We recently sat down with Gray Aspen founder Sarah Cyr, whose warm, textural approach to interiors blends her fashion background with refined, lived-in sensibility. She shares how she creates spaces that feel grounded, personal, and deeply calming—making our Materie cashmere pillows a natural fit in her beautifully curated home.
Materie: Sarah, I have loved watching your career and I don’t think you realize how much you’ve inspired me in terms of what is possible. You owned and curated an incredible clothing boutique in Aspen, you’ve designed your own fashion line Gray Aspen, and now you are designing stunning interiors. Tell us how your creative journey has unfolded to date:
Sarah: First, thank you for those kind words! One thing I’ve learned is that life is never linear — and it’s important to listen to your passions and follow your heart. I’ve always loved both fashion and interior design. Growing up, I was constantly designing clothes in my head, scouring fashion magazines and rearranging my room. I'd create moodboards with cutouts and images - fashion and homes were always intertwined. The two worlds go hand in hand in many ways — both are about creating beauty and evoking a feeling. I’ve always been drawn to the texture of fabrics, the way they drape, and how colors and materials play together. Taking the leap first into fashion and then into interiors felt like a natural evolution. Trying something new is always a little scary, but if you feel that inner pull, it’s always worth the risk.
Materie: When you start working with a new client, describe your creative process:
Sarah: I love getting to know my clients — how they live, what’s important to them, and how they want their home to feel. Do they love bold color and vibrancy, or do they gravitate toward soothing neutrals? A home should feel like a breath of fresh air, and that looks different for everyone. Curating spaces that reflect each client’s personality and lifestyle is endlessly rewarding.
Materie: You recently completed a gorgeous new home, tell us about your personal space and your approach to decorating your own home:
Sarah: My husband Barrett and I lead very full lives — with our careers, three kids, and two dogs — so creating a space that feels relaxing, warm, and inspiring was a top priority. We wanted a home where we could all unwind at the end of the day, welcome friends, and truly exhale. Our home sits on a beautiful piece of property, and the large windows make us feel connected to nature. We used natural materials like oak flooring and cabinetry, marble surfaces, and stone walls throughout, layered with a soft neutral palette for our furnishings. Together, they create the calm, grounded atmosphere we were looking for.
Materie: What are you most excited about in the design industry right now?
Sarah: I love the return of moodier color palettes and the resurgence of warm woods. They add so much depth, warmth, and storytelling to a space.
Materie: What is your favorite holiday activity in Aspen?
Sarah: Hiking out to the Pine Creek Cookhouse over winter break with friends and family. It is so magical.
Materie: You recently sourced our Hangai x Materie Cashmere pillows in a couple of installs (thank you)! Tell us about the spaces that you decided to place them in:
Sarah: Your cashmere pillows and blankets align perfectly with my aesthetic — luxurious, cozy, and beautifully made. I love working with neutrals and using texture to create depth in a room. The cashmere pillows, with their simple yet elegant horn button detail, were the perfect finishing touch.
