In the world of interior design, San Antonio area designer Sarah Hardin has an impressive portfolio that reflects her unique ability to breathe life into a home. This ASID San Antonio Pinnacle of Design award winning home, affectionately referred to as the “Boot Ranch Project”, involved transforming a relatively blank canvas into a vibrant expression of her client’s individuality.
What sets Sarah apart is her signature approach: a harmonious blend of vibrant color, thoughtful scale, captivating art, and carefully curated unique pieces. This, along with her meticulous attention to detail allows her to craft interiors that are not only visually stunning but also deeply meaningful to those who inhabit them.
When starting a new project, Sarah engages her clients in a thoughtful dialogue about their life, as well as their preferences. "How do you live?" is one of her pivotal questions, laying the groundwork for a design that is functional, personal, and that will stand the test of time. Key elements, such as durability and family-friendliness, are always at the forefront. For this family that values livability, Sarah incorporated stain-resistant materials, ensuring that every corner of the home can withstand the chaos of daily life while remaining stylish.
Throughout the design process, Sarah consistently asked herself and her team, "Is this happy?" By regularly checking in on this question, Sarah ensured that every design decision contributed to an uplifting and cheerful atmosphere, which was a key component that her client asked for. Whether it was selecting vibrant colors or playful decor, she focused on elements that would evoke happiness, making the home a true sanctuary filled with positivity.
A trademark of Sarah’s work is her keen eye for sourcing unique elements, often exploring estate sales for hidden gems. "I love selecting unique pieces for my projects,” she shares. Having a collected style can bring unexpected harmony, allowing the space to feel both curated and lived-in. One of a kind pieces “give interest and make homes cozier and more personalized," Sarah explains.
Textiles and prints play a vital role in Sarah's designs, transforming a house into a home. By skillfully mixing patterns and materials, she creates a cozy atmosphere. Lissa from Lume & Co provided the stunning rug in the master bedroom, which “perfectly complements the room’s aesthetic while adding a layer of softness underfoot,” she notes. Sarah's ability to play with scale creates visual interest through the balance of large and small elements. “You want the furniture and art to feel right for the home,” she advises. This approach is evident in her projects, where she often custom-orders rugs to fit the space perfectly.
Sarah places a strong emphasis on art in her designs. “Art is personal,” Sarah explains, “I like to introduce artists I love to my clients and see what speaks to them.” Art often serves as the cornerstone for the entire design process, and helps to set a color palette that feels authentic and energizing. "Most of my clients embrace color, and therefore, the color palette is a very important element to pull together the space," she explains. Even in a neutral palette, the colors provide cohesion, enhancing the overall feel of the home.
In every project Sarah Hardin is a part of, her upbeat style and attentive approach define what it means to design spaces that resonate with the people who live in them. By prioritizing her clients' needs, integrating unique finds, and focusing on emotional resonance, Sarah proves that a well-designed home is not just about aesthetics but about cultivating a sense of belonging and joy.
Whether it was selecting vibrant colors or playful decor, she focused on elements that would evoke happiness.