Willow Glen Resident
Business
Photograph by Vicki Thompson
Welcome Addition: John Garland Tyson, owner of Tyson Interiors, recently opened in the Garden Theater. He specializes in eco-friendly, fair trade products from countries such a Thailand and India.
Tyson Interiors is a traveler's delight without leaving home
By Mayra Flores De Marcotte
Since he was a child, John Garland Tyson knew he loved to decorate.
A third generation Willow Glen resident, Tyson decided to make his flair for design into a business. On Nov. 25, he opened his first interior design and home furnishing store, Tyson Interiors in the Garden Theater.
"It just felt natural," Tyson says. "It's my first adventure in store ownership."
Tyson overhauled the former campaign headquarters of Michael Mulcahy, which is located across from the U.S. Post Office. He removed walls to create a sense of spaciousness.
Avocado shaded walls as well as aluminum antelope heads with twisted horns now greet customers as they make their way into Tyson's boutique.
Eclectic music and brightly colored sofas with rich faux-fur throws create a home-style ambiance.
"I wanted to create a feeling and make the store more of an experience," Tyson says. "I want to help people with their nests."
Tyson's home furnishing store consists of imported goods of limited quantity from Thailand, India, China and the Philippines.
"These are things that people haven't seen before," Tyson says. "It's a different look. It's not over-the-top Asian. It's comfortable, casual and sophisticated."
Himalayan cashmere and hand-woven silks from Thailand hint at the exotic nature of his store. Tyson described the looks as, "Ethnic Chic."
"I've been to Thailand twice, and I love the people and environment," he says. "The combination of the look and culture makes me feel good about bringing these items into my store."
The splash of colors, and the 100-year-old Chinese wood carving of a dragon's head on display have gotten Tyson more than just curious stares.
"Some people have stopped by and thanked me for bringing this kind of store to Willow Glen," Tyson says. "Others have said that this store has helped bring the Garden Theater up a notch in looks."
Along with home furnishings, Tyson also does interior design consultations. Customers often come into the store with a pencil and tape measure in hand. Tyson consults with clients whose taste range from traditional to those living in modern lofts seeking advice.
As for his new store, he says, "Many people say they feel like they can just move in. It takes people out of their comfort zone, in a good way."
Tyson Interiors is located at 1165 Lincoln Ave. Suite 125. For more information, call 408.289.8725.
