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. 
From House & Home: Susan Drover Thoughtfully Renovates Her Rowhouse, Blending Heritage Details With Modern Scandi Elements
Read Susan's full feature in House & Home online now in City Homes: Susan Drover Thoughtfully Renovates Her Rowhouse, Blending Heritage Details With Modern Scandi Elements
We Made the List Again: We’re honoured to be featured in House and Home’s Magazine’s H&H 100 for 2024
We are beyond honoured to share that SAM has been named to the H&H 100 once again, a prestigious list of top design talent from across Canada. To be recognized alongside some of the most admired and talented names in interior design is truly humbling.
Get Your Space Ready for Hosting Season: Home Upgrades to Make Every Gathering Special
As the hosting season approaches, now is the perfect time to elevate your home and create a welcoming environment for friends and family. Whether you're planning intimate dinner parties or larger gatherings to celebrate the season, your space should function well but also reflect your style and hospitality. From refreshing your dining room to upgrading your living room furniture, there are simple yet impactful ways to get your home ready for entertaining.
Our EQ3 Favourites: A glimpse at some of the standout products we love
At SAM, we’re always on the lookout for timeless, go-to pieces that hit the design brief every time. Some of our favourite furniture selections from EQ3 offer both aesthetic appeal and functionality. And with The Autumn Edit sale* in full swing, they're even more within reach.
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.
Creativity x Community: The Art of “All Tides Rise All Boats”
By now, your social media feeds are probably blowing up with pictures from Stella’s Brassiere. With a heart full of pride and a mood filled with love, I have been quiet letting it all absorb in the background. But now, I would like to share a little piece of my perspective on Stella's with you.
The Art of Sitting: Choosing the Right Stool for Your Space
The presence of the perfect counter stool can truly transform your home experience. Whether you're entertaining guests, seeking a cozy ambiance for cherished moments with loved ones, or enjoying a meal, the right seating can elevate any occasion. Now, you may be wondering, which style is the best choice for my 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.