Start with what you have, designer encourages

Shiree Segerstrom loves stacks of hard-bound books — not just for reading, but for their appearance. “They’re my favorite accessory,” said Segerstrom, an interior designer in Sacramento, Calif. “I love the way they look. I stack them on every surface of my house.”

That’s obvious in her Sonora home, a lovingly restored 1931 Spanish-style hacienda. Books support bowls, elevate knickknacks, beckon to visitors. Without opening their covers, they send a clear message: Sit down, relax, make yourself cozy.

“It shows personality,” Segerstrom said of her stacks. “I do read all of these, too.”

Segerstrom herself is an open book, filled with charm, wit and practical know-how. She became a career woman later in life. After her son started school, she went back to college and got her design degree. For more than 10 years, she’s been helping others make their homes feel more comfortable.

Her own style is an eclectic mix she describes as “British Cozy” — because of its Old World feel — or “Cozy Chic,” built on generations of beloved pieces fitted together to make a welcoming whole.

Like “Shabby Chic,” which repurposes found items (dings and all), this style incorporates old with new but with a much more refined and classic twist. Dark woods are softened with bright florals. Vintage portraits personalize plain walls. Colorful accessories — such as ceramics or bouquets in Segerstrom’s favorite chartreuse — enliven antique tables.

“Because of that mix, my designs don’t go out of style,” Segerstrom said. “There’s a balance of masculine and feminine, a tension between the two. They’re also very economical. I start with what you have.”

Segerstrom, 52, has done scores of homes throughout Northern California. Clients include former NBA Sacramento Kings President John Thomas.

“I love doing projects that are focused on the client’s taste, not mine,” she said. “My design projects always reflect the client’s style, the architecture and location of their house. It’s very different designing for San Francisco or Sacramento or Napa. Each has its own distinct flavor.”

But she’s also helped with many small projects for customers on tight budgets.

During the recession, Segerstrom closed her Sonora design store, S.S. Home, then refocused her efforts online with a blog (joyofnesting.blogspot.com) and Web-based services (www.shireesegerstrom.com).

“Without a doubt, this economy has been my biggest challenge,” she said. “I was doing a dozen projects at a time with two assistants and four subcontractors. My business is a lot less busy now, but that’s OK. It gave me time to grieve.”

After 25 years of marriage, her husband, James Segerstrom, died in 2007 after a brief illness. The couple had built a successful rescue-training business and worked together on their Sonora dream house, which they bought 11 years ago.

Since then, Segerstrom has concentrated on helping others. Her designs offer that comfort that can heal the spirit.

“I really enjoy what I do,” she said. “It’s very satisfying to be able to do this. I know what a joy I get from my surroundings, the energy level you get.

“When I walk in the door of my house, I feel the love. It’s my sanctuary. It rejuvenates me. It’s a big energy boost.”

In addition to doing full-scale projects, Segerstrom offers two makeover packages that help customers with their own design.

Via her “Room Service,” she guides clients through room-by-room makeovers, borrowing items to enliven space with personality. A dresser becomes a buffet; a hutch turns into a home-office organizer. The idea is to creatively rethink uses for pieces already on hand and carefully plan any additional purchases.

“It’s very personalized,” Segerstrom said. “People have artwork and furniture, but they don’t know how to present it as well as it should be. Repurposing these pieces can add instant character to a room.

“I love creating a personal style for each client,” she added. “I look at their taste; how they dress, their hair, their makeup, their favorite colors. I think their home should reflect them.”

Last year, she launched “Design in a Box,” a DIY package that allows customers to redecorate their space with classic cozy style by making smart, well-informed choices with her advice. It’s like a crash course in personal design.

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