Valerie Saunders

SERENDIPITE DESIGNS

DESIGNER DETAILS

SERENDIPITE DESIGNS

COSTA MESA, CALIFORNIA

WWW.SERENDIPITEDESIGNS.COM

We sat down with California-based interior designer, Valerie Saunders, to discover her three favourite layers when designing a space and the importance of storytelling for homeowners.

En Suite designed by Valerie Saunders
Photographed by Chad Mellon

What inspired your passion for interior design?

I have always loved “playing house” since I was a little girl. Creating a beautiful space has always inspired me.

Who are your design mentors, if any?

My favorite designers that inspire me are Barbara Barry, Michael Berman and Rachel Ashwell.

What are the most important decorative elements in your home?

I am a sucker for all linens, bedding and table linens get me all excited.

En Suite designed by Valerie Saunders
Photographed by Chad Mellon

“Always design a space with objects, textiles and furnishings that make you happy and that tell a story about you. A home should be a positive reflection of the homeowner.”

What are your three most important elements when designing a bedroom or room?

Tough question, because a well design space has many layers, my three favorites are lighting, area rugs and wall treatments.

Why is quality of sleep important to you?

Sleep is my survival skill, it is essential for my success and well being so, good sleep is everything to me.

From your experience, what is the best decorating advice you can offer someone?

Always design a space with objects, textiles and furnishings that make you happy and that tell a story about you. A home should be a positive reflection of the homeowner.

What upcoming projects are you looking forward to?

All my design projects are exciting however; a project I plan for often in my imagination is the renovation of my master bedroom and bath, one can only dream right?

What is your Style of Living?

My style of living is living each day like it is my last, with that being said I create beauty wherever I go.

What are your “Frette Favorites?”

Hotel Classic Sheet Set, white of course and any of the seasonal cashmere pieces.

Where do you go for design inspiration?

I find inspiration in different places or times of the day. To name a few, one of a kind boutiques inspire me, sometimes a walk where I know I can find nature. My most favorite place if I must choose one is my sacred “rock” in Laguna Beach.

What is your favorite book, magazine or site related to design?

I am a design book junkie, so I love any hardcovered design-related book with fabulous photography. My favorite book hands down is called the “art of doing nothing”