A striped, ruffled-edge sofa nods to 80s silhouettes, set against a chinoiserie-style mural that brings a storybook charm. Photography: Brittany Dawn
Andrew Joseph: Can you describe your design philosophy in three words?
Sarah Stacey: Distinctive, intentional, emotive.
AJ: How do you balance functionality and aesthetics in your designs?
SS: To me, functionality and aesthetics go hand in hand. If a design isn’t functional, it’s not beautiful. I start by understanding how a space should feel and work for the client, and that guides everything else. For example, we’ll find sofas and chairs that are comfortable based on how each client defines comfort, because everyone’s “perfect” seat feels a little different. From there, we pick tables with a purpose in mind, like where people might put their drinks, and layer in lighting, fabric patterns, and colors that bring it all together. It’s about creating a space that not only looks good but feels effortless to live in.
AJ: How do you incorporate client feedback into your designs?
SS: It’s all about listening and collaboration. I love getting to know my clients, asking questions and creating an open dialogue where their feedback is part of the process. Each bit of feedback adds depth and brings us closer to a design that feels right to them. I work closely with clients from the beginning to understand their lifestyle and any specific requests, making sure that as the design evolves, their style is woven in naturally. It’s their space, after all, and I want it to feel like them in every way.
This jewel-toned bedroom layers hand-painted florals over a burnished backdrop, setting the stage for bold artwork and velvet tiger-stripe pillows that add richness and depth. Photography: Brittany Dawn
AJ: How do you stay organized while working on multiple projects?
SS: Organization is everything when you’re juggling different timelines. I rely on project management tools like Asana and Studio Designer to keep things on track and make sure each project gets the attention it deserves. I also have regular check-ins with my team, so we’re all aligned, and any issues are addressed quickly.
AJ: How do you approach designing for a client with a specific style in mind?
SS: When a client has a particular style, I see it as a foundation to build on. I love to stay true to their aesthetic while introducing some unexpected elements they may not have thought of. This process lets their style evolve naturally through the design. We research, explore variations and add a fresh twist that makes it uniquely theirs. It’s about respecting their preferences but bringing in details that reflect who they are in ways they might not have anticipated.
AJ: Can you describe a project where you had to work within a limited space?
SS: I once designed a reading nook in a small, oddly shaped area as part of a larger project. We worked with the space by adding antique shelves for personal items and books and choosing a chair that fit perfectly. Then we upholstered the walls and ceiling in fabric to match the drapery, creating a space that can be closed off for privacy. The result was a small corner that feels like its own little escape.
AJ: What was the last book you read and how did it inspire you?
SS: The last book I read was All Fours by Miranda July. It’s a quirky, intimate story that really digs into the weirdness of human relationships. July’s perspective on the unusual in everyday life made it a fun read.
With checkerboard marble floors and shapely pedestal sinks, this bath blends vintage charm with a crisp, tailored palette and a touch of greenery for balance. Avery Nicole Photography
AJ: How do you incorporate art into your designs?
SS: Art is one of my favorite parts of a project — it’s often that final, defining touch that completes the space. I love sourcing vintage and antique pieces that hold a sense of meaning and history. By the time we’re selecting art, I know my clients well enough to find pieces that truly reflect them. We often install art rails, which allow for a rotating gallery feel and add a polished, sophisticated element to the design. Art rails give clients flexibility, letting the space evolve with new pieces while always feeling finished and intentional.
AJ: If you weren’t a designer, what would you be and why?
SS: If I weren’t a designer, I’d probably be a gardener. I absolutely love working in my flowerbeds. Being outside and getting my hands in the dirt is definitely a type of therapy — there’s something so satisfying and grounding about it.
AJ: What would your dream project or dream client be right now?
SS: My dream project would be designing a boutique hotel in a historic building — probably somewhere like New Orleans. I think our team would thrive on bringing together history, culture, and a little bit of wonder into the design. It would be an incredible opportunity to create an immersive experience for guests.
Like what you see? Get it first with a subscription to aspire design and home magazine.