Q & A with Sara Gilbane

We were all dismayed when Domino folded last year, especially when the fabulous Sara Gilbane was to be featured on the cover and her interiors were the grace the pages of the April 2009 issue.  Fortunately for us, Sara is a darling of the press (both print and online) and we were excited to read the article about her growing business in Lonny last month.

It’s no big secret that we are huge fans of Sara’s (see our January post here after she was named one of House Beautiful ‘s “Next Wave of Designers to Watch”) so it was a thrill when she accepted our invitation to be part of our Q & A series.

1.   What did you want to be when you were a child?
An actress.

2.   What is your necessary luxury?
After travel, it would be flowers (real or faux!), baths, and bed-linens – I am a sucker for a high thread count.

3.   What is your favorite decorating accessory?
Great cocktail table books, vintage or custom table linens, a cashmere throw for a sofa or chaise, something with personality or flair that makes the room playful and interesting – you never know where you will find the piece (whether it is on the walls, the sofa, or the rug).  I will pull in lucite, metal, silk, linen, mohair, grasscloth and shagreen to keep a space feeling interesting and modern.

4.   Where do you window shop?
In New York, you can take your pick of areas but I love all of the antique stores on East 10th and 11th Streets – Anthony Todd is a favorite.  I also get inspiration from the antique stores on West 59th, 60th and 61st Streets.

5.   What makes a house a home?
Books, photos, loved objects.  Your friends should see your personality when they walk in.

6.   What is the most enjoyable part of your day?
Now that this glorious weather has come along, I would have to say morning and late afternoon – walks on the Highline or Hudson River Path.

7.   What is your favorite flower?
Oh, so hard to name just one…  poppies, hyacinths, peonies, anemones and ranunculus to name a few.  I love purples, reds, and pinks in my flowers.

8.   If you were a cocktail, what would you be?
Champagne – Nicolas Feuillate Rose is my favorite.

9.   If your life were made into a movie, what would be the title and who would play your part?
“A Night at The Design Center” directed by Tim Burton.  I would be played by Eloise.

10.  Name one thing from your “Bucket List”.
A beach house.

A big thank you to Sara for taking the time to answer our questions and share her divine design tips with us!  For more on Sara and to read her blog, Travel for Design, click here.

Photos from Style Court and Lonny