the real raleigh :: jeff snyder

Name Jeff Snyder
Occupation Owner of Simon’s House Interiors

Who do you live with My husband Paul, our cats Jeremiah, Trixie, Calvin, Simon and Nina, and our dog/shopgirl Sophie
What’s your sign Virgo

Describe your style in 3 words I’d say a blend of casual, classic and contemporary
Your favorite 3 things in your house A glass waterfall console from the long gone Storehouse, black leather Rue Royale Lounge chairs from Ralph Lauren, and the art in our family room by our friend and Baltimore artist Kelly Walker

You’ve done an amazing job at making a new house feel special - what were some of your tricks Proper use of space was particularly challenging. I look at rooms from every angle, looking for gaps and opportunities for placement of items (including walls) - our homes are not one dimensional so we shouldn’t decorate as if they are. I made changes that resulted in a formal dining and living room becoming one large, comfortable living area - hands down my best decision for our home. And I focused on removal and replacement of the things that are practical choices by a builder: bulky bathroom vanities; traditional stair balusters; tile choices; flooring finishes; etc. We waited years to do this for obvious reasons, but I’m so thankful we had the opportunity to really make those important changes that allowed the house to finally feel complete and custom to what we wanted.

Fool proof dinner party tip Ina Garten’s recipes
Favorite cocktail Campari and club soda

If you could have any designer work on your dream home, who would it be? Thomas O’Brien
What’s always in your refrigerator Skim milk, Rosé, half & half, parmesan cheese, capers, tomato paste

Necessary extravagance/simple indulgence Flying international Business Class/salted caramel anything
A book you've read more than once The Grapes of Wrath

What do you like to do in your home Use and enjoy it. We drink out of our best glasses, use our best china and sit on our white sofas without fear.
Dream dinner party guests Ina Garten; Lily Tomlin; designers Joe Lucas and Thomas O’Brien; Charlotte, Samantha, Carrie and Miranda; our closest friends

Who would you want to play you in your biopic John Stamos (don’t judge)
Netflix obsession Grace and Frankie

What would be your perfect weekend A sunny weekend in Manhattan with lunch at Bar Boulud, drinks at Tarallucci E Vino and The Polo Bar (I’ve not been yet!), dinner at Aroma Kitchen and Winebar, visits to the D&D Building, ABC Carpet and Home, and Aero

Where is the last place you traveled The Maldives
What did you bring back A healthier liver - alcohol was super expensive so only one drink a day

What smell do you love Citrus
How do you unwind A glass or three of wine in the evening

3 favorite things about your house Our dining room turned lounge/living space; its floor plan; and that it fully reflects our style
The farthest you have been from home Bali

What’s really important to you right now Being confident in the decisions that I make for my business
What’s the most important thing you’ve learned this year Accept the lows and celebrate the highs

Favorite restaurant Ad Hoc, Yountville, CA
Favorite hotel Marques de Riscal, Elciego, Spain

photos by anna routh