Inside Story

I am loving the look and feel of my new home. Sy Iverson of Inside Story has created a wonderful look for my new dwelling. I didn’t know the first thing about putting together a coherent look for my home. I turned all creative direction over to Sy. Working with Sy was a pleasure for two reasons; first, he always presented me with his ideas and provided me options which allowed me to take an active role in the design of my new home. Second, he knew I was working with a budget and kept my costs contained. He went out of his way to work with my hectic work travel schedule and helped me prepare my home for its first social event. I was so proud of showcasing my new home but of course I couldn’t take the credit as Sy was responsible for it all. I would recommend his services to anyone looking for help or guidance in transforming their home or place of business into a place they have always dreamed about. A true designer looks into heart of his clients and designs a look that will suit them and that is what Sy did for me. Thank you Sy you are a wonderful designer and for the first time I am excited about my home.

I wish I could give Sy Iverson and Inside Story more than 5 stars!
I have worked with Sy since 1998, first on our (then) new home in San Diego, and then on our vacation home in Palm Desert. I have also called upon him to help with various updating projects in our home over the years. What I love most about working with Sy is that he is so easy to work with, and so much fun to go shopping with! He understands our needs, our style, and our budget, and he will keep shopping until we find what works, although usually we LOVE his first choice. He is amazing at conceptual drawing so you get an excellent idea of what the room will look like. He is also a master at color selection, and choosing fabric and finishes.
One of my favorite projects we worked on together was the nursery for my baby daughter. We selected all the fabrics and furniture before she was born, and Sy put the entire nursery together while I was in the hospital. She is now almost 12 years old, and her bedroom looks as good today as it did when she was born (minus the crib)! Sy coordinated the crib and day-​bed bedding, so when she outgrew the crib, we just took it away and the room was perfect for a young girl.
I can’t wait for the next project… I’m definitely thinking about it!

We interviewed several other designers before we met Sy. Each of them had come highly recommended and yet each insisted they could only work with us if they were permitted to level our house and start all over (and required an outrageous minimum commitment of spending). We had already worked with a decorator recommended by the former owner of our house, and found we needed to undo much of what she had done because she did what she wanted rather than listened to what we wanted
Sy came in and took the time to figure out what we wanted. (It’s a matter of being able to put one’s ego aside and work for the client, not around or in spite of him). He pointed out design challenges and came up with creative solutions. Unlike other designers, he respected our preferences and made them work, and was never condescending (I didn’t know what a soffit was when we began working together, but I never felt foolish or ignorant with him). He has a great instinct for when in pays to be cost-​sensitive and when it pays to spend a little more.
Escorting us to see other homes he had done, he explained the challenges and showed us the solutions so that we could understand what was possible, and see how seemingly minor changes, such as a recessed ceiling above a light fixture, could have a major impact. He also excels at identifying inexpensive items that, when used in a new context, serve the purpose of something much more expensive. For example, he can find items at that luxury retailer, Tar-​gzeh (Target) and by using them in a new environment elevates both the item and the room. (And speaking of putting one’s ego aside, he also acknowledges that there are certain design challenges, such as outdoor space, that he does not consider to be within his particular expertise and doesn’t take those on, rather than using your home and budget for a ‘learning experience.’)
Now, more than 10 years after our first job together, his work still feels fresh and original, and continues to delight. His creativity transformed our middle-​aged house (wish it were so ‘easy’ and cost-​effective to solve other middle-​aged problems!), giving it a fresh and original look while resolving seemingly insurmountable design flaws in the structure. The work still feels fresh and original, and doesn’t get old.
If it isn’t already obvious, let me add that he’s a fine human being who is enjoyable to spend time with.

Sy has helped us with two remodels over the years. In both situations we asked for his help after we had begun working with a contractor. I would get to the point where I was having panic attacks trying to choose tile, paint, and window coverings and decide I better give him a call.
The second job occurred after we had moved away from San Diego. I had tried another designer after we purchased a house and to this day, I don’t like what she suggested. For example, her recommendation for tile in our boy’s bathroom was terrible — lots of water spots all the time. Sy would have never suggested that tile. I gave up on her, called Sy, and he took care of us even from 3 hours away. We didn’t have to meet very often — he listened, we trusted, and the results were wonderful.
Many of the previous reviews have said exactly what makes Sy such a great person to work with:
–He listened to us intently and designed bathrooms and kitchens that met our needs.
–We are not rich! We live in a modest track home of 3000 sq ft. His fees were reasonable and his choices had our budget in mind.
–His ability to design is unbelievable… to this day I so totally enjoy walking into areas of my home touched by Sy. In our master bathroom he combined marble, slate and tile (something I would have never done!) and it is spectacular. He also designed custom cabinets for us that have so many neat features that make me happy every day I use them.
–Attention to detail! Like I mentioned, he came in late in the remodel game (sorry Sy) and found errors in the architectural plans that the contractors hadn’t even noticed.
–He works well with contractors –even those he doesn’t know. We ended up with a terrible contractor for our remodel in Encinitas but Sy was able to work with the guy even though he was incompetent and at times disrespectful.
Next up for us is our kitchen and I wouldn’t think of doing it without Sy. I know if I use him, I will thoroughly enjoy my kitchen for years to come.

Sy Iverson is the most talented interior decorator I have ever known! Sy designed
our living space with our taste in mind — but then made it better than
we could have imagined. I love our home and a major reason is because Sy
did such an incredible job, from picking out furniture, wall colors,
carpets/​other flooring, bathroom/​kitchen tiles, to designing ceilings and archways,
to overseeing the painting/​tile/​other contractors, and to even hanging
art throughout our home. Sy used a combination of new and our existing
furniture and fixtures in an effort to achieve the results we wanted, as
well as to keep our projects within a budget. He is so creative and
always a lot of fun to be with. He is my new best friend!!! Sy always
answers all of my questions right away and sets up meetings that work
with my schedule. I can’t wait to work with Sy on our next project (hint
for my husband: think master bath room!). If you want the best, Sy is
your man!

If you are looking for an amazing designer, look no further!
I had consulted a few other designers, some of whom didn’t even return my calls and others that spoke with BIG dollar signs in their eyes. By chance, I mentioned to a friend of mine that I was looking for a designer and he referred me to Sy. Lucky me! After our first meeting, he completely understood the vision I had for our place and translated it into a well-​organized and intricate proposal, complete with crazy-​good sketches and elevations. He worked tirelessly to pull everything together with great attention to detail — finding just the right pull for the cabinets, the perfect shade of gray for the walls or a statement light fixture. He finds fabulous fabrics and textiles, great fixtures, and seems to be able to track down anything your little heart desires.
Sy has an incredible work ethic, and he always replies to your emails or calls. Part of what makes working with him so easy is that he is very service-​oriented — he made himself available when it was convenient for me, made sure that things were done right, and really goes the extra mile. And did I mention that he hung all my artwork?
The final result — our condo is AH-​mazing! and so is Sy. You won’t be sorry.