In the BOH series What I Love, we’re asking designers to build us a mood board of what’s inspiring them right now.
Make no mistake: Susie Novak is a Californian. The Oakland-based designer draws inspiration from the surrounding landscape when crafting her coastal-cool interiors. “I like to create warm, earthy vibes,” she tells Business of Home.
Her current mood board pays tribute to her home state. Brimming with tactile textiles and finishes, the selection features a medley of hand-crafted pieces by local artisans. “I’d describe the scheme as texture-forward, with nature-inspired neutrals and materials,” says the designer. “Almost all of the elements included are by California and Bay Area makers.”
The final flat lay showcases a range of rich earth tones and unruly organic patterns, with the occasional zip of black ash wood or dusty pink upholstery to energize the palette. “It’s great to start with a base layer of neutrals and add in colorful accents to give the overall look more depth,” Novak adds. “A good mix of scales also makes a space feel more liveable.”
Here, the designer breaks down the details, from cross-shaped brass pulls to silk window shades.
1. SATIN BRASS PLUS PULL BY HOFFMAN HARDWARE
“Hoffman Hardware is a female-owned Bay Area hardware company with the chicest collection around.”
2. TRADE BEADS BY MONKEE’S OF CHARLOTTE
“I discovered this brand at a fun store called Monkee’s when I was in North Carolina for High Point Market. I always get compliments when I wear this necklace.”
3. SAMPLE OF CESCO CHAIR IN WALNUT BY SOBU
“This Oakland shop carries awesome furniture and home decor. It’s one of my favorite stops for art and home accessories, and I always stop here before a photo shoot.”
4. ELLIOTT SALT + PEPPER SHAKER IN BLACK BY BLUE PHEASANT
“I love the interesting materials Blue Pheasant uses for a variety of tabletop pieces, including this ridged horn-and-bone salt-and-pepper shaker.”
5. THE PERFECT PAIR MATCH HOLDER BY TENN PRAIRIE
“The modern geometric shape of this match holder looks perfect just about anywhere.”
6. BANKS FABRIC IN CHARMING BY MOSS HOME
“Moss Home is a California upholstery company that is one of my go-tos. I love their fun sculptural furniture pieces, along with their classic styles. They have a phenomenal collection of fabrics, and every piece is comfortable.”
7. SAMPLE OF CHISELED BLOCK STOOL BY CUFF STUDIO
“This textured chiseled wood stool is so fun and unexpected.”
8. LIME PAINT IN PINK TOPAZ BY COLOR ATELIER
“Color Atelier is a super neat paint and plaster company based in San Francisco.”
9. SAMPLE OF PADDLE TABLE IN BLEACHED OAK BY CUFF STUDIO
“The paddle table is absolutely stunning. It’s so minimal and organic in form.”
10. SAMPLE OF VIKING LOUNGE CHAIR IN BLACK ASH BY SOBU
“A gorgeous black ash wood chair from Sobu’s in-house line. They have a wonderful mix of products by artisans, and I love their own line as well.”
11. STRATA WALLPAPER IN PUMICE BY PAPER MILLS
“This print is playful and has that hand-made quality that really livens up a space.”
12. MATKA SILK SHADES IN STERLING AND CHAMBRAY BY THE SHADE STORE
“I am a huge fan of The Shade Store. I love the quality of their product, and they have so many great in-house fabric options to choose from.”
13. BETHANY RUG IN FAWN BY ASHLEY STARK HOME
“Ashley Stark’s rug line for Stark blew me away. Her patterns are so on point, and the materials and textures are so livable.”
14. ELYRIA TRAY IN BLACK MARBLE BY PIGEON AND POODLE
“These small marble trays are the perfect catchall for jewelry, palo santo incense sticks, or crystals if that’s your thing!”
15. SAMPLE OF SAGUARO GLASS BY THE LONG CONFIDENCE
“The Long Confidence incorporates unexpected materials and unique forms to make standout pieces—along with some of the classics—for the home.”
16. TEXTURED WOOL IN NUBBLE BY ROSE UNIACKE
“This textured wool by Rose Uniacke is so nubby and luxurious.”
17. DESERT BLOOM TRAPEZOID ZELLIGE TILE BY ZIA TILE
“This trapezoid mosaic has great color and such an interesting shape.”
18. SAMPLE OF PACIFICA TERRAZZO COUNTER SLAB BY CONCRETE COLLABORATIVE
“I absolutely love Concrete Collaborative’s tile and terrazzo materials. When a company can reinterpret a classic material and make it fresh and current, it’s really special.”
19. FURNITURE KNOB SET IN BLACK BY BUSTER + PUNCH
“This hardware is very industrial, with quite a bit of knurled elements, which I am really drawn to.”
20. SAMPLE OF CUSTOM BLEACHED ASH WOOD BY OPEN STANDARD
“Open Standard crafts top-of-the-line modern cabinetry for kitchens, bathrooms and everywhere else in the home. Custom is their specialty, and no detail goes overlooked.”
