HBASE Member Profile | Starmark

Sara Misterek

As a designer, I might spend an hour on a jobsite, and then spend hours in front of my computer. Of course, we're all aware of Pinterest and Houzz, and their influence on design, and I do look there occasionally for inspiration. However, I find that I'm frequently the most creative after I've stepped away from my computer for a bit. Sometimes just a simple task like organizing my office for a few minutes or running a quick errand can cause me to come back with a plan for a challenging situation. Engaging my creativity in other forms of art is also inspirational to me. Painting, writing, graphic design, and even cooking and gardening all inspire me in different ways. There's also something about print media, handling an actual book or magazine can be a mental reset. It gets me engaged in a way that's distinctive from the automatic scrolling we've all become so used to. This is a constantly changing field, so staying up with trends using an "old fashioned" medium is surprisingly effective.

One of my favorite projects was on the south side of Sioux Falls. This was a young family, and they were in the process of doing a complete remodel of the main floor. The wife had been struggling with the kitchen and bathrooms, she couldn't find a cabinetry company she liked, or someone she wanted to work with. I was able to show her what Starmark could offer, including the quality of the construction and all the customization options. She chose our Inset line, using Frost Tinted Varnish with Calacutta quartz countertops. The finished space is so clean and open, and she was so enjoyable to work with.

I love rustic luxe and modern farmhouse. Mixing elements of country and city, worn furniture with industrial lamps for example creates such a comfortable, effortless atmosphere.

Getting to help people make their house into their dream home. It is always fun to work with clients on their projects, whether they are building a new home or remodeling their current home. The clients are always excited about their project and it’s rewarding to be able to bring their dreams to reality. My job is very creative but it also requires a lot of attention to detail. Each project is kind of like a big puzzle to put together.

I think all projects are rewarding in their own way, but the common thread is making the client happy. A lot of times each person in the home will have a very different style and prefer different materials and finishes in their space. It’s rewarding to be able to bring it all together into a cohesive design that both people are excited about.

If I had to pick, my favorite would probably be transitional. I also like more eclectic designs as well. I like blending different styles together to create a space that is comfortable and inviting.

The opportunity to bring comfort and happiness to my customers with authenticity, honesty and design!

One of the most rewarding projects I have worked on is with a client who had just had a house fire. When I first stepped into the project, the main floor was down to studs and the daunting task of cleaning and bringing life back into the house had begun. Working with a contractor and homeowner, we were able to use her ideas along with my expertise to bring out a beautiful finished product. The opportunity to help them through a traumatic time and see the joy as they settled back into their home was extremely gratifying.

My favorite design style would have to be mid-century modern; the retro nostalgia, clean lines with open floor plans pair so nicely with today’s newer materials giving you timeless design.