Life Rolls on in LADESIGN Magazine: Repurposed and Renewal

Burnett, Cindi. Repurposed/Renewal. Life Rolls On. LADESIGN Magazine. P30-31. June 2016.

Life Rolls On, a subsidiary of the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation, works to inspire others to see the boundless possibilities beyond paralysis through adaptive sports programs such as surfing, skateboarding, and skiing. Giving careful consideration to the organization’s financial limitations and environmental responsibilities, Sarah Barnard Design re-used the building’s existing carpet, specified inexpensive materials, and rallied donations of recycled items and labor. Inspired by LRO’s signature adaptive surf/skate program, the design is a catalyst of hope; creating a fun, energetic space that includes columns and counters made from salvaged skateboards and surfboards painted by LRO youth and a visual timeline chronicling LRO’s history and achievements. By combining local, non-toxic materials with salvaged finishes and fixtures, SBD’s design reinforces the organization’s core purpose of promoting accessibility, interaction, and wellness. 

SBD worked closely with the organization to understand their specific needs, as well as their core mission so that the design solutions would promote that mission. Throughout the design process, SBD sought to create better working environments, focusing on ergonomics, daylighting, indoor air quality, and human connectivity. This space is designed to foster community within the organization and by extension to the people they serve.

Burnett, Cindi. Repurposed/Renewal. Life Rolls On. LADESIGN Magazine. P30-31. June 2016.

Sarah Barnard designs healthy, happy, personalized spaces that are deeply connected to nature and art.

To learn more about Sarah Barnard Design, please visit www.SarahBarnard.com

Resources:

Interior Design: Sarah Barnard Design www.sarahbarnard.com

Custom Skateboard Tile: Art of Board www.artofboard.com

Signage: Signarama Santa Monica www.signarama-sm.com

Life Rolls On: wwww.liferollson.org

Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation www.christopherreeve.org

Photography by: Chas Metivier

Burnett, Cindi. Repurposed/Renewal. Life Rolls On. LADESIGN Magazine. P30-31. June 2016

Accents of Black: Dramatic Home Design

Black clarifies. Place a table, seat, or artwork lacquered dark as ebony in a room awash in neutral tones and see the darkness snap to attention. It adds a crisp and bold touch to the room. Add an ornamental grass with obsidian-tone leaves to a pastel garden, and the same thing happens—that smokiness allures the eye into looking closer while making the surrounding seem even more brilliantly tinted. Think of how a classic little black dress stands out amid a crowd gowned in fondant froth. Black—the absence of color, the consumer of light—seasons our polychrome world with a note of mystery.

Above the mantle, the cool black frames balance the warm colors in the room.

The mirror above this bed fills the empty white wall with its modern design.

The taupe legs on these ottomans neutralize the bright neutral fabrics

in this living room.

These coffee table legs juxtapose the neutral carpet and furniture.

There can be multiple accents of black as shown above. The black backsplash tile,
drapery over the sink, and black stool compose a luxurious, modern kitchen. 

The warm grey sofa pops due to the black outlining of the room and elements within.

The black countertops create a stark comparison between the green tiles
and white cabinetry to accentuate the brightness of this kitchen.

To add a subtle touch of black, you can incorporate artworks such as this
painting or a piece of furniture with a black build. 

In this beachfront getaway, this black customized tv is paired with a black throw and starfish to bring the room together.

This bedroom was designed with a black platform bed, night stand, and drawer
to enhance the intimacy of this environment.

The light cabinetry juxtaposes the black and turquoise countertops offering a modern design.

Sarah Barnard designs healthy, happy, personalized spaces that are deeply connected to nature and art.

To learn more about Sarah Barnard Design, please visit www.SarahBarnard.com.

Healthy Home: A New Standard Sets the Bar for Wellness

Sarah Barnard designs healthy, happy, personalized spaces that are deeply connected to nature and art.

To learn more about Sarah Barnard Design, please visit www.SarahBarnard.com.

DIY or Designer? You May Have Greater Success With Professional Help

Many people are not entirely satisfied with their home décor and are faced with two options when it comes to home remodeling. If you have a clear idea of what you want from your area, functionally and aesthetically, a strong initial impulse may be to do it yourself. If you have a great deal of time and patience and want the experience and satisfaction of designing and transforming your own space, this impulse may be justified. However, it is easy to underestimate and overlook many elements of the home design process, and the initial excitement can evaporate when faced with the headache of unanticipated problems. Even with a clear vision of your desired space, locating the pieces you need can be a complicated affair. An interior designer draws upon a network of connections and resources to expedite and facilitate the acquisition of the parts you need. Without an understanding of the practical half of design, even a simple remodel can consume a remarkable amount of time and energy if not appropriately facilitated.

