Upon the launch of my new website, we also saw the launch of Refined Living, my interior design service that aims to enrich your home through deliberate, conscious and purposeful design.
The decision to begin this new venture was one that had been brewing for many a year. I had many requests, inquiries and questions around design and whether I could design people’s homes. Yet I always felt uneasy about launching an interior design company.
As many of you know, my educational background was not interior design or decorating. It wasn’t until much later in my life that I changed career paths and focused my attention on the world of design. To many, this means that I am unable to call myself a ‘designer’, and for a while I agreed with them. The process of becoming a licensed interior designer is not an easy one, however, I do feel continuing education, even as an adult, is an investment in yourself as well as a passion. I have always seen interior design as an artform, the process requires a skill that can be both natural and learned. Therefore, I have come to the conclusion that to be defined as a designer one needs more than formal qualification, one needs an eye for the craft.
Many designers and artists have had no formal education in the fields that they have mastered. Frida Kahlo became a leading figure in the art world, yet she had no formal training. Jonathan Adler, one of my favourite designers, was told to give up his love for pottery and design and become a lawyer, he too had no formal training, but followed his love regardless. Kahlo and Adler are just a couple of names on a long list of artists and designers who who were qualified in their field based on their natural aptitude and passion for their craft.
Let’s take this moment to think of the history of art, especially in Canada. Native art is some of the most inspirational and fascinating forms of art that we have. Those artists weren’t trained to paint or sculpture, they did it because they had a message to share or a passion for the form. And herein lies the reason why I brushed off my stigma of what it means to be an interior designer and decided to launch Refined Living.
I see a home as more than four walls and a roof, a home is a reflection of those who dwell within it. Humanity is not defined, in my eye, in terms of its economic growth, its industrial progress or its current political policy. Humanity will always be remembered by its ability to evoke change. Change has been achieved economically, industrially and politically, and it will continue to happen; but art, philosophy and philanthropy truly defines a generation. I believe in this wholeheartedly and it’s this faith that has driven me to share my vision.



Refined Living is grounded by a sense of sustainability. I want to design homes that not only allow its owners to find sanctuary in them, but also embraces a sense of the future. I have been accused of being frivolous and excessive in my choices of furnishings and materials in the past. It is not my place to say that these opinions are incorrect, but I will continue to purchase well-crafted, well-designed pieces which are made from natural and sustainable materials. This is due to one reason – they last. Many mass produced items are built to last the length of a trend. They serve a purpose for a short period of time and then get tossed away once that design has become out-dated or unpopular. This is in no means a sustainable approach to interior design or decorating.
I wanted Refined Living to approach spaces with an idea of longevity. We pride ourselves in clean, classic styles that will stand the test of time and provide a comfortable and beautiful home for many years to come. We deal in heirlooms not trends. Refined Living wants to work with its clients to design purposeful and pragmatic spaces while understanding sustainability and the environment that surrounds it.
Now that I have rid myself of the uncertainty of my abilities and have centred my vision on something that I care about, I am proud of what Refined Living is set out to achieve. We are just not another interior design service, we are a design company with a desire to make your home perfect for you now and for years to come.
Comments
Comment by Loredana on
SaraH, do not feel like you have to justify or apologize For not having formal training in interior design. You ade a designer and you’ve proven it time and time again in the designs of your own homes and in the brand that you’Ve created for yourself.
I too have recentLy entered the interior design wOrld as a second career and started my own design business. At first i also felt like i had to justify why i didn’t have formal design credentials; but i quickly got over it. Interior design is aRt, and i am a strong believer that artistic abilitly and creative vision Is sometging that Comes naturally for some, and which cannot be taught. None of my clients have ever asked me to show them my credentials. In fact, the majority have said that it was my passion for design that made them want to work with me.
You cleaRly have the passion and the talent, and you’ve already eStaBlished a very succesful and recognizable brand. I don’t doubt that reFined living will Be a huge suceSs fOr You. I wish You the best of luck.
Fellow designer, Loredana
Interiors by loredana
Comment by Tanja on
Hi Sarah!
What you have said . Is inspirational, it gives people who have that creative desire too Followthe dreams ! I as well am a firm believer in education ! And everyday moment is a learning expierience! And if one has the dream the passion behind it sky is the limit ! At any age! Thank you for your post ! I as well have a natural flare for design ,and funny enough married too a very well respected contractor. With our four beaUtiful children and beautiful home . being able to put my flare of design in our homes allows me too do what o love ! However , i never attended design classes either which made me feel that i could not call myself one ! I have many friends and People that have suggested i have a wonderful flare for design and complements on our homes , of coarse my husband and I are a team, too bring it together! Our family is our love and great friends , very blessed ! , i as well have started my creative flare in my Early. Years in Hairdressing and have had my success for manyYears however my creative flare that i loveis in design and building along side of my husband here in Bayfield ontario ! I have dreamed of taking everything we do and being apart of Hgtv team, dream of creating my families world and doing what we love ! Maybeone day! Lol! What i am trying too say Sarah is you are a great inspiration and you have had great success and i believe you truly are a designer ! And give us the Vaidation too follow our dreams, thanks ! Tanja,
Comment by A on
Your website and designs are so creative with lots of inspirations!
I have been looking for a poof for my bedroom–and I love the one in the photo on the ‘refining your home’ page. In fact, I will look for a similar table too!
Can you tell me where I might purchase the poof/or similar?
Comment by Nancy cecchin on
Dear saraH, your site and show are grEat! I watch all the time. I just your show where to you help a couple design thier home. Can you please ler me know where i can purchase the round fluffy white FLoWer wall decore. You also show on your website! You add alot of Class to desigN!
Thank you
Nancy
Comment by Fiona on
Hello Sarah
I Am a PROFESSIONAL designer and was trained in the uk many years ago, i came to canada 20 years ago and have worked in this field for the entire tIme.
like you i have a love affair with making The very best of everything and that includes creating HARMONIOUS spaces out of chaos.
Let me Tell you a secRet..
I have not taken any oath to prove what i practiCe, just as a marriage certificatE does not prove that you love someone, these same certifications do not prove that you have the inheRent vision and skills to create a beautiful setting.
Quite simply you have what it takes and People recognise that
I have been asked if i want To become a member of those associations but i Dont really, why?
We have what cannot be Taught or tested.
We have great taste 😂, Vision, experience and The Recognition from the people that really matter, our clients.
Stay true to yourself and you will continue to shine