Artist Susie Kwiatkowski‘s home tour captures her curated aesthetic perfectly. The home tour is a blend of antiques with a touch of Palm Beach Chic, all tied together with Susie’s colorful, floral oil paintings. It’s no surprise that Susie has an eye for interiors with her resume, including work at an interior design firm and Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International. After an afternoon chatting with Susie and touring her home, I gained a new design & art enthusiast friend and fresh addition to the Interiors by Jacquin Home Tour Series!

Jacquin: How would you describe your painting style? Who would love your artwork?

Susie: My style depends on the medium and whether it is bespoke for a client or my own musings. A common thread in my work is a bright and cheerful point of view. My goal is to capture beautiful moments, enhance what draws me to them, and hang on for dear life!

People who like my art are confident and know what they love.  Big thank you to my clients for keeping me busy with their fabulous requests and encouragement!

_{Hydrangea Light IX – by Susie Kwiatkowski}

Jacquin: How did your passion develop for painting flowers?

Susie: Like many creatives before me, there is something so special and unattainable, and I MUST RECREATE THEM.  They are a fleeting occurrence depending on the season (and the gardener).  They improve any surroundings.  Let’s bottle that!

Jacquin: You mentioned that you decided to change majors in college to focus on art. What made you decide to change your career focus to becoming an artist?

Susie: I was bouncing between majors/minors.  I loved history but had no direction.  I was doing well in psych and other behavioral studies… it takes one to know one!  But did not feel passionate or challenged.  I did not consider art school until my parents made the suggestion.  They have always said, “Do what you love and make money doing it!”

Jacquin: What is your favorite painting you’ve created so far?

Susie: To date, it has to be Hydrangea Light VII (shown below). However, there is a persistent feeling that my favorite piece has yet to be created.  There are so many ideas and visions dancing in my head that I have yet to express… “Artists…”

^{Hydrangea Light VII – Available for purchase at Mecox}

Jacquin: How has your experience been working as a professional artist? What advice would you give to others pursuing a career as an artist or creative professional?

Susie: It has been truly incredible!  The highs are high, and the lows are a blessing in disguise!

Balance is important.  I used to keep aside gigs for additional income, social interaction, and a proper schedule.  However, a lot of my work is commission-based, and I am a “Yes!” person who loves a deadline!  It wasn’t easy to keep everything running smoothly.  I took my art full time in 2019, but I miss having a strict schedule and social banter with my former work peeps!  We have a bébé en route this January that is sure to fill the void.

More advice: Say “Yes!”. Know your worth. And something I have yet to master, market yourself!  I wouldn’t say I like talking about my own work.  I’m often promoting others.  Be your own cheerleader.

Jacquin: What would be your dream project to work on?

I would love to try a mural.  The scale terrifies me in the best way; I know I need to take the plunge! My closest attempt maybe my Hydrangea panels installed at The Slate, thanks to the talented Jennifer Klos of The Collector House.

Jacquin: What are your favorite places for shopping and inspiration in the Dallas area?

1. Mecox Gardens
2. Nick Brock Antiques
3. The Garden Gate
4. La Vie Style House https://www.laviestylehouse.com
5. St. Michael’s Woman’s Exchange
6. Museums! They are inspirational and have fabulous gift shops with items specific to their collections and exhibitions.

_{Photography Credit: Khadijah Martin}

Learn more about Susie Kwiatkowski’s artwork here.

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Redfin has invited me to share an interior design idea for their roundup of expert design tips. I thought I’d share the feature with you! Here is an excerpt from the article. 

2020 affected almost every aspect of our lives, but it also helped many of us reconnect with our homes. This time spent inside has allowed us to begin the process of transforming our homes into more functional, peaceful places that reflect our own interests, experiences, and design preferences.

If you’re hoping to continue that process this year, you may be searching for some inspiration. Look no further. We had some of the top interior designers weigh in on the most popular colors, decor styles, and materials you can expect to see in 2021. So if you’re looking for some interior design ideas to update your home in the new year, here are the home trends experts predict are going to be huge.

