A Conversation with Sara Story

Since founding her eponymous design firm, Sara Story has forged a reputation for imparting to all of her projects an ineffable style she can truly call her own. Drawing inspiration from extensive travel and an active interest in contemporary art and fashion, Sara wields a keen eye to exact her aesthetic vision. As a returning member of our Design + Art Advisory Council, Sara joined us for a rapid-fire round of questions on how she decides when a piece is "worth it," projects that pushed her creatively, and more.

Art + Design

Favorites 

If you could add one museum piece to your personal collection, what would it be?

If I could add one museum piece to my personal collection, it would be a large scale abstract painting by Joan Mitchell. I find her works to be utterly consuming and engrossing. I imagine you would continue to see new brush strokes and movements every time you look at it. I love how art can move you emotionally and absorb you into the canvas, and for me, Mitchell’s work does this.

Which design era or movement most inspires you right now?

I’m most drawn to the 1920s and 1930s eras in design. French designer Jacques Adnet and Italian visionary Gio Ponti’s brand Fontana Arte are classics. I find the detailing and materials of their works, and more broadly those eras, to be incredibly thoughtful.

What’s a piece in your collection that always sparks conversation?

My Paavo Tynell chandelier sparks a lot of conversation– how its delicate and whimsical petals cascade down with perforated metal creates the most beautiful atmosphere.

Advice

How do you decide when a piece is “worth it”?

For me, a piece is worth it when you can’t stop thinking about it and it pushes you intellectually and creatively.

Plugs

What’s a project from the past year that pushed you creatively?

My apartment in Paris is a recent project that pushed me creatively given the location and the client being myself. It allowed me to layer pieces in ways I had only dreamed about. This was also a special project for me because it was published in the October 2025 issue of Architectural Digest.