THE JOURNAL
SASCAL STUDIO
Sascal Studio are Wandsworth-based sisters Sarah and Caroline Stemp. Sarah worked in PR, and Caroline in marketing, before both took courses at KLC School of Design and gained experience in the industry before combining their talents in March 2020 to create layered and soulful homes.
What inspires you? We hope this answer isn’t terribly clichéd, but our mother, who passed away almost 10 years ago, is our greatest influence. We grew up in Tokyo, New York and London and she managed to make each home we lived in feel so comfortable and memorable, which is how we approach our projects now.
What’s the thread that runs through every scheme, regardless of the aesthetic? We’re constantly working on balance – whether that’s balancing chunkier furniture with something more delicate, traditionally feminine fabrics with those with more masculine qualities, antiques, artwork… the list goes on! It’s hard for schemes to come together when there’s just one layer; balance helps to keep spaces interesting, layered and harmonious.
Did you have a big break? Instagram has also been hugely beneficial in terms of getting our brand out there (although we haven’t quite grasped Reels…). The majority of our clients have come through there.
What’s your latest discovery at the Design Centre? Even though they are so well known, neither of us had used much Colefax and Fowler in our previous companies. We recently completed a flat in Belgravia and the client loved floral, very British, colourful fabrics, which led us to Colefax’s showroom and we completely fell in love.
KAY WESTMAAS
Richmond-based Kay Westmaas founded Studio Westmaas in 2016, and she runs projects from concept to completion. Her style is informed by her Barbadian and British heritage: expect the colours and textures of the Caribbean, mixed with a more refined English aesthetic.
How did you get started? I was working remotely for a company in Barbados and their work started to slow down, so I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to explore working for myself.
What have you become known for? I would say that I’m known for working on historic houses and adding a contemporary twist to them.
What inspires you? Travel, art and everyday life.
What’s the thread that runs through every scheme, regardless of the aesthetic? Each of my projects has a pop of colour, whether that’s in the art, furniture or fabric.
Did you have a big break? Being supported by House & Garden [as one of its “30 interior designers to know about” in 2022] has led to a lot more work, which is fantastic.
What projects are you working on at the moment? Whole-house refurbishments in Richmond, Kew, Petersham and Teddington. Also a Grade II-listed house on the river in Twickenham – it’s such a beautiful spot, and lots of inspiration has been taken from the locality.
What do you obsess over in your work? Making sure everything works in harmony throughout all the spaces within a project.
Is there any business advice you wish you’d known when you started out? Definitely budget for marketing.
What’s your latest discovery at the Design Centre? Although their showroom isn’t new, I always love going to de Le Cuona to see their fabrics.
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© Rachael Smith
© Angus Williams Photography
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