Of course, this process is not unique to our RYR clients.  So, here is a round-up of some stand-out stories from our custom project portfolio.

Our Berkeley Hills clients had a deeply personal connection to their artwork, with much of it having been created by family members.  The pencil drawing in their breakfast nook was done by their daughter.  

After the furniture was installed, Bridget and I spent a day with the clients, testing out different pieces in different locations until we knew where we wanted everything to go.  The piece below is by the husband’s father, local artist Jerry Eknoian.

Our West Clay client encountered the black and white photography of Youngbok Park over the course of the project.  She purchased two pieces of his work, and each one elevates the room where it hangs.  The piece in the dining room is a focal point above the sideboard and pops against a chartreuse grasscloth wallcovering.

The photograph in the living room sits quietly above a console table as part of a composition that includes a set of lamps, stacks of books, and botanicals.

Our clients at our Lake Street Residence also have an eclectic collection of art.  When we began the project, they had just been gifted this Robert Kelley piece and knew that they wanted it above the fireplace.  We waited until their new furniture was installed to place the other pieces.

After this existing wall of shelving in the media room was painted, I spent an afternoon with the client to curate various objects including a grandfather’s Louis Vuitton briefcase, children’s artwork, and baskets acquired on a trip to Africa.  

On one of my first projects, the client had always had a portrait of her grandmother hanging above the sofa.  Though the portrait was beautiful, the proportions were wrong, and it felt a little heavy as the focal point of the room.

When the client revealed this delicate painting of a tree, which had been boxed up and stashed away, it was clear that this piece would be perfect above the sofa.  Grandmother moved to a different wall, where she is still very much part of the room.

Sometimes artwork is an anchor to start a room, and other times the art placement reveals itself along the way, often through serendipitous circumstances.  In any case, at the end of a project, hanging beloved artwork feels like reconnecting with old friends.

If you have artwork that you’d like to bring out of hiding or would like to talk to me about your interior design project, click the link below to get in touch.

Schedule a Discovery Call

The post Beginning & Ending with Art Placement appeared first on Nystrom Design.

With two of our current ‘Reinvent Your Room’ projects, each client already has a compelling collection of artwork that is meaningful to them.  So for both projects, we are making existing artwork a focal point, and the room designs have evolved from there.   

At our Menlo Park project, we are excited to see a large-scale abstract painting by Sam Tchakalian that had been gifted to the clients by their parents become the backdrop for a game table and cozy fireside seating.  When the room is complete, it will include a range of blues and neutral textural fabrics, leathers, woods, and a few special accent pieces.

At our project in the Miraloma neighborhood of San Francisco, the wife has collected many interesting pieces through her work in the art world.  As part of their living and dining room ‘reinvention’, we agreed that the dining room should balance serenity and drama.  Since the long wall is visible from the living room, a gallery wall will serve double-duty, adding character to both rooms. 

We decided to compose the gallery wall with a serene vibe by selecting pieces from their collection that share a neutral color palette.  We chose a deep blue paint color for the room to lend calming impact. 

If you have artwork that you’d like to bring out of hiding or would like to talk to me about your interior design project, click the link below to get in touch.   

Schedule a Discovery Call

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Now through March 28, 2026, at Wessling Gallery in Union Square:  Artist Ali Saif is also a friend, neighbor, and owner of Loggia, one of my favorite furniture showrooms at the SF Design Center.  Several pieces of his abstract artwork will be on display through March 28.

April 17-19, 2026, StartUp Art Fair at Hotel del Sol in the Marina District:  For 3 days only, the rooms of this quirky hotel are converted into temporary gallery spaces where over 80 independent artists will display their work.  Stroll through with your beverage of choice, chat with artists, and take in the scene.

April 16–19, 2026, San Francisco Art Fair at Fort Mason:  Clearly this weekend is a big one for art!  While the StartUp Art Fair represents independent artists, the San Francisco Art Fair represents over 85 galleries from around the world.  If you’re up for an urban hike, the two venues are about a 20 minute walk from each other.  If the weather is nice, take a slightly longer route and walk along Marina Green.  If you want to extend your time at Fort Mason, make a reservation at Greens Restaurant.

