SARAH SCALES

INTERIOR DESIGN STUDIO | BOSTON & BEYOND

SARAH SCALES

INTERIOR DESIGN STUDIO  |  BOSTON & BEYOND 

April 25, 2025

Tariff talk is exhausting. With imports from Asia getting more expensive and shipping no longer cheap, more people may start avoiding fast fashion—and it’s about time; I’ve been doing that for years (long live Poshmark and The Real Real). It’s a good time to turn toward secondhand everything beyond clothing, including home decor and furniture. We’re not the first to catch on to secondhand goods—just pointing out the growth!

April 18, 2025

A trip to NYC from Boston is so easy—Amtrak Acela, Route 128 straight to Penn Station. We came for our client and spent the day at her Lenox Hill apartment. After a full day on site, I headed out just as the light started to shift. Met friends, stopped into a few galleries, and ended the day with a walk through the city. We’ve been spending more time in New York for projects and sources, and every visit brings fresh perspective.

April 11, 2025

Mid century modern furniture in use: the iconic Womb Chair styled in a historic home interior with traditional architectural details

Florence Knoll didn’t just shape the look of mid-century modern furniture—she hired the people who defined it. Her collaborations with Eero Saarinen led to some of the most enduring furniture designs of the 20th century, and they still show up in our projects today. Mid-century pieces like the Womb Chair, Tulip Chair, and Tulip Table—designed by Saarinen for Knoll—pairs with the Executive Chair, designed by Knoll herself.

April 4, 2025

Coastal-inspired family room with light blue and neutral tones, designed by New England fabric designer Ellisha Alexina and a Hingham interior designer

This post is a little shout-out to some of the people we love in the New England interior design industry. We’re starting with our friend and colleague, Ellisha Alexina—a talented New England fabric designer whose work we’ve admired for years. A Massachusetts native, her designs come to life in Boston, and her textiles are made in Western Massachusetts. We love local.

March 28, 2025

We’re thrilled to share a collection of luxury textiles & custom pillows included in our latest project in New York City. These bespoke pieces—small upholstered side chairs and unique throw pillows—feature materials from our favorite fabric houses. Some from domestic sources, others from Europe and beyond, but all celebrate the art of textile design. Rich colors, striking patterns, and details bring personality to our Lenox Hill project.

March 21, 2025

Sarah Scales in her home office, discussing Boston interior designer costs, offering insight into pricing, services, and the value of expert design.

When considering a design transformation for your home, understanding Boston interior designer costs is an important first step. Of course, we work throughout New England, New York, and beyond, but Boston is home. Our pricing reflects the market rate of design services in our area. The expense of working with a professional interior designer can vary depending on the scope of your project and the level of service you need.

March 14, 2025

Media room painted Hale Navy with Lee Jofa wallpaper and mid-century furnishings from Room and Board, designing for a historic home.

Room & Board recently featured our work on their blog, and we’re super happy with the write-up and the recognition. Their products blend quality craftsmanship with timeless design, making them a natural fit for our projects. Based in Minnesota, they source from skilled artisans across the country—including some right here in New England.

March 7, 2025

Mountain architecture with aqua and red rooftops, bold green, yellow, and red siding at the base of Mont Tremblant, Quebec.

Like a true New Englander, I’ve spent plenty of time in ski towns from New Hampshire to Vermont—and even a few in Massachusetts. I expected Quebec to feel different, but this Mont Tremblant ski trip surprised me with its quality and ease. Just a bit farther than Stowe, my usual stomping grounds, yet a completely different experience.

February 28, 2025

Visit Montreal in the winter to see this historic stone building with a vibrant green storefront. The contrast of bright green against the light beige stone and fresh snow offers a stunning architectural inspiration.

Visit Montreal in the winter, and expect freezing temperatures with a dose of hockey and history. We’re talking 1°F or way below-zero Celsius. Bring fur, thick socks, plentry of outerwear, and waterproof everything. I personally owe my survival to my leather, sherpa-lined L.L. Bean tall boots—stylish and, frankly, non-negotiable. We arrived via train after a record-breaking 30-inch snowfall, a winter wonderland—cute but cold.

February 21, 2025

Off-white custom kitchen cabinets with artisan off-white backsplash tile and a brass Urban Electric double beaded wall sconce in a traditional kitchen design.

We’ve designed countless kitchens—some modern, some traditional—all beautiful in their own way. After years of experience, we’ve rounded up the five features that best suit a classic New England kitchen. These details work well in at coastal properties, a farmhouse, or any home with historic or traditional architecture. These ideas will keep it both livable and aligned with the character of the Northeast.

February 14, 2025

Interior designer Sarah Scales answers key FAQs at her Westwood kitchen design project, featuring natural slate flooring and new doors leading to an outdoor garden.

I finally pulled together a much-needed FAQ page for my website. Sorting through the best questions took time, but I wanted to provide clear answers. Most FAQs cover how I work, my process, and my credentials. But a few stand out. Today, I’m diving into the three most common interior design questions, answered over the years and collected from web inquiries, friends, colleagues, and clients.

February 7, 2025

Designed by a Boston interior designer, this Stowe, Vermont living room features modern furniture, tall ceilings, and wood accents.

I’m excited to share that I’ve been accepted as an ARCH Digest Pro interior designer. It’s a great way to start the year and a reminder of what drives my work – our mission. Our focus has always been on creating interiors that feel timeless, personal, and livable. As we settle into the new year, it feels like the right time to revisit these core principles.