Friday Five With Sara Duffy of Stonehill Taylor

Designer Sara Story, whose Manhattan townhouse renovation gained significant attention in Architectural Digest, is set to sign her new book, “The Art of Home,” at Texas Design Week Dallas. The Gramercy Park brownstone, an 1840s structure, was transformed over two decades from nine apartments into a single, cohesive residence. Story's design philosophy emphasizes a layered approach, incorporating pedigreed furniture and contemporary art, creating a unique aesthetic described as a blend of Wes Anderson, The Age of Innocence, and Federico Fellini. The interiors of the townhouse showcase a juxtaposition of original architectural elements like carved moldings and crystal chandeliers with modern art. The design integrates diverse pieces, including Josef Frank floral wallpaper, Moroccan rugs, mid-century Brazilian lounge chairs, a custom terrazzo table inspired by Jean Prouvé, Gio Ponti chairs, Isamu Noguchi and Jean Royère floor lamps, and a 1970s Swedish leather sectional adorned with Fortuny pillows. The home also features eclectic collections, such as Chinese monk figures, contemporary ceramics, a wicker grasshopper-shaped table by Mario Lopez Torres, and colorful zigzag candlesticks by Jermaine Gallacher. Despite the grandeur of her projects, Story emphasizes that her Gramercy Park residence is first and foremost a family home, which she shares with her husband and children. She prefers entertaining at home and finds comfort in returning to her personal spaces, even after extensive travel. “The Art of Home” not only explores her Gramercy Park property but also highlights her contemporary Texas ranch in the Hill Country, designed by Lake|Flato, and a historic home on the Hudson River, alongside various client projects across the country. Sara Story established her New York City-based firm, Sara Story Design, in 2003 and has since engaged in a wide array of global commercial and residential projects. Her work has been featured in prominent publications such as Elle Decor, The Wall Street Journal, and The New York Times, and she has collaborated on product lines, including with the French linens company Yves Delorme. Her early life in Asia, influenced by her father's work in the oil business, exposed her to diverse cultural artifacts and art, including woodblock prints, vintage textiles, ikats, lacquer pieces, and old baskets. Her mother's involvement with the Contemporary Arts Museum Houston further shaped Story's appreciation for art, travel, and collecting, which profoundly influenced her design aesthetic. After completing her interior architecture degree at the Academy of Art University in San Francisco, Story honed her skills working for designer Victoria Hagan before launching her own firm. Her designs are characterized by a well-traveled and sophisticated feel, often involving collaborations with international artists and artisans. These collaborations have included a Japanese textile artist for drapery fabrics, a South African woodcarver for custom tables, a Belgian craftsperson for leather and fiber integrations into millwork, and a glass artist for églomisé tiles used in backsplashes. Sara Story will be available for a book signing and an illustrated talk at MOUS during Texas Design Week Dallas, offering attendees insights into her design philosophy. #SaraStoryDesign #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #GramercyParkTownhouse #TexasDesignWeekDallas #ArchitecturalDigest #TheArtOfHome #LayeredInteriors #ContemporaryArt