After years of living in a rural area, Sara Deane’s clients decided to relocate full-time to their second residence in Newport, Rhode Island. And they needed Sara’s help to update the home. Sara, who describes her style as approachable, collected and comfortable, said the goal was “to create more usable space for the clients' everyday lifestyle within the existing footprint of the home.” Given its ocean-ready location, Sara drew on the local landscape for inspiration, as well as her clients’ own interests: namely, their art collection and their love of both pattern and color.
Sara’s design process
Sara, who cites design-world influences including Jeffrey Bilhuber, Katie Ridder, David Netto, Virginia Tupker, Oscar de la Renta, Lulu Lytle, and Beata Heumann among her style icons, begins her design process with an extensive intake form that helps nail down initial client preferences before she begins concepting. “Depending on the scope of the project, the design process can be wrapped up with one to three design presentation meetings. Once clients have agreed to selections and the overall design, we move forward with pricing and purchasing with clients' approval. We track all orders on an ongoing process, and schedule installations accordingly,” she explains.
It’s in the design details
For the Newport home, while the process itself was smooth, the residence wasn’t without its own hurdles. “The obstacles of the space are that it's very vertical, so each floor needs to make every inch count,” reflects Sara. “Additionally, there is a big mix of high and low ceiling lines, angled walls, and soffits in between open floor plans.” She balanced the challenges with creativity and the help of some extra special artisans.
An important artisan collab
When asked which is her favorite element of the residence, Sara exclaims, “Many!” She employed help from a myriad of skilled artisans: from upholstery workrooms and millwork specialists to seamstresses for window treatments and artists for custom case goods. “It's hard to pick a favorite element, but I think the most practical, and still beautiful, part of the home is the banquette seating in the kitchen,” says Sara. “Our millwork team, upholstery workroom and I worked closely together to bring that to fruition, making sure that it was attractive, durable, comfortable, and practical all at the same time.”
Interested in learning more about Sara’s process — and her vision for your home? Book a consultation here.
