The A List

The A List: Sara Gilbane

Named one of the Top 20 Next Wave Designers by House Beautiful and one of TradHome’s Top 20 New Traditional Designers, Sara Gilbane is best known for her classic modern-traditional style – combining low-key and elegant pieces with a youthful, chic flair grounded in practicality.

The daughter of a nationally recognized real estate developer, Sara had an early exposure to architecture and design. After graduating from Brown University she launched her career in 2003 working with acclaimed design firm Kemble Interiors.

Interior design by Sara Gilbane

Sara Gilbane

Sara has been featured in House Beautiful, Trad Home, Lonny, The New York Times, Elle Decor, Luxe, Architectural Digest, and The New York Observer. Sara has developed a personal signature that is classic, eclectic, elegant, and clean. Combining antiques with client’s prized possessions and an impeccable sense of color, Sara creates a welcoming space that reflects a client’s taste and personality.

Sara and her team have worked on a broad spectrum of designs and locations from classic New York town homes to waterfront estates to modern family apartments on the Upper Eastside. Sara’s innate sense of style, appreciation of architecture, and respect for locale have earned her a client base in Newport, Manhattan, Palm Beach, Long Island, and Nantucket.

Fine craftsmanship is a standout in any home. Whether it is a custom sofa or an antique carved console you can see the difference and personality in these pieces. It is a luxury to own something truly unique.

What does "Made in Italy" mean to you?

Italy conjures images of craftsman who have learned their trade and honed their skills from the generations that preceeded them.

Who has inspired the most your work and style?

Celerie Kemble, my former boss taught me everything I know, to trust my instincts, and how to push clients, run an office, raise babies.... all while making it look easy.

Describe your design approach and philosophy

I love to get a sense of how a client and their family live in their home or how they want to live in their home. After coming up with a strong furniture layout we get to the good stuff. Fabrics, wallpaper, rugs, texture, pattern, and color with whimsy and playfulness woven in.

What is your idea of the ‘ultimate luxury'?

Time is the ultimate luxury for me and for my business. Time to be creative, time to allow custom pieces to be made, time to hunt for items that will make the room sing, and time with friends and family.