Hyde Park tudor

PROJECT MUSE

I’ve been asked before what my “I’ve made it moment” was. Does any successful person think that they have “made it”? There always seems to be another peak to climb from the top of the mountain where you currently stand.

But if I had to pick one, it very well could be when this younger acquaintance from childhood reached out to me and told me how long she had been dying to work with us and finally was able to. It didn’t feel terrible that friends back home had noticed all of the design that we had been up to.

And I can see why she thought we were the perfect fit - we are in essence, style twins. She loves animal prints, “off” colors like chartreuse and mustard and wild majestic patterns with snakes, centaurs and all the quirky design elements that scare a lot of people. She understands the need to mix masculine and feminine tones, winter and summer textures. Needless to say, the design admiration was mutual.

NOTEWORTHY MOMENT

This was undoubtedly the project where I learned to love a dry bar.

We debated the locale of the bar - should it be in the far corner? Or the center of the front wall in the heart of the entertaining thoroughfare where guests could pass by for a drink. The placement of the bar sets the tone for the party. It is no small choice. We ultimately agreed to the latter.

But as old houses will do, there was then the headache of how to add a water line to that location. At that point of my design career, it had never occurred to me not to have a sink in the bar. That was just what you did. Until finding ourselves questioning: but really what is the point of a sink in the bar? It’s not as if we are sipping water while standing there. If anything, there is a need for beverage and wine refrigeration, glassware and cocktail napkins storage…so many things to come before a sink. And alas, our first dry bar was born.


IN THE CLIENTS OWN WORDS…

I spent a lot of time in Old Town while living in Chicago. Every time I walked down Wells Street and passed Sarah Vaile Design, I dreamt of hiring someone as talented as Sarah. When I finally purchased my first home in Cincinnati, I reached out to see if Sarah would be willing to take me on as a client from a distance. I was ecstatic when she agreed. Sarah, Melissa, and the team did not disappoint.

I have always decorated my own apartments in the past, and love using the creative side of my brain. When I conveyed my desire to be a part of the creative process Sarah and team respected my wishes. Sarah opened my eyes to a new realm of design with her bold color play, exotic patterns and style. Working together was fun and exciting. Sarah and team are incredibly talented, humble, funny, approachable, and passionate. Working with them was a true pleasure, and now I get to enjoy their work every day as I walk through my home.

Sarah encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone and wallpaper my entire entry way instead of my powder room, which felt like a big commitment. I was nervous but trusted her process and amazing vision. I'm SO glad I did. It is now my favorite "room" of the house with a major WOW factor. I feel privileged to have worked with Sarah & team. Walking through my house makes me smile - it's gorgeous and special and all I could have hoped it would be. I can’t thank Sarah, Melissa, and her team enough!