How to Elevate Your Home with Bold Wallpaper & Eclectic Design – Susan Eilefson’s Expert Approach
Hello lovely readers!
It’s been a little while since my last blog post "The Emotional Impact of Colours" and I’m so excited to be back with a truly inspiring feature! This time, I’m thrilled to introduce you to an incredibly talented interior designer, Susan Eilefson. If you love bold wallpaper, rich colour palettes, and thoughtfully layered designs, you’re going to adore this collaboration!
When it comes to designing a space that feels both vibrant and personal, few do it as effortlessly as Minnesota-based interior designer, Susan Eilefson. Susan has a passion for bold colours, eclectic mixes, and infusing personality into every space she touches. I had the absolute pleasure of collaborating with her & Cally (Head of Marketing & Photography at Susan Eilefson Interiors) on two stunning mood boards featuring my wallpapers, and I cannot wait to share them with you!
But first, a little about Susan Eilefson Interiors:
Susan’s journey into interior design is as inspiring as her work. After spending 25 years in the legal field, she took a leap of faith and pursued her true passion—design. In 2021, she founded Susan Eilefson Interiors, and since then, she’s been helping clients transform their homes into fresh, layered, and highly personalized spaces.
What sets Susan apart is not just her talent, but her unwavering warmth, kindness, and ability to truly connect with people. She sees beyond trends and aesthetics—her designs tell stories, reflecting the lives and personalities of those who call these spaces home. Her signature style is a beautiful mix of traditional and modern, with a playful and colourful twist, ensuring that each project feels both timeless and full of life.
Beyond her exceptional eye for design, Susan is the kind of person who radiates positivity. She pours love into everything she does, whether it's creating stunning interiors or making cherished memories with family and friends at their cabin. She’s not just an incredibly talented designer, but an amazing wife, mom, and friend, who's always lifting those around her with her encouragement and support. Her heart is as big as her creativity, and that’s what makes working with her such a joy!
When Susan’s not immersed in the latest design magazine or book, she loves to take walks with her husband, Brent and their German Shorthaired Pointer, Hildegard & Frances, explore new travel destinations, and spend time outdoors at the cabin with friends and family. She truly embraces life’s moments—both big and small—and it’s this love for home, family, and adventure that shines through in every space she designs.
I’ve had the pleasure of befriending Susan through social media, and watching her magic unfold has been nothing short of inspiring. Her testimonials speak volumes about the impact she has on her clients, and I feel incredibly grateful to share a piece of her world with you today.
Now, let’s dive into these gorgeous mood boards!
Powder Room Perfection
“I love designing powder rooms and truly believe that bold wallpaper is a MUST in these tiny spaces. Arguably, these rooms are the most visited by your guests, so you should take every opportunity to make them as fabulous as possible!” says Susan.
For this powder room, she was immediately drawn to the my Peony Bliss Garden - Navy Teal floral wallpaper, which has a punchy and slightly vintage feel. Staying true to her signature style—mixing design periods and styles—she wanted to create a fresh and eclectic space with hints of traditional elements.
To achieve this balance, Susan recommends starting with classic foundational pieces. In this design, she paired a mahogany vanity and mirror with a gorgeous marble vanity top and hexagon tile flooring to bring in timeless sophistication. To complement these elegant elements, she introduced chrome faucets and lighting, keeping the overall look polished and refined.
But what makes this space extra special is how she layered in modern and playful touches. “Adding in bright and happy artwork, an oversized pink storage basket, and a charming scalloped rug injects just the right amount of personality and fun,” she explains.
Susan’s goal? To create a powder room that elicits ‘oohs & ahhs’ from guests. And with the perfect mix of traditional elegance and contemporary charm, she’s done just that! If you’re looking to elevate your own powder room, take her expert advice: go bold, mix styles, and make a statement.
SHOP SUSAN'S POWDER ROOM LOOK BELOW:
Moody & Cozy Guest Bedroom
“Like most designers, I truly believe that your bedroom should be a sanctuary. However, I also believe that bold colour and multiple patterns can be just as relaxing as a neutral space,” says Susan.
For this guest bedroom, she took inspiration from my moody Magdaline Florals Bouquet wallpaper, which features a charcoal backdrop with rich pink, blue, and yellow bouquets. The contrast between dark and vibrant hues sets the perfect foundation for a warm, inviting retreat.
Susan’s key to achieving this balance? Start with a statement bed. Here, she chose a peacock blue velvet bed, which adds an element of luxury while maintaining a cozy feel. To lighten the space, she layered the bed with crisp white linens and blush pink pompom pillows, bringing softness and comfort.
Grounding the room is a coordinating pink area rug, which enhances the warmth of the space. For added contrast and glamour, Susan selected black nightstands with brushed gold hardware, pairing them with a funky gold mirror and table lamps to bring out the yellow hues in the wallpaper.
As a final touch, she included an upholstered bench with pink and white stripes at the foot of the bed. “Not only is this a practical addition, but it’s also another opportunity to introduce pattern and texture,” she explains.
The result? A cozy, moody bedroom that’s equal parts stylish and inviting. Susan’s expert tip: “Don’t be afraid of bold colours in the bedroom—when layered thoughtfully, they can be just as calming as neutrals.”
This bedroom is the definition of moody, cozy, and dreamy—a perfect retreat for any guest!
SHOP SUSAN'S GUEST BEDROOM LOOK BELOW:
Final Thoughts
I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to Susan for this amazing collaboration and for sharing her expert design tips with us. Her creativity, passion, and expertise shine through in every detail of these mood boards, and I’m so grateful to have had the opportunity to feature her work.
A special thank you to Cally, Head of Marketing & Photography at Susan Eilefson Interiors, for assisting us in bringing these beautiful mood boards and this blog to life. Your hard work and eye for detail made this collaboration even more special!
If you’re looking for a designer who will truly listen to your vision and bring it to life in the most beautiful way and creates bold & beautiful interiors, I highly recommend Susan Eilefson Interiors. Whether you’re in the greater Minneapolis - St. Paul area or beyond, she is the perfect person to help you create a home that reflects you.
Check out more of Susan’s work on Instagram: @susaneilefsoninteriors!
Which of these mood boards is your favourite? Let me know in the comments!
And for more captivating wallpapers designs and behind-the-scenes moments from myself, join my creative journey on Instagram at @sabinamariadesign. Let's continue celebrating the beauty of artfully designed spaces together!
Chat again soon!
xo,
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