Susan Van Meter November Design Edit 2026
Featured Project
Bringing the Outside In
A coastal beach house rooted in nature
Susan Van Meter and her team have created a beautiful sense of connection between the landscape and the interior of this coastal beach house, bringing the natural world inside through a carefully considered palette of materials, textures and earthy tones.
Wood plays a central role, adding warmth and a sense of calm while echoing the natural surroundings beyond the windows. Throughout the house, natural earth tones create a soft, understated backdrop, allowing the architecture and views of the sea to take centre stage.
Bespoke joinery and beautifully crafted wall units are seamlessly integrated into the interiors, providing both function and a strong architectural presence. Bronze finishes, inspired by materials and tones found outside, continue this dialogue between the exterior and interior, adding depth and a subtle sense of luxury.
Natural earth tones create a soft, understated backdrop
Natural stone and marble introduce another layer of texture, while tactile wall coverings create softness and visual interest. The combination feels organic rather than overly designed — a refined interpretation of coastal living that avoids the expected blues and nautical references.
A beautifully considered outdoor sauna sits within the landscape, offering a quiet place to pause and take in the surroundings. The outdoor seating areas are equally inviting. Spaces step down towards a sunken seating square, creating a more intimate gathering area that feels naturally embedded into the landscape. At its centre, a contemporary fire burner becomes a focal point, bringing warmth and atmosphere to a cosy entertaining space.
Entertain and connect with nature
The simplicity of the landscaping and the use of natural materials allow the architecture to sit comfortably within its surroundings. Rather than competing with the coastal setting, the exterior spaces frame and enhance it, creating a series of places to relax, entertain and connect with nature. The result is a home that feels grounded in its setting: sophisticated yet relaxed, tactile yet timeless, with every material chosen to reinforce the relationship between the house, the landscape and the sea beyond.
Design Edit
Susan's favourite Artisans
at
Decorex 2026
Decorex 2026 was a celebration of individuality, craftsmanship and design that feels truly personal. What stood out most was the growing appreciation for unique, bespoke pieces made by artisans — objects with character, craftsmanship and a story, rather than something that simply fills a space.
Lighting was an area that really caught my attention. Rather than simply providing illumination, many of the wall lights felt like sculptural installations in their own right. With expressive forms, unusual materials and strong silhouettes, they could easily be viewed as pieces of sculpture mounted on the wall — adding personality and visual interest even when they are switched off.
Sculptural installations
For anyone looking for something different, there was plenty to discover. One particular highlight was a beautifully crafted brass sideboard by Novocastrian. Sculptural yet functional, using Art
Deco forms, its rich metal finish and considered detailing made it feel more like a piece of art than a conventional piece of furniture.
Sculptural yet functional
For me, this was one of the most exciting aspects of Decorex 2026: the move away from the predictable and towards pieces that feel distinctive, tactile and individual. It was a reminder that the most memorable interiors are often created through those unexpected finds — beautifully made objects that bring something unique to a space.
Susan Visits
THE NEW HERMÈS MAISON
Where Fashion, Interiors & Culture Meet
London has a new destination for those who appreciate design, craftsmanship and the art of living beautifully.
The newly opened Hermès Maison at 166 New Bond Street is far more than a flagship. Occupying six historic buildings across five floors, it brings together 55 rooms, four staircases, two roof terraces and more than 500 works of art. Designed by RDAI under artistic director Denis Montel, the interiors celebrate both British craftsmanship and the heritage of the buildings.
Rather than one vast retail space, the Maison unfolds like a beautifully curated private residence, with individual rooms defined by their own colours, materials and character.
A Masterclass in Colour
Powder pinks, deep blues, rich reds and yellow Sienna marble combine with warm timber, historic mosaics, patinated copper and richly textured wall coverings. The result is layered, unexpected and deeply luxurious. At its heart, a dramatic spiral staircase rises through the central atrium beneath a new steel-and-glass roof, becoming a sculptural focal point rather than simply a means of moving between floors.
A sculptural focal point
For me, the Maison demonstrates that true luxury is about experience, not simply beautiful objects. Architecture, art, colour and craftsmanship combine to create a destination that is both inspiring and unforgettable.
Contact Susan today to arrange a free consultation and begin your design journey.
We look forward to hearing from you.
The Susan Van Meter Team - Going Beyond Design in 2026
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