Modern Matter Blog
Get to Know: Johnson Sokol Interior Design
Johnson Sokol Interior Design, founded in 2008 by Sarah Johnson and Lisa Sokol, with Paige Orpin joining in 2012, specializes in merging periods and color with an emphasis on art. Layering textures and vibrant hues to create magical installations, JSID creates curated spaces while preserving the original integrity of an architectural space.
Q: What is your design philosophy?
A: My design philosophy is similar to my fashion sense—It’s all about layering. I like to layer time periods, patterns, textures, colors, and art. It should tell a story and somehow feel cohesive, but it reflects multiple mediums and styles.
Photography by Stacy Zarin Goldberg
Photography by Gieves Anderson
Q: What are your three must-haves when creating a space?
A: 1. Color, 2. Art, 3. Lighting
Photography by Stacy Zarin Goldberg
Photography by Gieves Anderson
Q: How do you think of hardware when designing a space?
A: It adds to our design philosophy of layering. Hardware is like jewelry in terms of fashion and should be an extension of our style and reflect the space's personality.
Photography by Stacy Zarin Goldberg
Photography by Gieves Anderson
Q: Do you have any rules you stick to when selecting hardware?
A: We usually steer towards brass. The only rules are quality and good design. Modern Matter checks those boxes.
Q: Any tips on creating timeless interiors?
A: Our tip for creating timeless spaces is to pay attention to history. What was considered beautiful 250 years ago tends to be beautiful today. You can add some modern elements (such as hardware), but the canvas should be classic.
Photography by Stacy Zarin Goldberg
Photography by Stacy Zarin Goldberg
