When Sara Story, a renowned designer, was seven months pregnant with her first child, she and her husband embarked on the daunting task of apartment hunting in New York City. Her husband had one specific request: he only wanted to live on Gramercy Park, a prestigious area known for its beautiful private park accessible exclusively to residents of surrounding buildings. At that time, in the early 1980s, there were no internet listings, so Sara relied on the New York Times real estate section. It was there that she stumbled upon a gem—a full-floor, one-bedroom rental in an 1849 building that directly overlooked the park. It was love at first sight.
A Gradual Transformation
Sara and her husband quickly moved into the space, which required some creative thinking. To make room for their growing family, they converted a closet into a nursery for their baby. What began as a modest one-bedroom apartment soon evolved into something much greater. Over the span of 20 years, Sara and her husband purchased nine additional apartments in the same building, eventually combining them into a spacious, warm, and inviting home for their family. This beautifully layered space became a sanctuary for the couple, their three children, and two dogs.
Embracing Creativity at Home
Though Sara is known for her meticulous and thoughtful design approach when working on client projects, her personal home tells a different story. In her own space, she let her creative spirit run free. Without being confined by conventional rules, Sara poured her heart and soul into making her home a true reflection of her personality and passions.
The result is an ever-evolving masterpiece, blending the precision of carefully curated art with the excitement of spontaneous acquisitions. A large photograph by Norwegian artist Per Barclay anchors one room, while a 1970s Swedish U-shaped leather sectional sofa, which Sara purchased on a whim at the iconic LA design destination Blackman Cruz, creates a striking focal point in another.
A Fusion of Timeless Design Elements
The unique character of Sara's home is defined by the combination of timeless pieces and bold artistic choices. The dining room, for example, features a custom terrazzo table inspired by renowned furniture designer Jean Prouvé. This table not only serves as a functional piece but also as a tribute to the design legends who have shaped Sara's aesthetic vision.
Another room in the home, the game room, is enveloped in a whimsical floral pattern by Josef Frank. This playful space, visible from the dining room, adds a sense of lightness and fun to the home. Sara’s design choices reflect her ability to mix classic design elements with unexpected, bold statements, resulting in a space that feels both sophisticated and inviting.
A Home That Reflects Personal Evolution
Sara's Manhattan home is not just a place to live—it's a reflection of her personal and professional growth over the years. The combination of carefully curated art, thoughtfully selected furniture, and spontaneous purchases creates a sense of individuality that is rare and inspiring. Every corner of the home tells a story, from the bold, avant-garde choices to the more understated, timeless pieces that give the space its sense of balance.
This home, which has been built up over decades, represents Sara's willingness to evolve and take risks in her own space. It showcases her ability to create a layered, multi-dimensional environment that is both deeply personal and effortlessly stylish.
Future Projects
As Sara Story continues to make waves in the design world, her Manhattan home remains a source of inspiration. Later this month, she is set to unveil her room at the prestigious Kips Bay Decorator Show House in Palm Beach. This upcoming project promises to be yet another example of Sara’s visionary approach to design, one that combines classic elegance with daring, innovative ideas.
In conclusion, Sara Story's home is much more than a carefully designed space—it is a true reflection of her life, her creativity, and her journey as both a designer and a mother. With its unique blend of curated art, spontaneous finds, and timeless design elements, it stands as a testament to her evolving style and her fearless approach to creating a home that feels authentically hers.
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