10 Questions With a Designer: Sarah Moore
I am so excited to share another extremely talented designer with you today! Meet Sarah Moore from Sarah Catherine Design based out of Alabama. Her style gives a fresh look to traditional southern interiors and her work has been featured in Southern Living, Country Living and Modern Farmhouse magazines. To add to her amazing talents, she is a published children’s book author and her BOOK is beyond adorable. I am so grateful for the opportunity I had to interview Sarah and get a closer look inside her creative work and learn something new….
1. What is your favorite part about residential design?
Having started my career as a designer working for a commercial architect firm, I would have to say my favorite part about residential design is the personality that each project has. Not only does my job allow me to become close friends with the clients and many of the vendors that I work with, but I also love how each project is unique and there is a lot of room for creativity! It's fun to see a house truly become a home for each one of my clients.
2. Is there 1 thing you believe every room needs?
Personality! Of course, in what way you bring in "personality" depends on the style of the client and the room itself, but whether we are talking about artwork or accessories, I think it is important to bring personal touches into each and every space. Find pieces that you love and fill your home with them, even if they don't exactly fit what is all over Pinterest at the moment!
3. Where is your favorite place to shop for your own home?
I love using a mix of old and new... it frustrates me when a room looks like it came straight out of a catalog (because there's no personality, ha!). So I always love to shop local antique shops or on 1stdibs online to find unique pieces. They don't necessarily have to be typical "antiques" just pieces that are interesting and not mass produced.
4. What is your best advice for decorating on a tight budget?
Take inventory of what you have that will work in your space first. Then decide what you are lacking that needs to be addressed soon and make a priority list. (ie. if you are missing a coffee table, that might be top of the list) Then remember that it is OK if a space evolves over time... most of the best rooms do! Take your time and spend within your budget as you go until your home comes together.
5. Is there a current design trend you are loving right now?
I am really loving the use of bold colors as accents, especially when it comes to built ins. I am a fan of a bright, light airy neutral interior, but I love when a client is willing to go with deep navy on a kitchen island, for example.
6. What is the most exciting part of the design process for you?
The initial design board phase... when we get to dream and play around wth the layout and options and ideas. Then, of course, the install phase!! Install days can be long and exhausting but it is so rewarding to see all of the planning and hard work come to life for my clients to enjoy!
7. What is one app on your phone you wouldn't want to live without?
Does Instagram count? Haha.... truly, I get so many ideas and inspiration from Instagram and I have folders FULL of ideas that I hope to try in the future. Plus, I like to keep up with what my friends and family are up to! Other than that, I use VSCO a good bit for photo editing and touch ups.
8. The most common decorating mistake you see?
Hanging draperies wrong. So often people hang then right above the window trim and it is like cutting off the window at the knees in a way. A good rule of thumb for 8-10' ceilings is to split the difference between the top of the window trim and the bottom of the crown molding when you hang the rod. With taller ceilings... it depends on the height of the window, but typically I go about 10-12" above the window with the rod.
9. If you have a free weekend, what are you most likely doing?
Spending time outside! I love to go for hikes or runs when the weather is nice. I also love to garden - you really can’t keep me inside on a pretty Saturday.
10. What does your home say about you?
I think my home is a reflection of my outgoing, optimistic personality. I painted my living room walls pink because it just makes me happy to come home to! (Benjamin Moore Odessa Pink) My style is a little bit eclectic, a little bit classic and always southern and charming, I'd say.
