Sara Story
Since founding her eponymous design firm, Sara Story has forged a reputation for imparting to all of her projects an ineffable style she can truly call her own. Drawing inspiration from extensive travels, an active interest in contemporary art and fashion, and a rigorous lifestyle, Sara wields a keen eye to exact her aesthetic vision. The firm continues to work on residential and commercial projects worldwide and maintains several successful product collaborations, including wallpaper and hardware. Sara earned a B.F.A. from the University of San Diego and holds 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.
1. 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.
2. Has there been a defining moment in your career? Could you tell us about it?
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.
3. 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.
4. Can 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!
5. 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!
6. What is one of the hardest learned lessons in your practice?
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.
7. In your opinion, how has the world of interior design 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.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. 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!
11. What advice would you give to beginner 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.
12. What are your 3 favorite pieces from the Philia Collection?
- Planck, sculpted lighting by Jerome Pereira. I absolutely adore his work.
- I love a functional ceramic like the Anthari Functional Sculpture by Andrei Clontea.
- Also, the Junior chair by Gisbert Popper— its sculptural form is fantastic, and love the lacquer wood arms.
