Shop With: Sarah Ellison, designer of beautiful things & curator of inspiring spaces.
On home aesthetic, recent purchases and Australian beach style of the 80s.
I’m not sure about you, but my Pinterest boards and Carted lists are brimming with just as many homewares products and ‘visions’ as they are fashion and beauty wants + needs. But while I feel like I have my shopping process somewhat under my command when it comes to clothes, I cannot say the same for my home goods. If I had the opportunity to renovate and redecorate my home right now—it would be a chaotic and frenetic mess and mix of every style and genre known to man. I just love it all. And I find it harder to curate a ‘me’ home aesthetic than I do a ‘me’ wardrobe.
So my next interview is with someone who is the very opposite of that. If you don’t already know her face, you’ll be familiar with her work.
Sarah Ellison is a designer of beautiful things and visionary curator of spaces. She is also a friend and I love her. I have proudly watched her soar over the past decade.
From her early days as an interior and fashion stylist her work graced the covers of magazines around the world.
Her drive to explore contemporary design in a more meaningful medium led to the creation of Sarah Ellison Studio in 2017 (now Ellison Studios). Under Sarah’s creative leadership, the brand quickly became a household name in the global furniture and design landscape, with designs that balanced high-end aesthetics with everyday functionality. Picture: Australian beach style of the 80s, objects with contemporary curves and nostalgic accents. Texture upon texture. Yum.
Last year Sarah also launched her global creative studio based in Byron Bay, leaning into her multidisciplinary talents and curiosities to collaborate alongside some of the world’s biggest brands through interior, product design and creative direction.
So enough from me, it’s time for Sarah to capture the mood.
What does shopping mean to you?
Shopping can bring joy and pleasure; it's an experience, not just a superfluous activity. It's deeply connected to our need for identity and self-expression.
What do you wish everybody knew when it comes to shopping for their home?
That you should only buy things that tell your story, try not to be too influenced by social media as sometimes your personal style can end up looking more like a curated feed rather than a real home. Look for things that speak to you, your experiences and where you live.
How would you describe your shopping type?
My shopping habits have changed over time. I used to be an impulsive shopper, but as my style has evolved, I've become much more intentional about my purchases and consumption habits. When it comes to fashion, I prefer to buy pieces that I truly love and wear them frequently until I'm ready to move on. Each item in my wardrobe has its moment, and then it's time for something new.
When/where/how do you shop?
I live in the Northern Rivers, so I mostly shop online because I don't have direct access to many of my favorite stores. I usually shop at the start of a new season or when I feel like I deserve something new. I always browse at night, looking at an item 3-4 times over a few days or weeks before deciding (thank you Carted). I would never buy something the first time I see it.
How would your mom describe your style?
Gosh, I don't know!! I think she would say I was stylish and that I like the classics like my dad. He's a very stylish man.
Tell me about your DMs with your friends? Have you always been that friend that people ask your opinion on what they should buy?
I'm the friend you message when you want someone to say you should buy something.
I rarely need confirmation on what I'm buying for myself, I think I'm in a place personally with my style that I'm very self assured about what I like and what suits me. I'm a confident shopper.
You are surrounded by beautiful things every day. How do you make decisions about what to buy for yourself? Do you have a process or any rules you follow?
I've reached a point where I can instantly recognize items that suit my style and save them for later. My purchasing rules are:
1. Can I afford it right now?
2. Will I wear it enough compared to the price tag?
3. For big-ticket items, is the design timeless enough to be classic.
What are the last three things you actually bought.
1. Today I bought a pair of New Balance trainers—the ones that look like hiking shoes. They make me feel trendier than I am :)
2. So Smooth wrinkle patches. Do they really work??? Instagram says yes. I’ll keep you updated…
3. Marni pool slides. You can never have too many slides as a beach girl.
Tell me three items that are on your list to buy in the next 3 months.
1. Another oversized denim jacket—probably Khaite. Such a great staple for either casual or dressed up looks.
2. Toteme sharp patent wedge mules. Gorgeous, simple, classic, elegant flats with a twist. Once again can be worn up or down (yes, there’s a personal trend emerging).
3. Loewe anagram hexagonal sunglasses. All my sunglasses are thick rimmed and usually black or tortoiseshell. It's time for a change! These are wire framed with pink lenses, fun.
What's the most unexpected item you've ever bought?
A pair of Jil Sander gold mules, they're wild but oh so fabulous.
What's the one item in your closet/home you can't live without?
Sunglasses.
What’s a trend you regret following?
Ripped skinny jeans and low waisted jeans, anything unflattering really.
Do you ever have any guilt around shopping?
I'm very confident when I buy something that I will get my wear out of it and I try to make sure my purchases don't go to waste.
How and when do you shop for yourself, when SO MUCH of your time is spent sourcing and browsing for work?
While online shopping is convenient, I love to indulge in retail therapy when I'm traveling for work. I find it inspiring to visit luxury fashion stores in new cities—sometimes even just for the interior design.
What’s the biggest misconception people have about you?
Most people don't realise how humble I am in real life, they see what I've done professionally and imagine I'm something other than what I am. But it's just a perception, I'm really just a humble, simple, creative gal.
What does it look like inside Sarah Ellison’s closet?
I recently bought a house and my bedroom has lots of wardrobe space, a huge luxury after renting for so many years. My cupboards are categorized into Super Casual (for around the house and pool) Everyday (for meetings, errands etc.) and I have a special section for my Really Special Pieces that I would wear out or to events. I am going to be redesigning it soon so that I also have an open section where I can have my most prized pieces on display so that even if I'm not wearing them I can still admire them.
What does it look like inside Sarah Ellison’s home?
It's minimal and simple but still interesting. I'm surrounded by my own designs. I hate clutter but I love collections so it's a combination of curated finds mixed in with photos I love, art and handmade pieces. All of my little collections are on a constant rotation of curation and re-style. It's a family home for me and my son so it's realistic and comfortable whilst still feeling elevated. My style is inspired by mid-century design, presented in a contemporary way.
If you’re not shopping for work, what is your personal go-to online store?
1st Dibs. I love looking at all the amazing vintage designs from periods past, it's so inspiring and I always take away a fresh idea to bring to my own work.
What are some recent favorite purchases for your home?
1. Ryan Hoffman Sea Glass Sculpture from my friends at Studio Gardner.
2. Escargot Cutlery from Maison Balzac
3. Gaetano Pesce vase from 506070 shop.
Rapid Five
What city do you call home?
Margaret River. Not a city, but it’s where I grew up. I don't even live there anymore but in my heart it's still home.
Favorite place to eat?
Light Years Diner Byron Bay.
Favorite place to shop?
Japan.
Favorite place to run/hike/pilates/yoga/dance/tennis.
Hiking and swimming in Byron Bay and surrounds.
Favorite coffee (tea/matcha/milkshake)?
Oat Latte.