May 2-3, 2026, Marin Open Studios at ICB Art in Sausalito:  This community of artists working out of an industrial warehouse in Sausalito invite the public into their studios a few times a year, and the first weekend of May is one of those times.  Study the list of artists ahead of time or just meander and see what you discover.  Either way, it’s a treat to the eyes!

If you’d like to talk about shopping for artwork or an interior design project, click the link below to get in touch.   

Schedule a Discovery Call

The post Spring Art Scene appeared first on Nystrom Design.

With plans to use the home as a pied-à-terre for weekends in the city, the clients were eager to furnish the rooms quickly, and excited to take a hands-on roll with the design implementation, making this project an ideal fit for our Reinvent Your Room service.

Developing a Color Palette

The first order of business was to develop a color palette so that they could have the entire condo painted while furniture was on order.  We developed an atmospheric color palette that softly connects the interior with views of the water and sky.  We suggested special wallpapers for the elevator vestibule, powder room, and hallway, and introduced them to one of our rockstar paper hangers.

Space Planning

While painting and paper hanging were underway, we developed space planning options for the Dining Room, Living Room, and two bedrooms.  The Living Room warranted the most consideration, with common modern-day questions regarding TV location, size, and how to factor in the existing fireplace.  Our recommendation was to place the TV on the wall opposite the fireplace, rather than above.

We engaged the fireplace by configuring a sectional with an ottoman that opens in both directions.  This way, we could size the TV for optimal viewing in a large room, and pair it with an appropriately sized media credenza.  We incorporated the fireplace into the overall wall composition and sourced artwork that is well proportioned to the pre-existing fireplace and architectural molding.

Art Selection and Placement

When asked to assist with art selection and placement, I was delighted to introduce the clients to some of my favorite local artists and galleries, at a range of price points that would match their budget.  An original piece by Anastasia Faiella is a focal point from the dining table.

The vignette below includes a print of an egret that was purchased digitally from Etsy, professionally printed and framed at Cheap Pete’s Frame Shop, and has become one of the client’s favorite pieces.

Special Wall Treatments

We wanted to make the arrival a special experience, so for their dedicated elevator lobby, we selected a wallcovering with monochromatic texture and organic movement in the pattern.  The color palette is deeper than the rest of the space, creating an intimate moment before opening up to expansive views.

We elevated the powder room experience with a loose flame stitch patterned wallpaper and a mirror with a tiered frame made from bone inlay.

An existing niche in the entry foyer was the perfect place for a commissioned Jeremy Holmes sculpture set against a grasscloth wallcovering backdrop.  

The end result was summed up by our clients’ generous testimonial:

Ellen and her team’s interior design expertise transformed our space beyond what we thought possible.  Her exceptional ability to listen and translate our vision into reality resulted in a home that perfectly reflects our aesthetic while maximizing functionality.

We are currently taking new Reinvent Your Room projects.  If you would like to talk to Ellen Nystrom about this furniture-focused, flat-fee service, click the link below to schedule a call:

Schedule a Discovery Call

Photography by Vivian Johnson

The post Case Study: Nob Hill Pied-à-Terre appeared first on Nystrom Design.

Art Events

A great place to start shopping for art is San Francisco Open Studios, organized by Art Span. It consists of a series of weekends where emerging and established artists open up their studios so you can browse various mediums of art and talk with the artists. Each weekend focuses on a different San Francisco neighborhood, so that you can maximize your gallery visits, or explore a new part of San Francisco.  Open Studios offers a broad introduction to many different kinds of art for a wide range of budgets.

The de Young Open 2023 is an exhibit of 883 art pieces by Bay Area artists, out of 7,766 artists who submitted work.  Paintings are grouped by themes including political and social issues, the urban environment, the human figure, nature, abstraction, and surreal imagery.  This is only the second time the de Young has hosted such an exhibit, and I’m looking forward to going this weekend!  The exhibit is open through January 7, 2024, and proceeds from sales of the paintings go directly to the artists.    