1. Natural textures 

Natural textures such as cane, wood, rattan, leather, ceramics, matte metals, aged brass, bamboo, etc. are all on the rise in the interior design world and will continue to be throughout 2021. Employing natural textures (both in decor and furnishings) will bring immediate warmth and timeless interest allowing a natural cohesion of the elements throughout your space. – Porche & Co

5. Big, bold artwork 

If you want to create a well-designed home that reflects your unique personality, the artwork is key, specifically artwork that you truly love. I recommend hanging at least one work of art in every room. Bringing in the right art selection can truly transform your space and it’s a great way to show your personal style. – Interiors by Jacquin

8. Bringing the vacation vibe inside your home

For 2021 I expect a continuation of the “nesting” we saw from the previous year and that includes the layers of a life well-lived. Pull out your vacation photos and pieces you picked up while traveling and make them a part of your home. Have a favorite scenic photo blown up and framed to evoke the experience of travel and to encourage you to make plans for the future. – Greige Design

Read the full Redfin article here. 

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Learning about innovative company Concrete Collaborative has opened my eyes to the exciting range of possibilities available withing concrete flooring and tiles. From terrazzo to pavers to traditional tile, Concrete Collaborative has manipulated concrete into all sorts of chic selections. Their products are sustainably made in the United States and available to meet both your interior and exterior project needs. Let your imagination run wild as you peruse the world of concrete showcased below!

Concrete Collaborative’s “Strands” collection is their modern take on traditional encaustic tiles, with crisp patterns and clean lines. This collection is available in a large variety of colors and patterns available for purchase by the box at ConcreteLove.com. The Strands collection is offered in 8″ square or hexagon formats. The patterned pink tiles below are also from their Strands collection. Perfect for someone with a bold & contemporary design aesthetic. Above is their ‘Hex Racing Stripe” tile and below is their ‘Stripe and Circle” tile, both of which are offered in more color varieties than shown here.

For a taste of Italy try Concrete Collaborative’s terrazzo tile creations. Above is one of their Terrazzo tile options used as a backsplash by company This is Maison in NYC. Specifically, this is Concrete Collaborative’s ‘Venice Alabaster Mixed Chip’ slab. I really like how this project turned out. Terazzo is perfect for adding texture and color all in one design element. Terrazzo can also add a touch of romance to a space. The terrazzo slab below in their blush toned option definitely has me feeling the love!

Concrete Collaborative also sells pavers. These concrete pavers add a lovely pattern to this Chicago commercial space. The project shown here is still in the works, but will be finished with a pop of green turf between the squares. Great idea for a residential outdoor space as well!

With such a large variety available from Concrete Collaborative it is really hard to choose a favorite, but these black and white triangle pavers from their ‘Trails’ collection just might be it! This selection is available by the box at ConcreteLove.com and is also offered in a range of colors as previously mentioned. Between Concrete Collaborative‘s website and Concrete Love, you’ll find all of their tile collections ready to enhance your next design project. Feeling inspired yet? I know I am!

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Exploring the world of antique architectural elements at Pittet Architecturals was an inspirational afternoon filled with history and amazing design finds. Pittet Architecturals is located in Dallas and houses a wide variety of antique architectural elements ranging from antique fountains, to unique doors, ancient basins, antique European columns, sculptures, and a large selection of antique stone and marble mantels. I was shown around their retail space by Robinson Pittet, a second generation antique and architecture lover who shared the fascinating histories behind many of their products.

Take a look at our video feature to get a sense of Pittet’s stunning and rare architectural offerings, while listening in on the vast histories behind these architectural elements.

