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Suzanne Furst, ASID

School: UCLA
Company: Suzanne Furst Interiors and Collaborative House
8954 W Pico Blvd
Suite A
Los Angeles, CA 90035-3334 map
Phone: (310) 275-8077
Email: suzanne@suzannefurstinteriors.com
Website: www.suzannefurstinteriors.com

Designer Profile

Established in 1987, Suzanne Furst Interiors is a Los Angeles based award winning interior design company, with a special focus on residential and high end kitchens and baths, as well as small businesses and home offices http://www.collaborativehouse.com.
Well-known for her unique ability to create high style living spaces which are fully integrated with modern technology, Mrs. Furst recently decorated a Palos Verdes home which won the 2008 American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) Design Competition for a Residential Project over 5,000 sq ft. Her design will be published in 'California Homes' magazine.

In the more than 22 years in which Mrs. Furst has worked on interior design projects, her goal has always been to exceed her clients' expectations. She seeks to create design that inspires and changes her clients' lives for the better, not only on a visual level, but in a way that uplifts them on an emotional level. She also promotes and practices ecological design by introducing clients to green and nontoxic décor, and integrating sustainable products into their home environment. She believes that the sophisticated, modern, "keep it simple" aesthetic is the perfect metaphor for "keep it sustainable." As a responsible designer, she also seeks to motivate manufacturers to produce fabric, wallcoverings and furniture using sustainable materials.

Priding herself in the vast array of strong professional relationships which she has cultivated, Mrs. Furst works efficiently and effectively with the entire design team, and brings style and sophistication to every project. She is well-versed in all areas of design, including space planning, dramatic lighting, architectural detailing, high end kitchens and baths. She has worked in all styles and genres, from Old World to Traditional, from Spanish and Mediterranean to Pan-Asian, and from Retro-Modern to Transitional and Contemporary.

Suzanne has made television appearances on HGTV Designer's Challenge and Style Network. Her work has been published in '90210 Magazine' of Beverly Hills, 'California Homes', 'Angeleno', and 'Art and Living' magazine. 'House Trends', covering the Midwest and Central U.S., will publish an article on her work in 2009. Other publications include 'Elle Décor', 'Los Angeles Magazine', 'Los Angeles Home & Decor Magazine', 'Southern California Home' and 'Outdoor Magazine'. She has also appeared in books including "100 Designers' Favorite Rooms and Spectacular Homes of California".

Highly involved in community work, Mrs. Furst serves on the Board of Friends of Greystone for the City of Beverly Hills in an effort to restore and refurbish the mansion and park for public use, and was the Creator and Founding Chair of Beverly Hills Garden and Design Showcase House at Greystone Mansion.

As a past President and Board Member for many years of ASID Los Angeles, she created many new educational opportunities for the design community. She founded the ASID/LA Design Trade Expo held at the LA Mart for four years, and has served as a panelist at educational programs for interior design at the LA Mart and the Pacific Design Center. Highly motivated by her profession, Mrs. Furst is focused on remaining in interior design and continuing to serve her clients through providing them with beautiful homes that are ecologically safe and sound.

Suzanne Furst was born and raised in New York City before transplanting herself in California. She received her education from UCLA Interior Design Extension. She currently resides on the Westside, with a second home in Malibu, California. Suzanne Furst loves art and architecture and travels the world in search of design inspiration.

Awards & Publications

Member of the Board of Friends of Greystone, 2007-Present
2008 Winner of ASID Design Competition for Residential Project over 5,000 sq ft, and published in California Homes magazine
Award Winner, ASID/LA Excellence In Design Competition, 2008
City of Beverly Hills Recognition and Appreciation for Outstanding Creativity and Distinguished Service, 2005
Past President of ASID/LA Chapter, 2003-2004
Member of President’s Council, Woodbury University, 2003-Present
Creator and Founding Chair of B.H. Garden and Design Showcase House at Greystone Mansion, 2003
Founder of ASID/LA Design Trade Expo, 2003
Program Chair of numerous events and Board Member of ASID/LA for many years
ASID/LA Design Excellence Award, 1999
Many ASID/LA Presidential Citations, Certificates of Merit, and Certificates of Appreciation, 1986-Present
Appeared in numerous magazines including Art and Living Magazine, Los Angeles Times Home Section, Beverly Hills 90210, Angeleno Magazine California Homes, Elle Decor, Los Angeles Magazine, Los Angeles Home & Decor Magazine, Southern California Home and Outdoor Magazine, Brentwood Magazine
Appeared in books including 100 Designers’ Favorite Rooms (Pellam) and Spectacular Homes of California (Panache)
Television appearances on HGTV's Designer's Challenge and the Style Network

