Back in 2020, a lot of people found new hobbies, but Allie Sutterer found a whole new career. What began as reselling secondhand furniture on Instagram has since turned into a dual role as a content creator and interior decorator.
As part of her strategy to sell on Instagram, Sutterer would curate a full collection of pieces and then she’d stage it all together, initially just creating content to market it. Then, she jumped on Reels when it hit the platform, and one viral video led to another, which began to give her a following. “I wouldn’t have a penny to my name if it weren’t for the internet,” says Sutterer.
A modern Renaissance woman, she began making videos around different design styles. That’s when she really started to take off—creating a voice, perspective, and style all her own. Some of her recent, popular videos in this series explain Medieval Modern and Refined Rusticism for her audience, tapping into existing styles and giving them her unique twist.
Through a combination of the furniture posts and these new style videos, Sutterer says that people found her, liked her style, and just started asking if she’d redesign their spaces to match her aesthetic.
Sutterer’s design sense doesn’t just tap into one style or trend. In fact, she’s especially adept at bringing two competing ideas together and having them flow seamlessly, as shown with Medieval Modern. She describes her style as tailored, chic, and eclectic.
“Art deco is a big inspiration for me,” says Sutterer. “But I love a crisp white slip cover, a skirted furniture piece, and a clean modern line.”
Because of the nature of social media, Sutterer’s followers are all over the country, not just in Colorado. As such, she had to develop her own process and does digital consultations that follow a slightly different format than your typical interior design project.
Instead of buying all the products and materials for her clients and doing a big install day and reveal, she truly brings them into the process. Sutterer and her clients begin by taking inventory of what the client has and how they want or need the space to function. They’ll use inspiration to establish an overarching style and vision for the space, but that’s where the paths truly diverge.
Rather than holding onto the reins, Sutterer packages up that overarching vision, complete with visuals and links, and then encourages clients to execute the plan on their own. She believes that in order for homes to feel personal and collected, they should evolve with us. Her clients receive sourcing for those larger elements like paint colors, sofas, lighting, etc. Then, she will give size and placement suggestions on art and accessories, but encourages them to collect those small, unique pieces that speak to them personally over time.
Because of her expertise in Facebook Marketplace and other vintage sites, plenty of the furniture and pieces are second-hand, which helps keep the service affordable and ensures unique pieces for her clients. She loves the thrill of the hunt from back in her furniture resale days and finds that it can be a really impactful way to source pieces she and her clients will cherish.
If you’re interested in her services, Sutterer offers both a Mini Decorating Package and a Full Sourcing Package. The former is a one-hour conversation, like an office hour, and is perfect for talking through a specific space and asking questions. Clients get a mood board and links to help bring their vision to life.
The Full Sourcing Package involves more in-depth calls, and the client will walk away with a style guide that includes in-depth moodboards, install instructions, a budget tracking spreadsheet, to-scale floor plans, and 3D photo mockups to help them envision the final product. It can be multiple rooms or one, and Sutterer spends more time on the back end with budget tracking, product links, and delivery estimates.
In addition to her virtual business, Sutterer is also exploring more in-person options. To get inspired or get on her calendar, head to SilleStudio.com or @sillestudiohome on Instagram or TikTok.