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.

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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

The post Reimagine Your Artwork appeared first on Nystrom Design.

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.

‘The best time to plant a tree (or vine) is five years ago.  The second-best time is today.’

– Brad, my gardener (and countless other garden lovers)

These wise words were offered to me when I lamented to my gardener that I had not thought of planting Wandering Fig eleven years ago, when we moved into our current home.  Our garden includes a CMU retaining wall that is functional, necessary, and not particularly attractive.  It’s doing its job, so I wasn’t interested in replacing it.  However, I was interested in disguising its severe, drab appearance.  Since it lands on a paved terrace, for a while I was stuck on the idea that potted plants were the way to go, with mixed success in covering about 30 linear feet of wall. 

A few years ago, it dawned on me that I could plant Wandering Fig in the upper bed and train it to grow down the wall.  It’s been a slow process, but to my great delight the tendrils seem to have established themselves this year, and they are beginning to spread out over the unclaimed real estate that is my CMU wall!

The thing about gardening is that there is the benefit of creative activity in the present moment, but also the sense of contributing to something with a life of its own, that may comfort, calm, or inspire unknown future visitors, beyond the original gardener.

My son travelled to Japan over the summer, and I’ve been completely enchanted with the moss-covered gardens of the Saihoji Temple in Kyoto.  When the temple was conceived 1300 years ago, did anyone imagine how it would evolve and the worldwide allure it would hold?  Even without having been there in person, the photos of the Moss Garden evoke a sense of serenity and ancient wisdom. 

Here in Northern California, I feel a similar reverence and grounding sense of perspective in the Redwood trees, some of which date back well over 1000 years.  When the living world offers so much beauty and tranquility, it’s not surprising that we are drawn to incorporate elements of nature into interior design. 

I’ve been obsessed with this Scalamandre wallpaper lately, and I have my eye on it for an upcoming personal project.  When I can’t actually be hiking in the forest, I’d like to surround myself with the pattern of pine tree branches and needles.

Reclaimed wood slabs are a special way to bring some forest into the home.  An exposed live edge, like the console table above that we recently had made for an entry foyer, offers an even more tactile experience to connect with the tree’s history.  Because these pieces are made from fallen trees, or trees that need to be cleared for forest health, it’s possible to get a larger-sized slab than what is milled for traditional furniture production.  I like to imagine the slab infusing its new home with the stories and quiet wisdom that are embodied in each tree.

Lighting is another way to mimic nature indoors by incorporating shapes found in the natural world and recreating light and shadow patterns that activate a space.  Ever since I saw this Manhattan Loft by Mark Cunningham featured in Milieu in 2022, I’ve been captivated by the way that the whimsical chandelier by David Wiseman softens the urban atmosphere.

If you would like to talk to me about your interior design project, click the link below to submit an inquiry form and schedule a Discovery Call:

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The post Nature Therapy: Wisdom From the Garden appeared first on Nystrom Design.

Since my French fry research extends beyond San Francisco, I consider it my responsibility to share the wealth.  So here we go with another top 5!

1) Bonnie Bar in Paris – This experience gets the number 1 spot because of the serendipitous way that my son and I stumbled upon this rooftop lounge.  Read more about that in the New and Old in Paris post.  As for the French fries, they were outstanding, but what doesn’t taste amazing with a sweeping view of Paris?  Extra bonus for fans of Emily in Paris:  catch a glimpse of the Bonnie Lounge in episode 3, season 4.  

2) McMenamins North Bank in Eugene, Oregon – McMenamins serves handcrafted beer and pub food throughout the Pacific Northwest.  I’ve been to many of the locations, and the fries are dependably delicious.  They serve a classic fry, with some skins left on, medium size, and perfectly fried.  The location on the North Bank of the Willamette River has a special place in my heart from my days living in Eugene as a grad student, and now my son is an Architecture student at the University of Oregon (Go Ducks!).  If you rent a bike in town, you can ride your bike along the river trail, and North Bank will be a delightful place to refuel!

3) Punky’s, off the beaten path in Twin Lakes, Colorado – On a back country road, driving from Aspen to Colorado Springs, we saw a lone trailer with a big sign that read “Ribbon Fries.”  Obviously, it was a sign (literally and in the cosmic sense) that travel is about the journey, not the destination.  The only thing to do was to turn the car around and find out what exactly are ribbon fries.  It turns out they are delicious!  More like chips than classic fries.  Crunchy, salty, and curly – the perfect back country snack.

