California-based interior designer and principal of Tucker & Marks Design, Suzanne Tucker has a long list of accolades to her name. An AD100 and Elle Décor A-list top designer, and honorary doctorate holder from the Academy of Art University, Tucker has also authored several books. Her third monograph, “Suzanne Tucker – Extraordinary Interiors” will be published in the fall of 2022. In addition to her design of spaces, in 2010 Suzanne started her own line of luxury textiles and home furnishings. A true design maven, find out more about Suzanne in this week’s Designer Friday.
This cozy California-style living room is perfectly designed for conversations and relaxation. The beige and wood tones throughout the room are broken up by ocean blue pillows and gorgeous greenery.
Andrew Joseph: Describe your design style as if you were explaining it to someone who cannot see.
Suzanne Tucker: Wonderful question which I’ll answer with my eyes closed… my style is layered and textural so the light catches in various ways, and seductive so when you feel the surfaces they are soft and varied and when you sit, you feel luxurious. I would say my design aesthetic is individually reflective with a passionate approach to balance and detail, resulting in a rather personalized style. Those are a lot of descriptive words and one can always use clichéd adjectives like comfortable, elegant, and inviting to describe my work but it should be all that and more, whether the home is casual or formal, in the city or in the country. My aesthetic has evolved over the years in my approach to clients and to how lifestyles have changed. I’m a very good listener and – in my constant curiosity – the details, the depth of design, the wisdom and expertise I’ve gained continue my education every single day. I take a highly personalized approach for each client and individual project, so, for me, it’s a constant evolution. The approach may be consistent but no two projects are ever alike!
AJ: If you had a superpower, what would it be?
ST: I’d like 3 powers please: 1, to be able to clone myself to be in six places at once! 2, to have others be able to see what I’m describing and seeing in my mind’s eye. And 3, teleportation would come in very handy. Imagine never having to deal with travel hassles ever again.
The natural light flooding into this foyer magnificently shows off the full-wall sized artwork. White rock crystal lamps, a decorative mirror and a carved wood credenza provide neutral tones that balance the warmth of the vibrant reds.
AJ: If you could live in any home in a movie or television series, what would it be?
ST: This is a fun question- I could live in Howard Castle – AKA Brideshead in “Brideshead Revisited“, or Karen Blixen’s farm in “Out of Africa“, or the Italian villa in “The Garden of the Finzi-Continis” – and have the quintessential beach house from “Something’s Gotta Give“. Brava Nancy Meyers!
AJ: What’s a guilty pleasure you have?
ST: I have a lot of pleasures though I don’t necessarily feel guilty about them. The 3 Cs come to mind: chocolate, caviar and cocktails – cheers! (that’s a 4th C for good measure).
AJ: What’s your favorite cocktail?
ST: Mine are seasonal: in the summer, it’s an Aperol Spritz; winter calls for a good Old Fashioned made with Angel’s Envy Rye and two Luxardo cherries. And a fresh lime Margarita on the rocks covers all bases.
This nautical-inspired sitting room provides a tranquil and relaxing spot to sit and read. The ocean beyond is perfectly framed by the window, mirrored in the colors of the abstract artwork.
AJ: Are you a pet person? Why either way? Dogs or cats?
ST: Oh yes! Cats AND dogs, the more the merrier. My daughter is a veterinarian so at one point we had 3 rescue dogs in residence along with our own dog and 2 cats. My furry companions keep me grounded, entertained, delighted, humbled.
AJ: How do you define beauty?
ST: Defining beauty is a bit like catching a moonbeam! But to me, beauty is what speaks to your soul. It can be deeply evocative, catch your breath, bring you to tears, and make you speechless. It can lift your heart, and transport you to another dimension. And I love this quote: “The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched – they must be felt with the heart.” – Hellen Keller
Photography by Roger Davies.
Suzanne is one of the four founding Directors of the Northern California Chapter of the Institute of Classical Architecture & Art and currently Director Emeritus, having served on the board for fourteen years. She also serves as a Director on the National Board and has co-chaired the prestigious Arthur Ross Awards in New York since 2014. Suzanne is a sought-after speaker on design and the decorative arts. She has been the Chair of the San Francisco Fall Show since 2015. She also serves on the Board of Directors of the Hearst Castle Preservation Foundation and on the West Coast Council of The Garden Conservancy. In 2020, she received an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from the Academy of Art University.
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