Interior Design Show West: Tommy Smythe Speaks!

Darryl and I had a fabulous weekend at the IDS WEST show this past weekend and I could not resist taking some time to share with all of you some of the thoughts of  ONE  of the amazing speakers.

On Saturday we joined Darryl’s brother and his wife at the IDS show to take in the 2 pm Tommy Smythe show.  Wow was it ever entertaining! I want to touch briefly on a few aspects of some of the things that he said and further by sharing some of my thoughts of it as well.

One of the biggest ways to create more space is through using very cost-effective storage systems such as Pax wardrobes from Ikea.  Go big or go home I guess.  It’s generally thought that having a storage system that takes up the whole wall would make a space feel smaller, but actually quite the opposite.

Words from Tommy:  Collecting is a great way for your home to reflect your personality.

As a home owner, I’m always editing want I own and that was a major point that Tommy made.  Living small doesn’t have to be boring, it’s actually quite exciting I would think.  As you all know, I dream of owning a condo someday.
Tommy is a huge fan of  Etageres (open shelving), and not only do they provide a lot of practical storage, they have the means to showcase some of your collections in a really creative way. Collecting is a great way to reflect your personality into your space, so don’t be scared to so.  Not all small spaces can collect large items, such as one item Tommy mentioned… Deer heads…. I can’t believe I grew up with those on walls (my Dad was a hobby taxidermist).  Instead Tommy likes to collect small match boxes from where ever he travels to remind him of where he’s been and where he would like to travel again.

Words from Tommy:   Edit Down what you own | Live with what you love. Use your available Real Estate.

Use your space for how you live your life. Make clear zones for how you want to use  your home.  This is done by using the real estate for which you already have.  Real Estate is referred to in this case as any available space in your home, whether it be up your walls, or available space in your closet.  Use all of your space, and the more in it, the bigger it will feel. I don’t always agree with this concept, but for the most part if you use your space properly and your furniture is scale to your home, then a well used space will feel right.

Words from Tommy: Use your available space for how you live, not for how you think your future buyer would want to use it.

I think one of the best things that Tommy said, was this. Stay where you are and make it your own. It always seems to be a common theme with everyone I talk to. They are always wanting more, a new house, a new feel. The important thing that I always want to convey with every visit to someones home is just what Tommy said. Your home will be great when you’ve added more of yourself to it, then trying to find HOME in a new place.

There you have it, my take on Tommy’s Smythe’s Talk.

Tommy Smythe’s personality is larger than life and his quick wit, intelligence, and design style  made for a wonderful presentation.  I so enjoyed meeting him last weekend,  the proof is in the photo.  This man has Style.  Not only style, but the love that he has for working for Sarah Richardson and their team was outstanding to see!  I loved having the chance to meet him, as I know a lot of us felt that way as well!
I hope Tommy comes back another year to IDS, as I definitely would not want to miss his presentation, it was fantastic!

What did you think of Tommy’s talk?

Jodi