4) Amy’s Drive-Thru in Rohnert Park – The green roof on Amy’s Drive-Thru is the first clue that this is not your typical drive-thru.  With extensive organic and vegan options on the menu, it’s always a welcome stop when we are heading north on Highway 101.  Their Sweet Potato Fries are my favorite, and if you get them with the Rachel Salad, it’s super healthy! 
[Editor’s Note:  Amy’s Drive-Thru announced they are closing their doors in early March 2026, so get there while you can!]

5) Boon Eat + Drink in Guerneville and The Birds Cafe in Bodega Bay – I’m sort of cheating by putting two places in the number 5 spot, but I included both of these in an earlier post about Adventures in the Russian River Valley, and I just couldn’t choose!

I realize this post has nothing to do with interior design, but if you would like to talk to me about your interior design project, click the link below to submit an inquiry form and schedule a Discovery Call:

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Also – don’t be shy about sharing your favorite place for French fries – near or far – in the comments section!

The post French Fries Beyond the Bay appeared first on Nystrom Design.

I started with fabrics, which are hands-down my favorite tool of the Trade.  It was like getting re-acquainted with old friends when I was reminded of special fabrics I’ve collected over the years for future inspiration.  

It feels like a confession when I share that it was like playtime to me.  Could I seriously consider this to be part of my work? But after each 20-minute session (well, sometimes 30 minutes…), I felt energized by the creative sparks, and that feeling of Flow that Mihàly Csíkszentmihályi writes about.

Even though I wasn’t pulling fabrics for a specific project, the process of handling the fabrics prompted endless ideas for combinations that I’ll mentally file away for the future.  And I’ll enjoy the creative buzz right now.

One of my summer reads, Essentialism by Greg McEown, put words to my feeling that this play-like work has value to my business.  When I got to Chapter 7 on ‘Play and Embracing the Wisdom of Your Inner Child,’ I decided to lean into what I previously might have considered my ‘Type A’ tendencies.

Using this slow and steady approach to organizing the library means that I’ll be at it for a while…maybe indefinitely.  I think that is actually a good thing.

If you share my love for fabrics, keep in mind that one of the services we offer is to reimagine your existing upholstered furniture with fresh new fabrics.  If you’d like to talk to me about your interior design project, click the link below to submit an inquiry form and schedule a Discovery Call:

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The post Play Time: Curating the Materials Library appeared first on Nystrom Design.

So when planning a trip to New Zealand, I was excited to see the source of this wonder fiber, and to learn more about production. I found an intimate Airbnb Experience at a small family farm, and it was a total crowd pleaser. 

When we arrived at Angie’s Sheep Farm in Waikite, the first order of business was to get fitted for rubber boots. With proper foot attire and sheep food in hand, we made fast friends with a few members of the herd, while Angie shared with us about life on the farm that she and her husband operate.

Above, Angie gave us a close-up look at a sheep’s coat. It’s sort of miraculous to me that this much wool grows in a single season!  The glands in sheepskin produce their own water repellent substance, known as lanolin. This natural protection from the elements is also why wool products are inherently resistant to staining.

Angie brought us to the sheering shed, where she explained the sheering process and the strength and skill that is required to sheer a sheep. Above is what un-processed wool looks like immediately after the sheep are shorn.

From here, the wool gets sorted. Angie keeps some for her own use, she trades wool with other local farmers, and she sells the rest, primarily to crafters and makers.

After a detour to cuddle with Cookie, an off-season surprise baby sheep that gets bottle-fed while the mama grazes with the herd, we made our way to Angie’s porch, where we got a crash course in how to comb & spin wool.

At the end of our tour, we each got to select a hat, knitted by Angie, and she was able to identify from which of her sheep the wool for each of our hats came.

I came away with a deeper appreciation of the labor and love that goes into the production of wool, the fragility of this resource, and the purity of the material that makes possible such beautiful and long-lasting products.

