTERVVIEW

2025-10-04T21:06:00.004-04:00

Repost from an interview with Tianna DeNuzio, Founder & Creator of The Green Room at 831
Published 3 October 2025

= Meet Suzanne MacCrone Rogers =

With a background in both architecture and interior design, Suzanne Rogers has always been captivated by the way spaces shape our lives. After completing graduate studies in interior design and living abroad in Italy, she returned to her California roots where her career took a colorful turn, redecorating and staging yachts and sailboats for clients and national boat shows.

At the same time, Suzanne launched a wholesale art business with her mother, designing hand-painted stationery, giftware, table linens, and décor. For 15 years, she traveled the gift show circuit coast-to-coast, with her work licensed for dinnerware, greeting cards, fine art prints, and more. Eventually, her path led her to Georgia, where she now runs her own interior design firm, blending her artistic eye with a passion for creating joyful, meaningful spaces.

= Design Style =

Suzanne describes her style as joyful, colorful, and whimsical, never trendy, but always current and classic. She layers styles, textures, and colors to create interiors that are unpretentious yet refined, timeless yet full of life.

“I embrace the classics with a contemporary twist and always a little surprise here and there,” she says. Her goal? To design spaces that are enduring and elegant, with a spirited spontaneity that makes them truly unique.

Villa Teresa, Historic Philip Trammell Shutze Villa Teresa, Stanislaus, Macon, GA

= Finding Inspiration =

For Suzanne, inspiration is everywhere, whether it’s traveling abroad, wandering through a botanical garden, or observing how a town works for its community. She’s especially moved by the natural world, from woodland walks and courtyard gardens to the open countryside.

One of her most meaningful sources of inspiration came from her son.

Together, they ran a Summer Arts Camp for children with the motto “Where children color our world with their imagination and let their creativity shine.” Watching the freedom and joy with which the children created became a powerful muse for her own artistic journey.

= A Favorite Project =

Over her 20+ year career, Suzanne has cherished many projects, but one recent favorite was designing a “grown-up” apartment for a newly graduated young client passionate about pink.

The project included a blush-pink dormer niche bed tucked under a vaulted ceiling, whimsical sconces, monogrammed linens, and even wallpaper carried up onto the ceiling to match custom upholstery. The result was a blend of sentimental furnishings, modern details, and playful surprises, a perfect balance of comfort, character, and sophistication.

Carriage House

= The Role of Artwork =

Art is inseparable from Suzanne’s design process. While many clients bring collections of their own, she often sources originals, limited edition prints, and giclée’s from artists she admires. She incorporates monochrome and color photography, as well as her own work when the fit feels right.

“By the time we get to art selection, I already know my client’s taste,” she explains. “If I have a piece that complements the space, I’ll place it during the final stages of design. Sometimes I’ll sell or gift it to them if they love it.”

Visions of Italy, Firenze

= Go-To Styles & Colors =

Suzanne loves whimsical, happy art, faces, flowers, architecture, photography, anything that evokes feeling and joy. Blue, in every shade, remains a classic staple in her work, but she also delights in adding playful punches of vibrant pink.

Gypsy Garden Girl Glow

= Quick Favorites =

Favorite design trend right now? “I don’t follow trends, but I love that clients are embracing exuberant color, wallpaper, bold paint, and large-scale furnishings rather than just accent walls.

A color you’re loving? “Blue will always be timeless, but my lifelong favorite fun color is hot pink. Every now and then I dip my brush into pink for both interiors and paintings.

A design rule you always follow, or love to break? “Ceilings should never be ignored. Whether it’s lacquered paint, a bold chandelier, or patterned wallpaper, a finished ceiling transforms a room.

Carriage House

= What’s Coming Up =

Suzanne is excited about several upcoming ventures. She’s been asked to design an oceanfront retirement home in South Carolina, a collaboration more than 20 years in the making. Construction begins in 2026, and she can’t wait to bring the project to life.

She’s also actively pursuing art licensing once again, with a focus on home décor, wallpaper, textiles, tabletop, and expanding her fine art and photography into greeting cards, prints, and stationery.

= Connect with Suzanne =

Explore more of Suzanne’s work and art at SuzanneMRogers.com and (here) on her blog. Follow her on Instagram: @suzannemaccronerogers for interiors and @italiangirlingeorgia for art. You can also find her designs (for sale) on Spoonflower and (inspiration) on Pinterest.

Follow The Green Room at 831 website for beautiful art , their blog for all the news, and of course, Instagram @thegreenroomat831.

Thank you Tianna!

🩵

THE MONDAY MORNING BUZZ

2025-06-02T11:06:00.000-04:00

Bee Happy Monday

Wishing you a bright and cheerful week with the Monday Morning Buzz! Hope your day is as good as this honey bee on the daisy above seems to be having.

The photograph above is available for sale on prints small to large on paper and canvas. Contact me for details and pricing.

For another sweet story about these happy blooms, click THUNDERFLOWERS.

A CARRIAGE HOUSE BEDROOM

2025-04-12T15:15:00.000-04:00

What dreams are made of.

When I was hired to create a "grown up" apartment for a newly graduated young lady working in the medical field, with a passion for pink, I blushed!😉My client not only wanted pink with a touch of blue, but also a contemporary and modern feeling in her cozy new home.

The bedroom suite was my favorite space in this tiny but mighty carriage house. The lofty vaulted ceiling gave the feeling of a room more spacious than it already was. The queen bed which my client already owned was dressed in fine custom and monogrammed linens. The bed is tucked in a dormer niche, which I painted a blush pink to define the space. Because of the tight area, I opted for sconces instead of lamps for her bedside lighting and wall mounted brass shelves with a very slim profile for a place for a candle, glass of water, and book or journal. A pretty wrought iron antique gold bench custom upholstered in powder blue velvet sits at the foot of the bed.

A couple of antique or vintage pieces in a modern space add warmth and character to an interior. This antique chest was the perfect size for storage and the natural wood is a gentle contrast to other furnishings. The art above the chest is one of my original photographs which I had printed on a gallery wrapped canvas.

A comfy chair is always a good idea in a bedroom. This one swivels and I had it upholstered in a painterly cotton fabric with a contrast welting in the same powder blue velvet which is on the bench and the ruffled pillow. The hot pink velvet tufted ottoman was not the right color pink when I purchased it, so I had it reupholstered to coordinate with the banding on the window valances. It is also a secret storage spot and punches up the pastels a bit. The pretty fluted gold and marble side table adds another pop of gold. The gold accents and furnishings throughout this little gem of a room make it sparkle!

I am sure by now you have noticed the ceiling☝🏻wallpapered in the same pattern as the upholstered chair. This was one of the most fun things we did in the room and I believe tied it all together beautifully. (Do not ever forget your fifth wall!) I cozied up the bedroom with a pretty sky blue and cream woven wool rug which anchors the furnishings and is soft to the touch on bare feet.

On the opposite side of the room is another dormer niche, which I also painted blush pink for symmetry and definition of the area. When the sunlight comes through the plantation shuttered windows, it creates a charming rosy glow. The dresser is my client's from college days, which got a fresh coat of glossy white paint, and the powder blue lamps anchor the space in a whimsical but modern way.

Every room needs a little dazzle, right? Here we added crystal faceted and polished brass door knobs (throughout the carriage house). These are the kind of details that most people may not think of, and can make an interior come alive. All these details and some of my client's family treasures are what make this bedroom extra special.

Mood board & schematics.

