We began 17 sentences that each person finished in their own words. Here’s what interior designer and blogger, Sarah Bradburn of Sarah Elizabeth Interior Design, had to say about vintage style, design and everything in between.
Age: 36
Title: Interior Designer/Blogger
Married/Single: I’ve been with my boyfriend for a decade so we’re basically married in most minds.
Kids: Just the 4-legged canine kind
Live: Phoenix
I was born…
in Searcy, Arkansas while my dad was stationed there with the Air Force but aside from those first few months of my life and my first grade year (which was also in Arkansas) I’ve been a Valley resident all of my life. I still remember Legend City and watching the Wallace and Ladmo Show.
My favorite thing about Arizona…
we have the most incredible sunsets and hands-down the best Mexican food this side of the border! Sorry Texas and New Mexico but it’s true!
I’m listening to…
The Civil Wars, Mumford & Sons, The Temper Trap and lots of Adele.
My family…
is BIG, I’m the oldest of 8 and learned early on how to be in charge of complete chaos. I was definitely a bossy and determined child! A skill that has come in handy as a business owner.
If I could have dinner with anyone, it would be…
fellow interior designer, Alexa Hampton. She’s bawdy and brilliant!
One thing I cannot live without…
the wagging tails of our four dogs. No matter what sort of mood I come home in, they’re always happy to see me. It’s an instant mood lifter!
When I was younger, I wanted to be…
a teacher, a manager or any position I thought would put me in charge of other people. Instead I opened my own interior design firm and am mainly in charge of myself!
I’m inspired by…
architecture, fashion and movie sets from old black and white films. All of my design work has to have some element in it that hearkens back to another era. Rooms that are too perfect or too shiny and new lack character and personality.
The one person who motivates me is…
that incredibly determined 10-year-old me whose voice I still hear in my head. As an adult, I want to make her proud and ensure her life turns out half as well as she imagined.
If could change anything in the world, it would be…
making sure every dog and cat has a safe and loving home. I’m extremely passionate about rescuing animals. Three of our four dogs were strays that we saved from the streets and I couldn’t imagine life without them.
The perfect day would be…
started off by leisurely sipping cappuccinos at Lola’s on Roosevelt or Lux on Central, then I’d head out for a full day of shopping all of my favorite vintage furniture and clothing boutiques. I’d have unlimited room in my vehicle and in my storage facility so I wouldn’t have to pass on anything that I fell in love with. I’d end the night with dinner and drinks at Hanny’s or Cibo.
My first job was…
at a farmer’s market. I did everything from cashiering to stocking shelves and even driving a forklift. The truck drivers used to get quite a kick out of seeing 18-year-old me unloading enormous pallets of oranges all on my own. I loved seeing the looks on their faces when they realized that yes, I was really the one who would be operating that forklift.
My favorite escape…
for a quick getaway – it has to be a cabin in Oak Creek Canyon. It’s only a couple of hours away from home but it feels like another world. If I have more time, I’m a sucker for the energy, food, history and shopping of New York City.
My life…
is hectic but happy!
I’m currently working on…
opening an online (and one day brick and mortar) shop to sell some the vintage furniture, art and lighting that I simply can’t justify keeping for myself. Seriously, how many table lamps does one person need?! I figure since I can’t seem to stop buying the things I love, why not turn it into a business?
Always…
have new goals and dreams to replace the ones you’ve achieved. In addition to owning a vintage furniture boutique I dream of writing for a design magazine and someday hosting my own design show.
Never…
stay too content for too long. Changes and new challenges keep life and people interesting!
To learn more about her work, visit sarahelizabethinteriordesign.com
Way to go sis!
Just a few months late. Can’t believe I missed this article. Great interview!