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Shiree Segerstrom loves stacks of hard-bound books -- not just for reading, but for their appearance.

"They're my favorite accessory," said the Sacramento interior designer. "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. Among her clients are former Kings president John and Wendy Thomas, who redecorated their 4,000-square-foot Los Lagos home in Granite Bay, and well-known turkey ranchers Tim and Joan Diestel of Sonora.

"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, reflecting the economy.

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.

"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 in Elk Grove and worked together on their Sonora dream house, which they bought 11 years ago.

"Losing Jim was quite a tragedy in my life," she said.

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."

Several of her clients have become her friends.

"I had never worked with a designer before," said Charlene Deaver, a retired teacher. "But we just clicked from the get-go. We've become fast friends. She's warm and funny."

Charlene and her husband, John Deaver, moved to the Sierra foothills from the Monterey peninsula. They hired Segerstrom to help them fit into a "very unusual house with unusual spaces" that sits on stilts overlooking Sonora.

"When I first met Shiree, she said, 'Let's go shopping -- in your garage,' " Charlene recalled. "That really endeared her to me. She took all these beautiful antiques that we had stored and incorporated them into this house. Now, every time I walk in the door, I think, 'I love my home.'

"That's a real gift," she added. "Shiree's got a real talent for knowing what you want. She makes every house look like the person who lives there. I know she made this house sparkle."

Soon after its makeover, the Deavers' house was featured on a foothills home tour. "People walked in and said, 'I could live here!' " Deaver added. "That was the greatest compliment."

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.

Recently, Segerstrom became engaged to David Zian, who works for the state architect division in California's Department of General Services. They met through mutual friends.

In addition to healing her heart, the relationship has meant she now bases her work in Sacramento, a city she sees in need of some love.

"Sacramento could use some freshening up," she said with a smile. "It's a beautiful city. Sacramento should embrace its sophistication. There are a lot of good designers here."

HOW TO COZY UP A ROOM

Sacramento designer Shiree Segerstrom shared these tips for creating a classic Cozy Chic feel:

1. Start with simple stylish updates.

"Modern lamps add impact," she said. "Even if you're sticking with a vintage look, new lighting immediately updates a house. People don't realize what an impact it has."

2. Make easy decorative changes.

"Fabric works wonders. I like big florals. Make new pillows. Add some plants and floral arrangements such as -- my favorite -- a big bouquet of chartreuse hydrangeas. Drape a nice throw on the sofa."

3. Show off some hardcover books.

Not just on the coffee table, but other surfaces, too. They show personality and make a room feel lived in.

4. Balance masculine and feminine elements.

Hard vs. soft, dark vs. light; it's a tension that works, Segerstrom said. Adding floral prints to dark oak antiques softens and updates their look. Mixing old and new items also creates that duality.

5. Start with what you have, then purchase additions carefully.

"You'll be amazed at what you find in your own home. A dresser can come out of the bedroom and become a dining-room sideboard. Put a large mirror over it -- instant impact."

6. Surround yourself with colors you love.

Favorite colors show your personality and also help make you feel better. If you love to wear blue and yellow, consider those colors for decorating your rooms.

7. Pictures of people help make a room feel personal.

Use family photos or portraits, but also consider vintage portrait paintings.

For more ideas and information on Room Service or Design in a Box, visit www.shireesegerstrom.com. Segerstrom also writes a design blog: joyofnesting.blogspot.com.

Copyright (c) 2011, The Sacramento Bee, Calif. 

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