Friday, March 20, 2015

What's New at SYS


Made from premium metal in a pewter finish, this Hilldale furniture queen headboard can compliment contemporary or traditional decor.


Achieve a transitional look in your entryway with this glass top sofa table with woven shelf.


A beautiful and modern city skyline canvas.


Little clothes take up space, too! This youth armoire is just what your fashionable youngster needs.


Showcase your favorite accessories on this unique spiral shelf.


Colorful and fun vintage chair.


This modern club chair with tufted cushion by La-Z-Boy is inviting for lazy day reading.

Your dream living room awaits.  Hickory Chair Furniture custom made sofa featuring down filled cushions and nailhead trim. The beautiful gold and rust color combination makes the Hickory Chair Furniture chairs timeless:




Thursday, May 1, 2014

View Your Walls Differently

Trays, mirrors and plates. What do these three things have in common? They all look great hung on your walls! A simple concept of taking something other than picture frames and arranging them on your wall will create a little bit more interest. It's a fresh way of bringing color, pattern, texture, shimmer and shine. Here are a few eye catching examples:





Well, why stop at just those three options?! Branch out, anything is a possibility!  Check these out...

Now that your creative juices are flowing, go nail something different and unique to the wall and see what you think! Be sure to share with us too! What do YOU have on YOUR wall?!

Photo Credits: Houzz, Pinterest

Tuesday, February 25, 2014

Designing Your Foyer or Entryway

The foyer/entryway is the first thing people see in your home, leaving a bit of pressure to have it looking its best. First impressions after all, are only given once. I personally like every room I design to serve two purposes, to be functional and beautiful. 

Entry areas can vary mostly in size, which will determine how everything will play out.  A typical starting point is adding a table.  This table may be up against a wall or freestanding if room allows.  If space on the other hand is very limited you can even mount a tabletop to the wall and still save floor space. This table can serve functionally for holding mail or keys and purses.  It can also build a gracious display for those first impressions.  
Artwork or a mirror may hang on the wall above the table.  Mirrors are a great way to make a smaller space seem larger and will reflect light.  A floral arrangement is a seasonal aspect  you can change throughout the year and adds freshness and life to a space. If that isn't your taste, find a large charger or unique accessory to build off of. 

When adding to that main item, consider whether you want a symmetrical or asymmetrical look. Balance is important in creating a cohesive display.   Keep in mind size and proportion, height and visual weight will play a key role.  Think of a triangle, the tallest (and usually the largest item) creates the top point and then two points at the bottom, these possibly begin additional accessories or lamps. From here, adding a few accessories on the table will finish up the table space. Like the triangle has three points, accessorize in odd numbers.  Odd numbers tend to be more pleasing to the eye.  There may be space on either side of the table to add a topiary, greenery, or a vase with reeds. This is an easy filler to occupy additional space if necessary. 



A second option may be a small seating area, a chair, possibly two or maybe a bench. Again, serving functionally for a comfy spot to take shoes on or off or set down a tote or purse while you shed a layer. Pillows or possibly a throw are easy ways to change up colors, texture or patterns throughout the year. A mirror or artwork may still be applicable or a lamp if there is room to have a small accent table beside the chair.  A bench also provides an opportunity to add some storage whether it opens or having baskets under the bench.

If there is a very limited amount of space and there is no room to have furniture at all, move to other surfaces. If it is a small area and use it to your advantage! You can paint a bold color on one or all walls, same goes for wallpaper, the bolder the better! Hanging wallpaper on the smallest wall space can create a focal point. After all the entryway is a pass through, make an impact and then lead into other areas of the home.  


Don't forget the ceiling, again paint can create visual interest. A painted pattern can be used on the ceiling or trim can provide a similar effect. Trim can make a border around the space, helping to define the area. Think of it as a rug for the ceiling. Trim can be more decorative as well if space allows.

Lighting is an important aspect too. Lighting can set the mood for arriving guests as to what kind of energy the gathering will hold. The opportunity for a chandelier may or may not be present, this can add a lot of personality. The table may have room to host a lamp or two or wall sconces may find a home here too.

The floor is another surface to play up. Rugs can bring in tons of color or pattern and texture, and are very functional. If the space is large it will ground the area and evoke a more intimate feeling. Rugs will add warmth, a sense of coziness and a welcoming feel. 


There are many options to consider in the foyer so use them all wisely and you will be able to pull together a beautiful space. Assess the size of you area, determine if you want a table and/or seating area. Accessorize your table considering the triangle and using odd numbers. Move on to walls, ceiling and floors. Maximize paint color, utilize your lighting to set the mood and bring in a rug for texture and pattern. Think of these elements and you'll be well on your way.

Photo Credits: HGTV, Houzz, Home Depot

























Friday, February 21, 2014

Room of the Week



Designer, Summer Thorton, was not afraid to combine classic and contemporary, floral and stripes, to create an elegantly beautiful, daring mashup in this Chicago bathroom.  Transferring you back to a more glamorous era, the floral and silvery background on the Arabella wallpaper in Platinum by Cowtan & Tout is fit for a Queen. (I believe Marie Antoinette would have approved).

Sit back and relax in the The Vintage Imperial Clawfoot Soaking Tub by Restoration Hardware...the brass feet attract attention with the contrast and make the tub feel different.  The vanities are made out of a pair of vintage Hollywood Regency dressers, loving the gold-leaf detailing, ornate brass hardware, and grey marble top.  Last but not least, the sensational 1960's Italian chandelier made from rams' horns cast in brass-whimsical and pleasant.  

Photo Credits:  House Beautiful