Style Beyond the Wardrobe: At Home with Carol Sae-Yang

When personal stylist Carol Sae-Yang talks about style, she's not just referring to clothes. Her Mid-Century Modern inspired home proves that authentic style transcends the wardrobe, creating spaces that feel both considered and lived-in. It's a testament to the power of patient design – where every choice serves both purpose and personality.

For Carol, whose days are spent helping others discover their personal style, the connection between fashion and interiors runs deep. "Style is deeply personal and often emotional," she reflects. "Clothes hold memories, reflect milestones, and sometimes carry insecurities."

This understanding shapes not only her approach to styling but how she creates her own spaces, acknowledging that both wardrobes and rooms need space and patience to evolve.

“People evolve and grow.
Your personal style is a reflection of that growth.”

Featured: Square Orange Chenille Rug

Featured: Billow Bone Chenille Rug

The Art of Balance

In her living room, Carol's professional philosophy comes to life. Clean lines meet soft textures, while thoughtful pops of colour warm up neutral foundations. Her approach to design mirrors her philosophy in fashion – where purpose and beauty exist in perfect harmony. It's about making intentional choices that serve both form and function, creating spaces that work seamlessly with real life.

"Choose fewer, better things," she reflects, demonstrating how carefully curated pieces can speak volumes in a well-designed space. It's an approach that demonstrates how thoughtful restraint can create the most profound impact in a space, where everything serves a purpose and clutter doesn’t way you down.

“Style and functionality should be besties, not frenemies...I also believe in decluttering regularly—when everything has a purpose, life feels lighter.”

Featured: Arch Burgundy New Jute Rug

Thoughtful curations & connections

Perhaps most striking is Carol's emphasis on evolution – both in style and space. Just as she guides clients through wardrobe transitions, her home demonstrates how thoughtful curation can create rooms that grow with you. "Don't rush—just like building a wardrobe, creating a home takes time and it evolves just as we do as humans."

Carol reminds us that the beauty of curating your space lies in the journey itself. “If you want your home to feel more like you, start small. Add things that reflect your personality, like artwork, books, or textiles”, she adds.

Our homes are shaped by personal stories, collected moments, and pieces that spark joy. There's no race to the finish line, no pressure to create the perfect space overnight. Instead, think of your home as a living canvas; one that grows and changes with you that will allow your space to be its most authentic self.

“Just like I style wardrobes, I approach spaces with the idea that they should work for you, not the other way around. Whether it’s clothes or a room, I’m always thinking about how to make things feel authentic, functional, and a little inspiring.”

Featured: Checky Brown New Jute Rug

The heart of home

What makes Carol's space compelling is its emphasis on meaning over perfection. "It's not perfect, but it feels like home, and that's what matters," she shares about her interior aesthetic, which favors calming tones and meaningful pieces. This thoughtful approach creates rooms that tell stories rather than simply housing things.

Her living room, her favorite space, embodies this philosophy perfectly. "It's where life happens," she explains. "Reading, chatting, listening to music, dancing or just unwinding after a long day. It's cozy, lived-in, and a reflection of what matters to our family."

Her ideology towards both style and space offers a refreshing perspective: true style isn't about perfection, but about creating spaces that work for real life. It's about choosing pieces with intention, embracing evolution and most importantly, making room for life to happen. Prioritizing style that feels true to you is what really creates the essence of a home- carefully selecting pieces that provide harmony in your space and just get better with age.

“I think about how a space will be used and what makes it feel personal. I love mixing practicality with small details that reflect who we are and what we love. It’s not about perfection; it’s about connection.”

Featured: View Watermelon Chenille Rug

Featured: Arch Burgundy New Jute Rug

What Carol's home ultimately teaches us is that great design isn't about following trends or rushing to fill spaces. It's about creating room for life to unfold, for style to evolve, and for meaning to develop naturally. She reminds us that the most authentic spaces are those that take time to curate, that grow with us, and that prioritize connection over perfection.

As we leave Carol's carefully curated home, one thing becomes clear: when we give ourselves permission to take time with our spaces to let them evolve naturally and to prioritize meaning over immediacy, we create more than just rooms – we create sanctuaries that truly reflect who we are and who we're becoming.