SARAH SCALES

INTERIOR DESIGN STUDIO | BOSTON & BEYOND

SARAH SCALES

INTERIOR DESIGN STUDIO  |  BOSTON & BEYOND 

May 2, 2025

Boston interior designer shares pro tips for working with a builder on renovations, custom homes, and construction projects.

Do you know how many times I meet new clients, and they already have a builder—who has already given them a cost—with no drawings? It’s impossible for any builder to give an accurate estimate without drawings. It’s pure guesswork. These builders promise low costs and short schedules, setting homeowners up for disappointment. So, let’s talk about how to hire a builder who actually knows what they’re doing.

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.