We think this transformation from out-dated old school to modern and bright with a Zen-like feel is pretty epic. It was a pleasure to work with this client to re-imagine their living room space and create a functional, beautiful environment where they can relax and enjoy downtime after a busy day. Read what Susanne had to say about the experience…
Last year I turned 60 years old, and in all those years I had never had a home that was “put together.” My childhood home was a hodgepodge of furniture from the 50’s and 60’s, the requisite avocado green and orange of the time. At 23, I married a graphic designer who worked for W. & J. Sloane, which meant we had nice art work on the walls and two rooms with very nice furniture, but the rest of the house was furnished with hand-me-downs. I was single for 15 years after my marriage ended. At that time I worked long hours as a senior manager for a local company. I bought a townhouse, and friends who visited said I lived “like a bachelor.” For over a year, I had lawn furniture in the living room. Yes, lawn furniture! Ten years ago when I married my 2nd (and final) husband, we lived in a very large home with kids visiting on the weekends and five cats. No time or money for interior design there.
When my husband and I moved into the home we plan to retire and live in for the rest of our lives, I decided that for once I was going to have a well-designed home. The only way that was going to happen was with the help of an interior designer. That’s where Susy McBride comes in.
Where did I find her? I Googled “Interior Designers Santa Rosa” and a few names came up. When I looked at Susy’s “before and after” photos, I decided she was the one.
What an incredible job she has done. Friends are blown away when they walk into our home. She has done a masterful job. And, my husband and I are tough customers. We have very strong (generally opposing) opinions, so she worked hard to take those options and her extensive design knowledge to come up with rooms that make everyone happy. My husband says, “Susy is worth every penny” not only because of her design expertise but because she eliminates the arguing we used to do about what we buy and what goes where. And the cats! We now only have three, but their needs dictate lots of our design ideas. I saw Susy grit her teeth a few times, but whatever the restriction, she makes it work.
I have already referred two friends to Susy for design help, and in both cases, she’s done a great job. I will continue to recommend her to anyone who needs an interior designer. When a friend visited our home for the first time recently she said, “Your house is so beautiful; you should be an interior designer!” I replied, “No, no, it looks this way because of an interior designer! Susy McBride!”
Susanne Spencer
Homeowner
After photos by Jason Guy Photography