Browsing Pittet Architecturals feels as if you’re exploring a hidden world of European history amidst their showcasing of the world’s finest architectural features. Their team travels to nations across Europe several times a year sourcing some of the oldest architectural finds in excellent shape, with a large portion of items from France, all to add a touch of antique beauty to your home or next commercial project. Shopping at Pittet Architecturals is the kind of experience that makes an antique lover out of everyone, and is the apex of exclusivity for those wanting to add one-of-a-kind architectural elements to their property.

Many of their pieces are quite transitional despite being antiques, and would make a wonderful addition to many spaces. This antique door turned coffee table, topped with custom glass, is a fabulous example of just this point. See also the carved wood furniture piece below – it’s fantastic!

Pittet Architecturals also offers antique mantels in a range of amazing finishes. I was especially interested to learn that you can take any of their antique mantel silhouettes and have a limestone version of it cut fresh in the necessary dimensions for your space.

“Shopping at Pittet Architecturals is the kind of experience that makes an antique lover out of everyone, and is the apex of exclusivity for those wanting to add one-of-a-kind architectural elements to their property.”

-Jacquin Headen, Interiors by Jacquin

My favorite architectural element during my tour with Robinson Pittet were these amazing doors! They have an especially interesting story about how they came to be in their Dallas shop that you can hear all about in the video. Pittet Architecturals’ inventory of such rare antique elements truly makes this shop a special gem in Dallas. You can visit Pittet Architecturals at 318 Cole Street in Dallas, TX or their store can ship any item you would like to purchase direct to you nationally. This store is definitely worth a visit for for the antiques guru and design lover alike!

Photo credit: Kristen Chilstrom // Video credit: Kendall Zapoli

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As with all things, trends in interior design tend to shift and change with time. Some trends come and go, while others remain long past the time of their conception – like the long-lasting love of mid-century modern style pieces and recreations that many tend to possess today.

New Traditional is a design style that reaches further into the past than mid-century modern, although some mid-century pieces could be incorporated into this kind of decor style: the New Traditional wave is less about choosing one design era as inspiration and more about the juxtaposition of styles old and new..

To recreate this style, think very old and very new: ornate crown molding is considered interesting and unique, neoclassical-inspired decor is so old that it’s new again.

Due to its nature, the New Traditional style can take shape in multiple ways: it can lean more eclectic, more traditional, or more modern. Typically, its colors are more classic and subdued, but the space is never boring and the pieces incorporated should possess either clean lines, ornate and classic detailing, or some callback to past design eras.

Try Combining a Traditional Planter Urn with an Ornate Ceiling Medallion:

This Perigold planter is the perfect place for a high-reaching palm or bird of paradise plant – plants are a nice way to add literal life to a room, as well as visual vibrancy and interest when placed amongst a room full of well-styled but traditionally-inspired pieces. $710 – Perigold

Ceiling medallions – especially when atop a midcentury-style light fixture – are peak New Traditional. They are making a comeback, adding an extra touch of classic style to one of the most underrated but most impactful parts of a room – the ceiling. $320 ea., buymbs.com

Pull it all together with this unexpected, contemporary chandelier!

This is the Ian K. Fowler Bistro Chandelier from Foundry – $2,175

Are you ready to give traditional decorating a try with a contemporary twist?

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Looking for a great addition to your space? This tassel chandelier is just the project you need in your home to add just a touch of boho! This chandelier can be personalized based on yarn choice and embroidery hoop size so you can really enhance this and make it your own!

Here’s what you will need:

• 3-4 balls of yarn (color and thickness up to you)
• Scissors
• Gold chain pack
• 3 embroidery or gold hoops (Large 14’, Medium 10’ and Small 7’) (Varies based on how big or small you want your chandelier to be)
• Small flat nose pilers
• Translucent string (Extra Strength)
• Regular size hardcover book or 4×6 picture frame

Here’s how you’ll do it:

Step 1: Depending on thickness of your selected yarn, wrap the yarn around the book or frame about 12 times. (For thinner yarn wrap more: about 24 times)

Step 2: After wrapping, cut yarn at end and fold cut pile of yarn in half and place first cut portion of yarn around circular embroidery wire before securing your tassel with another piece of string tied around the top. See photo.

