Vol. 4, Issue 2
Spring-ish 2023

It's technically still spring, but we're really so near summer (it starts tomorrow!) that we are already sporting a sandal tan. So, in this issue we bring you some warm vibes with a lovely lake house reveal. In addition, we highlight a new local shop that sells unique gifts for children (and children at heart), and we tell you all about our trip to High Point Market this spring to see and sit in all the pretty things. And guess what? We are cruising through out waitlist these days, thanks to our perfected processes. Now is a great time to commit to the project you've been putting off! Call us first! We will do a deep dive into who you are and how you live, create the best design, match your project with the perfect contractor (this, friends, is the hardest part and we do it for you), and hold your hand all the way til you're home and settled and sipping a lemonade in the cool breeze of an open window.

New Project Reveal: A-Frame Lake Retreat

With three puppies and three grown sons, not to mention a regular crew of grand-dogs, significant others and friends, this Indianapolis-based couple wanted their weekend lake retreat to be serene and inviting, and also relaxed and indestructible. At SYH, we feel that a vacation house, like a basement, has to be designed so well that it compels you there. This simple, comfortable A-frame certainly makes the hassle of packing the car and opening the boat and stocking the groceries all worth it. The structure retains its quirky charm, connecting inhabitants inside and drawing them outside; by design, togetherness and nature are the focus. A formerly dark and awkward kitchen is now bright and natural, with a new window to see the lake and a layout made for a crowd to work in and move through. White paint, a new stair rail system, and an overall neutral  furniture scheme lighten and modernize the main spaces, highlighting the blues and greens outside. We pulled the soft lake palette into the reconfigured bath that serves the main floor and also has a door into the primary bedroom. As always, we balanced new and old, retaining the original pine ceiling and stone fireplace chimney, as well as an beloved heirloom dining set. It's hard to choose our favorite bit, but it has to be the custom reading nook that fits a full sized mattress—a great place to curl up and catch the afternoon sun, or make into a bed for extra visitors.

What We Are Digging: High Point Market Finds

The Susans and Brianna trekked to High Point this spring for Market, and if we could sum up what we saw, it would have to be Luxury Vintage. Mohair and velvet in all shades of brown, retro textures and prints, Grandmillenial styling, and bold colors.

Brown is the new black! Seen in deep mahogany velvet sofas, teddy bear boucle stools, rich chocolate walls, and walnut stained furniture.

Vintage prints and textures are back in a big and exciting way. We saw large and small scale patterns, plaids, tweed and twill, thick bumpy wovens and smooth jacquards. We heard a fascinating presentation about one of our favorite makers turning antique textile patterns into reproducible upholstery fabrics. 

Grandmillenial: This is not your grandma’s furniture! Well, maybe it is, but with a twist - like updating your hand-me-downs. We love this trend, because we love our Grandmas (of course). Traditionally shaped wood furniture is covered in bright fabrics with funky prints. Patterned wallpaper, bone china vases, and wicker are all reappearing in ways that feel modern and timeless. 

Boucle fabrics and plush rugs continue to swath everything in coziness. Like athleisure, now that we’ve gone cozy, we’re not going back! It might be easier to list the furniture pieces we didn’t see upholstered in boucle. We’re not mad about this trend one bit. 

Local Vendor Spotlight: Mairzy Doats

Mairzy Doats is not just a song (which can be quite the earworm) but now also a super cool toy shop on College Mall Road, just a minute from the SYH studio. If you need unique gifts for kids and kids at heart and want to shop local, look no further. You can even shop online.

Project on the Horizon?

If you have a new build, renovation, and/or decorating project on the horizon, call us sooner than you think you need us! We want to work with you! Your designer should be your first call, and we do often have a waitlist.

How it works: Initial consultations happen within a couple of weeks of your call, during which Susan Y. meets with you to get to know you and see your space or property. She hears all your hopes and hang-ups, and offers off-the-cuff feedback and advice to help you determine next steps. If the next step for you is comprehensive design services, we pencil you in and launch your project as soon as your name rises to the top.