On the Couch with Schuyler Samperton

A Late Start

MyHomeIdeas (MHI): How did you get into design? Who or what influences you?

Schuyler Samperton (SS): I grew up with an architect as a father, and a mother with a great affinity for interior design.

After a fairly long career in entertainment publicity, I started to work for my friend, the designer Michael Smith in 1998. I was a design assistant for Michael until 2003, when I started my company.

Dividing Lines

MHI: How do you deal with combined living and dining rooms?

SS: It’s important to make sure that a combination living room and dining room has a logical flow so that the two areas read as one.

I’m currently working on a Spanish Colonial in Malibu that has a similar set up, and I’ve made sure to repeat colors and furniture shapes, while giving each space it’s own identity and function.

From the Bottom

MHI: When you’re starting a room from scratch, what’s the first thing you choose?

SS: I always start with a rug!

Bucking the Trend

MHI: What current trend do you think we’ll be so tired of in five years?

SS: Hollywood Regency, hands down. I couldn't be more over it now.

Heads Up

MHI: How do you like to dress a bed?

SS: I love the look of a unique headboard, either upholstered in an antique textile or kilim fragment. It's a great way to add texture and warmth to a room.

In Plain Sight

MHI: How do you deal with televisions?

SS: There's no use hiding the TV -- everyone has them. In the family room, I'm fine with hanging a sleek flat screen on the wall and calling it a day!

However, it's think I nice to conceal them in the bedroom, so when possible, I like to put them in a cabinet with doors that can close.

Opposites Attract

MHI: What’s the most common mistake homeowners make? And how can it be avoided?

SS: Quite often people don't understand the importance of scale or the need to include a combination of opposites -- tall and short, pieces with legs and upholstered pieces, patterns and solids. A great mix is what makes an interesting room.

Decorating on a Budget

MHI: If you could only splurge on one item in a room, what would it be? Where can you save?

SS: I always think that curtains are worth spending money on -- they can really make a room.

To save, try Crate & Barrel for great, simple upholstered shapes that look amazing when surrounded by unique antique pieces.

For More Information

Schuyler Samperton Interior Design
134 North Sweetzer Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90048

phone: (323) 655-6603
fax: (323) 655-6604

info@samperton.com

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