Step 3: Cut a shorter piece of string and tie it around the top of the folded yarn to secure the tassel on the embroidery ring, as seen in photo below.

Step 4: Continue steps 1-4 until you have an entire ring filled with secured tassels.

Step 5: Repeat this with the two smaller rings using yarn colors of your coice.

Step 6: Once all three rings are covered in tassels, you will need to use the translucent string to tie the small ring to the medium ring in three evenly spaced places and then the medium ring to the large ring in three evenly spaced places. For the length of string, I wrapped the translucent string around a book (or picture frame) in order for the string length to be the same length every time.

Step 7: Once all three rings are connected, grab the gold chain. Cut four equal pieces that will be connected to one another at the center.

Step 8: Connect all four chains in the middle, with a long piece of chain to suit your desired hanging length.

Step 9: Connect the longer hanging chain to the middle to hang your new chandelier from a hook in the ceiling . Then it’s ready to display!

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The Papa Bear chair is one of the original chair designs created by prolific designer Hans J. Wegner. Wegner (1914-2007) was an architect, and is still today considered one of the pioneering forces in furniture design. In his lifetime, Wegner created nearly 500 chair designs, many of which are considered masterpieces. One of his most widely utilized chairs is the Wishbone Chair, but the Papa Bear chair is also seen quite often in today’s interiors.

The Papa Bear chair received its name after “a critic had referred to its armrests as great bear paws embracing you from behind.” Looking at a few images of the namesake chair, this description seems accurate – most of the chair’s “weight” is really at the top and in the arms of the chair. There is a tapering of the chair’s width from top to bottom, and the encapsulating back of the chair really does appear to “hug” or embrace the user. Perfect for relaxing in cozy, comfort.

On its own, the chair’s shape might appear unusual, strong, or highly “retro” or mid-century modern – but the truth is, this chair style can fit into any number of different styles of room designs. Take a look at some of the following instances of the Papa Bear chair fitting in just right with other design elements.

In this scene, the Papa Bear chair’s unique shape brings a structural and stately look to a neutral room full of grays and soft tones.

Upholstered in bright colors – especially a mismatched chair and ottoman combo –  the Papa Bear chair can take on a bolder, mid-century modern look.

A Papa Bear chair in a cozy, sun-kissed nook is the perfect place to curl up, lean back and read a book or just unwind. Available in nearly endless colors and upholstery finishes, the shape of this chair can be utilized in a number of different room styles.

You really can’t go wrong with the Papa Bear chair, no matter the vibe or style you’re aiming for. The chair can take up as much or as little attention in a room as a designer or individual would like. Here, the bright magenta color of the chair is seen in other pieces such as the wall art and the leather pouf, so the color doesn’t stand out. The warm wood tones  of the credenza and an art piece seem to balance and marry the bright colors in this room, and the eye has plenty of places to wander in this space before landing on the Papa Bear chair.

Overall, the Papa Bear chair is a timeless piece of furniture that stands against the test of time, pointing high, spreading wide, showing off its beautiful strong angles balanced with gentle curves and slopes. The chair’s comfort and appearance together are probably what make this such a timeless piece.

What do you think of the Papa Bear chair? Would you ever try this piece of furniture in your home?

_{By Interiors by Jacquin intern – Christiana Metrakos}

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This is a sponsored post featuring TVLiftCabinet.com

Looking for a way to enjoy your TV without blocking your window’s view or ruining the aesthetic of your room? TVLiftCabinet.com has come up with patented technology to hide away your TV and then re-appear when needed at the press of a remote button. Their motorized television lifts are a terrific convenience that preserve the style of a room by hiding large screen TVs and monitors, bringing them out at the push of a remote control button. They also offer stunning TV mirrors that appear as regular decorative mirrors when the TV is not in use. Perfect for the person who doesn’t want their TV to take away from their room’s beautiful decor!

