Sarah Ferreira Interiors
Behind The Scenes With An Interior Designer
Disipline: Interior Design | Location: Buckinghamshire
We had the pleasure of spending the day with Sarah Ferreira, the entrepreneur behind Sarah Ferreira Interiors, to uncover what goes into creating the stylish, deeply personal spaces she’s transforming in the Buckinghamshire area and London.
Q.How does your day start as an interior designer?
A. My day starts peacefully, with a good cup of coffee and a review of my schedule, which sets the tone for a productive day. I believe in beginning the day with intention—this quiet moment helps me stay focused and organised, even if it’s sometimes after the rush of the school run! Once I’ve gathered my thoughts, the first task is client communication. I always make sure to check in on emails, answer questions, and ensure my clients feel confident that their project is on track. This is key because I never want my business to feel transactional; it’s all about making my clients feel involved and knowing they’re in safe hands.
From there, my mornings often involve meeting with suppliers to source materials or introducing new tradespeople to a project. Whether I’m preparing for a client call, organising site visits, or picking up samples for review, every day brings something different!
I love to visit the local workshop to check on custom furniture pieces being made, or stop by a fabric showroom to finalise selections for window treatments or cushions. These early steps are crucial for keeping projects running smoothly, ensuring every detail is aligned, and setting the foundation for the day ahead. That personal connection with clients, trades, and suppliers is the heart of what I do—it’s what ensures every project is truly bespoke.
Q. How do you keep your creativity flowing throughout the day?
A. Creativity is the heartbeat of my work, and I find inspiration in the most unexpected places. Whether it’s flipping through a design book in the late evening, taking a walk through nature, or simply observing a client’s home during a site visit, I’m always gathering ideas.
It’s important to me that I prioritise exploring these inspirations—whether by sketching out ideas or experimenting with materials and textures. For a recent living room project, I was inspired by a beautiful archway leading into their kitchen. That detail sparked the idea to incorporate soft, curved arches into the living space, creating a cohesive flow throughout the home. It’s those moments that remind me how small details can influence an entire design.
Staying aware of trends is part of my process, but I always aim to strike a balance between what’s current and what feels timeless. My creativity is also always rooted in the client’s vision and lifestyle, ensuring that the space reflects their personality. Each project is unique, and my role is to bring fresh ideas that not only look stunning but also feel personal and practical.
Q. What role does research play in your design process, and when do you fit this in?
A. Research is integral to everything I do. Before I even start pulling design ideas together, I immerse myself in understanding the history of the space, the architectural details, and the lifestyle of the people who will live there. For instance, I’m currently working on an Edwardian home, and understanding its history has been crucial to ensuring that the design is both respectful of its past and relevant to modern living. Research isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about ensuring that every design decision is informed and intentional. I’m always learning, and very happy to be, because working with different trades, creators and manufacturers gives ample opportunity to develop new ideas and deliver value for my clients.
Q. How do you approach the final touches of a project?
A. The final touches are where the magic truly happens. I always schedule the ‘Big Reveal’ for the day I add those last, perfect details, so the client experiences their transformed space for the first time with everything in place. It’s not just about the furniture or the layout—it’s the carefully chosen accessories, how natural light plays off different materials, and the textures that invite you to feel at home. During the reveal, I walk my clients through each space, explaining what we’ve done and why, so they understand how every detail contributes to the overall design.
I’m a self-confessed perfectionist, so it’s in these final moments that I feel the greatest sense of accomplishment, knowing that everything has been thoughtfully curated and considered. Seeing my clients’ reactions is what makes all the effort worthwhile.
Q. How do you manage unexpected challenges that arise during a project?
A. In interior design, unexpected challenges come with the territory, but I’ve learned to approach them with creativity and flexibility. Whether it’s a sofa that won’t fit through a narrow corridor, receiving the wrong finish on a piece of furniture, suppliers discontinuing a product mid-project, or trades running behind schedule, there’s always a solution. Occasionally, items get damaged during shipping, or we uncover structural issues that require rethinking the design. But whether it’s sourcing alternatives, adjusting layouts, or working closely with trades, I always ensure the project stays on track without compromising the overall vision. My goal is to keep things running smoothly for my clients, even when the unexpected happens.
