Sarah Wright Olsen’s Coastal Home is an Ode to Outdoor Living

Rip & Tan: What was the initial vision for the space? 

Sarah Wright Olsen: We wanted our living room to feel inviting and warm so we could utilize the space better. 

Studio K: When we first met with Sarah and Eric onsite, we all wanted to create a space that made the most sense for their growing family, and utilize the space to the best of its abilities. They have such an incredible outdoor space, that we wanted to unite the indoors and outdoors in a thoughtful way. 

Rip & Tan: Let’s talk process. Can you tell us more about your collaboration? From ideation to install, do you have any particular highlights or favorite memories? 

Sarah Wright Olsen: I loved Studio K’s work. I have known Kathy and Karlyn for years and saw a few homes that they had remodeled and the outcome was so stunning. Eric and I pitched them the idea of making our living room more inviting and as we walked them through our house it grew from the living room to the kitchen, bathroom, and the primary bedroom. We had tons of photos to show them of homes and furniture that we loved but we left it to them to see the space and come up with an idea based on what they already knew that we loved. They came back to us with three visions and proposals for the house and we were completely blown away. 

Rip & Tan: Every inch of the space feels so intentional. Was there a specific feeling you were after? How did you achieve it? 

Sarah Wright Olsen: For me, I just wanted our home to feel cozy, warm and inviting. The view from our windows is so beautiful that what we had created inside didn’t match the view. I wanted it to feel like a flow from inside to outside. Also, the shape of our living room was a little bit of a challenge. We couldn’t see the best way to make the space work. We also had a lot of dark hardware throughout the house and one of the ways they warmed up the space was by changing all of that over to Buster and Punch brass hardware and it made such a huge difference. Everything from light switches, dimmers and door handles.

Studio K: To piggyback off of Sarah, we wanted to create a comfortable space that was neutral and allowed their gorgeous view to be the focal point. We achieved this by using textures and neutral tones throughout the space and letting the earthy tones from the outside shine through. 

Rip & Tan: As we eye this idyllic kitchen nook, is there an area of the house you find yourself most proud of—or even simply gravitating toward most? Why is that? 

Sarah Wright Olsen: Our living room has this gorgeous Jenni Kayne Home Harbor linen sofa and a daybed in the center. I find myself always wanting to sit on it or near it. We always had leather couches before and the couch and daybed with soft light materials makes it feel so much warmer and cozier. 

Rip & Tan: Whether it’s a texture or a piece of décor, this home comes alive in the details. Can you share some sourcing insights? 

Studio K: We really love lighting and think that fixtures in themselves are pieces of art. We changed out all of the lighting throughout the house to give it a fresh new look. We are particularly in love with the ceramic pendant that hangs over the kitchen table from deVol in London. 

We custom-made the console that sits below the TV to maximize storage for the space. We added caning to the fronts of the cabinets for a unique and beachy design detail. We also custom-made the daybed in the center of the living room, which created an inviting space for the kids to lounge on, or for Sarah and Eric to put their feet up and relax. 

Rip & Tan: This view is breathtaking, and the outdoor space is equally incredible. How did indoor-outdoor living factor into the overall home design? 

Studio K: One of the most amazing features of this home is the outdoor space and its view. We wanted the family room and patio to become one. This encouraged us to set up the furniture in this space conversion style, and avoid focus on the TV. This really allowed us to create that indoor outdoor feel.

Rip & Tan: As a busy mom, how does your home support your sense of work-life balance? In what ways does it serve as a haven or source of inspiration?

Sarah Wright Olsen: I want to be home. I want to sit and work in the living or in the kitchen nook. I want to read a book on the chair in my room. I want to sit on the rugs and play with my kids. The space makes me feel grounded.

When I first found out I was pregnant I remember thinking that I wanted to have my babies in this house because the view was so calming of the water and the garden. The design that Studio K created makes you feel that way when you walk into every room.

Rip & Tan: At home or otherwise, what does living well mean to you?

Sarah Wright Olsen: Living well to me means spending time with the people that I love, eating yummy meals and finding joy in all the little things in life.

Studio K: To us, living well means living peacefully and comfortably. Creating this type of environment at home is the perfect foundation and recipe for living well. A good home environment is healthy for both children and adults, as it can inspire positive emotions.