Sarah is your go-to expert for creating the kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, and ultimately the home you've dreamt about. She brings the art of design to the heart of your home, making your life easier by delivering personalised spaces that reflect your unique tastes and lifestyle. From initial inspiration to final installation, Sarah is with you every step of the way. Here, she talks to egg about running her own business, Raison Home Edinburgh, her top renovation tips, and the trends she loves most.
What’s it like being your own boss?
Becoming a business owner has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life, though it’s also been one of the most challenging. I’ve never worked harder or worn so many different hats. Building my business has been incredibly fulfilling, and there’s a liberating feeling that comes with being the master of your own destiny. What truly makes it special is the opportunity to work with amazing clients and collaborate with passionate local businesses.
Photo of Sarah by Andrea Thomson Photography.
Describe the first couple of years in business.
The first few years have been a rollercoaster, but with far more highs than lows. Transitioning from a 20-year corporate career to being self-employed required some adjustment, but I’m happy I followed my passion for design and launched Raison Home Edinburgh three years ago. The flexibility and freedom that come with owning my own business have been life changing. While there are occasional stressful days, most of the time, it doesn’t even feel like work!
There have been tough lessons along the way, and while they were challenging at the time, they’ve made me a better business owner. I’m now clear on how I want to operate my business and the types of projects I want to be involved in. Relationships are everything, and I’ve found my tribe of fellow businesspeople, many through the supportive community of egg.
I’ve also built a trusted network of trades teams, which is crucial to my success. A beautiful design is just the beginning—the installation process must be seamless and held to the highest standards. The tradespeople I partner with share my work ethic and customer focus, making us a fantastic team.
Any advice for someone starting out?
Take the leap and follow your passion. On the inevitable days when you question your sanity, your passion will carry you through. It’s also essential to know your numbers—this is fundamental to your success and will help you focus on achieving steady growth.
How has the business developed over the years?
As Raison Home Edinburgh has grown, the scope of our projects has expanded to include kitchens, bathrooms and bedrooms. Clients appreciate my project management skills and network of trusted tradespeople, so often the scope of work expands after our initial discussion. I’ve always used Virtual Reality to share designs with clients. It allows them to step into their future space and experience how it will look and feel. This is especially valuable for those who struggle to visualise the final result or when structural changes are involved.
Tell us about a standout project - a renovation or transformation you're particularly proud of.
Every project is unique, and I invest a lot of time understanding my clients' visions. Saying that, I do love kitchen renovations, especially being a keen cook myself. A well-designed and functional layout can have a fantastic effect. Case in point, this kitchen transformation for an egg in Portobello. The functional kitchen-dining space completely transformed how the family uses their home (pictured above and below).
What’s the best part about being a home designer?
I get a real buzz from finding new products to share with clients, making their spaces truly unique and reflective of their personal style.
Your top tips for someone considering a home renovation?
Fix the flow: Ensure your room works for your needs. Consider doorways, sight lines, and routes through the space. Sometimes, a small change like altering a door’s direction can make a huge difference. For more complex issues, consulting an architect might be necessary.
As I work with clients in their own homes this allows us to chat through their unique space and how it’s used, understand any technical or layout challenges, and agree on the best use of the space... Often clients have decided to remove a wall to open the space, or to swap the kitchen and living rooms to optimise the flow and light. Sometimes it’s changing a window or taking out a door to make the flow of the space work so much better.
Get inspired: While Pinterest and social media are great for inspiration, the most popular ideas might be the most fashionable. If you want a timeless space, be cautious with trends in hard finishes like flooring, cabinets, and worktops, as these are harder and more expensive to change. Instead, incorporate trends in easily updatable areas like cabinet handles, lighting, and accessories. Choose a palette of three shades and think about accents that reflect your style. For some inspiration, follow my social media @RaisonHomeEdinburgh
Know your budget: Life is full of compromises, and understanding your budget is key to making good choices. If funds are tight for a kitchen renovation, invest in high-quality cabinets and hard finishes. Upgrading appliances later is easier than replacing cabinets after just a few years.
Are there any trends you love?
Glass-fronted cabinets in the kitchen are making a comeback and I'm all here for it! They're a fantastic way to add a touch of light and elegance to your kitchen, allowing you to showcase your favourite items like glassware or fine China. Plus, they can make a kitchen feel bigger and brighter, especially in smaller spaces. Having these items on display adds personality to your space.
Bathroom photos by Susan Allan Photography.
What’s the biggest bathroom design request?
Bathroom storage is at the top of most clients' wish lists. Drawers offer practical storage options, either in a vanity unit or as a standalone piece. Pigeonhole recesses in the shower area keep shampoo bottles out of the way, and high, wall-mounted shelves are perfect for extra towels and toiletries.
How can a bedroom become a sanctuary?
Given how much time we spend in our bedrooms, a well-organised space can have a huge impact on how relaxed and tranquil it feels. Integrated bedroom furniture, while an investment, can be life-changing in terms of functionality. Sleek lines and light colours create a clutter-free, tranquil environment, while darker tones can add depth to the space. Whether it’s a walk-in wardrobe or cleverly hidden storage, ample drawers and shoe storage ensure a more organized room. Internal wardrobe lighting, such as rail lighting or embedded side lights, makes finding what you need a breeze.
To talk to Sarah about your kitchen, bathroom or bedroom renovation project, call 0131 210 0244. You can also book a no obligation design consultation with Sarah online or by emailing [email protected]. egg partner Raison Home offers egg members up to 10% off kitchen cabinets. Refer a friend and choose £200 vouchers of your choice when their project is installed. Find out more here.
