7 Designers, 7 Rooms

A Cozy Nook 

The Look

Suzanne Kasler has a thing for horses. To create this space, she painted the walls in Kingsport Gray and covered them with horse-bit prints that she designed. Another equine touch: old horseshoes repurposed as curtain brackets.

The Ideas

“The art has so many patterns, so I kept everything else neutral,” says Kasler, who painted the chair in the same subtle color as the walls and upholstered both the bench and the chair in inexpensive burlap. The tray (to the left of the bench on the floor) cradles a print, while the round mirror softens the edges of the artwork. A pillow, a throw, and a decorative ceramic ball in bright orange add oomph.

Three Questions for… Suzanne Kasler

1. Which colors make a great match? I love combining classic white and French blue. The blue works well because it has some gray in it, so it can be elegant or it can be fresh and fun.

2. What is your favorite decorating trick? To paint a really bold color on the ceiling. I’ve done that when I want to punch up a room but would rather not use a bright color on all four walls.

3. Is there a decorating no-no that’s actually ok? Painting a small room in a dark color. Artwork tends to show up better against a dark wall; it can add dimension and become a room’s focal point.

Suzanne Kasler, an Atlanta-based interior designer, recently unveiled a line of furniture for home-furnishings company Hickory Chair.