Ever wonder how some homes manage to feel effortlessly elegant and cosy all at the same time?
In our latest blog post, we sit down with designer Sarah Dheays to chat about her secrets to creating a space that transcends trends. Inspired by the classic, nostalgic warmth of the movie Father of the Bride and a lifetime of overseas travel, Sarah’s approach to interiors is all about lived-in luxury.
How would you describe your interior style in three words?
Timeless, warm, collected.
What's one small touch that instantly makes a space feel like home to you?
Something personal but subtle - like a stack of books, vintage pieces I’ve collected over the years from my travels, and photos of my family from trips overseas. It makes a space feel considered and lived in without trying too hard.
Has your approach to decorating evolved over the years, or with different life stages like moving countries or relocating house?
Definitely- it’s become more intentional over time. Moving and relocating has made me more mindful about what I bring into a space, so I focus on pieces that have meaning or that I know I’ll keep long-term. I’m less driven by trends now and more by how a space feels to live in day to day.
What's one room or corner in your home that always brings you joy?
Definitely our living room. It’s where we start our mornings with a cup of coffee and chats with the kids before school, and where I host friends on the weekends. It’s a space that naturally brings everyone together.
How do you balance practicality with style when it comes to home décor?
For me, it always starts with how we actually live in the space. I want everything to be practical and comfortable first, but I don’t see that as separate from style. I tend to choose pieces that are functional but also beautiful in a quiet, considered way, things that feel timeless rather than overly decorative. It’s about finding that balance where nothing feels forced, but the space still feels cohesive and elevated.
What textures or materials do you naturally gravitate toward when decorating a space?
I naturally gravitate toward natural materials like linen, velvet, timber, marble, and soft woven textures. I love contrast too, so pairing something more raw and organic with something a little more refined keeps a space feeling balanced and interesting. I also don’t like everything to match perfectly- I prefer a layered, collected feel where pieces complement each other rather than feel too coordinated or uniform.
Rugs are often the finishing touch. How do you decide on the right one for a room?
I love rugs. As a designer I feel they’re a vital focal point when styling a home. I see them as something that anchors the whole space, so I usually choose one that complements the mood I want the room to have rather than matching everything else perfectly. Texture is really important to me and I tend to lean towards something that feels soft and natural underfoot but still has enough character to add depth to the room. I also like a rug that feels slightly unexpected, so the space doesn’t feel too coordinated or predictable.
What's your go-to tip for layering rugs or adding cosiness underfoot?
My go-to tip is to build layers through texture rather than colour or pattern. I like starting with a neutral, grounding base and then adding softness through natural fibres, so the space feels warm and relaxed without looking overworked. Keeping things slightly imperfect or not too “matched” also helps create that effortless, lived-in cosiness underfoot
We love how you styled your Rug! What drew you to that particular piece?
Thank you! I chose the Heritage 02 Bark rug because I wanted something warm that would instantly bring a sense of cosiness into our space. I’ve been leaning more into warmer tones, and the colours in the Heritage Bark feel like a soft, comforting hug, very much like Autumn, which is my favourite season.
I love that it feels timeless. I don’t really follow trends when it comes to decorating our home, I’m much more drawn to pieces that feel classic, traditional and long-lasting, things I know I’ll love for years rather than just for a season. I just love that I finally found a rug that makes me genuinely happy every time I walk into the room.
How does your rug tie into your overall home style or mood?
The Heritage Bark Rug really ties into the overall feeling I wanted for our home. I’ve always loved Father of the Bride. It’s my favourite movie and I’m really drawn to that classic, warm family-home atmosphere where everything feels lived in, but still thoughtful and put together. That’s exactly how I want our home to feel. I lean towards a more traditional, timeless style with neutral tones, warm wood, and layered textures. The rug fits into that so naturally- it brings warmth and softness into the room and helps create that cosy, lived-in feeling that still feels considered and cohesive.
Where do you get most of your home styling inspiration. From travel, nature, Pinterest, or somewhere else?
Most of my inspiration comes from travel. I’ve lived overseas my entire life, so I’ve been surrounded by different cultures, homes, and ways of living, and that has really shaped my taste over time. I’ve found myself leaning more towards a traditional, timeless style now than I did before, I’m drawn to spaces that feel warm, layered, and a bit nostalgic in the best way. I like homes that feel lived-in, where nothing feels too new or too perfect, but everything still feels considered and beautiful.
And of course, my biggest inspiration is my parents’ home. All the antique pieces and art they’ve collected from Europe, Asia and Persia have truly influenced the way I see interiors. That sense of history and storytelling in a space is something I really try to carry into my own home.
What advice would you give someone wanting to refresh their space on a budget?
I’d say start by working with what you already have and focus on small changes that make a big impact. Rearranging furniture, decluttering, and bringing in a few thoughtful accessories can completely change how a space feels without spending much.
I also think layering in natural textures, like a new throw, cushions, or a rug instantly adds warmth and makes a room feel more finished. And finally, don’t underestimate personal touches like books, art, or pieces you’ve collected over time. Those are the things that really make a space feel considered and unique, even on a budget.
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