If, on the other hand, you elect to approach the design process more casually, transforming a space piecemeal as you encounter pieces you like, working with an interior designer can be just as useful. This approach can be satisfying, but without a clear sense of the needs of the space, it can also lead to costly errors or an eternal project. Without a structure to the process, an expensive piece purchased early in the remodeling process might no longer seem appropriate in light of new acquisitions. You might also find that, because of the lack of an initial plan, your space may end up looking too crowded or too spare as the project draws to a close. At the end of a long and challenging process, dissatisfaction is the last thing you want.

An initial investment in a home designer ensures the avoidance of these problems. An interior designer will communicate with you to get a clear sense of both the function of the space and how you would like it to look and feel. They will then draw upon a depth of experience to clarify your vision of the area and orchestrate the remodeling process. The designer does not exclude you from this process; communication at every stage of the process ensures that you can enjoy the experience of making design decisions without the anxiety and complexity of hunting down an securing the pieces and services necessary for the transformation of the space. You will experience the satisfaction of the design process while avoiding the many pitfalls that the “do it yourself” designer risks.

Sarah Barnard designs healthy, happy, personalized spaces that are deeply connected to nature and art.

To learn more about Sarah Barnard Design, please visit www.SarahBarnard.com.

"Ocean Avenue"- Casa International

Beijing's acclaimed interior design magazine features a beautiful five page pictorial on the work of Sarah Barnard Design.

Sustainable design means different things to different people, but at its core, sustainability is the sensibility that objects and materials which are sourced responsibly are also beneficial for our mental and physical well-being, too. For professionals, sustainability is a standard that ensures our spaces are safe, comfortable, and beautiful. Interior designers like Sarah Barnard make decisions throughout the entire process that are geared towards that end: beauty and functionality melded in the healthiest way possible.

Working out of her Los Angeles based studio, Sarah Barnard is intrigued by clients who have unusual requests and lives for a challenge. She hasn’t met one yet that she didn’t like. In this project, the owners wanted an escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.  They wanted a space conducive to relaxation and meditation.

This space is quite small (under 2000 SF) and so creating a sense of visual expanse was challenging. One strategy Sarah Barnard employed to raise the ceiling height was to paint out the crown molding to match the wall and ceiling color (but not the baseboard).

The media room also functions as a second bedroom with a contemporary sofa that folds out into a comfy guest bed.  Also, this penthouse overlooks Ocean Avenue in Santa Monica, California. Anything that needed to go inside the apartment had to fit in the freight elevator. If the item could fit in the freight elevator...it couldn't be a part of the design!

The aesthetic is generally quiet and is a combination of contemporary pieces and vintage items. The living area is intentionally light and bright, encouraging the walls and furnishings to recede so that the ocean views can remain the focus. The master bedroom is intentionally considerably darker to promote sleep, while the horizontal lines of the furnishings and drapery echo the direction of the shoreline.  Careful selection of organic natural textiles, non-toxic wall finishes, re-use of on-site materials as was feasible, incorporation of vintage fixtures and furnishings as well as energy efficient appliances and lighting.

This space is amazing! The clients live full time in the San Francisco Bay Area and use this unit as a relaxing retreat. Everyone who visits falls in love with the interior and the views!
 

Sarah Barnard designs healthy, happy, personalized spaces that are deeply connected to nature and art.

To learn more about Sarah Barnard Design, please visit www.SarahBarnard.com.

Styling your Bookshelves

Bookcases and shelving can display more than just a personal library; well-styled cabinets and shelves add effortless style and interest to any room.  Seasonal decorations such as a vase of spring flowers bring life into your home by adding visual interest and texture.

Bookends help create space on a shelf and can be as beautiful and exciting as they are functional.  Framed photos or artwork are an instant way to personalize your shelving.
 

Create height and dimension by placing books in different directions. By adding beautiful and personal items, shelving transforms from utilitarian to an impressive display of your personality.

Sarah Barnard designs healthy, happy, personalized spaces that are deeply connected to nature and art.

To learn more about Sarah Barnard Design, please visit www.SarahBarnard.com.

