Meet Sarah Magness of Studio Magness

living room by studio magness with wood paneling and vintage rug

Some designers measure a room by what fills it. Sarah Magness measures it by what it leaves out — her motto, after all, is that the negative space is as important as the positive space. From its New York City base, Studio Magness, the interior design firm she founded, carries that discipline into projects around the world.

An active member of the design community through the ICAA, the Decorators Club, and the Design Leadership Network, Sarah names a library she designed in Paris as the project she will never forget. Her idea of the most timeless design is disarmingly simple: a room that makes you feel good.

We had the pleasure of connecting with Sarah for the latest edition of Love Happens’ Design Questionnaire. Read on and be inspired!


LH Design Questionnaire with Sarah Magness of Studio Magness


sarah magness founder of studio magness in her new york office
Sarah Magness, founder of Studio Magness | Photo by Joshua McHugh

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

Time with my daughter.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

Being alive.

studio magness living room with warm wood paneling and blue armchairs
Interior by Studio Magness | Architecture by Frank Lloyd Wright | Photo by Richard Powers

What profession does your alter ego have?

I love what I do, but maybe a concert pianist.

The design you will never forget.

The library in Paris I designed.

sunroom with tufted sofa and clerestory windows designed by sarah magness
Interior by Studio Magness | Architecture by Frank Lloyd Wright | Photo by Richard Powers
millicent chaise black velvet luxury upholstery

Your favorite business tool or resource.

The firm directory of the ICAA, Decorators Club and the Design Leadership Network.

The most timeless design.

A room that makes you feel good.

wood paneled hallway with built-in bench opening to a fireside dining nook
Interior by Studio Magness | Architecture by Frank Lloyd Wright | Photo by Richard Powers

The biggest design faux pas.

Anything that is forced.

Your design motto.

The negative space is as important as the positive space.

studio magness sitting area with white brick fireplace and shearling ottoman
Interior by Studio Magness | Architecture by Frank Lloyd Wright | Photo by Richard Powers

Our publisher KOKET makes statement décor. If you were to design a room around one KOKET piece, which would it be, and why?

The bar cabinets are always a fun addition to any public space within a home.

Love happens when….

…you release your boundaries.

Explore more work by Sarah Magness and Studio Magness at studiomagness.com and on Instagram @studiomagness

Feature Image: Interior design by Studio Magness | Architecture by Frank Lloyd Wright | Photo by Richard Powers
All Photos Courtesy of Studio Magness


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