Meet Kirsten Read - Interior Designer

In this exclusive interview, we delve into the inspiration behind Kirsten Read's interior design journey, her approach to helping clients discover their personal style, and the timeless elements that make a house a home. Plus, we explore the striking parallels between fashion and interiors—because just like the perfect handbag, a beautifully designed space is all about self-expression.

Let’s step inside the world of interior design and uncover the secrets to creating a home that’s as stylish and versatile as a Sarah Haran handbag.

How did your journey into interior design begin, and what inspired you to create your own brand?

I did not take the conventional path into Interior Design but it did begin when I was a teenager. I had a real passion for design and knew I wanted to be an interior designer but somehow I fell into other interests so career wise I have worked in project management, marketing and communications and even a wedding make up artist before I finally embraced interiors and turned that into my career.  Once I had made that decision I knew that whatever direction I wanted to go in within the industry, it was best to build a brand that would showcase what I can do and hopefully become recognisable. 

At Sarah Haran, we believe style is an extension of personality. How do you help clients discover their interior style in the same way we help customers find the perfect bag to match their personality?

I think our homes really should be a reflection of our personalities and tell the story of us. I spend a lot of time with clients chatting over their interests as well as the practical details of how they actually use and move around their homes.  In a world of social media and heavy visuals, my clients will usually have a bank of images they love from pinterest for example, so I take time to go through these and sift out the connections between each image to decipher where my client’s identity lies in terms of style.  But ultimately, I encourage my clients to choose what they love and avoid anything too trend driven because style transcends trend. My job is to make sure there is cohesion in my client’s choices, keeping the end result, stylish, tasteful and beautiful. 

Colour plays a huge role in both fashion and interiors. How do you approach colour in your designs?

I personally approach colour just as I would approach it in fashion.  If I would wear it, then I would have it in my home.  For me that means navy, green, burgundy, rust, ochre - I wear all these colours so I know I don’t really tire of them.  It can be hard to convince clients to choose colour in their homes, so often I need to take a soft approach.  I would suggest anyone fearing colour to apply it in things like accessories or cushions before going for larger, more expensive items but I guarantee the more you add, the braver you become with colour. It’s the dopamine hit we all need! 

Sarah Haran handbags are all about versatility—one bag, endless looks! Do you have any go-to interior styling tricks that help spaces feel flexible and adaptable?

I design spaces for longevity so I always have it in mind that my client shouldn't need to redo their room for many years to come after it has been completed.  But that’s not to say that they won’t want to update aspects as time goes on.  Seasonally, things like cushions and throws can be added to infuse some colour or cosiness or even just changing up some accessories to give a space a fresh feel.  Lighting for me is like jewellery or the finishing details to an outfit.  By changing up your lighting choices, it can completely transform a room and it doesn’t always have to be the expensive option unlike other big ticket items. 

How do you balance timeless style with trends when designing a space?

My first rule is that I don't follow trends but I do keep up with them. By doing this, I can make sure the rooms I design are up to date without being a slave to whatever the new craze is.  The more expensive items in my spaces will always be timeless pieces but I will style with accessories that feel more trend driven or add cushions with the colour of the moment. I talk a lot about how we dress our spaces once layout and furniture has been decided because these items are easier and less expensive to change up when the trend fades or we grow tired of them.

If you could design a dream dressing room or walk-in wardrobe, what key elements would you include? 

Storage and organisation is key, I need a place for everything and everything in its place - so to me that means dedicated shoe and bag storage and ample hanging space.  Lighting is integral to the design, no harsh overhead lights but instead soft lighting that will flatter.  A beautiful dressing table to store all my make up and full length mirrors with plush and comfortable seating - would quite like a built in prosecco bar too for when the girls are round! If only this wasn’t a dream dressing room!

We love the idea that small details can make a big impact—whether it’s a tassel on a handbag or a statement light fixture in a room. What’s one small but impactful design element that you think every home should have?

Ooh I could pick a few here but ultimately the biggest impact you can make in your home is to let your personality shine through.  When you style your space from the heart, this is what truly makes your house a home.  Whether it be a beautiful display of family photos or artefacts you have collected on your travels or the gallery of children’s art on your walls  - this tells your story and creates a unique space that is yours only.

If you could design a dream home for any celebrity or public figure, who would it be and why?

That’s a hard one but I really love Davina McCall, I find her quite a fascinating character and love listening to her podcast.  I think she has bags of personality so would love a sneak peek into her home.

At Sarah Haran, we believe in ‘bags of joy for life’s every moment.’ What are the little moments of joy you find in your work and daily life?

My kids and dogs are my purest daily joy, as cliche as that sounds but from a work perspective, when a client loves a moodboard or completes their newly designed space and feedback how much they love it - that is the best!