I hope that this project inspired you to create something beautiful with a modern mix of old and new, a little dazzle, and especially making it your own with your sentimental furnishings, mementos, and treasures.

A CHRISTMAS PAST - THE JAZZ AGE

2024-12-24T10:30:00.004-05:00

Sharing from a past post - the beautiful parlor in the historic Hay House, which I designed in 2016 to celebrate Christmas in the Jazz Age.

Christmas at Hay House is an annual designer showcase, where interior designers from Georgia are selected to decorate a room in the historic Hay House in Macon, for the month of December.

Each year a design theme is decided upon and the it is up to the designers to do their own interpretation of the theme.

In 2016, the theme was a Jazz Age Jubilee.

In keeping with that theme, I chose the beautifully appointed parlor, which had been restored to its early Art Deco French style and was the perfect room in the Mansion of the South to convey the opulence and fabulously wealthy lifestyle of the Hays at Christmastime.

Old school swagger juxtaposes irresistible glamour in the details throughout the room and its furnishings.

Luxurious materials - silk, mink, velvet, crystal, gold, silver, pearls, diamonds - evocative of the early Art Deco style adorn every corner of the room, while over 1,800 twinkle lights sparkle and illuminate the parlor, creating a magical Parisian style soirée.

Gilded swans and ruffled feather wreaths grace the marble mantel.

Indulging in their lavish lifestyle of the 1920’s, this is where the lady and gentleman of the house exchange gifts from their favorite New York boutique, Henri Bendel.

Arriving guests are greeted here and toast in the New Year with a sip of champagne from a crystal glass and a taste of caviar or a strawberry dipped in chocolate.

The vision of Christmas past...and one I loved creating.

May all of your Christmases be Merry.

DINING BY DESIGN

2024-11-16T14:13:00.002-05:00

A modern mix - where traditional meets whimsical.

Renovating and redesigning this new home for my clients was a special experience for all of us. This newly married and a blended family created an opportunity to incorporate family treasures, antique furnishings, and mementos collected throughout their travels in a way that showcased their pieces beautifully.

One of my trademarks is always creating a point of view and interest upward in an interior.

It can be whimsical wallpaper or statement light fixture. Often I may do both as I did here.

My idea of a galaxy of stars on their dining room ceiling was one I shared with my clients. When they were receptive to it (and during my presentation, giggled), there was just no going back.

This would anchor the room and was the beginning of the entire design plan.

Using their family furnishings and accessories with meaningful history, updating them with pretty new upholstery on the dining chairs, and then mixing it up a bit with unique lighting and custom painted furniture resulted in a formal dining room that is not stuffy or uncomfortable, but cozy and charming.

The decision to keep the window treatments simple with custom plantation shutters and no additional window treatments, created a more light and airy dining room - pretty for Sunday brunches, but elegant for fancy celebratory dinners.

A bonus when we completed this room was using some of the leftover wallpaper for stair risers in the adjacent entry hall.

A stairway to Heaven was created!

🩵🩵🩵

Is your dining room holiday ready?

Follow me on Instagram and Pinterest for inspiration.

COUNTRY FAIR - A NOSTALGIC NOD

2024-10-07T10:20:00.002-04:00

Sharing a post from ten years ago. Enjoy.

🎪🎪🎪

Americana and southern traditions run deep here in the South every autumn. This year marked the 25th anniversary of the Georgia National Fair, so we honored that milestone and joined the thousands of others from all over the state who did the same.

It was a spectacular Indian summer day in the fall...90 degrees - blue sky, sunshine, and vanilla cream cotton candy clouds.

This "picture perfect" day gave me the perfect opportunity to experiment with an idea I have had for quite a while.

So, in between riding on some really scary rides that I was persuaded to try and prayed would not collapse while we were on them, I made some photographs.

While I was in the midst of posting these current photographs, I found some from one of our previous visits to the fair and played around with them as I did these new images.

A little cross process, tweaking fill light and saturation, and adding a "1960's" filter gave these photos just the look I was hoping for - a nostalgic nod to an ever present bygone era.

Vibrant color, sparkly prizes, carnival lights, ornate details,

...and my little guy on the carousel when he was just four years old.

The details on some of the amusements are exquisitely crafted, even though ghoulish at times with their carved facial expressions popping out here and there, surprising us around each and every corner of the carnival.

Sensory overload in every way.

Even these yellow duckies had to put their shades on and chill out in the cool pool.

And after dizzying day of decadence in every way, so did we.

🎡🎡🎡

Some of these images are available in my Zazzle shop on party goods, posters, and more!

BATHROOMS ON A BUDGET & BEYOND

2024-09-16T11:57:00.000-04:00

The clever mix of high and low.

As I begin a new bathroom remodel project this month I wanted to share some of my past work, which reveals how I have mingled exquisite high end finishes with moderately priced furnishings and executed a skillful reuse of existing elements when they were available.

🫧🫧🫧

This tiny but mighty en suite bathroom (below) is one where we took the original bathroom down to the studs, and while my client did not want to expand the bathroom, we did remove the bathtub/shower insert and replaced it with a walk in shower to save some space. The highlights are the beautiful marble vanity counter, mosaic floor tile, and oversized porcelain shower wall tile, which elevate the design and create a dramatic feeling in spite of this bathroom's petit size.

The elegant antiqued gold leaf mirror is illuminated by a pair of fringy pendants and above by a Kate Spade scalloped flush mount, which add some whimsical touches to the otherwise conservative finishes.

The sliding glass shower door gives the illusion of a larger space without concealing the gorgeous mosaic marble tile floor and oversized porcelain wall tiles, which have a hint of gold sprinkled in them.

A pocket door would have seemed like the obvious solution for the bathroom entry, but was not possible due the electrical, plumbing, and spatial restrictions. To compliment the sliding shower door, I selected a sliding "barn" entry door with frosted glass panes, which saves space and is an interesting architectural element seen from both the bathroom and the adjoining bedroom.

While this beautiful guest bath (below) underwent a complete renovation before I came onto the project, I was hired to make the final finish selections of wallpaper, lighting, furnishings, and accessories.

Although this bathroom is at a higher budget, the lighting I installed was moderately priced and perfectly suited to the elegance of the space.

The original tiny half bath (below) was squeezed into a hallway and was a poor previous addition in a 1950s bungalow I renovated. In order to create a more functional bathroom and a full bath for the adjacent guest bedroom, we brought this room down to the studs and worked in pedestal sink, corner shower, and toilet. The glass enclosed shower with a pan floor rather than tile was a money saver, as was the pedestal sink instead of a custom vanity. The black and white palette fit the style of the bungalow, with a modern twist and happy nod to the past.

Powder baths are one of the most fun spaces to design, because of their demure size and I believe that there should always be a little surprise when you enter. These surprises can be a funky mirror, whimsical wallpaper, original artwork, or specialty lighting.

The bathroom below was in a home where I did a complete remodel and design. My clients' budget was a priority because of the extent of the project, although creativity and design was not compromised anywhere in the house.

In order to avoid replacing the vanity in this powder bath, we "lifted" the counter to a standard height by adding a two by four spacer, then painted the entire vanity and added new brass hardware (which I hand rubbed with gold leaf paste) so that no modifications would be noticeable. By saving on the cost of a new and custom vanity, I splurged on the wallpaper. The mirror and lighting were new and mid range in cost. The vintage and new personalized accessories added the charm which finished this powder room in a lovely way.

