Sarah is photographed wearing our Eileen Relaxed Button-Up in White Casual Cotton and our Wicklow Italian Chino.
SARAH: Design has always been central to who I am. From a young age, I found joy in space planning and selecting furniture with my parents, eagerly hunting for unique pieces and antiques at flea markets. I especially loved joining my dad on visits to construction sites—even if it meant sneaking away from school. My passion was evident early on; I was the only girl in my middle school woodshop designing furniture, my first piece being a chair.
After completing design school, I received enticing job offers from notable firms, but a deeper curiosity about art and history led me to pursue a second degree in Art History and Fine Arts. This education enriched my understanding of design, allowing me to see the evolution of style, form, and function through various cultural lenses. I then ventured into the world of fashion styling for nearly a decade, gaining invaluable experience in aesthetics, color, and texture. Eventually, my journey brought me back to interior design, where I could apply all these layered experiences.
Though it wasn’t a straightforward path, it has been incredibly fulfilling. Each step has deepened my creative perspective and enriched my work in ways I couldn’t have anticipated, enabling me to share a well-rounded approach with my team and clients.
SARAH: Design has always been central to who I am. From a young age, I found joy in space planning and selecting furniture with my parents, eagerly hunting for unique pieces and antiques at flea markets. I especially loved joining my dad on visits to construction sites—even if it meant sneaking away from school. My passion was evident early on; I was the only girl in my middle school woodshop designing furniture, my first piece being a chair.
After completing design school, I received enticing job offers from notable firms, but a deeper curiosity about art and history led me to pursue a second degree in Art History and Fine Arts. This education enriched my understanding of design, allowing me to see the evolution of style, form, and function through various cultural lenses. I then ventured into the world of fashion styling for nearly a decade, gaining invaluable experience in aesthetics, color, and texture. Eventually, my journey brought me back to interior design, where I could apply all these layered experiences.
Though it wasn’t a straightforward path, it has been incredibly fulfilling. Each step has deepened my creative perspective and enriched my work in ways I couldn’t have anticipated, enabling me to share a well-rounded approach with my team and clients.
SARAH: One of my greatest sources of inspiration is nature itself. Malibu embodies the California landscape and lifestyle with its breathtaking ocean vistas, rugged hills, and tranquil small-town atmosphere. The landscape provides a rich, natural palette—from the green, gold, and amber tones of the foliage to the calming blues of the ocean and the sandy hues of the beaches. These colors inspire the palette I choose, bringing warmth and serenity into each space. The Malibu environment influences my design approach in countless ways, encouraging a balance of calm, understated luxury, and a sense of harmony that reflects serene beauty.
SARAH: One of my greatest sources of inspiration is nature itself. Malibu embodies the California landscape and lifestyle with its breathtaking ocean vistas, rugged hills, and tranquil small-town atmosphere. The landscape provides a rich, natural palette—from the green, gold, and amber tones of the foliage to the calming blues of the ocean and the sandy hues of the beaches. These colors inspire the palette I choose, bringing warmth and serenity into each space. The Malibu environment influences my design approach in countless ways, encouraging a balance of calm, understated luxury, and a sense of harmony that reflects serene beauty.
Sarah is photographed wearing our Eileen Relaxed Button-Up in White Casual Cotton and our Wicklow Italian Chino.
Sarah is photographed wearing our Monterey Rolled Funnel Neck Sweater in Cream and our Blackrock Utility Pant in Chalk Italian Peached Twill.
SARAH: Much like my approach to interior design, my personal style embodies quiet luxury. I prioritize quality, fit, and tailoring above all, believing that the way clothing feels can be just as important as how it looks—there’s a certain confidence that comes from wearing something truly well-made. I love mixing new and vintage pieces, creating a timeless, layered look that mirrors my design ethos.
A neutral color palette is my go-to; it’s effortlessly chic and versatile. My favorite pieces are those that can transition seamlessly between occasions, like a perfectly tailored button-up or statement sunglasses. These staples bring elegance and ease to my wardrobe, balancing classic elements. Just as in my work, I’m drawn to pieces with character and enduring appeal, where understated luxury shines through in every detail. The Eileen relaxed button up shirts in famous denim black and white are all time faves.
SARAH: Much like my approach to interior design, my personal style embodies quiet luxury. I prioritize quality, fit, and tailoring above all, believing that the way clothing feels can be just as important as how it looks—there’s a certain confidence that comes from wearing something truly well-made. I love mixing new and vintage pieces, creating a timeless, layered look that mirrors my design ethos.
A neutral color palette is my go-to; it’s effortlessly chic and versatile. My favorite pieces are those that can transition seamlessly between occasions, like a perfectly tailored button-up or statement sunglasses. These staples bring elegance and ease to my wardrobe, balancing classic elements. Just as in my work, I’m drawn to pieces with character and enduring appeal, where understated luxury shines through in every detail. The Eileen relaxed button up shirts in famous denim black and white are all time faves.
F&E: Can you share a specific project or accomplishment that you’re particularly proud of?