Restaurant Design with Cuban Flair

Add a tropical flair to your household by drawing inspiration from Cuba! Mix earth tones and tropical colors with mid-century decor, and you'll instantly feel like you're on vacation. Use your chosen color scheme to color block the walls, pairing a bright color with a neutral like Terra-cotta. Explore natural elements like rich wood grains, and add tropical household plants to enliven your space. Choose furniture that predates the 1950's, and feel free to mix and match styles to give the area a vintage flea market look. The masonry walls, exposed beams, and outdoor style lighting create the illusion that the diners of this Cuban Café are relaxing on a cozy patio.

The lounge area in the rear allows patrons to relax and enjoy the infectious Cuban atmosphere while playing dominoes or listening to live music.

Sarah Barnard designs healthy, happy, personalized spaces that are deeply connected to nature and art.

To learn more about Sarah Barnard Design, please visit www.SarahBarnard.com.
 

Award Show Glamour at Home

Award show season is in full swing! Take a peek behind the scenes, and tour this backstage VIP lounge for the Academy of Country Music Awards. In the style of glamour and grandeur for A-list celebrity guests, this lounge conveys the traditional spirit of the event complete with organic decor. Sarah Barnard had the honor of designing this tasteful lounge for the Academy of Country Music Awards and their guests. This stylish yet classic lounge features natural linens and vintage furniture- a perfect example of how sound design and sustainably sourced materials can make a space inviting and enriching.

Sarah chose a palette of warm neutrals garnished with bright colors via plants and luxurious fabrics. This lounge has elegant decor which can inform design and decor in your home.

Bring nature inside. Potted succulents, freshly cut ranunculus stems, and a bold brass pheasant adds interest to this space. Plants and art inspired by nature make areas feel comfortable and natural.

A sofa outfitted in menswear woolens pairs elegantly with the "Dressmaker" lamp from Baker and an antique wooden horse.

These gorgeous vintage art deco chairs and an ebonized oak vintage coffee table by Galerie Sommerlath add the air of refinement and lushness. A brass bar cart demonstrates how recycling can be chic.

A burlwood sculpture and ceramic urchins' physical beauty is forever captivating. The glass lamp by Baker echoes the ocean and subtly provides the natural element.

Natural silk, linen, and wool toss pillows complement the organic linen on this beautiful couch. Choosing a creamy, light fabric like this one is an excellent way to highlight the elegant design of the sofa and make the sitting area more inviting.

We hope you found inspiration in this luxurious lounge outfitted in natural materials and organic decor.

Galerie Sommerlath and Baker generously provided Furniture, art, and lighting for this backstage lounge. silk, linen and wool toss pillows complement the organic linen on this gorgeous sofa. Choosing a creamy, light fabric like this one is an excellent way to highlight the elegant design of the sofa and make the sitting area more inviting.

Sarah Barnard designs healthy, happy, personalized spaces that are deeply connected to nature and art.

To learn more about Sarah Barnard Design, please visit www.SarahBarnard.com.

Colors From the Garden

Choosing colors for your home can be difficult when there are so many from which to choose.  Sometimes the answer can be as simple as looking for inspiration in your garden.  Nature's color palette provides the perfect balance of neutral tones, vibrant greens, and lively colors.

Elements from your garden can serve as decor.  Not only do they tie your interior and exterior design together, but they bring freshness, life, and color into a room. 

Potted succulents serve as great centerpieces, and are easy to take care of for they need little water to thrive. Pair them with interesting found objects such as rocks and found wood to add organic shapes to a room.

Sarah Barnard designs healthy, happy, personalized spaces that are deeply connected to nature and art.

To learn more about Sarah Barnard Design, please visit www.SarahBarnard.com.

Decorating with Seasonal Details

The changing seasons can serve as the perfect inspiration for home design and is a great way to keep rooms looking fresh!  Check out these seasonal details from Sarah Barnard Design.

Spring
Fresh flowers bring life and color to a room.

Pastel colored flatware reflects the blooming flowers outside.

Fresh fruit reminds us of the lush bounty brought from spring showers.

Summer
Sea themed decor gives any room the easy-breezy feeling of summer at the beach.

 Rustic wood flatware recalls a cool autumn day.

Neutral tones and orange flowers mimic the changing fall leaves. 

Winter
Holiday garland, white flowers, and traditional Christmas decor adds holiday cheer.

Sarah Barnard designs healthy, happy, personalized spaces that are deeply connected to nature and art.

To learn more about Sarah Barnard Design, please visit www.SarahBarnard.com.

Best and Blue-est Blues for Home Design

Blue is a versatile color that looks great in any room.  Often used in home design, blue can be calming, peaceful, and charming.  Check out these great blue rooms by Sarah Barnard Design.

