We thought we couldn’t possibly love Sydne Summer any more — as one of our favorite fashion and lifestyle bloggers, we’re constantly looking to Sydne for advice on what to wear and how to wear it. Thankfully for us, there’s more to love about Sydne — her seriously impressive interior design skills! Sydne walked us through her gorgeous West Hollywood home to show us her neutral design palette, the spaces she utilizes for photo and video shoots, and all her use of subtle color and cozy texture. It’s the perfect blend of modern and feminine — and you’re going to love it as much as we do!
Name: Sydne Summer, Fashion & Lifestyle Blogger
Age: 32
Current Location: West Hollywood, CA
Rent or Own: Own
Sq. Ft.: 740
Years Lived In: 10
We LOVE your blog, Sydne Style. How did your blogging career begin?
Thanks so much! I started my blog when I was a fashion editor at Style Network. It was a hobby I did after work to document my daily outfits. I eventually left to work on my blog full time.
You’ve also been known to contribute to some of our favorite TV channels (like E!, Bravo, and more). Tell us about the on-air aspect of your career.
I love doing TV because it’s an extension of my blog and YouTube channel. I go on air to talk about the latest fashion trends. My favorite part is getting to show clothing for women of all ages and sizes. It’s also fun to get to dabble in men’s fashion and children’s fashion when I’m on-air.
What do you wish more people would understand about being a professional blogger?
That it’s hard work! A lot of people think bloggers just go around taking pictures of themselves. But I treat Sydne Style like a website. I have an editorial calendar. I plan out content in advance. I have a social media strategy to implement content on all my various channels. It’s much more than taking pretty pictures.
We featured your home years ago when you first got it. How has it changed since then?
When I first moved in, I didn’t do anything to my home aside from decor. After ten years, I decided I needed a refresh. It started as a small project. I was only planning to replace the floors that got damaged by rain and paint the cabinets. But it quickly turned into a three-month full renovation. I worked with designer Jean Luxe to figure out an open concept plan. We knocked down the closed counter in my kitchen for an open island design. We completely redid the bathrooms and played around with various white textures, like marble, quartz, and glass. I now feel like it’s totally me and an extension of my blog.
What do you enjoy about West Hollywood? Why did you decide to call it home?
West Hollywood is very central to all my events and showrooms. I hate driving in LA (traffic is the worst!), so I wanted to be close to everywhere I have to go for work. I also love my area because I can walk to great restaurants, shops, the grocery store, and my workout studio.
How would you describe your design style?
Soft modern. I love modern design but I have a very feminine style. So we softened everything with curved lines and cozy textures.
What’s your favorite thing about your home?
My vanity table. It was a gift from my grandparents before they passed. I had it refinished and added new knobs so it fit with the new vibe of my home.
When renovating, what one aspect did you not want to compromise? What was your starting point?
Materials were very important to me. Since I own my condo, I wanted to have materials that last, since it’s good for resale. I went with tile that looks like hardwood and quartz, which holds up way better than marble.
We love your neutral decor with a few splashes of color. This is harder than it sounds to achieve — how’d you do it?
Thanks! My overall theme was obviously white. But having an entirely white space is pretty insane. So I added in mixed metallics. Mixing rose gold, silver, and gold actually made designing easier since I didn’t have to worry about a piece not having matching finishings. Then I added a few blush accents to go with the rose gold. Blush is such a great feminine neutral that goes with everything from my green succulent arrangements to the yellow lemon photograph that I DIYed with my photographer, Michelle Kyle.
What’s next for you and your career? What can we expect to see on Sydne Style in the coming months?
Sydne Style is getting a makeover for 2018! When I began my blog it was purely fashion. But over the years I’ve expanded to beauty, lifestyle, and travel. While fashion will always be my core, the new site will reflect the expansion of content.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received (in terms of design or otherwise)?
Less is more. I utilized this in every aspect of my home — from the renovation to the decor. While I love looking at eclectic homes full of various decor, I’m most happy in a clean space. When you take a step back and only use materials and pieces you really love, you’re able to focus on what’s really special.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Don’t worry about what other people think or what other people are doing. Focus on yourself and being the best person you can be.
Sydne Summer is The Everygirl…
Fashion trend you never want to see again?
Real fur
Favorite fashion trend of 2017?
Sock booties
Most-played song on your Spotify?
“Cold Little Heart” by Michael Kiwanuka
Starbucks order?
Matcha coconut milk latte
If you could have lunch with any woman, who would it be and why?
Sarah Jessica Parker. I’ve always admired her career, fashion sense, and beliefs.