Sarah Barnard, ASID

Sarah Barnard Design, Santa Monica, CA

 How do you start your projects?

I start by getting to know the clients and gaining an understanding of the project’s functional requirements. I do a number of exercises with my clients to help clarify their material preferences in the early stages.

I specify rugs as an integral part of the overall materials scheme. An antique rug can be the foundation of a room’s design, while another aesthetic might require a custom-made contemporary rug to complement a highly stylized space.

I really believe that a beautiful environment can improve the mood of the people within it. Because of this understanding I generally reject design trends of all kinds and

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encourage clients to simply live in what they love.

How important is being “green” to you?

Pretty important. I serve on the Santa Monica Conservancy’s board of directors and specialize in green interior design and historic preservation.

I am a member of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID), am certified by the National Kitchen and Bath Association, and am recognized by the International Institute of Bau-Biologie & Ecology as a Building Biology Practitioner (BBP), and by the U.S. Green Building Council as a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Accredited Professional (LEED AP).

Do you have a favorite fiber or style of area rug?

I really love silk, wool, alpaca, bamboo and banana silk fibers.

I often specify custom rugs in one beautiful solid fiber, as well as combinations of multiple natural fibers. I actually almost always end up using custom rugs unless the client has an existing rug collection.

Do you have a favorite source? 

Locally I rely on the West Hollywood Showroom Decorative Carpets, and also like Niba and Marc Phillips for out-of-town sources. I frequent the Pacific Design Center and the Los Angeles Mart. I occasionally visit the High Point and Las Vegas markets, but frankly find most of what I need locally. I really appreciate being able to access vendor catalogs online.  I do however always require a visit to a showroom or at minimum, yarn poms to make a purchasing decision.

Want to see more?  Go to www.sarahbarnard.com

 

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