Talk Shop: Sara Fitzgerald O’Brien // Sara Fitz
ABOUT SARA
With a love for all things coastal and a passion for design, husband and wife team Sara and Miles O'Brien launched Sara Fitz in 2016. Sara's background in the arts, combined with her years of experience in the wedding industry, helped to create a home with Sara Fitz. What began as a stationery studio has evolved into a lifestyle brand that includes framed prints, coastal-themed gift wrap, wallpaper, textiles and other lovely goods, each line imbuing her fondness for color, detail, simplicity and whimsy.
Sara attended college in Rhode Island, where she received both undergraduate and graduate degrees in architecture. She also holds minors in visual arts, painting and art & architectural history. Follow along for more on our Talk Shop with Sara — enjoy!
Describe your style in three words or less:
Let's see... casual, comfortable, unexpected (and by unexpected I mean anything from a unique pop of color in a space to me showing up at school drop-off in my slippers, lol).
What have been the three biggest influences on your aesthetic in your life:
My mom... she was an interior designer who adores all things blue and white, groupings of three, and a juxtaposition of traditional and modern. Her love of houses and architecture led me to study both throughout school. On that note, my education in architecture absolutely impacted my aesthetic (and work ethic). Studying design on a deep level changes the way you see shape, color, texture... light and movement, etc. Lastly and without a doubt, New England. Living in the northeast not only shaped my (life)style as a young person but most especially my work today. There's an ease and appreciation for character in these parts that has always stuck with me.
How did you start your company, and what is your favorite thing about what you do:
I founded Sara Fitz in 2016 with my husband, Miles. I'd previously owned a custom stationery studio that I happily ran until our second son was born. Having two babes at home tugged at my heart like nothing else and I decided to press pause on my entrepreneurial plans and soak up as much time with them as I could. A few years (and a busy preschool schedule) later, Miles and I took a big (terrifying) leap toward our dream of creating a business together. We worked around the clock to bring Sara Fitz to life -- and still do.
My favorite thing about what I do? In all honesty, there are so many things... the people, the exploration, the flexibility... I pinch myself that my art makes it into homes across the world.
Do you have a mentor in your career, and if so, how have they helped to shape your trajectory:
Oh boy... I'd say I have quite a few people I look up to. Bits and pieces of guidance and advice... years of insight... it's always a gift when someone wise and experienced is willing to share their knowledge and, most importantly, mistakes with you.
What does the *art* in your home say about you:
Hopefully that I don't take myself too seriously :) I like to have happy art around our house... colorful, relaxed, and oversized!
Where do you find inspiration:
I'm always paying attention to the small details... those that can go unnoticed... the wonky handle on a handmade pitcher or the buckle on an old life jacket. I love to celebrate the simple things around us.
Who are your style icons :
First to mind will always be Matt Albiani. His eye is top-notch, from photography to interior decor to fashion... he's a natural at making perfection look effortless. Designer Nicola Manganello is someone I've admired for many years. She explores a natural, layered palette like none other. I'm also often drawn to Gen Sohr... she has a way of playing with bold patterns and color while keeping things tidy and tailored. I love her vibe.
What are your key ingredients for entertaining:
Good music, dim lighting, lots of laughter -- and a yummy cheese plate!
Do you collect anything:
I do... a hefty batch of vintage chenille bedspreads... also milk glass, hobnail and pottery. We have more dishes than anyone could use!
Favorite Instagram accounts to follow for inspiration:
I'm a big fan of Liz Marie Galvan (@lizmariegalvan). She has the warmest coziest feed... seems like such a sweet person. Abby Capalbo (@abbycapalbo)... her account is full of impeccably styled imagery and joy. She is a gem. MaryJo Anderson (@maryjoanderson_) who I love dearly, inspires me to be better and do better every day. And I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention Ariel’s posts! I do a double-take each and every time I come across one of her projects!
What design “rule” do you always follow, and which is made to be broken:
Haha, I do enjoy a chopped pillow! No space should be too formal to "live in".
What are you working on right now:
We’re working on expanding our offerings online and in our flagship store this spring, releasing a whole bunch of new wallpaper and bringing some categories to fruition that I’ve been dreaming up for some time!! Lots of art coming in ‘23!
Wardrobe staples:
Vintage jeans. A good t-shirt. Gold jewelry. A great bag.
Favorite artist:
Oooh that’s a toughie! I find myself enjoying large scale abstracts lately… in bright pastels… and anything with a pop of neon is a bonus!
Best interior advice for art you ever received:
You're the one who will be looking at it everyday -- be sure it speaks to you!
Best career advice you ever received:
Listen to your gut. (It is SO true!)
Types of home purchases you invest in, and save on:
Invest in cushy seating and mattresses... and save on pieces like wooden tables, bureaus, armoires, etc. -- tons of unique finds for less at flea markets and estate sales.
Your greatest extravagance:
I have a weakness for patchwork quilted jackets!
Favorite places to shop for art:
No one place in particular... when I see it, I know.
Most prized possession and why:
I wear a gold Nantucket Basket charm that was my mom’s… gives me all the feels.
Your art motto:
Create what YOU love.
Your life motto:
Work hard for what you want – and be kind doing it!
Advice for someone looking to define their own style:
Style doesn't need to fit into a neat little box... it doesn't have to make sense from every angle. Gravitate toward things that move you... that evoke a memory... that make you smile. Surround yourself with those things and you'll be comfortable.
Take Ten: My Favorite…
Food: Nachos… extra points for queso!
Drink: Oooh a large diet coke from McDonalds!
Film: The Family Stone
Hotel: My favorites tend to be those with smooshy pillows, big tvs and yummy room service!
City: I’m not a city girl! (My best panic attacks tend to happen in them, lol!)
Bedding: Can I say our L.L.Bean x Sara Fitz line? ;)
Tea or Coffee (and how do you take it): Coffee… decaf French vanilla with skim milk and lots of sweetener
Playlist: I giggle at this because I will listen to the same song on repeat all day while I paint… for months at a time and not get sick of it. I haven’t actually made a playlist since college.
Weekend Activity: Driving up the coast with my boys (Miles and our pup, Murray, included!)
Design Book: There’s a book called The Maine House on our shelf that I love.