OUR BLOG
THE SUSAN EDIT
Embark on a journey of creativity and inspiration with SAMily. Ignite your imagination with design tips, photos from our projects, travel inspiration, and resources, guided by the wisdom of Susan Drover. 
The SAM Design 2024 Year in Review
As we reach the close of another year, we want to pause and express our gratitude for your continued support of SAM Design. It’s been a remarkable year filled with inspiring projects, meaningful collaborations, and memorable milestones.
The Timeless Charm of Print: A Journey Through House & Home Magazine
I am so pleased to share the exciting news that my Downtown St. John's home is on the cover of the September 2024 issue of House & Home magazine! Following this news, I wondered how best to share my appreciation for House & Home. As an avid reader, I was honoured to grace its pages. I have collected issues dating back 20 years, now proudly displayed in My Flatrock Dwelling, another of my cherished properties.
Curating a Picture Perfect Gallery Wall: A How-To Guide
Creating a gallery wall is a fantastic way to personalize your space and showcase your favorite art pieces, photographs, and memorabilia. Curating the perfect gallery wall may seem daunting, but we're here to make it easier with our tips for planning your design and helpful hanging methods to help you achieve a stunning display.
Decorating with Memories: Curating Your Most Cherished Items
Creating a space that reflects your unique personality is so important. Displaying cherished memories throughout your home, rather than boxing them up as "keepsakes" contributes even further to the warmth and character of a room and allows you to see and enjoy the things you love every day. Keep reading for tips on curating your favourite mementos in your space.
The Charm of Amsterdam’s Green Doors
I am just back from our travels to Holland, a beautiful country filled with history, architecture, culture, and unique charm. I’m not sure why I have not made the journey there before now, but I definitely will be back. While there are many things I loved from a design perspective, one thing I can’t help but reflect on was how the streets of Amsterdam were lined with rows of colourful canal houses, many boasting a unique and vibrant feature — green doors!
A bedtime story for design lovers
Wallpapers have long been a foundation for many of our designs at SAM. For the design of Dvele Inn, I envisioned a seamless blend of historic details and modern furniture and accessories, always planning to create something very unique to the tourism property market in Newfoundland & Labrador. My jumping-off point was a wallpaper that instantly drew me in, and from here, the design was born.
Transforming Your Vacation Rental: 3 Tips for Crafting a Design Destination
Creating an exceptional guest experience is no small feat, but with the right guidance from an experienced professional, you can create a rental experience that keeps guests coming back time and time again.
A Suite Experience: Crafting an Exceptional Guest Retreat
Designing a guest house or suite is an exciting opportunity to create a warm and inviting space that makes your visitors feel at home. Whether you have a spare room, a dedicated guesthouse, or a multifunctional space, thoughtful design choices can transform it into a haven for your guests.
5 Tips for Creating Memorable and Comfortable Accommodations for Guests
Envisioning a space for guests in your home? Whether it's a spare bedroom, a cozy nook, or a dedicated guest suite, we've got you covered with essential tips to create memorable and comfortable accommodations for your visitors.
A Love Letter to Local Collaboration: SAM Design + Georgetown on My Mind + Hungry Heart Café by Stella’s Circle
Today at SAM my heart is filled with warmth and gratitude for the incredible collaborations that thrive within our local community. It's the perfect moment to shine a spotlight on a collaboration that has recently started blossoming, bringing design creativity, passion, fun, and a sense of community to a beloved social enterprise in our town.
A warm thank you to Gus* Modern: beyond suppliers, true partners in my design journey
My first “adult” furniture purchase was a piece of furniture from Gus* Modern. It was many years ago and way before I ever dreamed of being in the world of interior design. Since that time Gus* has held a prominent position in my design curation personally and for our SAM clients.
The SAM Design 2023 Year in Review
It’s been an amazing year! Take a walk through some of our most cherished moments and standout highlights from Susan and the SAMily.
Heritage Modern: Exploring Susan Drover’s Nordic-inspired Heritage Home in the heart of St. John’s
Inspired by her passion for all things Nordic, this historic townhome was a labour of love for SAM owner, Susan Drover. Tastefully renovated and restored with the comfort of her family in mind, the starting point for the space was the chevron floors, a detail that Susan had been dreaming of adding to the right home for many years.
We made the list: The H&H 100 by House & Home
We’re thrilled to announce that SAM Design has been named in the inaugural H&H 100, a prestigious list of Canadian Designers from coast to coast.
Nordic Natural: This Scandinavian Style Riverfront Retreat fuses Nordic sensibilities with modern comforts
Nestled along the tranquil banks of a meandering river, this Scandinavian-inspired retreat is a serene haven where modern design meets the unspoiled beauty of nature. The architecture of this cozy escape draws inspiration from the clean lines and functional elegance that define Scandinavian style.
Introducing our first ever SAM Lookbook: The Paths We Travel, inspired by the beauty of Iceland
Our first-ever SAM Design Lookbook is a love letter to nature’s wonders. Whether you're an interior designer, an art enthusiast, or simply someone who appreciates the aesthetics of our world, this Lookbook is a must-have addition to your collection. Don't miss out on the opportunity to bring the enchantment of Iceland into your space through some of our favourite furniture pieces and accessories.