The rich dark woods and soft fabric hues are combined with sculptural accessories to create an artistic composition that frames breathtaking views.

The hallway with its architectural columns and design was a perfect setting to display a bronze statue, giving the hallway a distinguished, museum-like presence.

The architectural layout of the entry hall necessitated the furnishing of its oversized space. I used eclectic art from the Lowe Gallery to bring it visual excitement and dimension.

The library is a place to visit with family and close friends, put up your feet and relax. Shoji screens give an Asian-inspired serenity to the room. The fine art accessories bring warmth and interest to the room. Custom made rug combines all the colors used in the space.

I worked around the clients’ dining set and added the head chairs to give the set more volume and elegance by using patterned silk. The rug was custom made by Atelier Lapchi. Artwork and sculpture through Lowe Gallery. I added the drapery treatment and plant to give the room more warmth.

Modern deco style was the theme for this sleek library featured in the 2007 Beverly Hills Garden and Design Showcase at Historic Greystone Estate. The chandeliers were custom designed by Suzanne Furst and are being used by the manufacturer in their new line. The ottoman is covered in a sustainable fabric made of paper to resemble animal fur. The wallcovering is a linen that is hand-painted in metallic paint in a deco floral motif. Faux antique white books line the shelves to brighten the room and make it 'pop.' The furnishings are a well-blended mix of deco, contemporary, and African pieces. The resulting look is luxurious Hollywood glam.

2007 Beverly Hills Garden and Design Showcase at Historic Greystone Estate: Library by Suzanne Furst - Additional View

Traditional Hancock Park Residence: Entry Hall

The client wanted to integrate their fine African art collection into a traditional style home, whose rich, warm colors of dark blue, burgundy red, and yellow gold accentuate the African color palette. Suzanne created a gallery style exhibit of their statuary and paintings through use of plinths and custom lighting. Every piece of artwork was displayed with dramatic effect. It is quite stunning. The Moroccan cocktail table in the living room was chosen to add texture and spice to the room.

This entry hall, while dramatically breathtaking, is also extremely functional. The skylight holds an automatic cable wench that allows the dramatically large chandelier to be lowered 23' for cleaning and bulb changing. Suzanne custom designed the iron stair railing and stair runner. The walls are done in an antique Old World finish. The inset medallion in the floor contains marquetry of seven different woods. Exciting Murano glass art pieces enrich the space.

The custom oversized sandstone fireplace was created by the designer with custom iron screen. The hand-knotted draperies frame the windows over sumptuous Italian lace curtains. Comfortable chenille sofas flank the fireplace.

This media room is composed of a projection system with drop-down screen, THX streo sound system, and is fully computerized to control lighting, draperies, and equipment at the touch of a button. Custom plaster finish on walls is applied to sound board to reduce exterior sound and vibration. Leather swivel rocker chair and ottoman, soft sofa, and giant floor pillows make this a comfortable family media room. Custom designed cabinetry, wine refrigerator, wet bar and popcorn machine complete the space.

I find bedrooms to be very important spaces as they are meant to provide us with a retreat where we can relax, dream, and read. This suite was designed to satisfy the client's desire for luxurious fabrics in her favorite color, Gold. Five different silk fabrics were combined to create the custom bedding and drapery treatments. We added the settee to provide some seating in the room.

Luxury is your first thought when you enter this bedroom and view the exquisite draperies designed by Ms. Furst. The soft tones of blue and bone have a serene effect, while the Chinese accents in the custom bed treatment and artwork add an eclectic highlight to the room.