Art Galleries and Consultants

If you prefer a more intimate approach to shopping for art, here is a list of some of my go-to San Francisco galleries and consultants.  Art selection is often a very personal experience, and each of these resources will help you find art that resonates for you.  Sometimes you just don’t know what you’re looking for until you see it.  

SB Fine Arts

SB Fine Arts represents artists that vary in medium, subject matter, and career path.  Last time I visited the gallery, I discovered an unintentional theme of a handful of artists who had previously worked as architects.  I’m always delighted to see what’s new in their gallery, and through a collaboration with Evars Collective, the gallery always has beautiful wallpaper and furnishings on display – double win!  

Chloe Gallery

I recently attended a dreamy afternoon at Chloe Gallery that paired chocolate and wine with artwork – what’s not to love about that?  Four of the artists they represent were in attendance to talk about their process and inspiration.  Chloe Gallery represents an exciting range of emerging artists, and they have sourced important works by some of art history’s most acclaimed artists such as Warhol, Dali, Moore, Calder, Chagall, and Picasso.  Amy Nelder, one of the gallery owners, currently has an impactful piece on display at the de Young Open 2023. 

Lost Art Salon

Lost Art Salon is exactly what it sounds like.  The gallery experience is like being transported into an attic of forgotten treasures.  This is not surprising since they specialize in the rediscovery of artists whose work often has been hidden away, unseen for decades.  

I recently attended one of their Art Talks on surrealism and the work of Diana Ferlini, a fascinating artist whose work had been in the family’s storage for 40 years.  

O-Connor & Associates Art Advisors

O-Connor & Associates Art Advisors is a full-service art consultancy that offers a highly personalized experience.  They will work with you from beginning to end to present options, curate a collection, frame, and install artwork.   

Individual Artists

Here are a few artists that I have had the pleasure of working with and getting to know in various ways.  

John Goodman

Much of the work of artist John Goodman focuses on the abstract human figure.  I especially love the textural depth and his use of color.  A few years ago I had the pleasure of working with John and his wife on the interior design for their home.  It’s quite a delight to work on a project with such compelling artwork just waiting to be placed!   

Represented by Kim Eagles-Smith Gallery

Jaime Lovejoy

Jaime Lovejoy’s abstract paintings are heavily influenced by nature and specifically by the surroundings of her studio in Sebastopol.  I find the warm tones, light touch, and generous white backgrounds to be calming, and they have visual appeal in many different interior environments.  Jaime has a Pop-up Gallery at 2162 Union Street, San Francisco, which is open through November 28, 2023. 

Sherry Williamson

Sherry Williamson is a friend, mentor, interior designer, and I am a long-time admirer of her creative thought process and execution.  She works in a multitude of mediums including lighting, furniture, rugs, ceramics, sculpture, painting, and mixed media.  Her most recent exhibit closed at the end of October, but I can’t wait to see what she’ll be up to next! 

Studio Yablonska

Andi Yablonski is another artist-designer whose work adds the finishing touch to many interior spaces.  Before she moved to the mountains, she spent much of her spare time surfing, so it’s no surprise that much of her work incorporates vast ocean horizons and sunsets in all the best colors.  Her skillful use of color adapts beautifully to abstract work as well.  

Farell Beam

I worked with Farell Beam to paint a commissioned piece of art for the reception area in my former office.  I had come across her work on Instagram and was struck by the movement, energy and composition.  She did a series of small studies so that we could talk about which direction she would go for the full-sized piece.  We’ve moved offices twice since then, and Farell’s artwork is still one of the first things I see when I arrive at work.  Farell Beam has her studio at the ICB Collective, which houses numerous artists, and hosts an Open Studio event in Sausalito in early December and again in May.  

If you would like interior design advice on art selection, placement, or other design-related matters, reach out to schedule a Discovery Call with me!