This handsome primary bathroom (below), was rather expensive due to a major renovation, however the materials were somewhat economical and budget friendly.

The oversized mirror was a purchase from a liquidator - it was originally used in at a Ritz Carlton Hotel in Florida. The black wrought iron chandelier was in another area of the home and its proportions and style were so appropriate for this bathroom that we moved it into the bathroom. Simple chrome plumbing fixtures add just the right amount of shine against the soft, matte custom closet doors and vanity. The slightly French industrial style vanity light fixture in polished nickel does the same.

The simplicity of the black and white porcelain floor tile, and "groovy" shower wall tile offset the cost of splurging a little bit and using pretty penny tile in Carrara marble for the shower floor.

The custom floating vanity visually gives the room a sense of spaciousness, as does the clear glass shower enclosure. With the simple and classic palette of black and white, this bathroom will endure the test of time.

This sweet little girl's bathroom (in the same home as the powder bath above) was similarly modified when we lifted the double vanities, rather than replacing them. After painting them in a high gloss paint and adding new hardware, there is no indication that are not custom! Here new plumbing fixtures were installed and the original wall to wall mirrors I had cut to large, circles and framed them with whimsical sconces. The "surprise" in this bathroom is the wallpapered ceiling!

🫧🫧🫧

Often a modest remodel of a bathroom is all you may need, and then there are times when a complete renovation is what is necessary in order for a bathroom to function properly.

If you are ready for either, SMR Interiors will provide a unique and beautiful design, within your budget, and in a timely manner. It will be a stress free and enjoyable experience for you!

RURAL GEORGIA ROAD TRIP

2023-08-01T20:32:00.009-04:00

Sharing another post from summer's past.

This time exploring rural Georgia, originally posted in August 2015.

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This summer we explored some of our very own Southern turf and embraced the South's unique beauty.

Abandoned plantation homes and rustic farm fences along country roads near Madison, Georgia made us wonder what used to be.

The simple construction and organic materials of this fence make it as much a part of the landscape as it hugs the vast green meadow, as are the old oak trees.

A white barn nestled in the woods and draped with kudzu would be a perfect garden retreat or studio.

Lovely manicured farmland in Pinehurst, Georgia (owned by friends of ours) reminds me of places I have seen in Italy.

Sweet corn fields, lakes, and...

...vistas that go on and on take my breath away.

Cotton fields for miles. Georgia's Indian summer snow.

Acid yellow mustard fields that bloom for acres along the road to the coast of Georgia looked like sunshine in a field.

My muse.

Country churches and simple cemeteries...

...allowed us to take a moment and explore the history of who are buried in this place.

Since I moved to Georgia slightly more than two decades ago as of today's date (August 2023), I have made a collection of country church photographs. This one is Mount Perry Church on the way from Macon to Monticello, Georgia.

Fields of pink and white cosmos surprised us as they were dancing along a north Georgia mountain highway on our way to the mountains of North Carolina.

So beautiful that I had to get up close and personal. Now I grow these brilliant blooms in my own Southern garden.

Summer beauty.

Hoping that yours has been as lovely.

As always, thank you for your visit.

SUMMERTIME BY THE SEA

2023-07-21T18:30:00.002-04:00

Sharing a bit of my hometown summer joys.

Originally posted July 2012.

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When someone asks you where you are from, how do you answer? Do you reply with the city or town in which you were born? Or is it where you grew up? Or perhaps where your home is right this very moment?

When I am asked, I usually answer San Francisco, because that is where I was born and since my college days at UC Berkeley I lived most of my adult life either in The City or in a town on The Bay overlooking The City until I moved to the Deep South, about 21 years ago this week.

This is the spot I used to ride my bike to, park it, and then walk down 100+ steps with my best friend to the soft sand in my hot pink and orange bikini. It is a small beach town about 80 miles south of San Francisco and about 40 miles north of Carmel…in Rio del Mar, California.

Last month my husband, son, and I spent a week in the Bay Area along the Pacific Coast. It’s been several years since I have been back “home,” as my immediate family does not live there anymore (they moved from California a few years before I moved to Georgia). We had fun visiting my Italian cousins, beach bum cousins, and our close extended family, and I reminisced with several of my long time girlfriends.

This was the first time I was able to show my little boy where I grew up and show him some of my favorite spots along the coast and in and out of San Francisco.

Capitola-by-the-Sea was the first beach I remember playing on as a little girl. My Mother would gather my two little brothers and me in her red Ford Mustang convertible and tote us to the beach every chance she got during the summer. My brothers and I were the Coppertone mascots. My baby brother was still an infant, but my other brother and I would run from the beach to the corner store and buy Popsicles when we got hot - root beer for my Mom always, and the coldest, juiciest ones for us.

The Capitola Venetian, located on the beach in Capitola Village, is the oldest residential seaside resort in California, and a charming all-suite, boutique hotel. This resort began its construction in 1924 and was later listed as one of the first seaside tourism developments in California. It is now called "Capitola Venetian Hotel." The Venetian is built in the Mediterranean style reminiscent of an Italian village with mermaids on the arches, hand-carved doors thematic of Venice, and vibrant, colorful exterior facades.

I would collect river rocks from the creek that fed into the ocean, and then paint them with whimsical designs when I got home. On our next beach day I would walk door to door at the Venetian Court beach houses selling them as paper weights. I think this was about the time when my career in the arts began.😉

This visit brought back all those memories and the beach was as charming as ever. It still has the small town, old world innocence that I will forever remember as a part of my childhood.

The stucco walls of the Venetian Court have been painted brighter colors than their original pastel Mediterranean pink (this happened after the devastating earthquake in 1989) and it’s crowded with summer tourists now, rather than the year long residents that used to live there, but it still remains one of my favorite places and it will always continue to be an important part of my life.

When we headed north on Highway 1 to return to our Airbnb for the week, we stopped to watch this group of kite surfers dance on the ocean.

It was a gorgeous day and tugged at my heartstrings. It's nice to remember my childhood town this way.

I do not think that I took it for granted as a child. I wonder if now as an adult and being away from it for ten years makes it seem better than it was...

No, I don't think so. It was a fabulous place to grow up!

CURB APPEAL MATTERS

2022-09-17T19:21:00.000-04:00

This is not just another pretty façade.

= AFTER =

This bungalow, circa 1957, is still looking beautiful several years after a total interior and exterior renovation. The "before" photo below shows where we started with the complete exterior re-design. We did extensive remodeling and architectural modifications with the interior as well, which are fabulous, but that's another post.

When SMR Interiors does a complete color palette design - interior or exterior - we consider the historical elements and architecture of your dwelling, its details - classic or contemporary - and how it all relates to your home or place of business, in order to create enduring and everlasting design.

= BEFORE =

SMR Interiors does not follow trends - this ensures that your home will be pleasing years after we update. We never copy; we are always innovating.

If you are thinking about painting the exterior of your home to increase its curb appeal or for a fresh change, but cannot decide which colors to choose, we can help settle your indecision.

SMR Interiors expertise is in color palette design. Suzanne has over 30 years experience and is highly skilled in color theory, metamerism (how light can change the appearance of a hue), and the undertones of pigments - all of which are essential when selecting and coordinating paint, stains, finishes, and materials.

Additional details such as lighting, landscaping, and styling your front entry help improve the aesthetics of your home's curb appeal, as well.

