While Kate Jacobowitz of Kate Susannah Home has an aesthetic, she doesn’t subscribe to a particular style, instead strives for balance in her design projects. “I make sure not to pick anything too trendy,” she explains, “it’s important that the design matches the location and the style of the architecture.” While she always likes to use some color, she grounds brighter colors with pieces that have a natural finish.

One thing that ties all her designs together, whether it’s a bedroom or a hotel lobby, is the desire to match the space. For example, “in a loft you don’t do anything too precious or ornate that feels strange to the eye.” She uses tension between the pieces, such as balancing a contemporary space with organic material, to carry the eye from piece to piece.

Those finishing touches show her hands-on approach. Because she’s a small company, Kate is personally invested in everything she does.

“I do all the shopping, I’m on-site all the time, and I love getting to know my clients and their families.”

Many clients like her portfolio and have ideas, but aren’t clear on their personal style. She works with them to define it. Kate explains that design can be a long process, and personality is key. There needs to be a good connection between designer and client so that you can have open, honest communication.

The finished rooms often combine custom, unique pieces with items bought off the floor. She’ll combine a custom, quality sofa with a cool chair from a retail store. In her opinion, “The balance is what completes the space. You don’t want it to feel like it’s from a catalog.”

She mixes pieces to balance the budget and makes sure to maintain an open flow of communication between everyone involved. When you work with Kate Susannah Home, you can expect a seamless process from start to finish.