Sarah Hermans
Decorating Den Interiors, Suburban Philadelphia, PA.
Where do you primarily source your rugs?
My primary source is Surya Rugs. I love their range, from hand knotted to machine made. It’s a great company to fit many different clients’ budgets. Also their styles are fantastic with lots of transitional and, of course, traditional.
I attend the High Point market, and since we are a franchise, every year we have a conference where all our major suppliers attend. We get to see their products, if we haven’t already. It’s sort of like our own market!
What is your biggest design rule and why?
Based on learning from experience, I have to say that the client comes first. You can look at a room and have such a fabulous vision of what it could be, but if the client doesn’t “gel” with it, you have to let it go. Really listening to what your client tells you then executing it is key. Obviously if they don’t like it, you are toast!
Do you have a favorite style or fiber of area rug?
Hand knotted, very subtle and faded, is my personal favorite. Something that looks like it could be an heirloom. I find those kinds of rugs look good with almost any style of room.
Do you decorate many designer showhouse rooms?
Back when I was a decorative painter, I designed two spaces at the Vassar Show House, now sadly no longer running. I also did a space at a showhouse called the Dog Haus! The proceeds went to the SPCA. This past spring I did two rooms at a new showhouse that just started up called the Oxford Art Alliance Show House in Chadds Ford, PA. I designed an outdoor balcony area and a vestibule.
How often do you purchase a custom rug?
I would say at least once a month for my clients. I do shop online and use catalogs, but more often online. Of course I always get a sample. You just never know!
Want to see more? Go to www.decdens.com/sarah.