Our virtual or in-person consultations are complimentary and we offer flat fee packages for this service. SMR Interiors now offers E-Design, which gives our clients the opportunity to complete the project on their own timeline & within their budget parameters. SMR Interiors provides the design for you along with the sources for the furnishings, finishes & materials. You are in charge of initiating the project once you get the design details from us. This is a perfect option for out-of-town or budget-conscious clients who can implement the project when they are ready. It's all about the plan!

Below is an example of an exterior E-Design presentation.

Book now so that your home will be ready for the holidays!

We are now scheduling consultations.

COLOR TRENDS - CLASSIC & CONTEMPORARY

2022-05-09T09:30:00.001-04:00

Earlier this Spring I was honored to be one of twelve designers in Georgia chosen by Sherwin Williams to determine the color palettes for 2023 and beyond. Each of us selected six to eight colors, which we have used in our projects throughout the Atlanta Metropolitan Area, presented those individual projects, and created a palette of trending paint colors in residential interior and exterior design for the next few years.

Sherwin Williams will be presenting the collection later this year.

Suzanne M Rogers Interiors clients are driving a color trend story that is significant. Couples purchasing homes with dated interiors, which need remodeling and updating; millennials purchasing their first homes - many of which are historic - also requiring renovations and modernizing; professionals in health care, law, education, and many other work from home individuals are all impacting and influencing the color palette direction of their dwellings.

I use clean and crisp colors frequently to create a canvas for interiors that is elegant, sophisticated, and personal. Our niche has been working with clients who do not want to start entirely from scratch. The personal character and ambience of their homes has become a very important element within the last couple of years.

Colors derived from Mother Nature’s elements are always a good choice – washes of pale blue, green, pink, sand – and evoke a sense of calm in an otherwise chaotic world today. More saturated colors compliment and anchor these wispy tones. Bold furnishings, fabrics, art, and accessories stand out against this backdrop creating an interior with dynamic movement. Decorative accessories add the personal touches to their home interiors with bold and expressive color touches.

With more and more people working from home there has been a strong desire to create an environment that is tranquil and comforting. Quiet, light, sunny spaces in which to work undistracted with views out windows to private gardens, swimming pools, streetscapes, or lakes are appealing. The backdrop of a color palette of soft tones tends to reduce their stress and improve their mood and creativity. A quiet down to earth color palette anchored in strong neutrals can set this tone.

There is a current desire in the residential market to incorporate antique or vintage family furnishings, artwork, and meaningful mementos in newly designed homes.

Our clients wish to incorporate their collections of furniture, art, and mementos and create a fresh look by adding new furnishings and finishes to their homes. The modern mix of styles and textures works well against the soft colors in my color palettes. I love to give new life to treasured heirlooms! Choosing the right colors for the backdrop is key in allowing these treasures to be enjoyed by a new generation.

All of our clients are professionals, however even though they range in age from the mid-twenties to the mid-sixties, it seems that they all are striving to achieve the same sense of comfort at home, with the emphasis on an imaginative remix of design styles.

When you are ready for a color change to increase your exterior curb appeal or to more accurately reflect your current lifestyle in your interior, a color palette change of your home is an easy and cost effective solution.

Suzanne M Rogers Interiors expertise is in color palette design and we offer flat fee packages for this service. Contact us to schedule an in person consultation and discuss your options. We are currently booking for June appointments.

NOT JUST FILLER

2022-03-30T13:05:00.000-04:00

I love the delicate creamy blooms of baby's breath...

...don't you?

I rarely use it as a "filler" because it's so pretty on its own in a

crystal vase,

pewter jug, or

tarnished silver urn.

Sometimes it is all you need when you want fresh flowers in your home on a bedside table, in a powder room, or on your office desk. Wrapped in paper tied with a ribbon would be a lovely way to say thank you to a hostess too.

WHEN TEXTURE BECOMES COLOR

2021-10-02T18:24:00.002-04:00

This summer I did a living room refresh for an eighty-six year old friend, a very traditional Southern-bred lady of leisure. She enjoys having friends over and hosting small parties frequently, but the living room in her town home was not only dark and dated, but uncomfortable and uninviting. It desperately needed to be revitalized.

= BEFORE =

The goal was to completely do away with the bright red color palette - on the walls, on the windows, and the furniture. Everywhere.

= BEFORE =

At one time these custom window treatments were very current and created a coziness in this living room. However the heavy draperies, valances, white rods, and mini blinds were no longer cozy, but almost cavernous and did not fit with the simplified, cleaner, and lighter look that we wanted - a palette of creamy whites, linen, and gold touches.

Custom-made plantation shutters were installed, which now open up the windows giving the illusion of a larger room. The light can now be controlled, the view is visible, and the shutters may be closed when privacy is desired. We also removed the grills on the bottom half of the double hung windows, which created a more up-to-date look for both the interior and exterior.

The walls were painted a warm white to coordinate with the slightly darker ceiling color, which was not changed. The woodwork and trim were painted in a high gloss white to frame and brighten up the walls and ceiling, while reflecting more light than the previous satin finish painted woodwork that had become dull over the years due to smoke from candles and the fireplace being used quite a bit during the winters.

Rather than purchasing new, we decided to update much of the original upholstered furniture and incorporate them into the new design. This was a bonus in the design process because of the immediate availability of the textiles we selected. I just had to convince my skillful upholsterer to put me on the calendar right away! He did. With some strategic redesign and beautiful fabrics these old pieces became new again, comfortable, still traditional, and not trendy.

A couple of satin gold, glass, and marble side tables were purchased to sit beside a lonely chair and a loveseat. These were a light and bright alternative to the heavy dark wood tables that we replaced and their styles coordinated with the tables that we kept.

= BEFORE =

The layers of textured, embroidered, geometric, and floral fabrics that were used to create visual interest and the neutral color palette ensured that the room remains calm and inviting.

Lighting was an important element in this room. There is no chandelier or recessed lighting and my client did not want to install any new electrical. A mix of couture lamps and some purchased from Home Goods was the perfect fit for the room, time frame, and budget.

A pair of these marble and brushed brass lamps are placed on each side of the fireplace mantle. (More good stuff about this fireplace below.)

This artisan styled table lamp was just the right fit, price, and look to illuminate this modern sculpture.

A pair of white ceramic pineapple lamps accented with gold leaf add the luxury touch to this otherwise very tailored room. We all know that in the South, the iconic pineapple is the ultimate symbol of Southern hospitality.

The focal point in this room had always been the fireplace, but not in a good way. To change it up, in addition to fresh paint, I added a light taupe floral embossed tile on the surround and a lovely hand made tile on the hearth. The varying shades of white to cream to ivory harmonize beautifully with the more decorative embossed tile.

= BEFORE =

The design concept for this project began in May and was completed by mid-August. Because we did not purchase any custom furniture and reupholstered existing pieces instead, the waiting game was short, yet we still achieved the look of custom furniture and lux design with the hand selected fabrics and restyling of the chairs and loveseat, specialty lighting, tile, and a sophisticated neutral color palette.

If you are considering updating your living room or any room, shop your own home and find ways to re-use and renew what you already have. SMR Interiors can help you achieve the room of your dreams. No matter your situation in life, redesigning your interior does not have to be expensive or stressful.

Fabric, paint, lighting, upholstery, and window treatments are fairly simple ways to update a room without the expense of completely custom or the extensive waiting periods for production and delivery that we all are experiencing these days. Mixing it all up a bit with some unexpected elements and playful styling can bring to life a room making it inviting and enduring.

