Light, Texture & Embracing Imperfection: The Design Philosophy of Sarah Solis
Sarah Solis is an expert in creating emotionally impactful spaces. Her design philosophy, influenced by the Wabi Sabi aesthetic, embraces the concept of understated luxury and celebrates the beauty of imperfections. Sarah's goal is to design homes that make people feel something, whether it's a sense of comfort, excitement, or nostalgia. With her keen eye for texture and her understanding of how light plays a crucial role in design, Sarah creates visually captivating spaces that leave a lasting impression. She skillfully combines high-end elements with more affordable finds, creating a balance that evokes a sense of intimacy and personal connection to the space.
Photo by Rennie Solis
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Discover the secrets of creating emotionally impactful spaces.
Learn how to harness the power of light to create emotion through the use of shadow.
Find out how to skillfully balance masculine and feminine elements in your design, creating harmonious and inviting spaces for everyone.
Explore the transformative Wabi Sabi design philosophy and start embracing imperfection.
“Just because it’s broken, just because it has imperfections, doesn’t mean that it’s not extraordinary. It actually gives it more value from our perspective.”
LINKS MENTIONED IN EPISODE
Sarah Solis design studio
Galerie Solis: sign up to learn when her new collection will be announced
Kintsugi: The Japanese craft of repairing ceramics with gold.
“Spend less on something, but don’t sacrifice quality. Find efficiencies and invest in high-emotion areas, like the texture underfoot or the feeling of a space when you walk in.”
PHOTOS PROVIDED BY SARAH SOLIS DESIGN STUDIO
KEY MOMENTS - TIMESTAMPED
00:01:03 - Sarah Solis' Design Background
Sarah Solis shares her passion for design, which began in her childhood when her father, a musician and builder, exposed her to creative architecture and job sites. She developed a love for problem-solving and appreciating the finer details in design.
00:03:18 - Sarah Solis' Design Style
Sarah describes her design style as "understated luxury." She focuses on quality, materiality, exceptional finishes, and texture. Her aesthetic is rooted in minimalism and wabisabi, valuing the raw and natural beauty of materials while cherishing the patina of life.
00:06:12 - Honoring the Past in Design
Sarah emphasizes the importance of honoring the history and stories behind the objects in our homes. Instead of treating them as precious, she encourages clients to embrace imperfections and appreciate the value that comes from the patina of life. Antiques and reclaimed materials play a significant role in her designs.
00:09:38 - High-Low Design Approach
Sarah discusses her high-low design approach, which involves finding a balance between investment pieces and more affordable options. She believes in investing in quality materials and craftsmanship while seeking out savings in other areas. The goal is to create a space that is personal, intimate, and emotionally impactful.
00:12:46 - Placing Value in Design
Sarah explains how she places value on design elements. She values the emotional impact of certain aspects, such as the texture and feeling under
00:17:06 - The Value of Art and Vintage Finds
Sarah Solis discusses the importance of valuing art and vintage items in home design, encouraging people to invest in pieces they truly love and that evoke emotion. She emphasizes the value of finding antique or vintage items that hold personal significance.
00:18:07 - The Role of Emotion in Design
Sarah explains that a well-designed space should evoke emotion and make people feel something. Whether it's a feeling of discomfort or a sense of comfort and belonging, the goal is to create a space that elicits a strong emotional response.
00:19:30 - Balancing Masculine and Feminine Elements
Sarah talks about her approach to design, which involves incorporating both masculine and feminine elements. She seeks a balance between masculine lines and feminine textures, using materials like mohair and velvet to create a sensual and tactile experience in her designs.
00:21:27 - Harnessing the Power of Light in Design
Sarah emphasizes the importance of studying the light in a space before selecting materials and colors. She explains how different lighting conditions can influence design choices, such as using lighter colors and higher texture in low-light spaces, or playing with color and shadow in spaces with abundant natural light.
00:24:35 - Wabi Sabi in Design
Sarah discusses the concept of Wabi Sabi, a Japanese philosophy that honors the imperfections and patina of life. She explains how Wabi Sabi can be applied to design.