There is an enormous temptation to buy the equivalent of ‘fast fashion’ when it comes to home décor. To narrow the conversation, I’ll focus on area rugs, where there are endless sources for inexpensive rugs made of synthetic fibers. I feel the temptation, too! The rug can be delivered tomorrow?! I can ‘save’ how much money?! But what is the true, hidden cost of these decisions?

Human Health

Wool rugs are sort of like the equivalent of eating whole foods because you know exactly what is in them:  grass, sunshine, water, and fresh air. Clearly we don’t eat rugs, but the micro-particles and emissions from synthetic products are known to get into our bodies and to adversely affect indoor air quality.

Planetary Health

The same micro-particles and emissions eventually make their way into our water sources and soil, where they accumulate over time to detrimental impact on the earth.  This in turn impacts human health.  When a wool rug has completed its duration in one setting, it can often find life in a new setting. If not, un-backed wool rugs can be re-purposed as insulation or otherwise. In a worst-case scenario, wool is biodegradable.

Long-Term Monetary Cost

That fast fashion, synthetic rug may seem like a great deal today, but a hasty purchase now often leads to a re-do later. The lanolin in wool endows it with natural stain resistance. With regular maintenance and occasional professional cleaning, wool rugs will endure with beauty and luster for decades and often generations. Instead of spending time and money on a new rug every few years (and burdening the planet with the old rug), those resources could be directed elsewhere, helping to slow the cycle of consumption.

Still with me? Sorry to be a downer about fast fashion in home decor. No judgement, we are all inundated with these messages! But here’s some good news…

Through the Campaign for Wool and the Wool In Schools program, New Zealand is committed to supporting and promoting sheep farmers, sustainable farming practices, and wool production. With the support of King Charles, the program focuses on education programs that help youth and young adults learn about the wool industry and participate in innovation around wool production and application.

To learn more about this program and the attributes of the wonder fiber that is wool, follow this link to read more about the Campaign for Wool NZ.

If you would like to talk to Ellen Nystrom about an interior design project, click the link below to submit an inquiry form and schedule a Discovery Call:

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The post Healthy Home Files: A Case for Wool and Making Friends in New Zealand 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:

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Photography by Vivian Johnson

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

Crash course:  Sister Parish may be best known for designing the Kennedy White House. She and Albert Hadley ran the influential firm Parish-Hadley in Manhattan for over six decades. 

The experience of designing a home for her grandson and his wife was meaningful to me in many ways.  As I learned more about Sister, I was inspired by her ability to give new life to antique and vintage furnishings and to create rooms that felt fresh and innovative in their time – and for years to come.

When making decisions about how to best use furnishings that our clients already owned, my goal was to channel Sister’s design sensibility.  In many ways, she was ahead of her time. I suspect that sustainability was not top of mind for Sister Parish, but her commitment to reimagining pre-owned furniture is one way to slow the cycle of consumption.  There was a range of storied art and furniture that our clients wanted to fold into the mix, including several pieces that were inherited from Sister.

We gave a lot of thought to this secretary desk that Sister originally bought for herself. To preserve or to reimagine?  Since Sister frequently had pieces painted, we decided she would have been pleased with our decision to paint it a solid pine green on the exterior and a creamy white on the interior.

For the chair, we preserved the weathered paint and the original silk fabric.  Paired with the reimagined secretary desk, and relocated from the living room to the stair landing, the ensemble got a whole new look.

This Fauteuil chair, inherited from the wife’s mother, also got a total makeover.  A modern chevron fabric with black piping and a fresh coat of paint on the frame make this chair feel at home with the rest of the updates to the living room.

A set of iron chairs that originated in Spain, c. 1786, were acquired by our client’s father in England before they arrived in San Francisco.  They had previously been upholstered in a sweet eyelet cotton fabric, and we streamlined the look with a faux leather.  Their story continues as companions to the dining room credenza, paired with a set of acrylic lamps.

As much as I love talking about chair makeovers, this project also included extensive cosmetic upgrades, breathing new life into dated spaces with minimal waste.  The guest bathroom received all new finishes, including a custom cut marble feature wall.  The original vanity was re-purposed with fresh paint and hardware.

Head over to our website to see the full set of photos from our Lake Street Project.  And if you would like to talk about an interior design project, reach out to schedule a Discovery Call with me.

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The post Case Study: Reimagining a Home Filled with Family History 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!

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The post Fall Art Scene appeared first on Nystrom Design.