My husband and I just completed a 9 month remodel and if it wasn't for Sy Iverson (owner/designer of Inside Story), I'm not sure we would have made it through!! We own and live in a 100 year old craftsman home and our remodel consisted of expanding from a 2 bed/2 bath to a 3 bed/3.5 bath all of which Sy designed. He was able to put a modernized elegance touch on all the rooms and bathrooms while keeping the authentic craftsman look and feel. Sy added some VERY unique touches to the project that we would have NEVER even thought of. Sy is very fair priced and VERY responsive and took all of the ideas that we had into consideration. We enter our home every day now in awe of his work. We HIGHLY recommend Sy to design any project to you can dream, he will execute flawlessly!!!! read more

Sy Iverson came into our project midway through, after another designer totally missed the mark. He was amazing to work with. Not only does he have a strong work ethic, his in-depth knowledge of cabinetry and overall design perspective was so impressive that our cabinet manufacturer thought he had owned his own company at one time. read more

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. read more

I am so pleased! It was as if Sy read my mind! I have the most beautiful condo in my complex & everything was done correctly & timely, most of all with a Happy attitude! read more

I've just completed a major home renovation with Sy and it was another outstanding experience. He not only had great ideas for expanding the physical space but also knew that I was working with a budget and wanted a lot of bang for the buck. He steered me away from ideas that would be too costly and not worth what they would cost, and came up with creative alternatives. Sometimes I felt strongly about wanting to go in a particular direction (ie., banquette seating with end tables instead of dining or coffee table) and he made it work brilliantly. I get Sy's creativity, his knowledge of up-to-date materials and design innovations, and save money on furnishings, too. I recommend him unreservedly. read more

As a general contractor here in San Diego (http://cabrillocraftsman.com), I've had the privilege of working with Sy on numerous projects over the years. In doing so, I can say with all certainty that he is brilliant; every project he dreams up becomes something spectacular and original. Sy has the ability to listen to a homeowners needs and wants, give it thought, then produce a design well beyond what was first imagined far exceeding any expectations. He has the unique ability to look at a space and visualize it's full potential all while conveying his vision the the owner and I. While working off his drawings during construction he has made my job easy, simply follow the plan and the client will be thrilled! Since I've been working along side Inside Story, I've been apart of truly great design. My hope is that many more people get to see what an artist Sy is and how he can transform your space into a jaw dropping show stopper! If you're thinking about designing a home, starting a remodel, or in need of a tenant improvement, you must start by calling Sy at Inside Story, you won't need anything else! read more

Sy deserves more than 5 stars. When we decided to remodel the kitchen of our downtown condo, I knew I needed help. I needed someone who would give me more than great design ideas. I also needed someone I could trust to help oversee the work of the contractors and be a trusted voice who would guide me through the many decisions I knew would be required. Sy was all that and more. He helped me select the contractor and stay within my budget. He oversaw every detail of the kitchen remodel and was incredibly easy to work with. Sy strikes the right balance of giving direction and clarity but also letting the client make choices that fit their taste and budget. He was very responsive and helpful all the time. In fact, our contractor told us that they found him to be very knowledgeable and that he taught them some useful things about how to construct a kitchen. Sy works on a fixed fee basis which is really great because it means you don't need to worry about calling or emailing him. In fact, that's why he bills on a fixed fee basis. He also helped us choose and hang a dining room fixture and hang some art. I've worked with other designers in the past and have always been disappointed. They are either impractical, inflexible or just don't follow through. Sy exceeded my expectations in terms of the quality of his service. It is important to also say that I love my new kitchen. It's far more beautiful and practical than anything I could have done without Sy's help. read more

Sy with Inside Story was professional, informative, and helpful through out the initial consultation process. Within a few days, he had a game plan put together with concept art for me to review. You can tell from a few moments of speaking with Sy, that he has a pulse on the current trends and marketability of spaces, both commercial and residential. You will not regret contacting Inside Story for a consultation. read more

Without a doubt, Sy has the ability to listen to a client's opinions about what they are wanting, expand and suggest, and then lead them easily through the process. How does one person have all of that talent inside them? We thought we knew it all, but with his ability to see and show the possibilities of the end product, he made our wishes explode into results we could never have imagined. We highly recommend Sy for any job. From our multiple vacation rental renovations to my Wife's She Shed, (the envy of all her friends and co-workers), all of our projects completed to perfection, with no stress. read more

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! read more

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. read more

When I was considering an interior designer I was hesitant because I felt I could do it on my own. I started looking at items for my condo, and quickly realized it would time consuming plus I wasn't sure my vision would turn out the way I wanted to. I interviewed multiple designers, and ended up choosing Inside Story. Sy was a consistent professional, and has a great eye for design. I gave him an overall of the feel I wanted, and he went with it to pick out perfect items. I am very pleased how my condo turned out, and would highly recommend Sy. read more

Sy was recommended to me by a close friend that had used him on several projects and my first experience with him was with a complete remodel of a large ranch home, inside and out. His recommendation of contractor and subs, fabricators of his design of cabinets/furniture were excellent and the timely progress and coordination of everything was amazing. (I have heard many horror stories.) Since I like to be a "hands-on" person, Sy worked with enhancing and taking what I communicated with him to the next level and the results were beyond what I could have ever imagined. His sense with space and color, along with having the sources and ability to work in ones budget has always been an asset. I have since used him on three other complete interiors with each project being totally a different concept. He is extremely detail oriented and can communicate his ideas to both the client and contractor/fabricator with his detailed sketches of elevations, so there are no "surprises" in the end. Sy is not only a true professional, but goes a step beyond by making sure every little detail is addressed. It truly pays to use a professional like him and have found that it has actually been a savings with the added perk of having things done correctly, as well as end up with an amazing home to enjoy. I am a TRUE Sy fan - If you are looking for a professional to enhance your home/business (no matter how small) with his special touches, and you use him, you will become one too! :-) read more

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. read more

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! read more