She was a designer with definite flair who always welcomed fun.
In remembering Suzanne Rheinstein, we share 10 hallmarks of her work.
But you also see rooms designed for joyful living.
Credit:Drew Blackwell
When the Los Angeles designer passed away this spring at 77, she left a legacy of inspirational decorating.
But its the joie de vivre and accessibility of her work that will be remembered.
Her three books, including the recentA Welcoming Elegance, offer a master class in fancy livability.
Credit:Peter Estersohn
Drew Blackwell
The designers Southern-bred insistence on comfort, community, and levity is a hallmark of her work.
Her legendary parties would include a full meal on china and an invitation to sit anywhere.
Wed joke it was like putting an 810 rug on your knees, Lucas says.
Credit:Peter Estersohn
This wink of humor could be a pleasing balance to a room of pedigreed objects.
So could her deft moves of countering lofty decor achievements with comfortable living and roadside finds.
That idea and others should be replicated.
Peter Estersohn
1.
Wall Murals
Have fun!
was a signature sign-off of Rheinstein.
Many wallpaper brands make panels that replicate painted scenics; install one and dream on.
Nothing is as transporting as walking into your own idyll.
Reversed Fabric
Rheinstein wasnt known for tricks, gimmicks, or hacksbut creativity, yes.
Credit:Peter Estersohn
(She even created her owncollection for Lee Jofamimicking this effect.)
For this to work, the fabric must be hand-printed, not machine-printed, so the ink bleeds through.
Our homes are typically an accumulation of items picked up along the way.
Credit:Peter Estersohn
Not to worryvive la difference is Rheinsteins ethos.
What Rheinstein would argue for is the edit.
Keep the pieces with integrity and the ones you feel passionate about; weed out the rest.
Credit:Peter Estersohn
And, she would add, be attentive to how things are put together.
Suzanne Rheinstein
Curation is as important as choice.
How things are put together is crucial.
Credit:Pieter Estersohn
Sink in and relax.
Painted Floors
A signature of Boston-by-way-of-Britain decorating,painted floorsalways brighten a room.
Theyre an economical update compared to refinishing or replacing flooring, and they can be deeply cheerful.
Credit:Peter Estersohn
For Rheinstein, floors were another plane of architecture to direct and entice the eye.
Her general rule for painted floors: Stick to pale colors and keep geometric patterns simple.
Let details reveal themselves over time.
Credit:Pieter Estersohn
Not every room, object, color, or fabric needs to shout ‘Wow.’
Traditional with the Unexpected
Refined interiors risk being stiff.
Its the touch of the unexpected casual with formal or a bit of quirk in something traditional.
Credit:Pieter Estersohn
In this lacquered sitting room, she picked a dashing apple green and carried the color onto the ceiling.
In others, a simple sisal rug might undercut the formality of antique furnishings without losing their gravitas.
Versatile Banquettes
Banquettes fulfill many needs in decorating.
Placed back-to-back, they create an unexpectedly elegant seating arrangement.
Summer dress also had the effect of freshening serious furniture.
What could be more Rheinstein than outfitting a neoclassical settee in a jaunty stripe?
Its an invitation to sit.
Antiqued Mirrors
Points of light transform a room.
She included gilt, lacquer, and bronze as favoritesand mirrors, especially when aged.
Let go of the idea of a mirror just showing reflections.
