Malibu fashion stylist-turned-interior-designer Sarah Solis has good design in her bones. As the daughter of a contractor, the L.A. native grew up on construction sites, learning the ins and outs of the business at an early age. She forged her own path, studying Fine Art and Art History before embarking on a fifteen-year career in the fashion industry. This knowledge and experience would come in handy when she returned to interiors, launching Sarah Solis Design Studio. Her spaces are ethereal and luxurious, paying homage to the natural landscape of California and the Japanese concept of wabi-sabi—which celebrates imperfections. Today, she shares a bit about her career path, where she finds inspiration, and what she has planned next.
MY LIGHT-BULB MOMENT:
The moment my husband and I fell for each other, I understood that we would support each other, take great risks, and realize our wildest dreams.
I CAN’T START MY DAY UNTIL:
I start my day bright and early for some ‘me’ time. Fun fact – I don’t drink caffeine but have a deep affection for herbal teas. I can’t start my day without my Mariage Freres peppermint herbal tea and hitting my Peloton Tread or Pilates reformer before bringing the kids to school.
SUCCESS IS:
A healthy balancing act of family and work.
YOU’LL NEVER SEE ME WITHOUT:
Layers of gold necklaces and sunglasses. My fave personalized gold chains are FoundRae, Ariel Gordon, and Luna Skye. I’m a sunshine loving Californian with a sunglass collection that rotates between Celine, Jacques Marie Mage, and CHIMI Eyewear.
MY DREAM COLLABORATION:
It would be a dream to collaborate on a Napa Valley winery, or a hotel in a pastoral vineyard setting.
I’d also love working with a brand like The Row.
THE ONLY PLACE BETTER THAN LOS ANGELES:
Left Bank of Paris, South of France, Tuscany, Amalfi Coast, and New York City!
WHEN I FEEL UNINSPIRED:
I travel with my family to fill the well of inspiration. We love to explore new places and revisit those well-loved. We love to travel internationally, and of course throughout California – from cities to mountains, we love it all. When I can’t travel, I research travel! I especially love researching rental villas abroad, and mountain or lake homes in the states.
ADVICE I WISH I HAD 5 YEARS AGO:
Trust your instincts.
Choose your clients, don’t let them choose you.
Patience – Don’t rush the process because someone wants it faster. It’s always worth the wait.
IN 5 YEARS, FIND ME:
Still loving the process…flowing, growing, and enjoying the growth of the seeds planted today. Expanding my own personal furnishings, textiles, and lighting line!
ABOVE ALL ELSE:
L O V E.
