Q + A with interior designer Sarah Kirkwood of Solid Studio

Santa Barbara native Sarah Kirkwood is the founder of Solid Studio, an interior design firm specializing in thoughtfully curated residential spaces. With a degree in interior design from San Francisco State University and over a decade of experience working with leading design firms in San Francisco and Santa Barbara, Sarah brings a fresh perspective to creating beautiful, functional homes. We asked her to share her insights on modern sofas, from selecting the perfect piece to making it your own.

Food + Home: What does “modern” really mean when it comes to a sofa?

SOLID STUDIO: The term “modern” can be a confusing one. Often, people associate it with being cold, stark, and uncomfortable, but that’s not always the case. I think of it more as clean lines, sculptural forms, and high functionality. Ultimately, “modern” doesn’t have to be a style in itself, but more a design philosophy focused on finding the most functional and beautiful solution for a space.

Food + Home: Where do you begin when selecting a sofa for a home?

SOLID STUDIO: The first thing I consider is layout and scale. The sofa is often the main anchor of a room and will determine the other furniture pieces that support it. It’s important to get the dimensions right before anything else.

Food + Home: We see a lot of oversized, deep sofas today. Are they here to stay?

SOLID STUDIO: Absolutely. Deep sofas are an ideal solution for a casual lounge space. Everyone can pile in and get comfortable without sliding off. But if you’re designing a more formal space, a shallower, more upright sofa would be more ideal.

Food + Home: Leather or fabric?

SOLID STUDIO: It depends on the house. I typically gravitate toward fabric because it feels warmer, but buttery, aged leather can sometimes be hard to beat (or a great shearling!). I’ve often designed custom sofas with a leather surround and fabric seat and back cushions to get the best of both worlds. Plus, it looks great.

Food + Home: What upholstery materials do you recommend?

SOLID STUDIO: If you have kids, pets, or just like to entertain a lot, a performance fabric is non-negotiable. If you’re looking for something more natural and earthy looking, a washed linen, hemp, or wool are some of my favorites to go with. If you want something a bit more polished, I might go with velvet or mohair. Just make sure it’s comfortable!

Food + Home: Are curved sofas just a trend?

SOLID STUDIO: Curved sofas are not just a trend—they’re iconic! Just look at the Art Nouveau movement and mid-century furniture designers like Vladimir Kagan. The curved sofa is a timeless form that has resurfaced throughout history and will continue to do so.

Food + Home: Where is it worth investing, and where can homeowners save?

SOLID STUDIO: If you have the budget, invest in a custom sofa. Having a sofa made to the exact dimensions that are most comfortable for your body is a game changer. The seat height, cushion firmness, fill material, fabric selection, and more can all be adjusted to meet your specific needs.
If you’re looking to save, skip the matching lounge chairs and opt for a great pair of vintage ones instead. Mixing high-quality investment pieces with thoughtfully selected vintage finds creates a layered, collected home that feels far more personal than furnishing everything from a single source.

Food + Home: How do you style a modern sofa?

SOLID STUDIO: I believe in juxtaposition. If you’re working with a sofa that has clean, simple lines, I might pair it with something more textural and earthy, such as chunky linen pillows and a handwoven alpaca throw. The contrast creates interest and helps the space feel more collected.

Food + Home: If you could give homeowners just one piece of advice before buying a sofa, what would it be?

SOLID STUDIO: Don’t buy a sofa just because you love how it looks. Pay attention to the proportions, how it feels to sit in, and how it will actually function in your home. Buy the best quality and materials you can comfortably afford, and don’t chase trends!
www.solidstudio.info

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