(1) Linear Honeycomb TV Lift Cabinet

For those of you who prefer modern and contemporary design, this Linear Honeycomb TV Lift Cabinet is a great choice. I love the aesthetic of this option and it will help you to keep your space free of obstruction when your TV is not in use. Their motorized TV lifts will allow your TV to re-appear at the press of a button.

(2) 49″ 4K UHD Seura Entertainment TV Mirror – Frameless (more sizes available!)

This attractive TV disguise is my favorite! Have you ever noticed that in interior design magazines, you never see any televisions in the editorial? Purchasing a mirror TV is the best way to achieve an editorial-ready interior without allowing your TV to cramp your style. Your mirror TV will blend in perfectly and will reflect light into the room when not in use, just like your traditional mirror would. This mirror TV model comes in various sizes and is frameless. However, they also offer a framed version that looks just like a work of art. Read on to see more!

(3) Magnolia TV Lift Cabinet in White Oak Finish

Avoid blocking the view of your wall art or window view with this contemporary, white TV Lift Cabinet. Your TV is perfectly hidden away until you’re ready to watch it!

(4) 49″ Smart TV Mirror with Frame (more sizes available!)

Here’s the second option available for the mirror TVs. This version is great for those of you with more traditional design taste. This mirrored TV is beautifully framed and looks just like a custom framing job. Allow this mirror TV to blend into your interior with ease, plus add a fine art touch to your space.

(5) Adagio Black TV Lift Cabinet

Are you looking for a black TV stand that will disguise your TV? This just may be the perfect option for you. This minimalist TV Lift Cabinet is complete with attractive brass hardware that will give your space a luxury look and feel.

(6) Magnolia TV Lift Cabinet in Grey Oak Finish

Gray is everyone’s favorite neutral shade nowadays, and with good reason. This classic option will go with both traditional or contemporary decor and is finished with luxurious gold hardware. TV Lift Cabinets are a great option for not only under a window, for example, but they are also a wonderful solution for people who prefer their TV closer to them like right at the foot of their bed in their bedroom. This compact TV cabinet fits perfectly at the foot of your bed, and will hide your television with ease.

(7) Concord Caramel Finish TV Lift Cabinet

If you enjoy the classic look of wood, TVLiftCabinet.com has a wide range of selections in various wood tones and styles to meet your nees. This is just a sampling of what is available to you. You can choose a more modern wood TV cabinet, or select a more traditional option. The options are endless!

(8) Pacifica TV Lift Cabinet (for up to 75 inch TVs)

Last but not least, here is one of their more traditional wood TV Lift Cabinet options. There truly is something for everyone. Head over to their website to see their full range of options, and if you still can’t find exactly what you’re looking for, TVLiftCabinet.com also offers custom built TV Lift Cabinets to your own specifications and style. You will truly be impressed by their motorized TV Lift Cabinets and mirror TV options. Hiding your TV when not in use will take your room’s decor to the next level!

Learn more about this brand at their website at www.TVLiftCabinet.com

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VETRO Glassblowing Studio owner David Gappa with staff Lindsey Barker.

As a creative professional I am always looking to learn a new art form, and VETRO Glassblowing Studio & Gallery in Grapevine, TX definitely delivered. You’ll be surprised by what types of hands-on creative outlets you might enjoy. The key is to get out there and try something new. Glassblowing proved to be extremely exciting!

VETRO Glassblowing Studio & Gallery is owned by artist and founder David Gappa, who interestingly transitioned from a career in architecture. David Gappa and his team not only assist visitors in blownglass creations, but they are also professional artists in their own right, creating a wide range of gallery art for the discerning eye. David Gappa’s architecture background has given him a unique approach to this art form, allowing him to construct the most advanced sculptural glass art that I have ever seen. This studio is definitely worth visiting.