RURAL ARCHITECTURE OF THE HUDSON RIVER VALLEY

2021-08-25T13:50:00.001-04:00

Cozy cottages, summer homes, and grand villas dot the landscape of upstate New York along the Hudson River Valley in Dutchess County.

In between tiny farms and along the rural roads, small towns are scattered along the Hudson River. If you blink you could miss a few of these tiny towns while driving through, but the architecture and colorful houses are worth stopping for.

There is such a diverse collection of architectural styles in this area. Above is a gorgeous example of a French Gothic Victorian home. The details of the windows and fretwork are exquisite for a country home such as this.

This traditional Victorian home, with hints of Queen Anne motifs, is nestled in a lush garden. The front porch is just waiting for someone to enjoy it.

A tiny Dutch Colonial cottage is nearby.

The architectural splendor of this old abandoned house is still evident...even though this rural home has probably been vacant for decades.

The simplicity of this modern Gothic Episcopal church fits right in with the architectural landscape in this area.

Another charming example of the Dutch style architecture. The street this house sits on is scattered with colorful, whimsical houses. The pastel sage green and accents of yellow, white and orange show off the delicate details of the windows and roofline. Fortunately, this little gem was restored to preserve its allure.

Then there is this shotgun style shack that even though is in slight disrepair, is charming on its own. The bright yellow façade happily sits beyond the double yellow line on the street.

This French Mansard style home from the 1860s to 1870s is full of fun flourishes - a lovely scalloped slate roof with charming fretwork on the roof line, architectural elements on the porch, arched double doors. This pretty Painted Lady is now a boutique inn in the village of Rhinebeck, New York.

And then, across the street from the Inn that was "our home" for a couple of days in Pine Plains, New York, was this church with bright yellow double doors smiling at us. At least I think that's a smile. Could just be staring at us.

Upstate New York is a unique rural landscape of houses. Our country has so much richness in its architecture that we have adopted from Europe and made our own. I enjoyed exploring and grabbing a bit of the architectural history of Dutchess County along the Hudson River Valley in New York this summer. What is your favorite style of architecture?

TURN IT ON - THE ART OF LIGHTING DESIGN

2021-06-16T10:31:00.004-04:00

Never dim your light...let it shine!

Earlier this Spring Capitol Lighting asked me for an interview on my take of dining room lighting after seeing a few of my posts on my Instagram feed. I was flattered at the request and happily contributed my point of view.

That gave me the idea to share some of my design ideas and philosophy on lighting design here, as well. The finishing touches - how a room is illuminated - of an interior should be one of the first things to consider when designing a space.

It sounds like an oxymoron, starting with the finishing touches. However, lighting is one of the most important design elements of an interior. It not only illuminates, but it creates ambience...and sometimes even romance. It can be a beautiful decorative piece, but it is also quite necessary and functional.

The lighting I select for a project may often direct the design plan. When a client asks me to update or design a space, the light fixtures are some of the first furnishings I will recommend replacing.

Lighting in a foyer or entry hall should never be neglected. Often it is the initial element one sees when entering a home or office, and it is an area where you can express your style and give a hint of what other fabulous things are happening in your home or workplace.

The right lighting draws the eye upward and can create a dramatic first impression.

The options today for luxury lighting are endless. Styles have become more playful and whimsical, colorful and architectural, hand crafted and highly modern. This is what makes it such a joy to select for a client's home or place of business.

I strive to find a piece that is dramatic and gives the appearance of customized design and I individualize the selection for each client. I look for unusual characteristics, such as porcelain flowers, gilded and hand molded features, wrought iron, scalloped ceramic shades, or ombré colored beaded or fringed fixtures. Adding a extra touch, such as these crystal swags (below), to an already gorgeous hand made chandelier uplifts and personalizes the fixture and interior design even further.

A chandelier or pendant above the dining table becomes part of the table setting design if it is selected properly. A dining room is not complete without a striking light fixture suspended over the dining room table. It is the centerpiece of the room, elevating the design of the space, creating ambience and an inviting gathering place.

The lifestyle of my client and furnishings that will remain are always taken into consideration, as does the purpose for the lighting - whether in a home or a business. The proper selection of a light fixture sets the mood and enhances a room.

The lighting should complement the interior design of the room and not be the first thing you notice, but rather notice how beautiful the interior is in its entirety - whether with the lights turned on and the room illuminated or the lights turned off and the fixture becomes almost a sculptural piece of art.

Chandeliers, pendants, sconces, lamps all light up a room in their own special way. Lighting dazzles and adds a luminescence to the room. It can bring the entire room together with a flick of the switch!

Repetition of a fixture is also a powerful way to create a statement especially in a commercial space, but also in the home.

These precious ceramic scalloped pendants look like flowers falling from the sky blue ceiling in this kitchen. Below, the retro wicker globes (circa 1960), which happen to be back in fashion today, look fabulous hanging on simple white cords from the beams of this vaulted ceiling above.

A pair of pretty sconces in a bathroom flanking a mirror gives a different character to the room than the standard vanity strip light above the mirror.

However if you do choose to use a vanity sconce above the mirror, be creative and select one that has great design.

If there is not enough height for a chandelier or pendant, a decorative flush mount ceiling fixture in a guest bedroom gives the room that extra touch.

It’s important that lighting brightens the space without being glaring. Dimmer switches are a must! The scale of the fixture must relate to the size of the room and furniture - for example the dining room table if it’s a chandelier or pendant, a fireplace mantle, a wide open sunroom, a powder room, reception area, or work station.

A vintage lamp on a modern desk in a home office not only provides efficient task lighting, but is also a creative way to use a cherished heirloom.

Lamps on sideboards, console tables, or chests for ambient lighting in a dining or living room can be beautiful accent furnishings. Consider not using traditional buffet lamps but larger scaled and striking lamps that compliment the other pieces in the room.

Changing out a fixture is one of the quickest and possibly, least expensive ways to update a room and bring a dreary and dull interior back to life!

The best upgrades for your home or office are simple ones such as these described above, but are tricky to implement if you are not trained or have the resources. If you are considering a quick update to your home or business, and adding a little sparkle to conquer the dull, call SMR Interiors and schedule a design consultation! We'd love to help. Lighting plays a major role in setting the mood in a space and we have some fabulous sources of unique lighting for every budget.

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All projects and photographs shown here are copyright Suzanne M Rogers Interiors designs.

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More Inspiration

= Pinterest =

Chandeliers

= Instagram =

SMR Interiors

Guides on Lighting Design

= Capitol Lighting =

Dining Room Lighting

CANDIED COLORED CHARLESTON

2021-03-21T16:43:00.002-04:00

Took a spontaneous weekend trip to the Low Country last week to this charming city of Charleston, and was once again enamored by its colorful architecture.

The "famous" Pink House was an early 18th Century tavern, then law offices, and now an art gallery. It is one of the oldest buildings in South Carolina and the second oldest house in Charleston, dating back to 1712. On one of my very first trips to this town I purchased a pen and ink watercolor of this house at the open market. I still have it hanging in my studio and it remains a favorite art piece in my collection.

Cobblestones, brick, and slate pave the streets, sidewalks, and patios weaving their way throughout the tiny streets and alley ways in the town.

Candied colored cottages are scattered throughout the historic district and beyond. Wrought iron gates lead into quiet courtyards and private verandas.

Curb appeal is at its finest. The symmetry of this vanilla colored house is lovely...even the shadow cast over its front door by the home across the street, is almost perfectly placed.