Schedule a Discovery Call

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The Asheville Folk Center is located along the Blue Ridge Parkway, and displays many examples of creative expression using humble, everyday materials.  There were dolls made of corn husks, a gate made from tree trunks carved to portray members of a family, and examples of woodworking, pottery, basket weaving, and quilting.

Many Asheville-based artists have studios in the River Arts District.  We browsed several studios and enjoyed chatting with a few of the artists, including MaryJane Finley of the Odyssey Center, and her Blooming Bowls pictured below.  MaryJane uses a variety of glazes and organic edges that mimic the textural beauty and unexpected color combinations that we find in nature. 

Another favorite artist from the Asheville River Arts District Studios was Cheryl Keefer.  I especially connected to the painting below, entitled ‘Sun Hat’.  It reminds me of my mom, who grew up in the intense summer heat of The South, and still never leaves the house without her sun hat.  My best childhood friend began to refer to her as The Hat Lady. My family and I parted ways in Charleston.  The kids headed to their summer camps, and I embarked on my owner summer adventure, 3 weeks of solo travel and time for some personal creative projects. 

I was caught by surprise on the first day, when I wasn’t quite sure what to do with ALL THE TIME ahead of me.  It’s such an unfamiliar feeling to have unstructured time, but it didn’t take me long to remember why I’d planned this sabbatical.  A big reason was the thrill of discovery.  So, I set out to see what I might discover in Charleston. 

I found my way to King Street, and was drawn in to the Le Prince Art Gallery where I spotted the painting above by Curt Butler in the window. 

At the Reiner Fine Art Gallery, I found myself especially captivated by the sculpture by Lorri Acott entitled ‘A Conversation with Myself’.  I had determined that my sabbatical study guide would be Julia Cameron’s book ‘The Artist’s Way’, and the Week #1 writing prompts entail what she refers to as Time Travel.  So, I quickly connected to this representation of conversing with my younger self. 

From Charleston, I made my way through Beaufort, then Savannah, and eventually landed in Atlanta, Georgia spending more time focused on historic homes and gardens.  The Swan House in Atlanta had piqued my curiosity even before I learned that it was used as President Snow’s mansion in the movie, The Hunger Games.  The home was built and designed in the late 1920’s, but the wallpaper in the formal dining room is timeless.  The nature motif connects the interior space to the lush garden setting.  Today, with the resurgence in popularity of wallpaper, we are seeing many new versions of papers with a meandering, whimsical patterns similar to this.

I was delighted that my Airbnb in Atlanta was just steps from the Atlanta Botanical Garden, where there happened to be a special exhibit called Origami in the Garden.  These larger than life sculptures by artist Kevin Box elevated the garden experience, and offered a magical way of experiencing origami. 

One of my last stops in Atlanta was to Huff Harrington, a shop that combines furniture, art, décor, and travel.  Artist Geri Eubanks is one of many artists represented by Huff Harrington.  Her painting below entitled ‘Summer Joy’ captures another association I have with my mom and her Southern roots, which is my childhood infatuation with horses.  As I chatted with one of the shop owners, I learned that Huff Harrington offers annual shopping trips to Paris…. and ideas for my next sabbatical are beginning to brew!

Summery Joy by Geri Eubanks at Huff Harrington in Atlanta, Georgia

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It’s no secret that we at Nystrom Design have a passion for all things art and nature. So you can imagine our delight when these loves combine in the form of an outdoor sculpture garden. Today I’m going to walk you through a few of my favorites.

Storm King Art Center – New York

Located in the Hudson River Valley of New York (about an hour north of NYC), Storm King is a completely open-air museum with one of the largest collections of contemporary outdoor sculptures in the country. Spanning about 500 acres of rolling hills, Storm King is home to a collection of works by well-known masters such as Alexander Calder and Richard Serra as well as more contemporary artists such as Andy Goldsworthy and Maya Lin.

While at Storm King you don’t just view the art – you experience it. Set against green hills and blue sky, the monumental black and red Calder sculptures make a strong visual statement. And their impact is only heightened by the opportunity to stand alongside, walk around, and even walk under or through these giant pieces.

