Talk Shop: Sarah Bartholomew // Sarah Bartholomew Interior Design
Photo by Ngoc Minh Ngo
ABOUT SARAH
Sarah Bartholomew has been nationally recognized for her signature, fresh take on classic sensibilities. Known for interiors that balance beauty and function, layer color and pattern, and embody both elegance and practicality, she creates timeless, livable spaces to call home. We first found Sarah’s work back in 2016, when a wood paneled library she designed, swathed in greens and blues, stopped us in our tracks. We've loved her work (and her!) ever since!
Established in 2010, Sarah has been featured in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal’s “Off Duty”, Elle Decor, House Beautiful, Traditional Home, Southern Living, Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles and Better Homes and Gardens, in addition to being featured on ArchDigest.com, Veranda.com, Vogue.com and Tory Daily. In 2019, Sarah made her debut on Elle Decor’s coveted A-List. She was named a Traditional Home New Traditionalist in 2018, and a House Beautiful Next Wave Designer in 2016. (Say all that three times fast!)
Sarah opened her first brick-and-mortar store, SB., in Nashville in 2018. A natural extension of the Sarah Bartholomew brand, the store has evolved into an e-commerce experience and destination for all things Sarah’s style. S.B. offers an array of furnishings for the home from decorative accessories, art, and tabletop. We love its curated mix of blue and white ceramics, gorgeous woven baskets, and interesting one of a kind pieces.
In 2018, Sarah launched a successful entryway furnishings collaboration with Pottery Barn. That led the way to a kilim rug collection with Kings House Rugs, and most recently, a new wicker line in partnership with Mainly Baskets Home.
Sarah’s projects span across the United States, from California to Connecticut. She resides in Nashville with her husband, four children (!!!!! how does she have the time?!), and their doodles, Blue and Tillie. We sat down with the powerhouse mom and designer to chat all things design – check out her answers below!
Describe your style in three words or less:
Can I have four? Classic with a twist.
What have been the three biggest influences on your aesthetic in your life:
The past, travel, nature.
How did you start your company, and/or what is your favorite thing about what you do:
I love that I get to wake up every day and do what I love and be creative. I love seeing projects come to fruition for my clients and see them living full lives amidst a beautiful backdrop that we have created for them.
Do you have a mentor in your career, and if so, how have they helped to shape your trajectory:
I have had so many talented, smart, generous mentors and friends in the industry who have helped me, encouraged me, and believed in me. I had the privilege to spend some time with Albert Hadley just before he passed away. He was such an encouragement and inspiration as I was just starting in my career. I encourage young designers who are just getting started to reach out to others who have gone before them. I have found the design community to be incredibly inclusive and collaborative.
What does your home say about you:
That there is a lot of life being lived inside these walls! I like a clean, un-cluttered house but I am not a perfectionist or overly attached to my possessions. I want people, including my own people, to feel at home and comfortable here so you will see plenty of lived in perfectly imperfect spaces and things. I surround myself with beauty and take joy in living in soulful spaces but they aren’t pristine. My house is kind of like the Velveteen Rabbit, real and loved.
Where do you find inspiration:
Same as above, The past, travel, and nature. More specifically books and publications new and old.
Who are your style icons:
Carolyne Bessette, Lee Radziwill, Marella Agnelli, Oscar De La Renta, Hubert de Givenchy and Bill Blass.
What are your key ingredients for entertaining:
A pretty tabletop, great food – preferably not made by me, cocktails, fun guests and a great playlist
Do you collect anything:
Anything woven, art, tortoiseshell boxes, books, and blue and white porcelain
Favorite Instagram accounts to follow for inspiration:
That is tough… there are so many! @remy_renzullo, @bygloriagonzalez, @leahconnelldesign, @markdsikes, @landofbelle.
What design “rule” do you always follow, and which is made to be broken:
I try to ignore the rules, but scale is everything.
What are you working on right now:
I’m involved in so many fun interior design projects from coast to coast and new collaborations too!
Wardrobe staples:
White shirts – I have way too many! And jeans, flats and flowy dresses.
Best interior advice you ever received:
Be authentic and confident and always keep learning.
Best career advice you ever received:
Same as above!
Types of home purchases you invest in, and save on:
I invest in antiques, quality linens and comfortable upholstery. I often save on floor coverings by using natural fiber rugs.
Your greatest extravagance:
Shoes, art, and time alone.
Favorite places to shop for home:
Antique Markets. I love hunting for unique and special pieces.
Most prized possession and why:
Notes from my kids.
Your interiors motto:
Less is more, quality over quantity, think outside the box.
Your life motto:
Be present, be authentic, be brave, be kind, have fun!
Advice for someone looking to define their own interior style:
Look at the things and interiors that you gravitate to again and again, you will find common threads that will help you define your style.
Take Ten: My Favorite…
Food: Chocolate
Drink: Diet Coke is my guilty pleasure
Film: Life is Beautiful and any Nancy Meyers film
Hotel: The Ritz Paris is the very best, Ett Hem in Stockholm, Hotel Lungarno in Florence, Blackberry Farm for a luxury close to home
City: Paris
Bedding: D. Porthault
Tea or Coffee (and how do you take it): Coffee with oat milk, and way too much of it.
Playlist: I love a good playlist but I would rather someone else play DJ. I listen to lots of podcasts.
Weekend Activity: Doing anything with my husband and kids. Pre-Covid my weekends were consumed by my kids activities.
Design Book: Oh I could never pick just one! Cy Twombly – Interiors, is a recent favorite.
