Talk Shop: Sarah Fleischer // SRF Interiors
Photo by Yumi Matsuo
ABOUT SARAH
Before launching her own firm, Sarah Rinehart Fleischer worked for several esteemed design firms like Celerie Kemble, Lindsay Coral Harper, and Todd Klein. After gaining invaluable experience, Sarah decided to take the leap and open her own firm, SRF Interiors, in 2020. Her belief is that interiors should be beautiful, functional, and lived-in while understanding that nothing should ever be too precious to be truly enjoyed. Working with both residential and hospitality projects, Sarah loves creating a unique experience for each client, tailoring the designs to reflect their personality and lifestyle. We so enjoyed sitting down with Sarah, and listening to her start in the design world and where she finds her inspirations. Enjoy!
Photo by Kirsten Francis
Describe your style in three words or less:
Classic, fresh, and playful.
What have been the three biggest influences on your aesthetic in your life:
First, my mom. She started her career in fashion illustration, and worked as a graphic designer and then a creative director. I grew up going with her to photo shoots, paying close attention to branding, details, etc. Second is working for Celerie Kemble. Celerie introduced me to the world of interior design, and she has an incredible, unique eye. Getting to absorb her knowledge had a huge influence on me creatively. And, obviously, living in NYC. I moved to NYC in 2005 and still find it inspiring and exhilarating. It’s full of so many places to find inspiration.
How did you start your company, and/or what is your favorite thing about what you do:
I had started freelancing on the side before I had my first child and was toying with the idea of eventually going out on my own. While I was on maternity leave in March 2020, I was furloughed and decided to take the leap and open SRF Interiors. I've never looked back! My favorite thing about what I do is getting to know my clients and interpreting their wants/needs. I love being able to take what a client says to me and turn it into something they love.
Do you have a mentor in your career, and if so, how have they helped to shape your trajectory:
Absolutely, I think every boss I've had has mentored me and shaped my career in some way. Celerie Kemble taught me everything about how to exist in the design world. Lindsey Coral Harper taught me how to own a project and manage it from afar (hello virtual projects!). And Todd Klein gave me the courage and confidence to speak my mind, share my vision, and get everyone in line on a job site.
What does your home say about you:
It's very colorful, bright, and comfortable. I think it shows my design ethos—it's beautiful but not fussy, functional but still fun. It also says I have two young kids and all the chaos that comes with it.
Photo by Heidi Solander
Where do you find inspiration:
Everywhere! Museums, boutique shops, I love to travel and just wander being inspired by buildings, paint colors, etc. I always feel newly inspired after visiting a showroom or shop.
Who are your style icons:
This is difficult! I am inspired by so many but have always loved Audrey Hepburn, Iris Apfel, and Jenna Lyons.
What are your key ingredients for entertaining:
Good lighting, good music, cocktails and snacks.
Do you collect anything:
So many things. Vintage china, glassware, matchbooks, candlesticks.
Favorite Instagram accounts to follow for inspiration:
@inkindmag, @witanddelight, and @andrewjhow.
What design “rule” do you always follow, and which is made to be broken:
Always follow - rug scale and size. It's so important. And so many people get it wrong!
Made to be broken- the idea that certain colors go together. I think you can mix any colors well!
What are you working on right now:
We have a lot going on! A renovation project in Brooklyn Heights, and houses in Chicago, Connecticut, and the Hamptons.
Wardrobe staples:
Stripes, denim, and Supergas.
Photo by Kirsten Francis
Photo by Kirsten Francis
Favorite fabric/wallpaper:
This is like being asked to pick a favorite child. It's impossible! For fabric - I'm currently loving “Snag Stripe” by The Lawns and anything Milton. For wallpaper I love Quadrille! It's all handprinted and is such a fascinating American brand.
Best interior advice you ever received:
Every great room includes something a little “off” or unexpected.
Best career advice you ever received:
Be nice. It’s not hard and goes a long way to getting things done.
Types of home purchases you invest in, and save on:
I have two boys, ages 2 and 4, so I'm currently investing in things they're unlikely to damage like art and lighting! I tend to invest in things I know will last and can be repurposed or reupholstered, and save on smaller pieces like side tables/accessories.
Your greatest extravagance:
I have used an organizer, Jolin Polasek, of Sage Organization and Design, for multiple areas of my house – in a small Brooklyn apartment where every inch of storage space matters, it has made a huge difference in my sanity! Doesn’t hurt that Jolin is a dream to work with. I recommend her to all of my clients.
Photo by Kirsten Francis
Favorite places to shop for home:
This list could go on forever, and I love discovering new shops. A few favorites are Collyers Mansion, Chairloom, and Chairish.
Most prized possession and why:
My kids! But also, my Milo Baughman-style burlwood bar cabinet. I found it at Furnish Green and it fits this awkward wall in my living room perfectly. It’s where I stash my china collection, extra candlesticks, and cocktail fixings. My kids refer to it as “mom’s cabinet” and know they’re not supposed to touch it.
Your interiors motto:
Nothing should be so precious as to not be enjoyed.
Your life motto:
Just breathe.
Advice for someone looking to define their own interior style:
Observe, collect images, read! I love the interior design section at The Strand, there are so many incredible coffee table books. Leafing through those and noting what speaks to you is a great way to start to define your style - with clients, I always start a Google Drive file and ask them to drop any images there (whether of interiors/fashion/anything) so that we can start to pull out what they are drawn to and inspired by.
Take Ten: My Favorite…
Food: Everything bagel with Lox
Drink: A Rye Manhattan, up.
Film: The Money Pit
Hotel: I am dying to stay at the Celerie Kemble-designed Mayflower Inn & Spa
City: New York
Bedding: Crisp White Percale! My current favorites are Matouk’s Essex which I paired with Schumacher for Matouk Pomegranate shams
Tea or Coffee (and how do you take it): Coffee, strong, with a splash of whole milk (or half and half if I’m feeling extravagant)
Playlist: Anything my husband puts on
Weekend Activity: Sleeping in!
Design Book: May I Come In by Wendy Goodman