In our latest edition of Saratoga Living magazine—the 2020 Design Issue—we wanted the top design experts in Saratoga Springs to weigh in on what Spa City design means to them right now—and what you can do, COVID-19 pandemic or not, to get your Saratoga home ready for the upcoming spring and summer seasons.
Sue Waldron, Saratoga Living Design Editor (@suewaldron)
Describe Saratoga style in three words.
Historic, timeless, eclectic
If you could improve one thing about Saratoga, design-wise, what would it be?
More buildings renovated and “re-loved” while preserving original structures
What’s one foolproof interior design tip everyone should know?
Swap out your pillows, seasonally
What’s your favorite piece in your own home?
A vintage baker’s bench that was rescued from Skidmore College
Lisa Bates, Lisa Bates Design (@lisabatesdesign)
Describe Saratoga style in three words.
Grand, historic, green
If you could improve one thing about Saratoga, design-wise, what would it be?
Less homogenous design for new homes
What’s one foolproof interior design tip everyone should know?
Less is always more
What’s your favorite piece in your own home?
An old German baker’s rack on wheels
Brendan Flanigan, Brendan Flanigan Interiors (@bflaninteriors)
Describe Saratoga style in three words.
Charming, inviting, effortless
If you could improve one thing about Saratoga, design-wise, what would it be?
More color and inventive palettes
What’s one foolproof interior design tip everyone should know?
Use mementos to reflect you in your space
What’s your favorite piece in your own home?
A set of Parisian antique leather chairs from the Paris flea market
Tara Sweet, Studio Sweet (@studio_sweet_store)
Describe Saratoga style in three words.
Historical, with sensibility
If you could improve one thing about Saratoga, design-wise, what would it be?
Nothing
What’s one foolproof interior design tip everyone should know?
Paint—a fresh palette is an easy way to create a focal point or subtle mood
What’s your favorite piece in your own home?
A vintage 1930s Parisian club chair
Deborah DePasquale, TOGA HERITAGE (@togaheritage)
Describe Saratoga style in three words.
Enchanting, sophisticated, quaint
What’s one foolproof interior design tip everyone should know?
Limit modern design “improvements” to the racetrack
What’s one foolproof interior design tip everyone should know?
Repurpose what you already own or bring in fresh flowers
What’s your favorite piece in your own home?
Kintsugi eggshells by local artist Elisa Sheehan
Nancy Smith, Saratoga Signature Interiors (@saratogasignature)
Describe Saratoga style in three words.
Timeless, transitional, equestrian
If you could improve one thing about Saratoga, design-wise, what would it be?
Nothing
What’s one foolproof interior design tip everyone should know?
Forget about trends—make sure your space reflects your own style and personality
What’s your favorite piece in your own home?
A secretary desk with French details that I purchased when I was 15
Edmond DeRocker, Edmund DeRocker Design (@FrontStreetHome)
Describe Saratoga style in three words.
Tastefully historic, healthy
If you could improve one thing about Saratoga, design-wise, what would it be?
New construction architecture
What’s one foolproof interior design tip everyone should know?
Less is more
What’s your favorite piece in your own home?
Almost every item