One of the most beautiful times of year to visit is in the autumn when the air is crisp and the leaves are changing color. It’s easy to spend an entire day meandering through the property – by foot, by bike, or even by guided trolley car.

Louisiana Museum of Modern Art – Denmark

When my husband and I had the opportunity to visit Denmark a few years ago, I asked Ellen for her list of must-sees. (After all, she had been lucky enough to spend a summer studying in Copenhagen while earning her Masters of Interior Architecture.)   Top on her list was the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art, and once there, it was easy to see why.

Located about 20 miles north of Copenhagen, the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art doesn’t just house art – it IS art. From its gorgeous modern Danish architecture to its impeccable landscaping and gardens, there is beauty and design to appreciate at every corner.

After exploring the modern and contemporary art within its walls, we spent the rest of our afternoon strolling around the museum grounds. Located on the shore of the Oresund Sound, there are large sculptures set against sweeping water views. Or meander a bit more through the lush gardens, and you find art tucked quietly amidst the trees.

Filoli Historic House & Garden – California

During this past pandemic year, I found a renewed appreciation for the beauty and safety of the outdoors. Without being able to travel too far from home, we were lucky enough to find an escape in the nearby Filoli Historic House & Garden in Woodside, California.

Most notably, we took advantage of visiting this past Fall (thanks to Ellen for the tip!) to see the exhibit entitled “Kristine Mays: Rich Soil,” which featured a series of life-size wire sculptures thoughtfully placed throughout the gardens. Mays’ sculptures depict the human form through garments – each embodying a fleeting gesture or movement.

While the gardens are gorgeous to visit on their own, there was something uniquely striking about walking past each of these sculptures set against the backdrop of the exquisitely maintained landscape. Each time, it felt like passing by ballerinas dancing among the flowers.

And no matter which garden you find yourself in this summer, don’t forget to stop and smell the roses!

The post A Walk Through Bridget’s Favorite Sculpture Gardens appeared first on Nystrom Design.

This subtle black and white photograph by Youngbok Park complements the delicate console table and lamps in the living room of our West Clay Park Project.  The soft gradation of greys in the piece is a soothing element that suits the overall color scheme of the room. 

Black and white artwork gives a room an instant modern vibe.  In the Chicago Studio of artist and designer Josh Young, a period mantle is surrounded by a grid of pieces from his  Géométrique Collection.  The mix of traditional and modern elements creates a unique and memorable space. 

If you’ve used color impactfully in a room, you may want to tone down the artwork so that it doesn’t compete.  This is what we did in the kitchen of our Berkeley Hills Project, where a charcoal portrait by the teenage daughter makes the perfect complement to the bright yellow backsplash tiles. 

I love the dramatic experience of this black and white mural.  The scale and subject matter add whimsy, and the crisp, graphic quality of the black and white image makes it easy to change out other design elements.  Notice how well it works with the more traditional pieces in the foreground of the image, and the mid-century lounge chair.  It works well with the kitten too, don’t you think?     

The entry foyer from our Noe Valley Project is one of my favorite examples of re-mixing a client’s belongings to give a fresh vibe.  Although our clients loved this inherited antique Italian desk, it never had an intentional place in their home until we decided to use it as the console table in the entry foyer.  Instead of using a traditional mirror above, we decided to hang the client’s Larry Bell artwork above the desk.  The piece incorporates mirror elements, so it serves a practical function on the way out of the house.  Black and white elements paired with rich wood tones are a timeless palette that can be used as a transition to almost any other color palette. 

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If you feel the same way, you’ll appreciate today’s blog, which is filled with portrait art – a fun way to expand your circle of ‘friends’ during this time of isolation, and an invitation to support the artist community.  Just imagine, you can fill your walls with exotic and mysterious characters…. a whole new way to think about your next dinner party!  Here’s the guest list I’ve dreamed up. 

