An Inspired Chat with Sarah Barnett of Grant Park

Sarah Barnett shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Sarah, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What are you being called to do now, that you may have been afraid of before?
I’ve always been a creative, but in the past I would have kept many of my ideas on the shelf, “waiting for the right time” to act on them. The past year, though, has been different. Shoving any semblance of imposter syndrome to the side has led me to starting a podcast with my sister, making more jewelry and continuing to work on writing projects in addition to keeping the lights on with my interior design business, SB Home. Sometimes being called to start something, whatever that thing may be, is reason enough to start.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I started SB Home in 2020. A trying time for all of us, but I couldn’t wait any longer to act on my passion of working with others towards their interior design dreams. Practicality is big tenant of how I approach a project. I think thats rare in my field and also unexpected to clients as they assume that interiors is all about the aesthetics of a room. While the look and feel is extremely important, I spend a lot of time figuring out how to incorporate existing items, upcycling pieces that have seen better days, and thrifting/ antiquing whenever possible. Getting the space just right is the goal, and within that, I try and stress to clients that things might be more of a process than they were initially expecting. That sometimes means my advice is to wait on “finishing” the room in order to allow the “perfect” floor lamp to present itself at a flea market. A business advisor would most likely discourage this practice, but ultimately taking time to let a space come together is paramount.

Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who taught you the most about work?
My parents are centrally important in how I view work and my relationship to it. Growing up, my parents operated their own architecture and interior design firm from our home in Decatur, Ga. I was mired in the language of the business from an incredibly early age – so much so that I included a cupola on a home I drew for a Kindergarten art class. Helping my mom choose paint colors or evaluate fabrics after she’d pick me up from elementary school obviously made an imprint. More than that though, the biggest lesson I learned was that forging your own path to make a living is an attainable goal. There was passion and laughter as well as stress and frustration but ultimately they were in charge of their own destiny and that was never lost on me. I was lucky enough to absorb everything I could from my mom before she died, and still collaborate with my dad whenever I can.

What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?
My mom’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis in 2018 changed so much for me. I was in a career that I hardly cared about, in a relationship that didn’t serve me, and going down emotional paths that were unhealthy to say the least. I didn’t realize it in the moment as I was dealing with the reality of it all, but those months churned something up in me that ultimately led to me quitting my corporate job, ending my relationship, and choosing myself. It’s been a process and still continues to be, but by prioritizing creative outlets, my female friendships, and my new business ventures I know that I am using painful experiences and lessons as momentum.

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? How do you differentiate between fads and real foundational shifts?
In a creative industry that is endlessly flooded with imagery of what’s “new” and “now”, I try to gut check whenever possible. Is this visually pleasing because it’s different or is this something new and worth incorporating? Is that sofa beautiful because it seems novel? Is novelty important if the piece isn’t comfortable? When those guiding questions don’t get me to answers I feel good about, I go to the archives. My dad is something of a pack rat (read: hoarder) and he has countless back issues of Architectural Digest, TIME, etc. Design inspiration doesn’t have to come from design specific outlets. Grounding yourself in what was and is classic is always the best reality check when it comes to a seemingly new approach.

Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope that people sit around and talk about how funny I was! Really though, I hope that I’m remembered as a warm, creative, and generous person who loved a good meal and a fancy hotel room.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://sbhomeatl.com
• Instagram: @sbhomeatl
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-barnett-sbhome/

Image Credits
Fritz Ifert-Miller