The existing antique brick and the chosen cool blue tones of the locally made cabinetry make for a delightful collection of old and new in this Scandifornian style home. Founded in a Scandinavian aesthetic with an appreciation of natural materials, light and bright spaces and a California cozy style all it’s own makes this eco-friendly kitchen one of them most loved rooms in the house.

Refreshing blue tiles offset a limestone niche and give the serene primary bath a splash of color.
 

Blue, a predictable choice for a boy's bedroom, transforms this 'little man's' room with the warmth of traditional design elements and cutting edge details to create a youthful, contemporary space.

This mural, featuring a vintage Aston Martin inspired by the classic James Bond film 'Goldfinger,' is paired with blue wainscoting.

The soaking tub echoes the oval forms present elsewhere in the space and allows for a feeling of lightness overall.

 A sea of blue ceramic tile paired with organic form glass floor tiles and an orb-like wall sconce create a fresh aesthetic for a child's bathroom.

Quarts countertops infused with real seashells pair nicely with the seaside location of the residence.

Sarah Barnard designs healthy, happy, personalized spaces that are deeply connected to nature and art.

To learn more about Sarah Barnard Design, please visit www.SarahBarnard.com.

Sexy Spaces

Creating a sexy space is all about the attitude of the area in question.  Not only are sensual spaces beautiful, but they are spaces of self-expression.  Check out these sexy spaces created by Sarah Barnard Design.

Surfboards painted by youthful members of LRO add interest to the conference room as works of art.

The Teen Choice Celebrity Gift Retreat was designed to be both fun and modern while emphasizing a commitment to sustainable practices.

This coastal penthouse has a bird’s eye view of the Pacific Ocean. Eco-friendly furnishings, natural textiles, and organic rugs provide a perfect Zen retreat.

Vintage rattan coffee table ottomans pair perfectly with a sleeper sofa from Linea and lightweight linen sheer drapery.

 A therapeutic bathing tub, heated floor tiles and soothing views of nature enhance the splendor and comfort of this primary bathroom.

Large multi-toned pebbles set the tone for this powder bathroom. This design melds classic Moroccan influences with the contemporary strategy for a delightfully balanced composition.

This former laundry room, now a primary bath, has been transformed into an oasis retreat.

A breathtaking painted wall screen sets the tone for this sumptuous sitting room.

Sarah Barnard designs healthy, happy, personalized spaces that are deeply connected to nature and art.

To learn more about Sarah Barnard Design, please visit www.SarahBarnard.com.

Interior Design Focus: Roman Shades

Window coverings are the perfect finishing touch to any room, but sometimes long draperies can end up looking too fussy. Roman shades are the ideal alternative window covering that helps create a classic yet practical home design solution to blocking out the sun.

Adding neutral linen roman shades to these french doors are a subtle way to block out sunlight.

Here you have subtle roman blinds blending in with a well-designed room.

In this dining room, Roman blinds are used to add texture and contrast.

Natural woven shades mimic the textures and materials seen in this family room

 These wood woven shades are a great way to diffuse natural light.

Sarah Barnard designs healthy, happy, personalized spaces that are deeply connected to nature and art.

To learn more about Sarah Barnard Design, please visit www.SarahBarnard.com.

Long Luxurious Draperies

Window coverings serve many purposes. Not only do they block out sunlight and create privacy, but they add a decorative element to the room that ties it together. Long beautiful drapes add an item of luxury and sophistication to any home design.

This lightweight linen sheer drapery adds an airy elegance to this seaside room.

Pale pink draperies add a sense of luxury to this majestic room.

An example of how light sheer linen draperies can complete a room without looking fussy.

Long red velvet drapes paired with patterned sheers bring Christmas cheer to this historic mansion.

Sarah Barnard designs healthy, happy, personalized spaces that are deeply connected to nature and art.

To learn more about Sarah Barnard Design, please visit www.SarahBarnard.com.
 

Kids Room Interior Design Ideas

These rooms provide big style for their little inhabitants.

A pink playroom that all little girls dream of. This shade of pink was personally approved by the little princess who resides here.

A multi-tonal mix of pinks and prints.

The smocked pink drapery and antique painted beds are a traditional foundation while the light fixture, custom polk-a-dot chairs and whimsical bubble murals create a playful harmony.

A boy's bedroom is transformed into a 'little man's' room with the warmth of traditional design elements and cutting edge details to create a youthful, contemporary space.

Sarah Barnard designs healthy, happy, personalized spaces that are deeply connected to nature and art.

To learn more about Sarah Barnard Design, please visit www.SarahBarnard.com.