Poetic Rooms by Storie Collective’s Sara Swabb

Based in Washington D.C.’s Georgetown neighborhood, Storie Collective’s Sara Swabb artfully blends vintage, new, and bespoke elements to tell a story. Her work calls to mind Jolie Laide, a term of French origin, embodying “the concept of discovering unconventional beauty within imperfection.” The allure of this ethos lies in its poetic approach to design. Explore a few of Storie Collective’s projects, along with Sara’s Chairish favorites.

SHOP SARA SWABB’S CHAIRISH FAVORITES >>>

What made you passionate about interior design?

My passion for interior design was sparked by my global travels, where I developed a deep appreciation for classic architecture and a respect for tradition and heritage. My academic background led me to work within an interior design firm where I focused on the business-building aspects, which further fueled my love for residential interior design. This experience not only gave me the confidence to embark on my entrepreneurial journey, but also solidified my passion for creating beautiful interiors. My love for old houses and affinity to transform them led me to undertake a full gut renovation of my own home. Initially, I worked with clients virtually due to the global pandemic, but as interest in my work grew, so did the opportunities to take on full-service design projects for local clients.

What do you find most compelling about Chairish?

I look to Chairish as a top destination for discovering carefully selected antique and vintage pieces. Utilizing this platform allows me to maintain relationships with trusted sellers while also discovering new ones whose offerings align with my aesthetic. Chairish allows me to compare prices for similar items and aids in locating items that might be local to me, enhancing the overall sourcing experience.

How does sustainability factor into your design choices and love of vintage?

Sustainability is a key consideration in my selection process. We artfully blend cherished family pieces with new, vintage, and bespoke elements. Using vintage allows me to curate purposeful homes that serve as both a collection of artful moments and a cohesive embodiment of my clients’ life stories. The patina of a vintage selection helps our designs feel full of life.

Favorite way to create a statement-making moment in a room?

Lighting is a powerful tool to make a statement in a room. I believe that investing in iconic, handmade fixtures crafted from natural materials like brass, bronze, alabaster, and glass can truly elevate a space. These fixtures not only catch the eye with their unique designs, but also cast light in a way that enhances the room’s ambiance and highlights its features. By carefully selecting and placing statement lighting, you can create focal points that draw people into the space and leave a lasting impression.

Do you have any go to color palettes and color combos? 

I always look to nature and consider lighting to ensure our palettes feel cohesive and natural to our surroundings. Earth tones like warm browns, soft greens, and sandy beiges often find their way into my designs, creating a calming and organic atmosphere. I also love incorporating pops of color inspired by natural elements, such as deep blues reminiscent of the ocean or vibrant greens like fresh foliage. These color palettes not only evoke a sense of tranquility but also harmonize with the environment, creating spaces that feel timeless and connected to the world around us.

What advice do you have for first-time clients to make their space truly personal?

To truly personalize your space, it is vital to communicate openly with your designer about your aesthetic preferences and lifestyle needs. A great starting point is to create a mood board of spaces you love and articulate why they resonate with you. This helps your designer understand your taste and vision while allowing them to distill common threads to build a cohesive and personalized design plan. Building trust and a deep connection with your designer is also essential. When you trust your designer and provide them with all the necessary information, you can be confident that the end result will be a space that authentically reflects your personality and style.

Lead Image: Interior Design by Sara Swabb of Storie Collective, Photography by Stacy Zarin Goldberg.