Here, we ask designers to take a selfie and give us an inside look at their life.
Age: 47
Occupation: Designer.
Instagram: @sarahsolis
Hometown: Los Angeles.
Studio location: Agoura Hills, CA.
Describe what you make: Ultimately, I craft sensorial experiences. I design the spaces and objects through which we experience our homes and our world. My work blends elegance with a grounded and lived-in quality, organic natural materials with sophisticated attention to detail. Satisfying both our need for beauty and practicality ultimately enhances our lived experiences.
The most important thing you’ve designed to date: The most meaningful project I’ve designed both personally and professionally is our family home in Malibu. It’s a traditional home (one of few in Malibu) where I was able to capture classic design ideas that beautifully complement the existing architecture. The past four years have truly been a labor of love transforming the space with added functionality, warmth, and understated luxury, making it a more livable and inspiring space for my family. However, I believe every project I’ve had the honor to design holds its own significance, making each one the most important in its own way.
Describe the problem your work solves: My work strikes a delicate balance between luxury and functionality. Everyone loves homes that look beautiful, but I feel strongly that they should also be personal and unique, lived-in, and emotionally resonant. My designs offer calm, comfort, and beauty without sacrificing practicality.
Describe the project you are working on now: Galerie Solis, my new home brand and debut furniture collection, which launches today! It really embodies my belief that design should endure and enrich the human experience. These are pieces thoughtfully designed to evoke warmth, invite interaction, and gracefully age over time. Each piece reflects my deep appreciation for craftsmanship, blending European techniques with a West Coast–inspired focus on comfort and livability. I took extra care in the textile selection—from sustainably sourced Belgian linens to luxurious Italian mohair, the upholstery balances beauty, utility, and sustainability. Along with the furniture collection and textiles, Galerie Solis will offer a curated assortment of European antiques I’ve collected over many, many years.
A new or forthcoming project we should know about: I’m completely captivated by an equestrian estate we’re working on here in California. As someone who loves horses and the people who love them, this project is especially close to my heart. We’re also in the final stages of construction on a stunning mountain home, designing a dreamy spa that is transportive, serene, and beautiful. Most recently, we just finished a to-die-for 1920s Spanish home. I’m grateful to have so many unique and inspiring projects in the works for our team, and can’t wait to share more.
What you absolutely must have in your studio: Music, natural light, and art. This is my creative lifeblood, keeping me energized and inspired throughout the day. I also surround myself with objects that speak to me and spark joy—whether it’s a selection of textile fabric samples or an antique that tells a story.
What you do when you’re not working: Spending time with my family is my greatest joy. We love to travel and see the world. Some of our favorite places to explore are Italy, France, Belgium, and Japan. I love to work on art projects with my children and embrace the role of being a mom, which keeps me grounded in life outside of work.
Sources of creative envy: The Row inspires me with their commitment to detail and timeless, minimalist luxury. I strive to bring that same meticulousness and sophistication into my design work.
The distraction you want to eliminate: Social media—it pulls me away from being fully present in both my creative process and time with my family.
Concrete or marble? Marble.
High-rise or townhouse? Townhouse.
Remember or forget? Remember.
Aliens or ghosts? Both.
Dark or light? Light.
Portrait photography by Brigette Sire.
