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
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
