SARAH SCALES

INTERIOR DESIGN STUDIO | BOSTON & BEYOND

SARAH SCALES

INTERIOR DESIGN STUDIO  |  BOSTON & BEYOND 

Not every project needs dust, debris, and months of chaos. An easy kitchen makeover can transform a home with smart choices and a fresh eye. Skip the sledgehammer—focus on finishes, fixtures, and details that make the difference. We renovate kitchens and baths all the time, and experience has shown us that a few minor updates can be the perfect solution.

Easy kitchen makeover with white cabinets, black island, and Allied Maker light fixtures in a historic modern home

Walk through The Elms in Newport and you’ll find rooms that feel surprisingly familiar. Beyond the marble halls and gilded ceilings are kitchens, baths, and bedrooms that remind us that good design—historic or modern—always begins with proportion, craftsmanship, and comfort. These are the spaces that connect Gilded Age grandeur to everyday living.

Gilded Age interior design at The Elms kitchen with marble floors, tiled walls, and classic craftsmanship inspiring modern homes.

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!

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.

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

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.

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

There’s a reason Benjamin Moore has an entire collection dedicated to white—it’s anything but simple. In fact, their Off-White Collection includes 152 different whites. That’s right….152 options. No wonder finding the best white paint colors can feel overwhelming. Cool white, warm white, off-white, pure white. it’s a lot to process. Here are three of our favorite whites and some foolproof tips for finding your own “perfect” paint.

A warm corridor in a new construction home, painted Benjamin Moore White Dove (OC-17), a top choice for the best white paint colors.

When tackling a 10,000-square-foot historic estate, you need more than just good taste—you need a plan, a ladder, and maybe a little caffeine. This Concord home, originally built in 1903, challenged us to create spaces that honored its history while inviting a fresh perspective. With a cohesive palette, modern touches, and a focus on historic home interior design, we brought new life to its iconic bones.

Historic Home Interior Design featuring a grand black-painted staircase with neutral wallcovering, freshly painted millwork, and a new stair runner in a historic Concord home foyer.

Navy is becoming a go-to choice in media room design for its deep and timeless appeal – especially in New England. This versatile color blends with both historic architecture and modern design, creating dramatic yet cohesive spaces – a quintessential coastal and classic hue. From a renovated Brookline home to a transformed Hingham basement to a Concord estate, see how navy lends depth, warmth, and sophistication.

Navy blue media room design in a historic Brookline home with dark walls and a matching coffered ceiling. A modern sectional blends with navy walls, reupholstered swivel chairs, and personal art.

Thanksgiving is looming. While many look to quick-fix decor stores for festive touches, our clients focus on planning menus. When your dining room design already shines, there’s no need for pumpkin-shaped vases or other seasonal gimmicks. Sure – we love a good napkin, candlestick, or centerpiece. But well-designed spaces rely on timeless wallpaper, lighting, and furniture.

A Milton dining room with a custom Susan Harter mural, Kelly Wearstler lighting, a vintage dining table, and Palacek chairs.

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