What I Know About Style

Sarah Ferreira Interiors

July
22

Interior designer Sarah Ferreira talks functionality, timeless design & how to fall back in love with your home

What inspired you to go into design?

I’ve always been drawn to beautiful spaces and how they make you feel. It’s not just about aesthetics, it’s about ease, comfort and personality.

My dad is an architect, so I grew up surrounded by drawings and building sites. I’ve wanted to be in design for as long as I can remember and used to dream of my very own transformations. Even though the passion was always there, I’m actually glad I came into the industry later, gaining real-world experience before starting my own business. Travelling and immersing myself in design from around the world made my passion grow. Then the voice in my head got too loud to ignore, and I couldn’t push it aside anymore. I knew I had to make the leap, and I’ve never looked back.

Helping people fall back in love with their homes is incredibly rewarding. That’s really where it all began.

What would you say makes your style unique?

I’d describe my style as timeless and functional. It’s layered, warm and quietly luxurious. I love mixing classic and contemporary elements in a way that feels effortless, with a of focus on texture, lighting and layout.

I’m also incredibly practical. A home has to function as beautifully as it looks. My clients often say I think of all the things they hadn’t even considered.

What are the most important questions you ask a client before working with them?

I always start by asking how they want to feel in the space. That gives me more insight than any mood board ever could.

We then talk through how they live day to day, what’s working and what’s not. Some clients are more involved, others want to hand everything over. The more I understand their lifestyle, the better the outcome.

What kind of project excites you?

Full transformations really light me up… when you get to completely reimagine a space and see it come to life. But beyond the scope, it’s always about the relationship. The most exciting projects are the ones where the client trusts me to bring their vision to life and gives me the freedom to do what I do best.

What has been your most unusual or favourite project to date?

It’s hard to choose just one, but there was a living room redesign that I loved where we created a bespoke arched shelving unit that anchored the space and added so much character. I also worked on a beautiful period home and loved researching its history to make sure the design respected its past but still felt contemporary. The most unusual has probably been very narrow spaces. They always push you to think differently and make every detail count.

Do you have any favourite places to shop? Basics as well!

I love mixing. As most designers would agree, spend your money on the things you touch daily. Andrew Martin and OKA are favourites. I also love Soho Home and Cox & Cox. There are so many suppliers in my books, and I try to keep each project unique. I tend to source based on what suits the design and the client, so it often varies from project to project.

For styling, I often look to small boutique makers to find one-off pieces. Some high street stores also have beautiful gems for home decor, like The White Company and Zara Home. I also work with brilliant local makers for bespoke joinery and custom furniture, which adds something really special to each space.

What about your own home, how have you designed it, and where is your favourite place to be in the house?

I grew up in Queen’s Park, but we’ve now moved a little further west to South Buckinghamshire and our home overlooks beautiful open fields.

My style at home reflects what I bring to my clients: natural tones, comfortable textures and a calm, lived-in elegance. My favourite spot is the living room in late afternoon, with the doors open to the garden and everything peaceful.

Describe the perfect day off in West London…

A picnic in Hyde Park with my daughter is always a treat. Blanket down, snacks packed and nowhere to rush to. Add in a stroll around Marble Arch, some browsing in Bond Street and maybe a drink al fresco. Bonus points if I can finish the day with a film and a tapas spread.

Is there anything else coming up that you’d like to tell us about?

Yes, I’m launching a beautiful hand-crafted vase collection in collaboration with another studio. It’s all about sustainability, craftsmanship and timeless design, and I’m incredibly proud of it. More on that soon!

I’m also working on a few exciting new projects, and I can’t wait to share the progress on Instagram.

www.sarahferreirainteriors.co.uk

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