This guest bedroom is cozy and very adequate. It contains built-in, automatically lit closets when doors are opened; an armoire, and a comfortable sofa to read and enjoy the surrounding views. The draperies, custom designed by Ms. Furst, have black-out roman shades that easily disappear into the deep valances when not needed. The custom wool area rug was coordinated to match the fabrics in the room.

For a Guest Bedroom, the client’s love of her gardens and the color red was evident in her choice of raspberry floral patterned custom bedding to bring the outside in.

The Meditation Room in this Eco Home features earth-friendly wallcovering, cork floors, and recycled wood tables. The hourglass shaped side table is comprised of shaved coconut shell, while the floor lamp is actually an antique that has been transformed into an art piece by an artist who re-works antique and recycled materials. The rug is made of natural wool and silk fibers. The overall look is Asian contemporary that sacrifices neither style nor comfort.

The compact Outdoor Patio of the Eco Home is furnished with antique Indonesian teak chairs, recycled wood sculpture and tables, and natural fabrics. The Buddha fountain was crafted by an Eco-friendly artist to create a serene surrounding for meditation and contemplation. The antique screen and large gourds with dried woods create a cozy backdrop for the seating area.

Tuscan Inspired Patio for DIFFA Dining by Design.

The slate and wood floor, wood ceiling beams, and the distressed cabinets create an Old World feel to this custom gourmet kitchen. The custom iron electric pot rack (which moves up and down), built-in wine racks, wine refrigerator, refrigerated vegetable drawers, dishwasher drawers, commercial range and ovens, refrigerator and freezer, and huge 12' x 6' island truly make this a kitchen for entertaining.

Old World Gourmet Entertaining Kitchen - Additional View

This is a modern style country kitchen because it is open, airy, and sleek while retaining warm Shaker-style cabinetry and farm style sink. The honed slate countertops are a contemporary counterpoint to the stone and mosaic backsplashes. Four rooms were reconfigured into two to create a larger kitchen and dining room in this hillside home. A wood ceiling beam was added as an accent to transition between the two rooms, and new oak floors in a dark mahogany finish lend warmth throughout the space.

Contemporary Casual Malibu Beach Home. The kitchen (in background) was totally gutted and redesigned by Ms. Furst to add an additional 30% storage space. One wall between kitchen and den was removed to allow more visual space. The adjacent dining area (foreground) is open and airy, with contemporary art, spicy colors, and seductive lighting, featuring the chandelier designed by Ms. Furst. She also designed the chairs which were covered in an outdoor chenille fabric selected with beachfront living in mind.

Today's master baths are created to resemble a spa. Our clients immerse themselves in jacuzzi tubs surrounded by built-in sound systems. They have heated marble floors and heated towel bars to keep them warm and comfy. Let's not forget the built-in steam shower, his and her vanities, and the lady's makeup table and chair to satisfy their needs. That is what you will find in this bath. All cabinetry and tilework designed by Ms. Furst.

The bathroom in this Eco Home features sustainable bamboo vanity, natural stone sink, glass tile mirror, and American Clay plaster walls. The shower is made of onyx tile walls with a bamboo style detail containing mirrored knots to accentuate the pattern. The shower door handle made of bamboo and glass continues the theme. The double-paned window contains a sheet of leaf-patterned rice paper to provide privacy while allowing light to come through during the day.

Powder Room for Pasadena Craftsman house: Copper soffet and Italian mosaic columns frame the mirrored marble sink counter. The sink faucet and trim are also copper to reflect the period. The floor is also done in an Italian mosaic pattern. There are many antique accessories to highlight this Period powder room. The ceiling was vaulted by the designer and has a trompe l'oiel pattern of the sky and clouds. The designer added the stained glass window and window treatment to reflect the time period. The walls are covered in an antique damask paper with a unique suede-like finish.

This master bath was designed with a man in mind. The vanity is a large chest with a custom painted Ultraglas top designed to complement the sink. The shape of the matching mirror was inspired by the artwork on the adjacent wall. The THG fixtures have Lalique handles, while the deep colors in the Persian rug add another masculine touch to the room.