Talk Shop: Sarah Speck // Hudson Valley Lighting
ABOUT SARAH
Sarah Speck joined the Hudson Valley Lighting Group in 2020, and is currently the Director of Product Strategy & Partnerships. She works closely with designers to introduce innovative products to the market, partnering with numerous creative minds to realize their visions. Her efforts have propelled the HVLG forward as a premier provider of designer-preferred lighting solutions.
She holds a diverse educational background, earning both a BFA and an MBA from Washington University in St. Louis, where she studied fashion design and business. Sarah began her career in footwear design, product development, and merchandising, notably with Caleres, the parent company of esteemed brands like Via Spiga and Sam Edelman. When Sarah relocated for her spouse's job, her career took a significant turn, leading her to discover her true calling in the interiors industry. Outside of her professional life, she is actively involved with institutions like the Dallas Symphony Orchestra. Originally from St. Louis, she has lived in NYC and the San Francisco Bay Area before settling in Dallas, TX.
Describe your style in three words or less:
Refined, textured, Modern.
What have been the three biggest influences on your aesthetic in your life:
My grandmother who was very chic and had great taste in jewelry. My time spent studying fashion design in college, in which the idea of “building a collection/story” has carried over into all of the product categories I have worked in since.
More recently, my aesthetic has been influenced by the incredible designers and artists we collaborate with at Hudson Valley Lighting Group. Working with leading sculptors and interior designers continuously introduces me to innovative ideas and fresh perspectives.
When did you start at HVLG, and what is your favorite thing about what you do:
I joined HVLG in July 2020, right amid the COVID-19 pandemic, so I worked remotely and didn’t meet my colleagues in person for over a year. My favorite part of the job is collaborating with a team of incredibly talented creatives—both from our internal design team and our external designer partners—to develop HVLG’s product collection. I love building a well-designed collection and seeing it come to life!
Do you have a mentor in your career, and if so, how have they helped to shape your trajectory:
One of the most influential mentorships I had was with Jeigh Singleton, the head of my design program at Washington University in St. Louis. Although Jeigh passed away a few years ago, his impact on my creative and professional growth was profound. I often reflect on his insightful guidance and appreciate his sense of humor, which made even the toughest lessons more relatable.
What does your home say about you:
I love layered neutrals, natural materials, and texture, and these elements are evident when you walk into my home. I’m also a minimalist at heart and can’t stand visual clutter, so I’m always tidying up and putting things back in their proper places. My need for organization can sometimes drive me a bit crazy!
Where do you find inspiration:
I find inspiration from a blend of my experiences and the different places I've lived. I started my career in the fashion industry as a footwear designer and I still draw a lot from that background. Living in San Francisco, New York, and now Dallas has exposed me to different styles, trends, and cultures, each contributing to my perspective and aesthetic. The vibrancy of these cities, coupled with my professional journey constantly fuels my creativity and drive.
Who are your style icons:
Diane Kruger and Lupita Nyong'o.
What are your key ingredients for entertaining:
A well-planned menu, delicious cocktails, and good conversation!
Do you collect anything:
I love beautiful playing cards, books, and paper goods (greeting cards, calendars, etc.) and have quite a collection of each!
Favorite Instagram accounts to follow for inspiration:
One of my favorite Instagram accounts is @instaraxx. Rachael is an amazing watercolor artist who I actually discovered via one of HVLG’s designers, Noz Nozawa. Rachael is an incredible artist and curator with fabulous content, spanning visual art, music, comedy, and thought-provoking posts. She is wonderful at identifying and elevating unique designers and creators on her feed. I always look forward to seeing her most recent posts.
I’m also a huge fan of @moniomidesign. Monica Santayana and Ronald Alvarez are phenomenal product and interior designers, and I find myself 'liking' every single one of their posts. They’re constantly pushing boundaries, and their interiors showcase remarkable ingenuity. A must-follow for any design-lover!
What design “rule” do you always follow, and which is made to be broken:
They’re all made to be broken! Currently, I am in love with the concept of mixing scale and proportions in an unconventional way, such as very petite sconces in more spacious, vast rooms. This is a simple way to make a design feel fresh.
I also reject the concept that all elements of a room need to “match.” Mixing different styles, patterns, or colors can lead to a more personalized and unique space. Trusting your instincts and designing based on your personal style often leads to the most unique and authentic results, making your space more enjoyable and satisfying to live in.
