Suzanne Bagheri is a designer and interiors blogger, sharing projects and design ideas on her blog The Painted Drawer, from Maryland. Suzanne’s love for design was serendipitously sparked at a house party, which inspired her to transform her own home using a “shabby chic” style. Since then she has never looked backed. She now has her own vintage style business, helping others find thrift store treasures and to decorate in a shabby chic style. So we are proud to bring you the Designer Insights of Suzanne Bagheri.
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1) In your own words describe your unique style and creative aesthetic?
Creating a unique space that is “collected, not decorated” is true to my heart and transforming vintage finds from faded to not forgotten is my passion. I love the warmth and interest they add to any modern decor and hope to share this love of eclectic style. Interior design should not be intimidating. A home can be decorated to showcase the owner’s unique taste with the most basic of budgets, a vision and a paint brush!
2) When starting a new project, what is your creative process?
I immediately have a vision for a piece the minute I spot it and work from there. The lines dictate where to take it farmhouse, french, modern and the color scheme is an extension of this. While doing custom work, I find that discussing different options with a client is the best way to go. Helping to choose the right color and finish to fit into their existing decor is key, while maintaining the integrity of a piece is just as important.
3) Out of the creative people you have worked with, who is it that you respect and admire the most?
I have to say my mother. She has an amazing eye for color and style and the uncanny ability to pick that golden needle out of a haystack while out at a flea market!
4) When looking for inspiration is there a particular thing you do to get inspired?
I get inspired by the actual piece I am about to embark on. I imagine it inside a beautiful french chateau, a little cottage in England or a farmhouse in the midwest. I take that inspiration and run with it.
5) What has brought you to this point in your career? And what is your advice for people looking to follow in your footsteps?
I started my own business incorporating my love of vintage style that was born out of a childhood spent perusing thrift stores and estate sales with my British mother. My home growing up was full of interest with books in every crevice and collectibles in every room. This love blossomed into The Painted Drawer, a vintage furniture and design site full of both paint and decorating tips for today’s modern home. My advice to other aspiring designers is to be true to your personal aesthetic and be the very best at it.
