Decorate Fearlessly by Susanna Salk

Decorate Fearlessly: Using Whimsy, Confidence, and a Dash of Surprise to Create Deeply Personal Spaces

By Susanna Salk

Published by Rizzoli New York

After opening the cover of Decorate Fearlessly, every page I turned was like opening a precious jewel box. Filled with rooms from many designers we know so well and also many whose work I was unaware of until now,  I was  amazed at the scope of this project!

A stunning work of art, "Seven Horses" by Jean de Merry is the soul of this former ballroom in a Beaux Arts mansion in Pacific Heights. Jeffrey De Sousa envelopes us in deep indigo and splashes of orange to complement the rich floors.

Eric Cohler's Manhattan living room is immersed in a glowing light which lands on Jonathan Adler's Tree of Life sculpture and many other contemporary works of art. His collection of period furnishings become even more notable, and we see that walls of windows do not deter from displaying fine art and furniture.  

In Marian McEvoy's own home in Hudson Valley, she not only did the decor, she personally created the lampshades, curtains and trims. She keeps the room light with a white painted beams, a lacquer mirror and andirons

A huge tropical mural turns this green, coral and gold bedroom into a tropical retreat year round. Designers Kate McIntyre and Brad Huntzinger work this magical illusion without overpowering the room, by adding several delicate touches.

An illusion of utopia exists in this pool house in The Hamptons by the esteemed Alessandra Branca. She  treats us  to a fresh mix of blue and white paisley wall covering with a mix of  japanned bookshelves , directoire chairs and seashells abound, anchoring it all with a natural sisal rug.

About the author: Susanna is one of those Renaissance women who can accomplish anything she sets her mind to. She helped launch Elle Decor Magazine as the Interior Design Manager,  later becoming Special Projects Manager at House and Garden. 

She is now the author of seven spectacular books, as well as a regular contributor to 1st Dibs, writing features on some of the world's most renowned tastemakers. 

This past year or so I have come to know Susanna even more through the lifestyle videos she presents with  Stacey Holston Bewkes through Stacey's blog site Quintessence. (One of my favorites is Designers and their Dogs) Find the links to Susanna's accomplishments, videos, etc at her site Susanna Salk. 

Please purchase Decorate Fearlessly as it is an incredible addition to your design library. You will enjoy it tremendously!

Photo credits from top: Cover: John Gould Bessler, Cesar Rubio, Yale Wagner, Mathew Williams, Don Freeman for New York Cottages and Gardens, Oly,Thibault Jeanson. Image of Susanna Salk by John Gruen.

Thank you to Rizzoli New York  for providing the press copy of Decorate Fearlessly 

To my friends and followers who support the arts my gratitude is endless!

xoxo

Karena

The Arts by Karena

Introducing Anita Rivera, Designer and Paper Artist with an Artful Giveaway

Many of you are already familiar with Anita Rivera of Castles Crowns and Cottages. Now you will learn more about Anita Rivera, Designer and Paper Artist.

1)Anita I know that you have a real gift for writing very inspirational posts on your very popular blog Castles Crowns and Cottages. Tell me about how that began.

A Stunning Wedding Gown Centerpiece with Train (not pictured)

Four years ago, my sister-in-law started a blog. When she told me about it, I had no idea what it was. When I saw hers, I was mesmerized by the creative outlet and opportunity having a blog could provide. I am a teacher by profession but an artist at heart and when I pushed that START button to begin my own blog, it has only been a life-changing experience.

 Through writing for a SPECIFIC PURPOSE, I was able to focus on my real purpose: TO WRITE. Like any other blogger, my blog has gone through changes for the better. The best thing about blogging is the connection I have made with women around the world that engage in meaningful friendships. Writing inspirational pieces is my goal so that someone out in the world can know that THEY ARE NOT ALONE.

Golden Slipper

2) I do know a bit of your background. How did you get into the teaching profession & what made you decide to leave and pursue the arts and design?

I taught myself French at the age of 34 then my husband encouraged me to go back to night school to get my B.A. in French. Then he suggested I teach. That was a major decision, as I never intended to teach. For 17 years, I went to night school and finally obtained my B.A. in French, TWO teaching licenses with French specialties and my Master's in Education.

  

My resigning from my full-time post to pursue art and writing came as a shock to my colleagues, but later, they understood that the pressures of being a teacher in today's feebly-equipped educational system is very stressful. A kind and very talented blogger "discovered" my art and has been mentoring me in my art process. I had never thought about being a professional artist, only a writer. But I am focusing on combing the two and as of this June, I will no longer be a full-time teacher but I will return in September as a per-Diem French  speaking substitute. Having those French speaking skills comes in handy!

Bunny Wand

3) Who are your mentors or some other artists you admire?

    My professional mentor is Lisa Moran from the blog and website, Bilancia      Designs. She is extremely talented and knowledgeable and is a great friend. She has been generous in inspirational ideas and guidance. My number one favorite artist is Miss Clara from France and then Isabella Borgrave (spelling??)

Castle Print

Paris Print

4) I have seen some of your amazing works of art. What is your favorite medium and why?

Paper, hands down. I illustrate, but I would much rather work with THREE DIMENSIONAL ideas, to bring a sort of LIFE to an idea, and then combine it with my original poetry and quotes. I am currently working on making life size paper shoes and period dresses.

Bluebird Wand

5) What is on the horizon for Anita Rivera, Designer and paper Artist?

I am looking to connect with a local artist guild AND to début my work in local art events. I was just contacted by a local shop whose owners are interested in my work to sell!

Mauve Paper Slipper

6) What advice would your give to the aspiring artist or designer of any age?

BE BOLD and be productive. However, work from your heart. In my experience as a teacher, I have found that the "market" dictates everything we focus on in education and culture and even art. Yes, if I want to sell and earn a decent living, I must see what it is that people need and want. 

But to be a true artist, OBSERVE, LISTEN to your heart's reactions to life and then produce. Stretch your imagination and use what you have. See what you can produce with the most organic of resources. But the most "organic" resource of all is your HEART.

 Anita thank you so much for this enlightening interview and for offering such a beautiful work of art for this Giveaway!

Enter to win a Fabulous White and Gold Winged Angel Wand made by Anita!!

This Giveaway is  International for all Readers

1) Visit Castles Crowns and Cottages and then visit Anita's Etsy Shop: click on it in the right hand column. Come back and tell us what you love the most.

2) Extra chance to win if you post or link to the giveaway on your site

3) Another chance if you post about the Giveaway on Facebook!

4) Yet another chance to win if you Tweet about the giveaway.

So you have 4 chances to win

Please comment separately for me to run Random.org

The winner will be chosen at Midnight EST on Friday May 4th

Thank you so much for your encouragement and support not only of me; of your fellow artists, designers, entrepreneurs, and bloggers!

Now for the winner of the Soft Surroundings $100 Gift Card Giveaway.....is Stacey of Quintessence

Congratulation Stacey, you will love the Quality and great Customer Service at Soft Surroundings

A huge thank you to Michele of Hello Lovely for the beautiful Vintage Gold Crescent Bracelet from her Etsy shop!!

xoxo

Karena

Art by Karena