Sarah Baeumler's Timeless Design Philosophy: Prioritize Comfort Over Trends
Renowned designer Sarah Baeumler, celebrated for her work on the Home Network show Island of Bryan and the redesign of Caerula Mar Club in the Bahamas, offers a refreshing perspective on interior design. In a recent interview, she emphasizes moving away from trend-chasing to cultivate a personal style that endures.
Rejecting Trend Pressure for Personal Expression
Baeumler recalls her early career, where she felt compelled to follow every magazine trend to gain recognition. "When I first started in the industry, I was very focused on trends," she says. "It felt like an unspoken pressure to keep up with everything—the right color, the right lighting fixture—to be seen as a legitimate designer." However, she soon realized this approach was unsustainable. "Trends change every year, but your life and how you live in your home don't move at that speed," Baeumler explains, advocating for a shift toward authenticity.
As the founder of her self-named lifestyle brand, she believes a home should reflect personal values and daily routines, not just current fads. "Your home is where you raise your family and find reprieve. It doesn't have to feel like a trend," she asserts, encouraging homeowners to invest in spaces that resonate with their long-term needs.
Investing in Quality and Meaningful Choices
Baeumler recommends focusing on well-made, timeless items that outlast seasonal trends. "I always recommend products that will endure beyond what you see in magazines," she advises. "After a few seasons, your home's furnishings shouldn't fall apart." While she acknowledges that inspiration from media can be helpful, she cautions against obsessing over perfection. Instead, she suggests envisioning how you want to live in your space years from now, prioritizing comfort and functionality.
Her approach involves:
- Choosing durable materials that withstand daily use.
- Selecting pieces with personal significance rather than mere aesthetic appeal.
- Planning for longevity, considering how needs might evolve over five, ten, or fifteen years.
The Overlooked Importance of Bedroom Design
One area Baeumler highlights as frequently neglected is the bedroom. Despite being where people spend a significant portion of their time, it often receives less attention than more visible spaces. "People overlook their bedroom because they think, 'My guests don't see it,' but you spend a lot of time there," she notes. In today's fast-paced, technology-driven world, she argues that a restful bedroom is crucial for well-being.
To create a sanctuary, Baeumler recommends:
- Reducing noise to promote uninterrupted sleep.
- Using softer lighting to encourage disconnection from screens and relaxation.
- Selecting mattresses that minimize off-gassing and support physical health.
"How can you protect the eight or nine hours you spend in that space, from winding down to starting your day?" she asks. "It feels overlooked because it's not on display, but it's a vital space that dictates how you live and feel daily."
By embracing this philosophy, Baeumler empowers individuals to create homes that are not only beautiful but also deeply supportive of their lifestyles, proving that true design excellence lies in comfort and personal connection over fleeting trends.
