Celebrating Twelve Years at Salt Design Company
- Aug 6
- 4 min read
Updated: Aug 11
Twelve years ago, Salt Design Company began with a simple goal: to create homes that feel as beautiful as they are livable. Since then, we've designed hundreds of spaces, worked alongside incredible clients & partners, and learned lessons that extend far beyond interiors. To celebrate our 12th anniversary, Sarah is sharing 12 things she's learned over the past 12 years - from why great design is never rushed to the importance of trusting the process, building the right team, and creating homes that truly reflect the people who live in them.
ONE / Great design always begins with listening.
One of the biggest lessons I've learned over the past 12 years is that my best work starts long before I begin designing. It starts by asking questions, listening carefully, and understanding the people who will call the space home.
TWO / Timeless will always outlast trendy.
Good design isn't about keeping up; it's about creating something that feels true to the people who live there. Trends can be inspiring, but they shouldn't dictate every decision. By focusing on enduring materials, thoughtful craftsmanship, and a strong design foundation, we create homes that stand the test of time while still feeling fresh and personal.
THREE / Function should never be sacrificed for beauty.
A home can be beautifully designed, but if it doesn't support the way you live, it will never truly feel complete. The best spaces strike a balance between form and function, where every material, layout, and furnishing is as practical as it is beautiful. When design works with your everyday routines instead of against them, your home becomes a place that's not only admired, but genuinely enjoyed.
FOUR / The smallest details often make the biggest impact.
Over the years, I've learned that it's rarely the largest design decisions people remember. It's the carefully considered details; a reading nook created for quiet mornings, hidden storage that makes everyday life easier, personal pieces that are thoughtfully incorporated into a new home, or a paint color that ties everything together. Those finishing touches create depth, character, and the feeling that every element belongs.
FIVE / The best rooms evolve over time.
Design is rarely about checking every box on day one. It's about creating a strong foundation and allowing the space to grow with meaningful additions along the way. Whether it's collecting artwork, incorporating vintage finds, or adding personal touches, the most memorable homes feel curated over time rather than decorated all at once.
SIX / Invest in the pieces you touch every day.
Not every item in your home needs to be a splurge, but the pieces you use every day are worth investing in. A custom sofa that's built for your family, quality millwork designed to withstand daily use, or a handcrafted dining table where memories are made will continue to serve you long after trends have passed. The best pieces don't simply last, they develop a richness and patina that tells the story of a home well lived. That's the difference quality craftsmanship makes.
SEVEN | Layering creates homes with character.
The most inviting homes aren't built around one standout piece; they're created through thoughtful layers. I've learned that the homes with the most character are the ones that mix natural elements, varied textures, old and new pieces, and meaningful objects collected over time. Those layers give a home warmth, depth, and authenticity, creating spaces that feel personal rather than perfectly styled.
EIGHT | Trust the process, even when you can't see the finished picture.
It's completely natural to question decisions when your home is under construction or surrounded by samples. Looking at paint colors, tile, fabrics, and hardware individually can make it difficult to imagine how everything will work together. That's why we always encourage our clients to trust the vision. Once every layer is installed and the final details are in place, the home begins to tell the story we envisioned from the very beginning.
NINE / A strong team is everything.
When I first started Salt, I thought success meant learning to do everything myself. What I've learned is that the best work happens when you're surrounded by people who challenge you, support you, and share the same passion for creating exceptional homes. Our team is the heart of every project, and I truly couldn't imagine this journey without them.
TEN / Good design requires saying no.
Not every beautiful idea belongs in every home. Over the years, I've learned that restraint is just as important as creativity. Editing thoughtfully and knowing what to leave out creates spaces that feel balanced, intentional, and timeless.
11 / Every project teaches us something new.
No two homes or clients are ever the same. Every project presents a new opportunity to learn, whether it's discovering a creative design solution, collaborating with skilled craftsmen, or finding a better way to serve our clients. After 12 years, I've realized that staying curious and continuing to learn is one of the greatest strengths a designer can have.
12 / The greatest compliment isn't a beautiful home; it's hearing our clients say they love living in it.
The greatest compliment isn't just a beautiful home; it's hearing our clients say they love living in it. While we always strive to create beautiful interiors, the real measure of success is how our clients experience their homes long after we've finished the project. Knowing that a space brings them comfort, supports their lifestyle, and becomes the backdrop for everyday memories is incredibly rewarding. Having so many clients return to us for future renovations, full service design, or new homes is perhaps the highest compliment of all. It tells us we've built more than beautiful spaces; we've built lasting relationships founded on trust.
Our Crescent Parkway Project coming early Summer 2027
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