During my visit VETRO’s team of expert glassblowers showed me around the studio and educated me on the history of glassblowing, which is a much older art form than I would have ever imagined. I learned that archaeologist have found glass creations as old as 5000 years old, and that today glassblowing still uses the same tools and processes that were utilized originally. Fascinating!

The Glassblowing Process

Here I begin the process of making my own stemless wine glass at the VETRO glassblowing studio. Their team assisted me in the process of making my own glass item step by step. With VETRO’s public workshops you can stop by to make a range of creations from a wine glass, to a glass flower, a bowl, and more. Sometimes they even offer wine nights where you get to create in their glassblowing studio (assisted of course) while enjoying a glass of wine.

One tip before you participate is to make sure that you wear close toed shoes and avoid wearing any synthetic fibers since you’ll be around fire and furnaces. There is no reason to be nervous though because the assistance provided is thorough and attentive. My VETRO tour guides for the day were amazing; great artisans and teachers!

I selected my custom color combination for my wine glass.

You would be surprised by how many tools it takes to create one blown glass product! It’s also generally a two person job! There is a lot more to glassblowing than you would expect. Just to create a single wine glass I feel like I went through nearly a 10 step process. Seeing this art form in person gave me a new appreciation of the skill and effort it takes to create the type of glass products we see at stores and galleries. Glassblowing artisans go to school to learn their craft and have to be aware of many formulas when creating various types of shapes and vessels.

I am looking forward to making another glass creation with VETRO’s expert staff. The glassblowing experience is really addictive!

Tools of the trade shown above.

If you happened to be wondering… glass blowing actually DOES involve blowing the glass.

VETRO also offers workshops for private groups where you create alongside a group of your own friends or co-workers, separate from their public workshop offerings. It’s a really great idea for a party or celebration or possibly for a team building activity, and everyone gets to take home their creation.

As far as the quality of VETRO’s glassblown products, I was truly impressed! The quality and heavy weight of their stemless wine glasses exceeded my expectations, and I didn’t lose out on any quality even though it happened to be a guided DIY. I have seen other glassblown wine glass products that are extremely lightweight and thin, the kind of product that would easily break, but VETRO delivers on aesthetics and quality every time. If you enroll in one of their wine glass workshops, your creation will look similar to this (see below).

Advanced Artisan Creations & Customization Options

Now for a look at one of the VETRO team’s more advance creations. Below you’ll get a behind the scenes look at them creating an artistic glass bowl with a really unique textured pattern. VETRO’s team of advanced artisans are capable of creating a wide range of custom options for your home or art collection. Being the design-lover that I am, I am always looking for home decor items with a more unique touch to them. VETRO will deliver on originality when it comes to their custom creations.

VETRO’s storefront offers a selection of ready made blownglass products and works of art that you can take home with you the same day. However, if you need inspiration for a custom product, browsing their storefront is sure to give you some ideas. I came home with SO many ideas for customizing my home with blownglass. The possibilities are endless.

From an interior design perspective, I love the idea of a collage of multiple sized glass bowls as a wall art feature like shown below. Perfect for a statement wall!

Also, consider some of their other decorative selections for enhancing your home’s decor. The works shown below are advanced creations by VETRO professionals that you can purchase or have custom made for your own home or real estate project.

Custom items to consider having VETRO create for your home or business:

(1) Wall sconce light fixtures or pendant lights

(2) Figurative sculpture art (like the incredible dinosaur head shown below) – Created by VETRO owner and artist David Gappa.

(3) Custom chandeliers – of any shape or size you can imagine!

(4) Abstract glass panels as sculptural art (shown below)

(5) A collection of oversized glass bowls for a statement wall installation

Special thanks are in order for Jorma Rahja and Shannan Shumate for showing me the ropes at the VETRO Glassblowing Studio & Gallery. I will definitely be back again! My plan is to create a matching set of stemless wine glasses and serving platters for the dining table. What will you create with VETRO Glassblowing Studio? Schedule your visit today and let them know that Interiors by Jacquin sent you!

Photography by Zoe Martinez

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