Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarah Barnard
Hi Sarah, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My experience as a visual artist and connection with nature has been a driving force throughout my interior design career. This connection has driven me to pursue education as a WELL AP, LEED AP, and certified California naturalist, shaping my understanding of how built and natural environments coexist and weave together through biophilic design.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
When I started my interior design practice, the market for home products made from sustainable materials had a somewhat limited aesthetic variety. The need for beautiful nature-inspired textiles and wallpaper led to a high level of personalization in our projects, crafting custom home decor products that incorporate eco-friendly practices. These limitations eventually led to the founding of Kale Tree, a line of bespoke, ethically produced home goods inspired by the intersection of art, design, and nature.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Sarah Barnard Design is an interior design studio that specializes in creating custom spaces designed to meet unique individual needs, inspiring calm and happiness in daily life. Our work often incorporates biophilic design, drawing inspiration from the surrounding local environment to create an indoor-outdoor connection that mirrors the mindful benefits of spending time in nature within our home.
Some projects I am most proud of include custom-designed therapeutic spaces and home environments. I recently designed a home to support the daily therapies of a neurodivergent child, which encouraged play so they could experience speech therapy, occupational therapy, infant stimulation therapy, and applied behavioral analysis within their own fun and familiar home. I have also designed homes intended to support individuals recovering from trauma and PTSD, incorporating biophilic design to create mindful, supportive, personalized homes where people can thrive and live their best lives.
Kale Tree began as an extension of my interior design practice, creating nature-inspired wall coverings, botanical fabrics, and environmentally-minded home goods. Kale Tree designs often draw inspiration from the mountains, forests, woodlands, and desert landscapes surrounding Los Angeles. One of my favorites is the Matilija Poppy pattern, available as a textile, wallcovering, and rug. Matilija Poppies are a beautiful and iconic California flower that brings much joy to gardens and the surrounding landscape during the spring. This design, available in multiple colorways such as petal, putty, and bluestone, seeks to bring the joy of these California flowers into our homes year-round by mirroring the beauty and inspiration of the natural world.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
I often integrate a color palette that reflects the tranquil beauty of a sunset into my work. The Mallow textile and wallpaper from Kale Tree is a great example, available in a range of colorways such as Evening Mauve and Dusty Dawn that capture the peace and stillness of dusk.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.sarahbarnard.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kaletreeshop
Image Credits
Sarah Barnard
