Remembering Designer Suzanne Rheinstein: A Legacy of Timeless Style and Philanthropy

Renowned Designer Suzanne Rheinstein Passes Away, Leaving Behind a Timeless Legacy

On March 20, 2023, the design world lost a true icon with the passing of Suzanne Rheinstein. The beloved designer, known for her elegant interiors and gracious style, ran her eponymous design firm in Los Angeles and curated the cult-favorite shop Hollyhock for decades.

Rheinstein’s influence extended beyond just interior design. She was the visionary behind the eternally chic Hollyhock fabric and rug collections for Lee Jofa and authored three books. Her contributions to the design world were recognized with prestigious awards such as the “Albert Hadley Award for Lifetime Achievement” and the “Arthur Ross Award for Interior Design.”

However, Rheinstein’s impact went beyond her professional accolades. Known for her generous spirit and philanthropic efforts, she founded the Suzanne and Frederic Rheinstein Fund for Garden Documentation for the Garden Conservancy to preserve fragile and dynamic gardens for future generations through documentary filmmaking.

In April, Rheinstein was set to receive a Lifetime Achievement award from the Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club, further solidifying her legacy in the design community.

Despite adopting California as her home, Rheinstein never lost her Southern hospitality, graciously entertaining guests at every opportunity. Her annual Boxing Day open house in Hancock Park was a testament to her ability to blend her Southern roots with California charm, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere for all who attended.

Rheinstein’s daughter, Kate Rheinstein Brodsky, shared in her mother’s passion for design, helping decorate the living room Christmas tree every year. The scene at Rheinstein’s home during the holidays was one of beauty and elegance, with citrus and greens adorning the halls, family silver gleaming, and candles casting a warm glow over guests.

As family and friends gathered in Rheinstein’s circa-1914 home, sipping milk punch and admiring the classic interiors she had curated over the years, it was clear that her legacy would live on through the timeless beauty she created.

Suzanne Rheinstein’s passing leaves a void in the design world, but her influence and legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.