We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Sarah Hart. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Sarah below.

Sarah, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What was it like going from idea to execution? Can you share some of the backstory and some of the major steps or milestones?

A lot of these topics somewhat blend together. I would love to share my story and also share how hiring and interior designer HELPS home owners and why the dream team is necessary: interior designer, general contractor/builder, architect.

Interior design was an industry that I didn’t even know existed — unless you were famous and in Architectural Digest. I didn’t know that it was a real career path I could pursue. Until my first semester of college during a speaker series class when a successful interior designer came to speak to our class. She was a single mom and worked extremely hard, put in the work, studied like crazy, and went on to own her own successful design firm. This was so inspiring that immediately after my first semester I moved to North Carolina, enrolled in an interior-design-specific-school, landed an internship and worked on renovating my own home. I was determined to make this career a reality. And when I was ready to move to a bigger city, I chose Denver and landed my dream job at a new interior design firm. My experience at this small Denver design firm was priceless. I could not have dreamt up a better experience and training in this industry. I was thrown into this world as the first and only employee at this firm and honestly my passion was affirmed. I was in the industry I am truly passionate about. I love being creative, I love design, but I also love business and working with people/clients. This industry has the best balance between creativity and business. It’s also extremely rewarding helping people create a home that is truly a reflection of them and the lifestyle they live. Getting to create someone’s dream home.. is a dream.

After working at my past firm for 6 years, working on dozens of residential and commercial jobs, the firm ended up closing. But I knew I still had to do *this* as my job. I was a new mom, had just moved to the mountains, and I felt in my gut that it was time to start my own firm. With the network I had built around Denver, the strong client connections I had made… and the invaluable experience I had gained… I could not be more prepared! It was time.

So now comes my business. I began Sarah Hart Interior Design at the beginning of 2024. And although my company name is brand new, my network, connections, experience and knowledge are very well established.

The best lesson I learned at my past job was to not have an aesthetic. A home should be a reflection of the home owner that lives there. It’s not my home. I’m simply the guide to blend the architecture of your home and your personal taste. At Sarah Hart Interior Design we will handle all of the details for you, so you don’t have to. The renovation or build experience should be seamless and easy! Let us handle all of the hard things.

The designer should be the first hire for the job. Then we can make sure that the contractor and architect move forward with a clear design path.

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?

As I mentioned before, I’m your guide through the renovation or building process! An interior designer should be your very first hire when starting a big project. Whether it’s a renovation or a new build, let’s come up with a “Master Plan” so we can make sure we bring in the right team to execute the vision.

The best lesson I ever learned is to not have an aesthetic. I am the home owner’s guide and voice to blend the architecture of their home with their own personal taste and lifestyle. If a home owner would prefer we take over, we’re still going to start with the architecture of the home as a base. Then, we will have the clients fill out a questionnaire to get to know them a bit more. Even if you don’t have a clear defined interior style, you preferences towards color and your travel tendencies will tell us a lot about what direction we should take a project! It’s a very fun and personal process and you’d be surprised how tailored a space can truly be!

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

I constantly am listening to design podcasts to learn how other designers are running their business. I love the business side of this industry and am always trying to perfect my process. The interior design process should be FUN for clients. It should be smooth, painless, seamless, and FUN. Did I mention fun? I’m going to bring the showroom to you. It’s a luxury service. And I’m always trying to learn new methods to making my process better. Design podcasts are my current method and I hope to connect with other local Denver designers in the near future so we can have a local in person network.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

I’m very proud of the network I have built both locally and globally. Your business is only as good as the vendors you surround yourself with. You need vendors you know you can trust and ones you know will do everything in their power to get your items here on time. The project schedule is one big giant puzzle piece and you put a lot of trust into the vendors to keep a close eye on your items throughout the production process. You’re nothing without them.

I think I have a good reputation within this market because my vendors know how much I value them. We’re equal and my projects wouldn’t be successful without them. Everyone loves to feel appreciated and valued and that is key in this industry.

Be kind.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://sarahhartinteriordesign.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/sarahhartinteriordesign

Image Credits

Heather Jackson Photography