Q. What do you do when a client’s vision can’t be found off the shelf?
A. One of the things I love most about my work is the opportunity to create bespoke pieces that truly reflect a client’s lifestyle and needs. When something isn’t available off the shelf, it’s a chance to get creative and design something completely unique. Recently, I worked on a project where we needed a sideboard that fit a very specific space – nothing we found came close. So, we decided to design a custom piece that not only worked in terms of size but also tied in storage solutions. The same project included a dining bench with hidden storage, something practical but also a feature in the room.
For me, it’s all about understanding how my clients live in their space. I love collaborating with local craftsmen to get every detail just right, from dimensions to finishes. It’s not just about furniture either! I often extend that personal touch to curtains, cushions, and upholstery. It’s incredibly rewarding to know that the end result isn’t something you can buy off the shelf—it’s entirely tailored to them.
Q. How do you collaborate with tradespeople during a project?
A. We always spend time together on-site, walking through the space, and discussing how each element will come together. When a project starts with clear communication, laying out the design intent, expectations, and timelines, it’s almost always guaranteed to run smoother throughout. I trust their expertise, but I’m also there to make sure the design vision is realised without compromise, so its a real joint effort! I love to be hands-on during installations, coordinating every detail to make sure the final result is exactly as envisioned!
Q. Can you walk us through your process when visiting suppliers and sourcing materials?
A. Visiting suppliers is one of my favourite parts of the job because it’s where I can explore new possibilities for each project. I’ll often visit showrooms, fabric houses, or artisan workshops to hand-pick pieces that I feel will add a unique touch. I take the time to really understand the quality of materials—touching fabrics, examining finishes, and making sure they align with the client’s vision. I love discovering something unexpected or custom, as these details are what truly make a space one-of-a-kind.
Q. How do you collaborate with tradespeople during a project?
A. We always spend time together on-site, walking through the space, and discussing how each element will come together. When a project starts with clear communication, laying out the design intent, expectations, and timelines, it’s almost always guaranteed to run smoother throughout. I trust their expertise, but I’m also there to make sure the design vision is realised without compromise, so its a real joint effort! I love to be hands-on during installations, coordinating every detail to make sure the final result is exactly as envisioned!
Q. Can you walk us through your process when visiting suppliers and sourcing materials?
A. Visiting suppliers is one of my favourite parts of the job because it’s where I can explore new possibilities for each project. I’ll often visit showrooms, fabric houses, or artisan workshops to hand-pick pieces that I feel will add a unique touch. I take the time to really understand the quality of materials—touching fabrics, examining finishes, and making sure they align with the client’s vision. I love discovering something unexpected or custom, as these details are what truly make a space one-of-a-kind.
Q. How do suppliers keep you updated on new collections or exclusive items?
A. I have fantastic relationships with my suppliers, and they regularly keep me in the loop on their latest collections, trends, and exclusive pieces. It’s important for me to be ahead of the curve, so I’m often attending trade shows and receiving samples or catalogues with the newest offerings. Suppliers will often reach out to let me know when something special or bespoke is available, which means I can offer clients unique items that aren’t mass-produced or available to just anyone. This level of access really helps me to elevate my designs, and who doesn’t love an insider sneak peek?!
Image: @spsresidential
Q. How do you keep projects running smoothly and handle all the behind-the-scenes work that clients may not see?
A. There’s a lot that goes into making everything feel effortless! While clients see the design take shape, much of the work happens quietly in the background. From managing budgets and coordinating tradespeople to sourcing the perfect pieces and keeping the timeline on track—it’s all about keeping every detail in check.
For me, staying hands-on with both the creative vision and the logistics is crucial. That means ensuring every delivery arrives on time, keeping suppliers in sync, and confirming all the specifications, especially for bespoke items. I also liaise with fulfilment teams to store large items until the exact moment we need them. It’s about solving the little challenges behind the scenes, so my clients can enjoy a seamless, stress-free process. The aim is always to ensure the project flows smoothly, with no surprises—just a beautifully finished space.
Final word
It’s clear that Sarah’s approach to interior design is a blend of creativity, obsession, meticulous attention to detail, humour, and a deep commitment to her clients. Whether she’s crafting the first sketches or perfecting the final touches, Sarah’s passion for creating spaces that are both beautiful and meaningful has shone through in our time together.
Interior Design by Sarah Ferreira Interiors | Photography by Hayley Watkins Photography. All image rights are retained by Hayley Watkins Photography, and the images may not be sold or distributed to third parties without permission