Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Sarah Barnard . We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Sarah, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

After many years of creating custom works for my Interior Design clients, I founded Kale Tree, a creative studio specializing in nature-inspired home goods. Through Kale Tree, I can share my passion for nature through design. Beyond turning to nature as a source of inspiration for our prints, Kale Tree aims to use environmentally conscious production practices in manufacturing our products. Spending time in nature is a great way to support ourselves emotionally, and biophilic home decor can help create those connections to nature indoors. Designs like our Matilija Poppy wallpaper and textiles help evoke feelings of being among a favorite California native flower, adding aesthetic beauty to the home and recalling a pleasant emotional experience. Incorporating items and motifs that connect us to calming experiences is an essential component of wellness design.

Sarah, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’m an interior designer and LEED and WELL AP. My background is in fine art, and I’ve always loved exploring how art and environment, both built and natural, intertwine. That relationship has been foundational to how I think and operate as a designer, both when working on interior spaces and developing products for Kale Tree. Most of my inspiration comes from time spent in nature, whether walking, gardening, or birdwatching, and I want to create designs that both celebrate and respect these environments. Surrounding ourselves with visual cues that help us feel more engaged with our world can create a more profound sense of connection and grounding. The practice of wellness and sustainability is more than an ethos; it’s an intentionality around creating a more symbiotic relationship with the natural world.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

While exposure to nature is crucial to emotional wellbeing, finding things that are uniquely supportive or speak to a specific source of joy is also essential. Several of our designs focus on plant life native to southern California, and the palettes are often pulled from colors in our natural surroundings. Beyond our bespoke collection of flora, fauna, and funga-inspired textiles and wallpapers, we also work with clients to customize designs. Many items, like our Moth Rug, are made to order. Having our rugs made to order offers the most flexibility when it comes to custom sizing colors and materials, including vegan options, to create designs for our customers that are specially tailored to their home spaces and preferences. Personalization can be a key component in creating a joyful space, and we love being able to offer options to customize.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

One of the most rewarding aspects of being a creative is seeing something shift from conceptual to physical. As an interior designer, I have the opportunity to customize homes for my clients that function as beautiful, personalized, supportive works of art. Our team moves through the creative process with intentionality, and it’s gratifying when a design, whether a specific product or the entirety of the space, can positively influence day-to-day experience.

Contact Info:

• Website:
  • https://www.kaletree.com
  • https://www.sarahbarnard.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kaletreeshop/

Image Credits
Courtesy of Kale Tree