SARAH: I’m genuinely proud of every project I’ve had the honor to be part of, each offering unique challenges and rewards. However, my own family home in Malibu stands out as an especially meaningful accomplishment and deeply personal passion project. This home allowed me to explore and express a fresh perspective on traditional design, blending classic elements with modern warmth and functionality.
The process came with its share of unexpected challenges, but they only made the outcome more rewarding. I’m incredibly proud of the atmosphere we created—a space that feels both timeless and inviting. Designing my own home has been a rare opportunity to craft an environment that reflects my style entirely, without compromise, allowing every detail to resonate with my aesthetic vision and love for tradition reimagined.
F&E: What emerging design trends do you think will shape the future of interior design, and how are you adapting to them?
SARAH: Emerging design trends are leaning strongly toward creating spaces that feel more personal, intentional, and deeply connected to nature. As people seek more meaning and balance in their environments, I see a rising emphasis on sustainable materials, craftsmanship, and a slower, more thoughtful approach to design. There’s also a shift toward organic shapes, earthy tones, and natural textures that ground and soften interiors.
I’m adapting to these shifts by sourcing more sustainable and artisanal materials, working with local craftspeople, and selecting timeless pieces that go beyond trends. My focus is on creating spaces with soul—interiors that feel warm, curated, and enduring. As the demand for individual expression grows, I aim to bring a sense of quiet luxury and a refined palette to each project, celebrating pieces that tell a story and contribute to a more mindful, sustainable way of living.
Sarah is photographed wearing our Eileen Relaxed Button-Up in Black Famous Denim and our Wicklow Italian Chino.
SARAH: Staying inspired while managing multiple projects comes down to balancing my work and personal life, allowing space for creativity to flourish. My two greatest sources of inspiration are travel and nature. Traveling exposes me to diverse cultures, architecture, and design perspectives, all of which broaden my view and bring fresh ideas that I can incorporate into my projects. Nature, on the other hand, grounds me—its colors, textures, and organic forms are a constant reminder of the beauty in simplicity and authenticity.
I also make time for reflection, allowing myself to absorb new experiences rather than rushing through them. By finding this balance and drawing from experiences outside of work, I can approach each project with a renewed sense of enthusiasm and originality.
SARAH: Staying inspired while managing multiple projects comes down to balancing my work and personal life, allowing space for creativity to flourish. My two greatest sources of inspiration are travel and nature. Traveling exposes me to diverse cultures, architecture, and design perspectives, all of which broaden my view and bring fresh ideas that I can incorporate into my projects. Nature, on the other hand, grounds me—its colors, textures, and organic forms are a constant reminder of the beauty in simplicity and authenticity.
I also make time for reflection, allowing myself to absorb new experiences rather than rushing through them. By finding this balance and drawing from experiences outside of work, I can approach each project with a renewed sense of enthusiasm and originality.
SARAH: Our focus remains on embracing the design process and sharing beauty with the world. We’re thrilled to have recently launched Galerie Solis, our furniture collection and retail site, which offers a glimpse into our aesthetic and values. With our initial 11-piece heritage collection, we’ve created pieces that reflect timeless craftsmanship and understated elegance, and we look forward to expanding this line further. Alongside the collection, Galerie Solis showcases a curated selection of hand-picked antiques and decor elements that resonate with our studio’s ethos.
In addition, we’re launching the Galerie Solis journal, where we’ll be sharing insights into travel, culture, and wellness—three pillars that inspire our work. Our hope is that this journal becomes a resource and an inspiration for our community, connecting them to the beauty and richness of a well-lived life.
SARAH: Our focus remains on embracing the design process and sharing beauty with the world. We’re thrilled to have recently launched Galerie Solis, our furniture collection and retail site, which offers a glimpse into our aesthetic and values. With our initial 11-piece heritage collection, we’ve created pieces that reflect timeless craftsmanship and understated elegance, and we look forward to expanding this line further. Alongside the collection, Galerie Solis showcases a curated selection of hand-picked antiques and decor elements that resonate with our studio’s ethos.
In addition, we’re launching the Galerie Solis journal, where we’ll be sharing insights into travel, culture, and wellness—three pillars that inspire our work. Our hope is that this journal becomes a resource and an inspiration for our community, connecting them to the beauty and richness of a well-lived life.
Sarah is photographed wearing our Eileen Relaxed Button-Up in Black Famous Denim and our Wicklow Italian Chino.
Thanks for cozying up for 'a cuppa with' Sarah!
To keep up with Sarah, her design studio, and Galerie Solis:
MORE 'A CUPPA WITH'
MONELLE TOTAH
Owner and Founder of Hudson Grace
"After seeing the artistry in European ceramics, fabrics and so on, it came quite naturally to build a brand based on items that we found that were unlike anything else we had seen in the marketplace."
LIZZY MATHIS
Executive Producer, Founder of The Cool Mom Co.
"I watched my mother and grandmother serve love on a plate throughout my childhood, and it brings me so much joy to do the same for the people I love and to share those recipes with the world."
ALEX YESKE
Founder of Alex Yeske Interiors
"I do a ton of antiquing, visiting estate sales and flea markets, which really shows through the curation of objects and pieces throughout our home."