What’s your Style

Debra Goldberg, client

Having worked in graphic and industrial design for 25 years, I was hardly a decorator’s dream client. I had high (read unreasonable) standards, extensive (but not interior) design experience, and was highly opinionated (but never in doubt). Luckily for me, my wife, and my apartment, we met Sarah Trumbore. She taught me what works and what doesn’t work in an apartment design scheme. She brought impeccable taste, design management experience and knows every resource in New York. She was a delight to work with. A true professional. I look forward to seeing the work her new firm will produce. I know it will be great.

Private Client

I knew Sarah from way back when, and I have watched her grow from a young girl with a passion for interior design, into a college graduate of interior design who has worked for some amazing designers. So when I moved from Boston to South Carolina I knew I needed her expertise and eye in helping me with a vision for our new Southern Paradise. I was so impressed with her ideas, excitement and execution. She turned a dark, boring house into something publishable. She works with so much passion for the trade and that passion has grown over the years from a girl who knew she wanted to be a designer, to a woman who has created some of the most breathtaking spaces. We absolutely love and get so many compliments on the beautiful home she has helped create for us! We will continue working with Sarah for years to come…

I am so excited to finally be launching my website and start contributing to my journal! I plan to explore interior design ideas and my projects, but also all aspects of lifestyle and design. Entertaining, travel, motherhood, anything that touches my life and I find of importance to share. After all, that is what design really is, the visual representation of our, hopefully full and thriving, lives. I hope you enjoy!

I get asked all the time, “So, what’s your style?” As a designer it is sometimes difficult to describe your own style because you are constantly wearing other people’s hats. When I am working with a client I try and think like that client and get so wrapped up in what would be perfect for them, through a designer’s lens of course. Would I do the same thing in my home? Most times, no I wouldn’t but that is because we are all different and lead different lives. I don’t understand client’s when they are easily swayed by what their neighbor, cousin, mother or friend has to say about how their design schemes are coming together. Something they initially loved can be torn down in just a few comments from another person. I usually respond to this by saying, yes but they don’t need to like it, they don’t live here with you, you need to love it.

I do find it extremely fun to try and see interiors through someone else’s eyes. I try and picture myself as the client and when I come home what do I want to see? What am I coming home from? Who am I coming home to? What am I carrying? What do I want to do first? Am I home during the day? How do I relax at night? Do I have children? Pet? Aging parents? I do have a degree in cultural anthropology as well so I find the actual human aspect of interiors fascinating!

So what is my true style? If pressed, I would have to say modern classic with a bit of whimsy. I like four poster beds with all the hangings but in a fresh new fabric not necessarily a chintz, however, I have learned to never say never! I like an element of eclectic collected items. I enjoy incorporating objects that tell a story about the person’s life (client or my own). Items from travel, childhood, etc. Even if it is something that many may find hideous but it is very special to the client, I will try and incorporate. It is their space, and as the designer we just try and make it the best and most beautiful space for them to live their full and thriving lives.

Typical Design Styles- The three big ones that are referenced most

Transitional / I think of transitional as a safe bet. It doesn’t move in extremes

Traditional / Classic, based in historic references

Modern / Using modern elements and classic modern designers.
Can be minimalist. Usually not a layered look.

Contact

Debra Goldberg, client

Hal Pearson, client

Private Client

Jessica Murphy, client

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