Sarah Tract has always known she would become an interior designer. Born and raised in Long Island, New York, while her peers were interested in dressing themselves, Sarah was more interested in dressing the home. Her interest in interior design solidified the summer before her freshman year of college, when she interned at a notable Long Island-based architecture firm as a Junior Designer. In early 2023, after the blessing of her boss and mentor, at just 26 years old, Sarah ventured out on her own, establishing her own interior design studio. Though not even a year old, Sarah Tract Interiors is already making waves in the New York Metropolitan area, thanks to Sarah’s expertise in city dwellings and her playful approach to design. See Sarah’s New York-inspired designs in today’s Designer Friday.
This powder room comes alive with vibrant Schumacher butterfly wallpaper, balanced by the bold marble vanity and playful mirror.
Andrew Joseph: How do you stay creative and inspired?
ST: Social media is a great tool for inspiration. My nightly scroll through Pinterest and Instagram fuels my creativity — you should see everything I have saved! Even if I’m not working on a new project, I always save what I find for inspiration later on. While trends are fun and can serve as inspiration, I often remind myself that they come and go, and it’s more important to stay true to myself.
AJ: Can you tell us about a specific moment in your career that made you feel accomplished?
ST: I was recently asked to participate in this summer’s Holiday House Hamptons. It was a huge honor to be invited! It made me really feel like I had made a name for myself. I also recently finished my first ground-up project. Knowing that my clients are happy and complete in their home is the most fulfilling feeling of all!
This bright home office pairs calming neutrals with playful accents, all framing the stunning city view as the backdrop.
AJ: How do you approach designing for different types of clients?
ST: I think it’s really important to be versatile in design and style. At the end of the day, the client is the one living in the home, not me, and I want it to be a reflection of what we can accomplish together. A lot of the time clients send inspiration and direction, however, it’s up to us as designers to nail down the style to get it right. No two clients are the same, and neither are their preferences and tastes, and it’s my job to act as a guide to ensure the vision comes to life.
AJ: How do you balance functionality and aesthetics in your designs?
ST: I love designing for families! It challenges me to think outside of the box and ensure that our selections withstand the test of time by holding up to wear and tear. One way I do this is by choosing functional fabrics and materials. There are so many stunning fabrics that are designed for outdoor use, which means you can’t destroy them! Durability is key when designing for homes with children and pets.
Rounded shapes in the art and furniture create a welcoming dining space, while playful curves in the accents seamlessly tie the room together.
AJ: How do you incorporate art into your designs?
ST: I’m a firm believer that art completes the home. I often wait to select art for a project until the end. Because it’s completely subjective, it will always be personal and unique to the client. While I can make suggestions for pieces, if something speaks to a client, I will find a way to make it work with the space. Contrary to popular belief, art does not need to perfectly match the home!
Photography by Reid Rolls.
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