Claire Sautter’s favorite project to date may not sound all that impressive—two model townhouses for Bryn Mawr’s new Whitehall community—but the results certainly were. “I loved the challenge of making a four-story, vertical space feel like a sprawling single-family home,” she says. The Rosemont-based interior designer has worked on several custom homes built by her husband, Bill. “Model homes are fun because you can push things further than you can with actual clients,” she says.
Decorating style: “Creating an ease of transition between rooms by establishing a thread of color that links every one of the spaces.”
Favorite room in her house: The master bedroom. “I love the soft colors of the walls contrasting with the rich mahogany of the case goods. It also has many wonderful moldings and architectural details.”
Favorite design advice: “Discuss every aspect of the project before making that very first purchase.”
Designer who inspires her: Charlotte Moss. “She’s an international interior designer, a renowned author, a brilliant illustrator, and an innovative businesswoman, as well as a wife and mother.”
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Design element she loves to incorporate into a space: “Wonderfully framed artwork. It can be a group of beautiful reproduction prints or a single piece. Quality framing makes a huge difference.”
Favorite design trend of the moment: “Adding a bit of sparkle to each room. It can be as simple as polished chrome hardware and light fixtures, glass tiles in your kitchen, or a mirrored chest in your hall. It adds a bit of drama to each space.”
Favorite rooms to design: Family spaces. “They’re the hub of the household and require careful selection of the appropriate finishes to withstand everyday living.”
Her definition of good taste: “Less is more. Quality over quantity.”
Three words that sum up her design: “Fresh but timeless.”
Best part of her job: Client relationships. “My job throws me into my clients’ everyday lives, so I get to know the family quite well.”