Tiny gardens are meticulously manicured. Window boxes overflowing with flowers and foliage, boxwood topiaries, and fruit trees ready to burst into blooms and chartreuse leaflets.

Patriotism blows,

and creeping fig grows!

Lilly Pulitzer would approve of this color combination, don't you agree?

The Sunday morning sunlight created a golden glow against this row of historic homes in the Battery district on Rainbow Row, which is the name for this series of thirteen colorful historic houses in Charleston. These homes represent the longest cluster of Georgian row houses in the United States.

I can never get enough of this fabulous architecture.

Follow my Pinterest boards for more inspiration for charming homes and gardens -

Favorite Cottages

In and Out of the Garden

Hope that you will follow me on Instagram too -

SMR Interiors

ItalianGirlinGeorgia

ART THAT BLOOMS

2021-02-22T11:15:00.002-05:00

Delicate and dazzling.

Bold and bright.

These original photographs I made caught the eye of Getty Images on Flickr back in the day, and are licensed world wide. Recently, I digitally transformed them into glorious watercolor prints, which are beautiful as a pair or individually.

They are fabulous as giclées on canvas hanging in a girl's room or framed in pink in a colorful entry to a home. Don't be afraid of color! Art does not have to "match" your furnishings and it should always bring you joy. Let the art in your home bloom.

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Contact me if you are interested in customizing any of these images and making one or both of them your own, or for any interior design needs you may have. I often incorporate my own photography and art in my interior design projects for a totally cohesive look, and just may be doing it with these brilliant blooms in a house I am currently renovating.

For more interior design and art inspiration, please follow SMR Interiors and Italian Girl in Georgia™ on Instagram and my Pinterest page. For design tips and behind the scenes good stuff, follow Italian Girl in Georgia™ and subscribe to my newsletters via Suzanne M Rogers Interiors.

THE BLUE DOOR - SERENE & REFRESHING

2021-01-27T09:39:00.006-05:00

Welcome and Happy New Year!

We have closed the door on 2020 and are several weeks into our new year. I am always hopeful at the beginning of a new year. I was last year, and fortunately, it was a pretty good year for me and my family in spite of all that happened in our world. I wish for the same good things to continue this year as new doors open for all of us.

With many of us still working from home, we are continuing updates to accommodate activities that are taking place in our home instead of schools, gyms, and offices. There is also a strong desire to make our immediate surroundings more serene, soulful, and stable.

The easiest way for an update is with paint. The quickest way to make a great first impression at your home is with your front door. You only get one chance to make a first impression, so it better be a good one.

What does your front door say about your home and what is inside?

The color you choose for your front door may not seem like an important thing to consider when selecting the paint colors of your home, however colors do represent and signify many different meanings so it is something to really wrap your head around and explore.

The color blue is one of my favorite colors - all shades of this color of the sea and sky. It is one of Mother Nature’s most perfect hues and its symbolism is rich with positive connotations.

I used it in my logo for just these reasons and my work reflects this - patience and understanding, loyalty and reliability, wisdom and trust.

Color is one of the most important elements in design, paint being the most flexible and least expensive component in design. Color evokes emotion, affects mood, and is the easiest way to change the look of an interior space or building.

Your front door, if painted blue may reflect a calm and confident family...or one with prosperity. The meanings are subtle, but significant. Below is our front door - a deep blue, "Dragonfly" by Porter Paints. Darker blues signify tranquility, peace, and elegance. While our home is not always tranquil, I have strived to create a peaceful retreat for us, which is casually elegant, calm, and comfortable.

Are you ready to make a change to your front door or interior? We can create a palette of interior and exterior colors that add impact, enhance the architectural form, increase curb appeal, and distinguish your property from the predictable and commonplace. Interior design paint palette packages are available. Visit our website for all the details. Initial one hour consultation is complimentary.

IN THE GARDEN WITH FATHER CHRISTMAS

2020-12-24T16:00:00.000-05:00

On this Christmas Eve I am re-sharing a favorite Christmas post from three years ago, when Christmas celebrations were extravagant, exciting, and elaborate.

Enjoy.

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This year, I participated in the Christmas at Hay House designer showcase once again, and as chairman of the event I wanted the Hay House to be a celebration of the fortieth anniversary of its induction into The Georgia Trust.

The traditional gift for a fortieth anniversary is the ruby, which was the inspiration I gave to the designers - to decorate the rooms in the mansion in a creative way, using the color red - transforming this "Mansion of the South" into the "Jewel of the South" for the Christmas season.

I selected the Grand Marble Hallway to design and with its elegant black and white marble floor, massive arched doorways, and soaring trompe l'oeil walls, I created an indoor English garden for Father Christmas.

Here is my story and inspiration...

Father Christmas jumps out of his mossy covered gilded chair tossing his fur coat aside, and receives callers in the grand marble hallway in celebration of the fortieth anniversary of the Hay House induction to The Georgia Trust. The guests are at once enveloped in an elegant old world British atmosphere as the mid-winter festivities begin.

Lighted garden gates with berry wreaths compliment the traditional symmetry of the twinkling cone shaped cedar trees and plump Christmas tree shaped boxwood topiary trees, which flank the arbor and doorways that lead to the more intimate spaces of the mansion.

The sparkling arbor in the center of the vestibule in which the gilded mossy chair sits, above which hangs a shimmering iron and crystal chandelier, is home to Ruby the Reindeer.

Wearing her signature ruby necklace and golden crown, Ruby gazes at a stone birdbath which holds a crimson glass globe. A basket of gala apples is close by for her to nosh on when hungry.

Victorian bird cages are filled with crimson glass balls.

A French wrought iron plant stand filled to the brim with more than two hundred red rose blooms surround Gypsy Garden Girl, Cerise.

Red silk peony pomanders and fanciful wrought iron furniture juxtapose the formality of the English garden topiaries in a delightful way.

Father Christmas, who in medieval times represented the spirit of benevolence and good cheer, has even engaged nutcrackers, outfitted them as British soldiers and guardsmen, and strategically placed them to protect this enchanting indoor garden assuring that everyone who enters this "Jewel of the South" will be certain of gracious hospitality and merriment.

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Wishing you merriment this Christmas, however you may be celebrating.

ONE ROOM CHALLENGE - THE FINAL REVEAL - SUZANNE M ROGERS INTERIORS

2020-11-21T00:02:00.012-05:00

If you have clicked over here from the One Room Challenge website, thank you and welcome to my blog, Italian Girl in Georgia™ I am glad you are here and delighted to share my "One Room Challenge Reveal" and transformation of a dark and dreary dining room to a fresh, eclectic, and alluring dining room.

This One Room Challenge project, the first that I have participated in as a guest designer, was such an enjoyable experience. The momentum was exhilarating and the inspiration from all the participating designers was motivating, to say the least. It was so much fun to create our spaces and share the progress "together." The people behind the scenes running the show are awesome. I wish I could meet each one of them to thank them personally, for their support in sharing my work on Instagram over these last six plus weeks. The recognition means a lot to me.

For a little recap...I was hired by a young Southern gentleman to renovate and design his newly purchased first home, which was built in a historic district of our town in 1937. My client works for his family business, which is based in the Cayman Islands and has travelled there many times as a child and young adult. With that in mind I wanted to design this room with a subtle nod to British Colonial and West Indies style - using textures, authentic materials, vintage furniture, and a cool color palette of delicate blue hues and natural tones, with a youthful bohemian vibe thrown in for fun too.

