A passion for the interior design industry has led Marianne Sax to work with the most interesting clientele—and through more than three decades—she still finds her greatest rewards in making their homes a reflection of themselves.
An accomplished designer, Marianne has created unique interiors in a wide array of aesthetics, and she has been privileged to meet with clients from all over the western United States. Outside of St. George—for clients with primary residences in St. George—Marianne has completed projects in Las Vegas, Nevada; Eden and Salt Lake City, Utah; and Sarasota, Florida. She has practiced interior design in St. George since 2016 and now considers this place home. She launched Style by Design, LLC., in July 2018—a bustling practice with a “by appointment only” showroom.
“My clients love coming in here,” says Marianne. “This is where I create the many projects I have been hired to work on.”
Marianne’s projects have three common threads: creating budgets, creating the process and creating impeccable communication. These are implemented into each project no matter the size.
“My clients build trust in me rather quickly,” she continues. “I remain transparent, respectful, and always listen carefully throughout the project. Keeping a notebook for each project is essential. Within each client notebook are the client selections by room, specs for each selection, meeting notes and copies of emails.”
When a client walks into the Style by Design showroom, they feel the energy of unique accessories and art that are priced to suit any budget. Marianne offers a full resource library of fabrics, furniture catalogs, wallpaper and bedding. Additional showroom areas are tailored to “new construction” clients and “remodeling clients,” with a wide variety of tile, cabinet finishes, plumbing, decorative lighting catalogs and more.
“I can’t emphasize enough how crucial it is to listen to and communicate with a client; I take a lot of notes in that first meeting, and I read body language and try to see what’s really important to each person,” Marianne continues. “It could be that we’ll end up reframing a favorite piece of art, or there’s a couch or a chair that someone loves and just can’t let go of. I’ll try to figure out the best way to incorporate those elements, while still ending up with a fresh, new look."
The suppliers and fabricators in St. George are important to Style by Design. The relationships and loyalty that Marianne has with these businesses are keys to a successful project. Beyond the new builds where Marianne is specifying product, she has many clients with smaller projects that rely on a variety of tradespeople and suppliers.
The home furnishings industry has gone through cycles during the past few years, which has affected the cost and availability of furniture, textiles, area rugs and lighting.
“I have been committed to apprising my clients of delays and always give them the option to reselect to something available,” explains Marianne.
The manufacturers that work with Style by Design introduce new products each spring and fall. Marianne keeps her clients informed of the latest trends and predictions and advises on compatibility for our desert region.
With a career that has taken her around the globe and has exposed her to diverse cultures and aesthetics, Marianne can be counted on to craft an interior design scheme for homeowners that is anything but run-of-the-mill. Whether a client is considering a small "update" or a complete transformation of every room in an existing home or aims to create the look and feel of a brand-new dwelling from the ground up, Marianne encourages inquiries and conversations.
One of the biggest lessons Marianne did not learn in the classroom is that being an interior designer is not all about creating lovely rooms.
“I have walked through the mud, the rain and the snow on construction sites in freezing temperatures and mid-summer heat,” Marianne states. “I have handled heavy tile samples, fabric books, carpet and flooring from my showroom to my car and into clients’ homes. Beyond all of this, I am blessed to feel the positive energy between my clients and me each and every day.”
Marianne's Style by Design showroom is located at 1400 West and Snow Canyon Parkway.
The Ledges of St. George home features Contractor: RyanBuilt Construction; Furnishings and Material Selections: Style by Design; Front Entry Door: StraightLine Enterprises
Contact Marianne Sax at 435.655.5200 or visit stylebydesignutah.com
the DETAILS
Detail One: The style of this home is considered modern industrial aesthetic.
Detail Two: The balance of stone and concrete together with the warm furnishings create a sustainable environment.
Detail Three: The exterior stone and wood ceilings extend to the inside of the residence to produce an organic theme.
Detail Four: The 11-foot ceiling heights create voluminous space in the interior of this residence.
Detail Five: 5. The outdoor space includes a fireplace and kitchen to enjoy outdoor dining coupled with a pool and a pickleball court.
Marianne’s projects have three common threads: creating budgets, creating the process and creating impeccable communication.
