A Tov sofa in the living room shares space with travel photography by Kamala Nahas and Heather Deffense.
Saudah Saleem, who hails from Brooklyn, has always been in love with fashion, history and art. After marrying and moving to Baltimore, she transitioned from a government job to a career in interior design. “I longed for the city life I’d left and its cultural diversity,” she observes. “Design helped me tune back into it.”
As is often the case, Saleem discovered early on that she had a natural affinity for home décor. Years of painting, refinishing furniture and helping friends with their homes showed her she could make a career of it; today, she employs a support staff of two and completes about 12 residential and commercial projects a year. Though she relinquished her downtown Baltimore studio when covid hit, it will reopen in July. “I find I like the separation of work and home life,” reveals the designer, who is a mother of five.
Saleem’s clients tend to be diverse, worldly and well-traveled, and share her interest in fashion and the arts. “I typically design with cultural infusion in mind; African and Asian influences are common in my work,” she relates, adding, “I love to see the potential in a space and to be able to transform it into something my clients will love.”
Interior Design: Saudah Saleem, Saudah Saleem Interiors, Baltimore, Maryland.