INTERIOR DESIGN FOR COLLECTORS
Sarah Barnard’s approach to designing for collectors is fueled by her own lifelong passion for curation and her background as a practicing artist with an MFA from Claremont Graduate University.
As a collector of textiles, ceramics, specimen plants, and avian art, she understands that a collection is more than a set of objects; it is a narrative of a life well-lived. As a WELL- and LEED-accredited designer, Sarah creates environments that celebrate these treasures, integrating them into the home’s aesthetic. Whether it is a museum-quality art collection or a cherished assortment of teapots and egg cups, the studio transforms residences into personal museums that honor the collector's passion.
Curatorial & Technical Design Services
Integrated Curatorial Planning: Floor plans that prioritize the visibility and enjoyment of a collection. The studio treats every item, from fine art to kitschy collectibles, as a vital design element.
Gallery Lighting Design: High-color-rendering-index (CRI) LEDs and UV-filtered light sources help to ensure accurate color representation while protecting delicate fibers, pigments, and artifacts.
Specialty Display: Vitrines, display systems, recessed wall niches, and bespoke cabinetry tailored to the specific dimensions of a collection.
Collection Management: Logistical management of collections, including inventory cataloging, coordination with professional appraisers, and restorers.
Specialized Private Galleries & Collections
Bespoke Libraries: Custom-milled shelving and atmospheric control systems designed to help preserve rare books and documents. Rolling ladders, ergonomic reading nooks, and fine materials to celebrate the tactile joy of a private library.
Natural Specimen Showcases: Specialized lighting and reinforced display systems that highlight the unique textures and geometries of rocks, crystals, and fossils, honoring natural history as home décor.
Jewelry & Timepiece Sanctuaries: Climate-stable closet-galleries for collectors of fine watches and jewelry.
Couture & Heritage Fashion Galleries: Couture galleries for the archival preservation and display of historical pieces from legendary houses such as Chanel, Hermès, Dior, and Yves Saint Laurent.
Themed Collection Integration: Refined, organized solutions for fun or niche collections, such as antique toys, instruments, or objects.
Automotive Galleries & Social Spaces: Transforming garages into high-end galleries for car collectors, featuring specialized flooring, climate-controlled environments, and integrated social lounges or viewing areas for hosting guests among the collection.
Sports Memorabilia: Archival displays for jerseys, equipment, and trophies. High-end clubhouse atmospheres integrating team-inspired color palettes and textures. Trophy lounges or media rooms where the collection serves as the primary backdrop for social gatherings and game-day viewing.
Wine & Spirits Enologists: High-security tasting sanctuaries and climate-zoned cellars for rare vintages and small-batch spirits.