Sarah Solis, the visionary behind Sarah Solis Design Studio, views design as an intimate reflection of one’s desired lifestyle, advocating for spaces that exude both comfort and individuality. Drawing inspiration from Wabi-Sabi, a Japanese philosophy that finds beauty in imperfection, Sarah creates environments resonating with emotion and familiarity. Having a rich background in fine arts, ceramics, and a career in fashion styling, her designs seamlessly merge luxury with nature, often sourcing antique furniture and using natural materials to create timeless spaces. Raised amidst the world of construction in LA and now residing in Malibu, her past experiences deeply influence her present-day creative process and design sensibility. Learn more about Sarah’s designs in today’s Designer Friday.
In this adobe-style desert haven, the bedroom’s built-in corner bench beckons for quiet moments and sunlit reflections.
Andres Joseph: What is something you hope to see trending in design in the future?
Sarah Solis: I hope to see more attention to the environment and sustainability in design. Natural, sustainable materials that are sourced from places that follow admirable processes. A large part of that is reusing and repurposing – more antiques and vintage.
AJ: What are your ideal weekend plans?
SS: Adventuring with my family! Heading out for a hike or hitting the city to eat great food and explore museums.
In this rustic-modern farmhouse dining room, a rich blue-gray from Farrow and Ball elegantly contrasts with a vibrant ocean painting by Sarah’s husband.
AJ: What’s something you always travel with?
SS: I have a moleskin notebook that I always travel with to journal and sketch, so I can write down ideas and make lots of lists right in the moment.
AJ: How would you describe your personal style?
SS: Well-tailored fashion, often monochromatic and minimal with high-fashion statement accessories.
AJ: What would your dream project or dream client be right now?
SS: Right now I would really love to do something in hospitality and a winery anywhere in the world!
This entryway gracefully bridges the outdoors and indoors with its natural accents. Stylish, functional hats adorn the wall, serving as both decor and inventive storage.
AJ: How do you define beauty?
SS: Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, it is everything everywhere. It just depends on how you’re looking at it. Something that evokes that magical feeling inside of you. Beauty inspires emotion.
AJ: Favorite tea to decompress, and in what mug?
SS: Peppermint tea. I am a mint tea enthusiast. I use my travel mugs because I literally drink tea all day long. But if I’m at home, I have this incredible vintage Hermes tea set.
About the Designer | Sarah Solis believes that beautiful design is comfortable and personal, and that our environments should reflect the kind of lives we want to lead. Through all her projects, she utilizes natural materials to create both environmentally conscious and timeless spaces. An expert on sourcing and styling antique and vintage furniture Sarah’s own aesthetic combines a unique balance of luxury and a deep attachment to the natural world.
An LA native, Sarah is the daughter of a contractor who grew up on construction sites, first studying Interior Design before shifting her focus to a degree in Fine Art and Art History that resulted in a 15-year career in fashion styling. Sarah’s background in art and fashion has strongly informed her sensibility and fundamentally shaped her creative process and appreciation for thoughtful, curated design. Today, she lives in Malibu with her two young children and husband.
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