MAGAZINE · INTERVIEW

Sara Story

Sara Story is the founder and creative force behind her eponymous design studio, internationally recognized for interiors that blend refined elegance with a distinctive contemporary sensibility. Drawing inspiration from extensive travels, contemporary art, fashion, and architecture, Sara approaches each project with a strong visual language shaped by balance, materiality, and atmosphere.

Working across residential and commercial projects worldwide, the studio has also developed several successful product collaborations spanning wallpaper, hardware, and furnishings. Sara holds a B.F.A. from the University of San Diego and a degree in Interior Architecture from the Academy of Art University in San Francisco. She is also an active member of the Artemis Council of the New Museum, America’s Society, and the Design Leadership Network.

“I want interiors that are timeless and not trendy.”

INTERVIEW

What was one of the hardest learned lessons in your journey?

Take your time, do your work, check dimensions, draw everything into plan/ elevation, create schedules, dot your Is, and cross your Ts. Having a thought-out approach saves you a lot of time by not correcting errors and running around aimlessly. Also, stand up for what you believe in; when you cave into ideas you don’t believe in, they typically do not turn out well.

How do you think the interior design industry changed over the last decades?

The world of design is a lot more accessible now. The transparency of the process is more widely available, and the global design community is more visible through social media and technology.

You have spent a part of your childhood in Asia. Your mother was an art curator. Could you tell us how your interior design journey started? What is your first memory related to design?

My first memory of a design overhaul is ripping out my blue shag carpet to discover concrete. Excited about that—I painted it white, and a designer was created! Honestly, I was always aware of my surroundings and wanted to edit or make alterations. My family laughed and entertained my ideas. I knew early in life that it was my source of interest and passion.

Do you think there has been a defining moment in your career?

Finishing my ranch in Texas and receiving a call from Margaret Russell, who was the editor of Architecture Digest at the time, to let me know they had selected the project for the magazine was a career-defining moment. Then, perhaps it was achieving AD 100–a dream of mine.

What do you think is the key to a successful interior design? And what is the most important aspect when bringing pieces and ideas together?

A KEY aspect of a successful career as a designer is LISTENING to your clients. Your projects are to create successful spaces for your clients— so listening is vital. I also want interiors that are timeless and not trendy. I strive to continuously push for innovation in each project and grow as a designer. I want each project to be unique and special.

Could you tell us about one of the favorite projects that you worked on?

I am working on a project in Paris right now, which is inspiring. It’s a little bit of a departure in the sense that I am using more patterns, trims, and ‘decoration’ per se. It has a lot of layers and feels very chic and Parisian. It has been very fun!

You are pretty active in your lifestyle in terms of sports. How was your experience climbing Mount Kilimanjaro? Has it been a dream for many years? And how did it feel to achieve that?

Pushing myself physically, setting goals, and accomplishing them gives my life a lot of meaning and translates to my confidence and happiness. When you push yourself super hard, life’s challenges don’t seem as hard. Summiting Kilimanjaro and seeing the sun coming up and seeing the glacier, knowing it had done it… I had pushed myself way out of my comfort zone. It was pure exhilaration and a lot of tears. A new challenge awaits me!

How would you describe your signature style?

It’s whimsical and timeless, with an emphasis on statement lighting and art. I love a lot of organic forms, and textures mixed with some fun elements so as not to take it all too seriously.

How do you get inspired for your projects?

Art is a big design influence on me. The colors/ forms are inspiring to me. I also love decorative arts such as ceramics and sculptures.

Could you tell us about your new book “Art of Home”? Who should not miss out on this book?

My first book with Rizzoli is a thoughtful look at what influences my design process and how it relates to my projects. I selected nine residential projects varying in architecture from the West Coast to the East Coast, with stops in Texas. I wanted the projects to show a wide variety of architecture, location, and design. If you want to see some fantastic art and ceramics, you should not miss it!

What would be your advice to beginner interior designers?

Find a mentor! Work for someone you admire and work hard. You will learn a lot, like what you want and don’t want, which is just as important.