This beaded chandelier is just the right amount of swag for a bachelor. Ombré blues in a cylindrical pendant style lamp adds to the cool factor in this dining room.

Below is what was hanging in the room when the house was purchased.

Not so good.

Some minor carpentry changes in the niches, a thorough paint job, and natural grasscloth wallcovering was the base I began to work with. The best part of the room, and throughout most of the house, are the dark hardwood floors. The deep rich tone of the floor compliments my new color scheme beautifully and design I had planned.

From the moment I created my first design boards for the color scheme and design, we were hooked.

Then I brought it to life.

The dining room used to have three windows looking out onto the garden. When an additional bedroom and bathroom were added on to the house, two windows had been eliminated, and in turn, a great deal of natural light. To compensate, I added two large cane and rattan framed mirrors in the niches that were created when the original windows were removed, in order to reflect the existing light coming in from the single window remaining and light from the adjacent rooms. The pair of lamps on the buffet chest also adds a pleasant glow when illuminated.

And before...

Not such a good color palette for a dining room...or any room. Maybe a gym.

Bright white plantation shutters were installed on the single window and framed with custom made English linen panels which hang from rings on an antique gold French style drapery rod. I carefully placed these panels on each side of the window to not obstruct any light, but rather to enhance the beautiful fluted woodwork and corner medallions framing the window, which is another distinguishing feature that adds architectural character to the interior. I did not want to conceal these lovely, original-to-the-house details.

Below is the window treatment the previous homeowners used.

Photo from Zillow.
Looks a bit like a shower curtain.

Enough with the details. You can catch up with all of them on the previous posts. On to the reveal.

Ready. Set. Show!

This handsome dining room table and set of chairs are family pieces that had been put away in storage. They had a bit of sentimental meaning to my client and he wanted to incorporate them (and some other pieces throughout the house) with the new furnishings I selected.

I had them repaired and refinished in this rich walnut stain.

The table is so beautifully finished that it does not need more than a simple, organic arrangement of garden hydrangeas and sprigs of boxwood in a basket for the centerpiece.

The almost whimsical style of the chair backs and the scale of the table legs work well in this rather small dining room, giving it a grand and elegant ambience.

As a reminder, below is what the room looked like prior to my client purchasing it.

Photo from Zillow.

And when this gentleman is ready to entertain his family and friends, an eclectic table setting would be the most enchanting way to serve a Southern meal.

Photo from Zillow.

And another view of the scene, above, before I took over.

To read more about the progression of this transformation and see some stunning detail photographs, hit these links -

The Big Announcement - My Client's Dining Room
Week One - International Wallpaper Week
Week Two - Details Make the Design
Week Three - The Art of Accessories
Week Four - Walls, Windows & Doors
Week Five - Installation Day & Hang Ups

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Many thanks to all those involved in making this project a success.

Photography

Suzanne MacCrone Rogers

Sources

Ballard Designs

Benjamin Moore

Elk Home

Lucas + McKearn

Regina Andrew Detroit

RM COCO

Safavieh Rugs

Schumacher

Sherwin Williams

Specialty Trades

Design Link

Southern Shutters and Blinds

The Wallcovering Specialist

Tomberlin Antiques and Restoration

Special Thanks

Linda Weinstein, One Room Challenge

Better Homes and Gardens, Official Media Partner

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Please continue to follow along weekly here on my blog, Italian Girl in Georgia™ for more interior design posts, my art, design tips, and special offers. One Room Challenge behind-the-scenes work-in-progress photos and videos are featured on my Instagram stories, and updates during the week in between my blog posts on my SMR Interiors Instagram feed, @suzannemaccronerogers. Leave a comment on my Instagram and let me know you were here! I would love to hear from you.

Click my logo above ⬆️ to see all my ORC posts.

Pop your email in the box below 📩 so you get my updates directly via email in your inbox. You are not going to want to miss anything.

Click the ORC logo below ⬇️ to see the featured designers and participating guest designers and their projects -

And that's a wrap.

ONE ROOM CHALLENGE WEEK FIVE - INSTALLATION DAY & HANG UPS - SUZANNE M ROGERS INTERIORS

2020-11-05T18:01:00.006-05:00

Welcome back to week five of my One Room Challenge dining room transformation. This week was all about furniture installation. We also had a few hang ups.😉

Installation day is similar to moving day. Cartons and crates of furnishings come off the truck, are unpacked and unwrapped, inspected and assembled. The timing was just right for the first phase of the renovation and redesign of this 1937 cottage. All the furniture that I ordered for the dining room arrived on time and in perfect condition! Although, the rest of the house is somewhat bare and as we wait for the final shipment of furniture for the second phase, I am still hopeful for a completion date prior to Thanksgiving.

A mix of cane, wicker, rattan, and stone in natural hues give a tranquil feeling that is lively because of the finishes on these accent furniture pieces and accessories. A pair of the retro-styled lamps with ascending pebbles as the base and gold leaf bands along the drum shades will create dramatic ambient lighting and conversation pieces when placed on either side of the buffet chest. The natural stain on the chest with the rattan drawer fronts is a complimentary companion to the antique dining room table and chairs I had refinished for my client. In the niches on either side of the chest, which were once windows, will hang the cane and wicker framed mirrors.

This beautiful blue looped wool rug is the perfect balance of traditional meets global, bohemian style. The varying tones of blue pull together all the different shades of blue in the room - the grasscloth walls, the linen drapery panels, and the (soon-to-be) accessories, and contrasts in such a lovely way with the walnut stained original wood floor and restored antique dining table and chairs.

For a touch of glam without being too frilly, I installed a French return drapery rod in champagne gold above the single window in the room. My custom designed linen panels drop from the golden rings in a casual and elegant way...and the touch of the mother-of-pearl buttons added to the inverted pleats are the subtle, natural, custom detail I was striving for.

In my previous post I wrote about the art I was considering for this room - a collection of my color photographs. It turned out to be a great choice and I matted six images from this collection of architectural rooftops in bright white mats, framed only in glass and clips. I did not want any frame detracting from the images, nor did I want to add another design element in the room.

This week my vision on paper became a three dimensional reality and exactly what I had hoped for. It's an oasis of wonderful textures, textiles, old and new furniture, and specialty lighting.

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Please continue to follow along for the final reveal here on my blog, Italian Girl in Georgia. Behind-the-scenes work-in-progress photos and videos are featured on my Instagram stories, and updates during the week in between my blog posts on my Instagram feed, @suzannemaccronerogers. Leave a comment and let me know you were here! I would love to hear from you.

Click my logo above ⬆️ to catch up and read all my ORC posts.

Pop your email in the box below 📩 so you get my updates directly via email in your inbox. You are not going to want to miss anything.

Click the ORC logo below ⬇️ to see the featured designers and participating guest designers and their projects -

Next post November 12th or soon after, for the final reveal!

ONE ROOM CHALLENGE WEEK FOUR - WALLS, WINDOWS & DOORS - SUZANNE M ROGERS INTERIORS

2020-10-28T23:22:00.004-04:00

It's time to dress the walls, windows, and doors! I love this part of interior design because it's not just the furniture that make the room, but the details...which include window treatments, hardware, art on the walls, and accessories, some of which I shared in my previous ORC post.

The details are truly what make the design shine.

I purchased these beautiful new and vintage hardware pieces at a local salvage yard, to replace a few not-so-attractive door hardware handles, knobs, and pulls that had been added on during previous renovations. I polished them up and they are being installed tomorrow - on kitchen cabinets and drawers, pantry doors, new sliding barn doors for a laundry closet, and that gorgeous solid brass pull will fit perfectly on the swing door that leads from the dining room to the kitchen.

