You know that room in the house that you talk about fixing up for years but never come around to it? You make plans to get new furniture, choose a paint color, get new art, move shit around, maybe even buy exercise equipment, but then it never happens? For the past two years, we’ve wanted to fix up our guest space and den area to make it more usable but never came around to doing it.
The idea of getting an interior designer sounded very expensive to me, and a luxury than only the rich and famous could afford, but we truly did not have the time to take this home project on so I looked into it. Michelle, girl boss of Busy Bee Organics recommended one of her customers Sydelle, who is an interior designer/girl boss.
When we met with Sydelle the first time, she made it clear that she could work within our budget or any budget for that matter. Within two months our space was transformed from unusable to a small haven in our home. Sydelle was so incredibly patient with us throughout the process (we are very indecisive people), and she stayed within our budget, even saving us a ton of money by using her buying connections. I didn’t have to worry about a thing; it was awesome.
What I also loved about working with Sydelle is she tried to incorporate local goods and art into our space, so she stayed true to who we are.
The relationship did not end there! A few weeks ago, when I got the keys to my new office aka “ChicpeajcHQ” I was completely lost. I needed to get furniture and decorate my office within a few days. Sydelle to the rescue! She came in the next day; I told her exactly what I needed within my budget, and she pulled it together. The office is now a dream thanks to her.
What’s your name?
Sydelle.
What do you do?
I am an interior designer and decorator in Jersey City.
How long have you been doing this?
I’ve been moving around furniture since nine years old, but on my own business about a year ago. I decided it was time to break away from the fashion industry and move towards something I’ve always loved, which is home décor.
So tell me a little bit about our space…
Your space is awesome because it was inspiring and easy to work with. It’s already in great shape and beautiful finishes and details, but it was just about making a more user-friendly and cozy space. So when you host and have people over your second floor becomes a place to enjoy the time, with overflow to the outdoor space.
What was the process like?
The process to me is always interesting to anyone I work with. The first thing you need to figure out is what people want. What their interests and design taste are and then for me the balance is about not forcing my aesthetics on them, but figuring out how things are going to merge. What they’re interested in, what’s cool on the market and make it work for their home.
Now, I know there is a misconception that using an interior designer is expensive, and it’s unattainable and not for everyone, but you work with all budgets right?
All budgets. I completely think that everyone can make their home beautiful if they want to, and they want to bring that warmth and comfort to their home. And so for me what I see my job is about, is helping people to find ways to do that and not necessarily saying this is my price, and that’s it. Instead, I say to a client: tell me what your budget is and what you are looking to do. Then I’ll come back and explain to you what’s possible with those numbers and what the options are. I don’t think anyone should have the door shut on them unless they are mean people.
So tell me about some of the furniture that is in here.
Yeah. So the furniture in your home is cool because it’s a mix of everything from high to low price range and local and very well known brands. Starting with like the rug, and the table, West Elm is a great place I always think to find those cool, interesting pieces. And they do great Fair Trade pieces and Local Designer product, which means something to me.
So that’s a good place always to start if you are looking for inspiration and an easier price point. And then the couch we got from the ABC outlet, which is another secret treasure because ABC Home is amazing quality but it can be a little painful to walk in ABC Home and find your dream couch and your dream couch is $30,000 or something ridiculous. Then there is also the plants, all the plants we pulled from local 14th Street Nursery, which I think its great I love supporting a local business. A lot of the decorative plants and home accents are from local businesses. The end table is from a local store, Kanibal Home, and the trunk I love it’s from Pottery Barn Kids. They make great child-friendly things, which is essential for growing families.
Do you have any tips for people that want to transform their space and what they should do?
I would say the first thing to do is to pick up a whole bunch of different home magazines and see what you like. You just don’t go blind hunting; it’s too hard and exhausting. If you can build a palette around colors, you like or find one piece that inspires you and builds your home around it. So say you want to redo your kitchen, find one light fixture that inspires you and then go from there and see what you find.
I love it. How long have you been in Jersey City?
I have been in the New York metro area for eight years. So I guess I have been in Jersey City for like two and a half of those years.
And now you’ve also done some other homes right? Like the Silvermans? Do you want to talk about that a little bit?
Yeah sure. Some work on a house in Westchester, apartment in Brooklyn, custom curtains for a friend who just moved from Hoboken and apartment staging. Staging with the Silvermans is a blast because they are great guys to work with and those properties are beautiful, too. It’s hard not to enjoy staging when you walk into a place, and it’s already looking in pristine conditions. It’s all about fresh paint and a speedy furniture hunt. I’ve realized without staging It’s hard to visualize how much you can fit into space. So that’s been fun, to realized an additional love for staging. Just another great way to work.
Also, there is a Mr. Mustart behind you that’s Jersey City and Niroma Studios.
Yes! Yes! Niroma Studios and there is an Ikea item in here. Always search your neighborhood for local art. Support your local artists and mix it in. I love Ikea. Don’t be afraid to look at all price ranges is my point because there are some awesome gems in Ikea that you can mix in with those more upscale pieces that make a great look.
What is your favorite Jersey City hangout spot?
Local restaurants, I love good fresh food. Currently, I’m a fan of Broa. I like going over to Broa and drinking wine or beer whatever and having dinner there. Is the Farmer’s Market a hangout spot?
Yeah. It could be, yeah. I like the Farmer’s Market.
Yeah. I get really sad when it ends in the winter and always so happy when it starts up again. It’s the first sign of spring and summer for me!
Are you looking to do this full time?
Yes. Yeah. My career roots are in fashion design. I was doing that and even picking up contracts once in a while still designing. Some bridal projects I still get pulled in to do.
Those brides.
(laughing) I don’t know why, but brides are always looking for veils and belts and stuff. But, this is hundred percent my love, and I love it. I got my feet in when I was working as a buyer for Fab.com, and that is where I built so many vendor relationships, and that’s when I realized how much I love home décor and the vendors. The people who make the pillows and the product and working with them. Home décor people are so cool, quirky and funny, awkward and amazing.
Awesome. Anything else you want people to know about you or your business?
If anyone has a beach house I got a craving to design a beach house right now for some reason. I got an itch maybe it’s summer coming up. And of course I love working in Jersey City, I’ve got major JC Love. The last thing that I would say is, go for it with your home. It’s where you should be happy it should be your little sanctuary where you have the most fun. You should always be happy to go home.
Like, invest in your space.
Invest in your space a hundred percent. This is your home, this is where you are going to have people no matter how big or small it is you’re going to have dinner, family, you’re going to go home and build your life and your families and whatever you’re doing. Yes, invest in your home and your families.
How do people find you?
They can contact me via my website sydelleinteriors.com or they can email me at info@sydelleinteriors.com.
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