EXQUISITE IMPERFECTION

Designer Sarah Solis creates comfortable, personalized spaces with curated objects and materials that have stories to tell.

/ by roger grody /

The founder and principal designer of Sarah Solis Design Studio appreciates the Japanese philosophy of wabi-sabi, a concept of aesthetics based on the imperfect, transient or incomplete. “It’s about allowing the patina of life to be integrated into your space and not treating things so preciously,” Solis explains.

happened to have taken a detour in fashion styling,” says Solis of her unconventional career path.

“Fashion is fun, expressive and incredibly social. Interior design isn’t as social, but so much more artistically fulfilling. It allows me to touch the world with purpose and greater impact.

INTERIOR DESIGNER SARAH Solis creates interior spaces that fuse elegance and approachability, very much in the spirit of Malibu, the iconic beach town where she lives and works.

Daughter of a contractor, Solis grew up exploring construction sites. The sensibilities she developed studying art and design, and subsequently as a fashion stylist, translated into sophisticated yet approachable spatial expressions. “I’m truly an interior designer at heart, who

“I discovered wabi-sabi principles as I began my own journey of inner self-exploration,” she continues. “I started meditating and connecting with spaces that inspire calmness but also celebrate the wonder of life and nature.”

Noting that one aspect of wabi- sabi is to allow every object to tell a story, Solis suggests those principles translate to the design world as curated objects and materials that embody unique stories.

“I refer to my style as understated luxury,” Solis says. “I have much more of a minimalist touch, and like to use singular, bold statements in spaces to create emotional impact.”

She feels that every room should offer a compelling quality or element that draws people inside. “I love to use rich, sumptuous materials that aren’t too fussy, but very luxurious to the touch.”

Solis draws from both ancient and contemporary influences.

“There isn’t one singular source of inspiration for me, but rather a plethora of experiences I see in people, books, cities, and the natural environment,” she explains. “I take a little bit from all that surrounds me."

Solis cites Belgian designer Axel Vervoordt, architect I.M. Pei and lighting pioneer Lindsey Adelman as among the innovators she admires most.

In a 2,000-square-foot townhome, Solis derived inspiration from Belgian contemporary architecture.

“The clients were looking for a restful and artful atmosphere," she recalls. "Together, we created a beautifully meditative space that serves as a respite from the city despite being in the center of Santa Monica.“ The designer used van Cronenburg hardware from Belgium for an artisanal quality, ensuring that even minor details tell a story.

In stately Hancock Park, Solis accommodated a client whose 5,000-square-foot residence was filled with an extensive art collection.

“We wanted to create a transportive space, like a classic Mediterranean villa with a contemporary feel,” says Solis. She selected handcrafted George Smith sofas clad in Pierre Frey opera velvet for the living room, and a Saarinen table with Thonet chairs for a breakfast area. “In the dining room,“ she says, “beautiful Mario Bellini Cassina Cab Chairs steal the show.“

Sarah Solis Design Studio, Malibu, 310.909.3428, sarahsolis.com. By appointment only.