I love decorating, and I’m a big fan of Sarah Richardson and her show Sarah’s House on HGTV. The new season that recently aired in the US has been especially inspiring as I juggle a number of home projects. Even though Sarah often starts with a brand-new house and a generous budget, there are plenty of practical, affordable principles in her designs that you can apply to your own home. Below are five takeaways from Sarah’s House that I find especially useful and inspiring right now.
Here are five Sarah’s House take-away ideas I especially love right now!
1. Use color and finishes fearlessly.
One of Sarah Richardson’s strengths is her confident use of color and contrasting finishes. She isn’t afraid to mix bold hues and different materials to create spaces with personality. In one family room she pairs red with shades of gray to striking effect, giving the space energy without feeling chaotic.
Don’t let trends dictate every choice in your home. Instead, choose colors and finishes that reflect your taste and the mood you want for each room. Mixing woods, metals and paints can result in an intentional, layered look that feels both current and uniquely yours.
2. Think outside the box.
Rather than defaulting to standard builder-grade fixtures, Sarah often repurposes unexpected pieces to create memorable moments. In one bathroom she converts a real piece of furniture into a vanity, adding casters for character. A distinctive mirror, a bold sink and lively accents turn an ordinary bathroom into a room with personality.
3. Design rooms you can really use.
Good design considers how people live, not just how a room looks. The craft room in Sarah’s House is a great example: it’s flexible, well organized and designed for multiple uses—crafting, homework and family projects. Creating zones for different activities and storing supplies where they’re easy to access will make a space useful day after day.
4. Build in storage to every room.
Storage is essential for a well-functioning family home. Sarah often blends stylish finishes with practical solutions, using modular units and cabinetry arranged to look custom. In the family room she hides electronics and everyday clutter behind doors so surfaces stay calm. Well-planned storage reduces visual noise and makes daily routines smoother—consider built-in or cleverly disguised cabinets to keep things tidy.
5. Give yourself a retreat.
Creating a personal retreat at home doesn’t require a mansion. Sarah’s spa-like master bath feels like a boutique hotel escape, but you can capture the same spirit on a smaller scale. Soft towels, thoughtful lighting, a scent you love and a few elegant touches—like a small chandelier or luxe hardware—can transform a bedroom or bath into a relaxing sanctuary.
Designing a retreat is about intention: pick a few elements that make you feel pampered and incorporate them in ways that suit your budget and space. Even modest updates can create a calming atmosphere that invites you to slow down.
Which “Sarah’s House” take away idea is most inspiring to you right now?
images via HGTV Sarah’s House