The Textile Designer and World Traveler

This dinner guest divides her time between world travels and designing her globally-inspired textiles.  She will keep us all enthralled with tales of her adventures in far-flung destinations.

The portrait is by Pamela Jaccarino.  You can find more of her vibrant and whimsical artwork on her Instagram profile, and be sure to DM her if you see something you’re interested in purchasing. 

The Mysterious Documentarian 

It may take him a cocktail or two to warm up, but once we get him talking about the documentary he’s currently working, he will light up the room with his passion for the topic!

The portrait is by Rob Delamater, co-founder of the Lost Art Salon in San Francisco.  Although the gallery is temporarily closed, the artwork is available for purchase through the website, and shipping is currently free. 

The Open Water Distance Swimmer

She usually has a few stories to tell about close encounters with aquatic life, and she may try to convince us all to get up early the next morning for an ocean swim.  But she never lets her rigorous training schedule get in the way of having a good time! 

The portrait is by T. S. Harris, represented by Simon Breitbard Fine Arts with galleries in San Francisco and Menlo Park.  Their website has an extensive and diverse range of artwork.  If you see something you like, you can email them a picture of your space and they will Photoshop the piece into it for you to consider virtually. 

The Child Prodigy

Our youngest dinner guest will impress us all with his theatrical endeavors, and may even entertain us with his musical talents. 

The portrait is by Taca Albarracin of TacaNation and is actually contained within a lightbox.  Taca is a San Francisco resident who shows her work every year during Open Studios. 

The Vintner

We’re always thrilled when this guest shows up with a few bottles of wine from his vineyard, but it’s his conversation that keeps things lively.  His former career as a professional soccer player is just one of the topics that will reel us in. 

The portrait is by Aldo Luongo represented by Chloe Gallery, located in San Francisco.  It is part of a series of portraits of this character, known as ‘The Hawk’ that Luongo has been painting for over 50 years. The character embodies his father, friend, art dealer, and a little of himself.   And Aldo Luongo really does have a past career as a professional soccer player.  Chloe Gallery focuses on American and International Modern and Contemporary art.  The website is a joy to browse, and owners Greg Lejnieks and Amy Nelder are happy to create virtual previews of artwork if you send them a picture of your space.  

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Artwork has the power to transform a space in so many ways.  It can create energy, serenity, or spark a conversation.  It can add depth of color and texture.  It can unify disparate elements.  But most importantly, it can tell a story. 

Over the course of several years, I’ve been connected  in a small way to the story of San Francisco portrait artist, John Goodman. 

After launching Nystrom Design, one of my earliest projects was working with a bi-coastal client on her San Francisco residence.  Her roots are in New England, and several pieces of colonial furniture had traveled out west with her.

While we were working together to refresh her rooms with new paint and upholstery, she discovered John Goodman’s work, and borrowed a few pieces on approval.  We considered hanging them in various places, but ultimately we both loved how his abstract artwork enlivened the traditional dining room set, and that became their new home, as seen above.  

Fast forward several years, and I was contacted by John Goodman and his wife to assist them with a refresh of their living space.  As it turns out, they share a mutual friend with my bi-coastal client.

Artwork can be very personal, and I always take it seriously when I’m asked to help place it.  But it was a special honor to be trusted by the artist to consult on the placement of his artwork in his own home.

Once their space had been updated with a fresh coat of paint, a new custom area rug, and furnishings to create the two zones they desired, we got to work finding the perfect pieces of art to fill a large wall next to the staircase. 

In the process of working together, I had the pleasure of seeing some of John’s early work.  Below is a piece that was a gift to his wife when they first started dating.

And some of his recent work, like the portrait below, which I fell in love with on one visit to their home.  By the next visit, it had already been purchased by some happy collector! 

John Goodman’s work is represented by the Kim Eagles-Smith Gallery in Mill Valley, CA, a fine art dealer with an emphasis on the San Francisco Bay Area Figurative Movement, American Modernism, and Abstract Expressionism.  Select pieces of his work are currently available through his storefront on 1stDibs.

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