San Francisco Chronicle - (Sunday)
Planning for lasting impact
Suzanne Tucker designs homes with a timeless touch
Ever since she was an apprentice to Michael Taylor, Suzanne Tucker was destined to become an elite interior designer.
In 1986, she and husband/ partner Timothy Marks opened Tucker & Marks. Over the years, Tucker has charted a path to becoming one of the nation’s premier tastemakers. Architectural Digest has honored her as one of the AD100 Top Designers of the World on multiple occasions and she is listed on Elle Décor’s AList. Tucker has published two books: “Rooms to Remember: The Classic Interiors of Suzanne Tucker” and “Suzanne Tucker Interiors — The Romance of Design.”
In this interview with the San Francisco Chronicle, Tucker talks about her recent projects, the impact of COVID19 and tips for spring cleaning and sprucing up your place.
Q: What are some recent projects that you’ve worked on, and what stands out to you about them?
A: We recently completed an exquisite 1920’s Spanish compound in legendary Pebble Beach, a family ski house at the Yellowstone Club in Montana, a classically appointed San Francisco penthouse, a “surf shack” down the coast and an artfilled contemporary apartment in New York City.
What stands out is the luxury of variety, I consider myself so fortunate to be able to work with extraordinary clients who trust me to create truly personalized environments for them that they are proud to call home.
A few of my upcoming projects include a sleek contemporary Los Angeles residence with killer views, a spectacular ranch in Aspen for a dedicated environmentalist and a large restoration of a historic Italianate residence in Presidio Heights. And we’ll be picking up the big redo of the Auberge du Soleil in Napa as soon as the world opens up again.
Q: How has the shelterinplace edict affected how you conduct business?
A: Despite the physical/emotional challenges for everyone in the last two months, I am happy to say that our behindthescenes work at Tucker & Marks has not slowed down at all ... quite the opposite. Clients want to keep moving forward and with job sites reopening all over the country, we are in full speed.
Of course, we have had to pivot a bit when it comes to running our daytoday business. We have always been digitally savvy in our presentations, but working remotely has brought us endless Zoom meeting with clients, vendors, showrooms — communication is key! We’ve all learned to be flexible and think outside of the box, so far so good.
Q: Do you have any tips for spring cleaning, sprucing up your place?
A: Spring time for me is all about fresh air, opening the windows and bringing the outdoors in: I love pulling in colors from one’s immediate surroundings outside (soothing pale greens, warm neutrals, pale blue sky colors) for easycare slipcovers, pillows and throws.
Definitely bring in something green, whether it is a plant or cut branches and blooms. I put them everywhere: from small and fragrant, to giant arrangements of blossoms and greenery.
And don’t forget the olfactory experience as well: think planters with scented geraniums and lavender, night blooming jasmine, osmanthus, all chosen for their sweetsmelling blooms. Or for the cooks, plant an herb garden in pots with rosemary, mints, sages and it doubles as a kitchen garden. Better yet, do what a girlfriend of mine did and create a cocktail garden with citrus in pots — kumquats, lemons, limes and oranges — a variety of mints, mini cucumbers and berries. Pick, mix and sip. Cheers!
Q: What are some design trends you’re currently fond of ?
A: Truthfully, I’m not a trend believer as the nature of a trend is “here today and gone tomorrow.” Good design should never look passé. But I’m definitely seeing a movement returning to a more classic approach to design and decorating. The “grandmillen-nial” is going to drive the look towards layering versus minimalism, sumptuous versus stark, a romantic look while still being current and fresh.
Q: What’s next for you? (Partnerships, projects, etc.)
A: Besides working on my next book, in the fall of 2020, we will launch a new collection of Suzanne Tucker Home textiles, designed as an homage to some of the most renowned figures in the world of garden and landscape design — and proving that a passion for color, texture and pattern is a hallmark for more than one creative field. So get ready for Gertrude, Vita, Norah, Russell and Geoffrey, can you guess who’s who?
We are also in the process of finalizing our very first collection of fine hardware for Nanz — what I like to call “house jewelry.” Owner Carl Sorenson asked if I’d be interested in designing some pieces beyond the few we’ve done for private clients, and it’s been an exciting collaboration. The design process for this collection has been so rewarding on many levels stemming from a joint appreciation for fine craftsmanship and sophisticated design. Working in metals takes a completely different approach starting with the marriage of form and function while finetuning the feel and proportions, perfecting the lines and details. I can’t imagine a more passionate partner in this adventure than Nanz and I really look forward to being able to introduce the results to the world.
Sadly, the 2020 San Francisco Fall Show has been cancelled, but believe it or not, we’re already brainstorming for 2021 to be bigger and better than ever! For now, the show will continue to communicate with its audience — collectors, dealers, and patrons alike — through the show blog (www.sffallshow.org/blog/) and social media (@sffallshow).
On a personal note, I was very touched to be awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from the Academy of Art University. Some of the past recipients have been Alexander McQueen, Clodagh, Oscar de la Renta, the Missoni’s, Shirley MacLaine and others. so I’m truly honored to be in such illustrious company.
The May ceremony has been postponed to December 2020, but I really look forward to addressing a new generation of creative graduates. Now more than ever, they will need support, mentorship and guidance.