About the Owner
Seeing life in color from the beginning
Passion for Home Design
Hello. I'm Sarah, the owner of Distracted Damsel Design. Not so different from others in the design field, I grew up doing projects and crafting with my parents. From helping dad with pavers in the back yard, to remodeling our bathroom and tearing out the cabinets for Mom's renovated kitchen. I was always ready for the next project, never stuck on one specific thing, exploring trends, interesting subjects, and limitless possibilities. Which is why my brand is named Distracted Damsel.
It was exciting for me to transform my room or space frequently, and it was even more of a thrill to take a glimpse at what others were doing. I looked for inspiration in magazines, art and online. I offered to help friends with their projects. I enjoyed it so much that I had to pursue Architecture and Design, and went to college, earning two degrees in Interior Design and one in Business, while working in the industry.
Working in Design
I have been lucky, able to work in many environments, both residential and commercial. As an intern, I worked for a major architectural firm working on The City Center Project on the Las Vegas Strip. Getting to see the design plans, textiles, and even full-size mockups of some of the hotel rooms was mind-blowing, seeing that every little detail makes or breaks a design. I learned how to work with professionals, listen to client needs and see building and projects come together.
Years later, I worked on the homeowner side of things. Helping customers with furniture selections, moving into designing kitchens with a cabinetry company and selling flooring in a showroom. Kitchen design was my favorite specialty, and I spent several years working for a high-end cabinetry firm here in Las Vegas. Continuing to stretch design skills and imagination, working with experts on multi-million-dollar homes. Every project was connected by a color pallet.
Finding My Specialty
After quite a few jobs, I figured out what I was best at, which as you have gathered is color. Working in a paint showroom helping customers with their color questions, I would explain why they loved the color in the store, but it looked wrong at home. I was able to start visiting homes, see the space and help make selections. It was very enjoyable for me to have these discussions and see these different rooms/projects. Soon I was doing them across the valley, even having repeat customers.
I was limited working under someone else, still in my comfort zone. I knew that I could do more with a company of my own, but while I figured it out, I started my blog. At first just as a way for me to channel my interests, thinking maybe someone would enjoy things I do or create, life or design related. It inspired me to commit to my own business of color consultation. The blog still reflects my distracted personality, but it is used as a true design blog, dedicated to color, new trends, organization ideas etc. Whatever inspiration comes to mind I write it down.
My goal is to work in my community with contractors, designers and homeowners alike to bring color into every project. One on one gives me a chance to really dive in and get to know a person's style, personality and overall feel for their space. To give them exactly to vibe they are looking for no matter what room they are in. I hope that you will allow me to have a colorful impact on you and your living space or office.
Thank you from the Owner, Sarah Woodward