A couple of years ago, I was having one of those truly insane days. You know the kind…back-to-back client calls, contractors running late, and somewhere between choosing tile samples and reviewing paint colors, I realized I felt completely scattered and overwhelmed.

I walked into my bedroom and noticed the beautiful rose quartz sphere on my nightstand. So I sat down, placed the sphere in my lap, closed my eyes, and took a few slow breaths. When I opened my eyes again,I felt calmer, more centered. It was such a gentle reminder that I needed to pour back into myself before I could do anything more for others. That’s when it really hit me: this wasn’t just about pretty stones anymore…it had become something far more intentional.

You already know that at SAGA Interiors we're obsessed with creating beautiful spaces, but what really lights me up is designing true sanctuaries: places where you can completely melt into comfort, reset your energy, and feel so wrapped in love and light that you're ready to conquer whatever life throws at you.I've been experimenting with crystals in my own home for a while now (and introducing them to some of our clients too). There's something about these gorgeous little earth treasures that just... amplifies everything. Your intentions, your energy, even the way a room feels when you walk into it.

As an interior designer based in the Bay Area, my love for California’s lifestyle and design aesthetics runs deep—but it all began long before I ever set foot in a client’s home. I was just 18 when I took my first trip to Málaga, Spain, and I instantly fell in love with the architecture, warmth, and effortless charm that seemed to define every courtyard, tiled stair, and sun-washed facade. That experience stayed with me, shaping my eye and instincts as a designer.

Years later, when I moved to Santa Barbara to pursue my undergraduate degree, that love was unexpectedly rekindled. Surrounded by whitewashed walls, terracotta roofs, and meandering garden paths, I found echoes of the Mediterranean woven into the fabric of California living. It was there that I truly came to appreciate how Spanish-inspired architecture had taken on its own identity under the California sun.

Today, my love for Mediterranean architecture lives strong—and through my work at Saga Interiors, I’m fortunate to channel that passion into helping clients create warm, soulful homes that honor tradition while embracing the comforts of modern living. By blending timeless architectural elements with the ease of California style, we craft spaces that feel both rooted and refreshed.

A Day at the Bing Crosby Estate

Lessons from Amy Astley, the Global Editorial Director and Editor-in-Chief of Architectural Digest.

Some moments in your career remind you why you started in the first place.

February 28, 2024 was one of those nights. I was honored to be invited by Mayer Rus, West Coast Editor of Architectural Digest, and Design Within Reach to celebrate the grand opening of their stunning new flagship in San Francisco. The evening was a designer’s dream: an inspiring mix of creative minds, incredible design, and, of course, impeccable hors d'oeuvres. But one conversation, in particular, made a lasting impression.

Between sips of champagne and the buzz of industry chatter, I found myself face-to-face with AmyAstley, the Global Editorial Director and Editor-in-Chief of Architectural Digest. A woman who has redefined design journalism, expanded the magazine’s digital reach, and championed new talent along the way.

And here she was — warm, approachable, and, to my surprise, encouraging me to submit my projects for review.

For any small business owner, recognition from a leader likeAmyisn’t just a compliment: it’s a moment of validation. But as I reflected on her journey, I realized her success wasn’t just about talent; it was about bold moves, adaptability, and resilience — lessons that any entrepreneur, including myself, can apply every single day.

Amy’s career is a masterclass in innovation and reinvention. Here are five invaluable lessons I took away from my encounter with her; lessons that every business owner, designer, and creative can learn from:

Why We Need to Rethink How We Build Our Homes: Lessons from California's Fires

As I watched the recent fires tear through Los Angeles neighborhoods, I couldn't help but question something I've taken for granted my entire career: our reliance on wood in home construction. The sight of entire blocks reduced to ashes left me wondering why we're still building the way we did a century ago.

Let's talk about the "Color of the Year" phenomenon - you know, that annual moment when every paint company announces their chosen shade? Since Pantone kicked this off in 1999, it's grown from a simple industry forecast into something that fills our social media feeds every January. And while I love the conversations it sparks, I've noticed something interesting in my years of working with clients.

As the days grow shorter and the nights turn cooler, there's a sense of nostalgia in the air. Summer, with its lazy afternoons and vibrant sunsets, is slowly bidding adieu.

'Tis the season to celebrate the unique tastes and passions of your loved ones.Whether you're shopping for the perfect host, the gourmand, the minimalist, the fashion lover or the art enthusiast — I have carefully curated a Holiday Gift Guide guide, where every personality finds a match made in gift-giving heaven!

As the days grow shorter and the nights turn cooler, there's a sense of nostalgia in the air. Summer, with its lazy afternoons and vibrant sunsets, is slowly bidding adieu.

Every month I curate pieces that I am currently in love with. This list includes pieces ranging from accessories, home decor to furnishings and so much more.

For June we’re excited to share our favorite hostess/host gifts that are sure to impress and delight. Whether you’re attending a dinner party, a weekend getaway, or a casual gathering, these thoughtful items will show your appreciation to the gracious host or hostess….

Every spring, the Auxiliary hosts a Luncheon & Fashion Show as its primary fundraiser for PARCA (Partners and Advocates for Remarkable Children and Adults), an organization dedicated to serving people with developmental disabilities and their families in the Bay Area.

With the arrival of spring, the air is filled with a rejuvenating energy that urges us to step out of our winter hibernation and bask in the warmth of the outdoors. After enduring the dreary coldness of winter, it’s time to relish in the invigorating atmosphere of nature once again.

One of my biggest passions, besides design, is fragrances. Whether it’s a luxurious perfume, a cozy candle, a delightful home fragrance, or even just a refreshing soap or shampoo, I’m always on the lookout for scents that capture my heart. And once I discover a fragrance that I truly adore, I am devoted to it for life.

Every spring, the Auxiliary hosts a Luncheon & Fashion Show as its primary fundraiser for PARCA (Partners and Advocates for Remarkable Children and Adults), an organization dedicated to serving people with developmental disabilities and their families in the Bay Area.