Mansion In May Interviews Begin - Susan Obercian!

I am starting to post interviews of some of my favorite designers who will be participating in the Mansion In May. There are so many that I could only pick my favorites or I would be interviewing until well past the show house debut! Today I am starting with Susan Obercian of Susan Obercian Design who designs gorgeous kitchens, bathrooms and built-ins, and since I know her personally I can tell you she is one of the most lovely women!
Please enjoy and don't forget to get your tickets online at MIM!
Image credits: Susan Obercian

1. Please give my readers a brief bio about yourself.

 I started my career in fashion when I was in my 20s and living in England. After having children my design interests centered around the home, specifically the kitchen.  In 1996 to 2011, I worked for European Country Kitchens, designing kitchens and bathrooms.  In 2012 I opened Susan Obercian Design. 

2. Would you share your design philosophy please.

I like the kitchen to be a serene background for the chaos that is always part of a busy family kitchen.  The colors should be relaxing. The counter tops are a huge statement in any kitchen and one of the most difficult decisions to make.  White marble, which is very popular at the moment, and is beautiful but very porous as well as very expensive.  It requires a true commitment. I make sure that my clients are educated about all the decisions that i help them make.  I don't like anything to be a surprise when it is installed.

3. Do you follow any particular design rules?

I like symmetry whenever possible.  If the design of the kitchen and bathrooms are appropriate for the age and style of the house, it will not go out of fashion. Let the bones of the house guide the design.

4. Do you have a favorite go too piece or element when designing a space?

Great island lights are very important.  I love Heritage Lighting in Lambertville. I also love Remains Lighting.

Of course, an incredible stone on the island can make a great statement.

5. What are your trend predictions for Kitchens?

Kitchens have continued to have a cleaner look, thank goodness!  It's what I have always liked. I think that the counter top material is a challenge.  Granite is the hardest surface but it is out of fashion.  Marble is porous and takes a commitment to care for it.  Concrete can be wonderful but lends itself to a more contemporary design so the search continues.

6.What are  your must have classics?

I love a classic bath room with a great marble floor and white subway tile.  Maybe black accents.  This can be done inexpensively for children's' bathrooms as well.  I never get tired of it. 

7. Would you give us a little hint about room you will be designing!

We have an incredible custom designed marble and limestone floor!  And a great painting by Maureen Chatfield!

Thank you so much Susan for this wonderful Q & A. I know we learned alot, and if you wish to reach Susan for your kitchen, bath or built in needs see here- Susan Obercian

Dreaming Of Tea And Scones!

It's a bit of a dreary day here in NJ and my mind is frankly faraway!  I wish I had "I Dream Of Jeannie" powers at a time like this! OH, you youngsters don't know who I am talking about? Google it please and you will wish you had those powers too.  
If I could,  I would blink my way across the ocean to merry ole England, and once there I would sit myself down in a wonderful cottage to indulge in scones and tea! I think it's probably because I started my ultra low carb diet and that I do truly miss London that I am having these crazy thoughts and cravings. However, I still would love to be curled up in front of a stove or turf burning fireplace with a good cup of tea in hand just enjoying my surroundings. Do you ever have that moment of wanting to be transported elsewhere? Where would your Jeannie powers take you? Let me know and enjoy the great scone recipe at the end of the post. Cheers!

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RECIPE

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Furniture Crush-Corbett-Wright!

I somehow mustered up some energy to make it to the Architectural Digest Home Show yesterday. Of course today I am paying for it!  What ever it is I caught on that plane really knocked me for a loop this week. Anyway, there were so many amazing vendors and artists, the talent there it was overwhelming. One truly didn't know where to look next because one booth after the next was wonderful!
One booth I saw became an instant crush, "Corbett Wright"!  I love chinoiserie and she had the most amazing pieces of chinoiserie furniture, all custom with wonderful patterns that you can pick from.
I loved the pale blue one that she chose as display, but there were others that I loved as well! The furniture is high end but it's a piece you would have for ever so worth the splurge.   There was an amazing tall pagoda style desk but I did not photograph it because a magazine had exclusive on show day.  I advise you go to the website-www.corbett-wright.com and check out that beauty for yourselves. Also the show is open to the public this weekend so if you are in NYC you may just want to check that out, you wont be disappointed (Pier 94)! Have a great weekend I hope to be in tip top shape by Monday!

Maybe you want something a bit more masculine for your Chinoiserie? Check out this ebony beauty below!

Here are other finish choices I love that deep charcoal chinoiserie choice and the knobs are precious!
CC: Images-The Relished Roost, Corbett Wright