We are halfway through the One Room Challenge already. It is hard to believe how quickly this project has gone by. Fortunately, I had a bit of a head start and so far all is on schedule for this room in the house. This home renovation project came to me in August and I am hopeful that by Thanksgiving my client will be living in and entertaining his family and friends in this charming home for the 2020 holidays.

These are some of the details in the house, which show a few of the historic interior architectural elements. I designed a fresh color palette of soft blues, whites, and grieges - covering up dreary, deep purples, charcoals, harsh grays, and neon yellows that were throughout the house.

Switching it up and going old school, I painted the woodwork a slightly darker tone than the walls and ceilings. The doors are even a shade deeper, which brings back the historic character of this 1937 historic home.

The drapery details I was working on last week are finished and the panels are ready to hang. So simple and sophisticated. I just love the layered mother of pearl buttons on the inverted pleats of these linen panels. It is a natural accent that will add a lovely tailored element to these window treatments. Installation is next week!

For the art on the walls in the dining room, I am considering a collection of my fine art architectural photographs. These bold blue and white minimalistic photographs I made at Alys Beach on the Gulf Coast of Florida last year. If it's a go, I will frame them postage stamp style matted in white, with simple glass and clips.

The room has a bit of a refined tropical vibe going on with the furnishings and finishes, and my client has a connection to the Cayman Islands. With that in mind, I want to hang art that shares that connection. I think that these photographs might complete the look. In many of my design projects, I am fortunate to have my art and photography incorporated into the design of the interiors I create. I am planning to give this collection to my client as a housewarming gift.

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Please continue to follow along weekly here on my blog, Italian Girl in Georgia. Behind-the-scenes work-in-progress photos and videos are featured on my Instagram stories, and updates during the week in between my blog posts on my Instagram feed, @suzannemaccronerogers.

Click my logo above ⬆️ to see all my ORC posts.

Pop your email in the box below 📩 so you get my updates directly via email in your inbox. You are not going to want to miss anything.

Click the ORC logo below ⬇️ to see the featured designers and participating guest designers and their projects -

Next post November 5th.

ONE ROOM CHALLENGE WEEK THREE - THE ART OF ACCESSORIES - SUZANNE M ROGERS INTERIORS

2020-10-21T21:30:00.002-04:00

It's week three of the One Room Challenge and the transformation of my tiny dining room so far is tremendous. In the last several weeks, my team and I have brought this room back to life with a fresh paint palette, grasscloth wallcovering, new lighting, antique furniture restoration, and custom drapery construction.

As this room comes together and each element of the design is completed, I have begun thinking of the "decoration" part of the project. This is the time I consider accessorizing the room to add comfort, visual rhythm, and give it the character it needs to reflect the personality of my client.

The cohesive color palette of blues and mix of natural tones and textures will follow through in my carefully curated collection of whimsical and unique decorative items that will add polish and style to this room.

This short stack of old books I covered in vintage maps and hand made paper for a little "world history" in this historic home. They are fun to use as props for a centerpiece on the dining table or a spot of interest on a sideboard.

These are some photos of part of the process of the book design. This is one of my DIY projects for this challenge and a surprise gift for my client. Pretty leftover drapery fabric sewn into some table linens may be another.

No one can deny that a beautifully designed table setting is always inviting. I intend to use preserved boxwood topiaries of varying heights and shapes in a collection of cobalt blue ceramic containers as a centerpiece, which will be a lovely alternative to fresh flowers and a little more tailored for my client.

This beaded ombre chandelier has just the right amount of spunk, yet is current in its style and use of materials. We put the light switch on a dimmer (always!) so the lighting will cast a lovely glow over the dining table. It's a show stopper.

The lighting in this room is probably the most important accessory - functional and necessary...in more ways than one.

The previous chandelier was completely out of scale and out of date.

All so wrong.

Jewelry for the home - lighting installation day!

Working with my electrician taking precise measurements and hanging the chandelier at the perfect height above the dining table. A good team and tape measures make things right.

These simple slip covered ottomans were delivered this morning from my upholsterer and are intended for the master bedroom. However, I may just use them as accent seating in the dining room. They are way too fun to hide in a bedroom.

When I design custom furnishings, I love to mix up the textiles and patterns to create a personalized piece that is unique to my client. For these ottomans, I selected performance fabrics in velvet - one solid navy and the other a modern geometric pattern - they are a perfect pair.

This 160 square foot dining room is destined to be the heart of the home and a desired place to gather. So much more to share, but you will have to wait until next week.

💙💙💙

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Next post October 29th.

ONE ROOM CHALLENGE WEEK TWO - DETAILS MAKE THE DESIGN - SUZANNE M ROGERS INTERIORS

2020-10-14T21:16:00.004-04:00

I am transforming this tiny dining room for the One Room Challenge, which is an important room to my client. Since there is not an eat-in kitchen in this historic home, nor is it the trendy open plan, he wanted the dining room to be a place where he could entertain his friends and family comfortably. A place where they could linger. A room that would become the heart of the home.

Emphasizing the heart of the home even further, my client wanted to use some sentimental family furniture pieces in the dining room and restore a set of Jacobean-esque dining chairs and table, circa 1920-30's, that had been stored away for many years.

Quirky and unique, this antique furniture deserved to get a little TLC.

Stripped and naked.

Ready for the stain finish...and some cushy seats covered in a new Crypton linen-like upholstery.

Table top set up in the finish room for second coat of stain.

Gorgeous! Place your dinner plate and glass of champagne on that!

Finishes and accent furnishings.

Even though this is somewhat of a formal dining room setting, I am keeping the palette simple with pale blue hues and natural tones, but heavy on the textural features developing a restrained look, which is casually elegant and sophisticated.

A stylized glimpse of some of the accent furnishings I will be incorporating.

Grasscloth in cornflower blue on the upper walls, an ombre beaded chandelier centered over the refinished antique table, cane and rattan accent furnishings, and botanical motifs are some of the pieces that will create a most inviting room for dining and savoring delicious dinners.

As you may remember from my previous post, there is only one window in this room since the former home owners had added on a bedroom and bathroom, eliminating two windows.

Because of this, I am taking advantage of this single window and dressing it up in a beautiful linen fabric screen printed in the United Kingdom, in an artful, leafy, stylized botanical print by F. Schumacher & Co.

However, I did not want traditional drapery panels. As always, I had to mix it up. I did a reverse pleat - more tailored and contemporary - with each panel being placed on the sides of the window, not eliminating any natural light, but adding a lovely, flowing texture to the otherwise very tailored room.

It was such fun working with my drapery designer in her workroom. She is a dear. Details are so important in the design process and she is always receptive to my sometimes a little unusual and not so common in the Deep South design ideas. After these beautifully constructed panels were sewn (her work is impeccable), I made a phone call and told her that I had another idea.

Which was...adding a mother of pearl button (or two) on the inverted pleat seam. We played with these pretty shells and placed them on top of each other in random ways. We even selected the color thread for these buttons, which is a small detail that many would not consider.

Details do make the design and there are so many more to share in this project. Please continue to follow along weekly here on my blog, Italian Girl in Georgia. Behind-the-scenes work-in-progress photos and videos are featured on my Instagram stories, and updates during the week in between my blog posts on my Instagram feed, @suzannemaccronerogers.

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Next post October 22nd.