Author Archives: Kate Zylstra

Kate Zylstra

Kate L. Zylstra, LEED AP, ASID Allied Member

With both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in Interior Design, Kate’s passions lie in historic preservation and sustainable design. After graduating from Illinois State University she worked for a residential design firm based in Chicago where she specialized in kitchen and bath design. She then moved to Greensboro, NC to pursue her graduate degree and has since taken up residence in this great state where winter lasts only a few short months.

To contact Kate, call 866.436.8056 ext. 2622.

What are clients saying about Kate?

“Kate was very professional, quick to respond and most important she was very patient with my multitude of questions.”
–Patti B, Ramsey, NJ

“Our Sales Consultant Kate Zylstra was absolutely fantastic. So polite, and friendly, and knowledgeable, and helpful. I will be certain to recommend her to all my friends and family.”
–Stephen Z, Ashburn, VA

“Kate Zylstra was an excellent salesperson. Her communication before I got to the store was superior!”
–Barbara N, Bloomfield Hills, MI

“Couldn’t have been treated any better ~ Kate Zylstra was most patient, courteous and knowledgeable.”
–Joyce B, McGaheysville, VA

“I would like to commend Kate Zylstra for her wonderful help at Furnitureland. She was friendly, professional, had great advice about the different styles of furniture and a wonderful way with people. Thank you Kate.”
–Doris P, Gloucester, MA

What is a Fabulous Night’s Sleep Worth to You?

By Kate Zylstra | Published: April 13, 2012
Last month I was asked that very question during a training session at the Kingsdown, Inc. mattress factory in Mebane, NC. Most people in the mattress industry will tell you that the selection of your mattress is one of the most important decisions you’ll ever make. I tend to agree. You spend 1/3rd of your [...]
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5 Days to a New Home

By Kate Zylstra | Published: April 4, 2012
My favorite perk as a designer at Furnitureland South is the opportunity to meet and assist such a diverse clientele. I work with people from all over the world, each with their own personal style, resulting in unique interiors.  Last month I had the privilege of working with a great couple from Amman, Jordan. Their new home is scheduled for completion this [...]
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Four Fantastic Sources for Inspiration

By Kate Zylstra | Published: March 6, 2012
While you may think designers create entirely from their own thoughts, we typically derive inspiration elsewhere. Inspiration can come from any source, but the goal is to see things with a fresh perspective. Though there are countless sources for design inspiration, here are a few I gravitate toward when I need a boost: Nature I love being outside, regardless of the season [...]
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Back to Basics ~ Black and White

By Kate Zylstra | Published: January 19, 2012
It’s no surprise to me that I’m a big fan of black and white interiors {about 95% of my business attire is black and white}. While I enjoy the beauty color adds to an interior, black and white spaces evoke elegance and class. They create rich, upscale interiors that last for decades {b&w color schemes [...]
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Winter Wonderland

By Kate Zylstra | Published: January 10, 2012
The holidays have come and gone and to my disappointment, I still haven’t seen snow. Not that I expect much snow in central North Carolina, but I had hoped my visit to Chicago would include at least a dusting of fluffy white. Even though snow is a rarity here, I can still get in the winter [...]
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Small Home Solutions

By Kate Zylstra | Published: November 29, 2011
I love Bungalows – 1920’s/1930’s American Craftsman Bungalows to be exact. These homes exhibit so much character and charm, and they encourage community connectivity with a large front porch. The only problem is … they’re small. Most are 2-3 bedrooms, 1-2 baths, and under 1,800 sq ft. While some view this as a drawback, I [...]
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Beautiful Bedrooms

By Kate Zylstra | Published: November 7, 2011
While assisting clients in identifying the perfect bedroom suite, I frequently hear them express concerns about finding a group that coordinates but isn’t “matchy-matchy” (yes, that has become a technical design term). Before making any recommendations, I like to evaluate my client’s level of risk. It is perfectly acceptable to incorporate different finishes and styles [...]
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My Cozy Corner

By Kate Zylstra | Published: October 10, 2011
I am of the mindset that every woman needs a tranquil space. A personal, private, and peaceful space reserved just for her. At the end of a long day I crave a bit of quiet, even if it is just for a few minutes. For me, this area of the home doesn’t need numerous square [...]
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Fresh Colors to Love this Season

By Kate Zylstra | Published: September 13, 2011
I love fall. Everything about it. I love long walks in the park with crunching leaves under my feet, admiring the gorgeous hues of burgundy, goldenrod, and sienna erupting all around. I enjoy the crisp morning air that greets me as I take the dogs out first thing in the morning, cup of coffee in [...]
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Honoring Heirloom Quality

By Kate Zylstra | Published: July 15, 2011
It is pretty rare these days to find wood furniture {casegoods} still fully constructed in the United States. As more Americans refuse to pay the additional cost for high quality, American-made furniture, our manufacturers are forced to move production overseas to cut costs and stay afloat in this poor economy. Hopefully many of our readers [...]
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