What lighting rules are important to follow:
This isn’t exactly a “rule,” but rather a personal preference. I find lighting that is too cool or blue to be unappealing in a living space, so I prefer a warmer color temperature around 2700K and usually avoid fixtures or bulbs with a higher temperature.
What are you working on right now:
I’m currently assisting a friend with building his website. As a musician, he needs videos, content, and a strong online presence to grow his business. It’s been a challenging and time-consuming process, but also a lot of fun and incredibly rewarding!
Wardrobe staples:
I’m partial to neutral pieces, specifically in black, ivory, and gray, and it’s all about the fit! If I don’t feel comfortable in a piece, then I won’t be confident wearing it. The closet staples are: a great leather jacket, a well-cut blazer, a versatile midi slip dress, simple tees, and fitted jeans are key. I love a gladiator sandal in summer and an almond toe boot in the fall/winter.
Favorite light fixture and why:
Oh, that’s a tough one! My favorite light fixture tends to change with the seasons. Right now, I’m really enjoying the Ainsley from HVL—I just installed it in my kitchen earlier this year to replace two downlights over the sink. I also really love Ariel’s Aime Table Lamp for its elegant hourglass shape and blue ombre ceramic base. It evokes the charm of antique decorative jars while adding a soothing, sculptural touch.
Best interior advice you ever received:
It’s all or nothing! Fully commit to your design, color, or wallpaper, and you’ll see the true potential of your space. When you go all in, the outcome will be vibrant and fulfilling, leaving you genuinely happy with the results!
Best career advice you ever received:
Approach every situation and relationship with a long-term perspective. Relationships aren’t about transactions; focus on the future and creating lasting connections.
Types of home purchases you invest in, and save on:
By nature, I love to live in a beautiful space or surrounded by beautiful things, but I also love the challenge of doing projects myself (and love the idea of building equity in my home). Recently, I’ve been working on some minor remodeling; I’ll invest in high-quality materials, like Zellige tile for my kitchen backsplash, but then handle the installation myself.
Your greatest extravagance:
My biggest indulgence is high-quality bedding—sheets, pillows, duvet, and all that! I also can’t get enough of candles; there’s a shop in Dallas called Society with a Texas series of candles that I’m absolutely obsessed with.
Favorite places to shop for home:
My favorite place to shop for the home is definitely HVLG! Plus, having worked at another lighting company that also creates amazing accent tables and accessories, my house is filled with items I’ve personally helped design, which makes it all the more special and fulfilling.
Most prized possession and why:
The most adorable dog in the world, my Maltese-shih tzu mix, Charlie! She has a ridiculous under-bite, so it always looks like she's smiling!
Your interiors motto:
Design to inspire.
Your life motto:
Embrace creativity and live authentically.
Advice for someone looking to define their own interior style:
To find your own interior style, start by reflecting on what brings you joy and drawing inspiration from your past experiences and favorite places. Experiment with different looks and consider your lifestyle needs to guide your choices. Don’t be afraid to mix styles and trust your instincts to create a space that feels uniquely yours! Also, good design can be found at a variety of price points. Don’t limit yourself to what’s new or what’s considered luxury. Some of my favorite pieces were purchased second-hand or from unexpected places!
Take Ten: My Favorite…
Food: Pasta! Specifically, gnocchi! I have recently gotten into pasta-making, but haven’t attempted gnocchi yet.
Drink: Dirty Martini with blue cheese stuffed olives or an Old Fashioned.
Film: It depends on the genre, but Fargo is up there on the list!
Hotel: I really admire the Auberge Hotels, but I don’t know that I’ve actually stayed in one. I would love to try the Wildflower Farms Hotel, specifically.
City: Porto, Portugal and Hong Kong. Although Hong Kong has changed a lot since my last visit in 2019, I remember it as a stunning and vibrant city that I’ve always loved. It also holds a special place for me, reminiscent of San Francisco, where I used to live, but on the other side of the Pacific!
Bedding: Linen duvet, high thread-count cotton sheets, and down pillows
Tea or Coffee (and how do you take it): Iced coffee with almond syrup and a splash of half and half.
Playlist: I’m all over the place when it comes to music. I enjoy a little bit of everything, as long as it’s upbeat! I grew up in dance classes, so music that you can dance to is a must!
Weekend Activity: Home projects! I recently re-tiled my kitchen backsplash, and prior to that I replaced the balusters on my staircase.
Design Book: Oh, so many good ones. I love Greg Natale’s The Layered Home - His projects are just so incredible!