14 Things You Probably Didn’t Know About Sarah Richardson

Sarah’s birthday is October 22! That makes her a Libra! This astrological sign is associated with people who are cooperative, diplomatic, gracious, fair and social. You can’t get through as many renos as Sarah has without all those qualities.

We already know Sarah is a winner…. but here’s a friendly little reminder. In 2010, Sarah won a Gemini Award for Best Host in a lifestyle program for her work on Sarah’s House. Her show, Room Service, also won a Gemini for Best Website. Other awards include the Caldwell Partners’ Top 40 Under 40 Award, the University of Western Ontario’s Young Alumni Award and the Havergal College Old Girls Hall of Distinction Award. We can only imagine what other awards are in her future!

Sarah’s modes of expression know no bounds. In addition to being a television maverick, she’s also a bestselling author. Her latest book, Collected: Past + Present, Volume No 2, is scheduled to hit stores October 13, 2020. Her other writing endeavors include Sarah Style and At Home: Sarah Style.

“I 100 per cent have a favourite Canadian designer!” Sarah enthuses. That’s right, she’s been wearing Smythe jackets long before duchesses Meghan and Kate caught wind of the fabulous design company. One of the entrepreneurs, Andrea Lenczner, is actually a childhood friend from middle school, while the other, Christie Smythe, is her sister-in-law. Sounds like a perfect fit!

Check out these exclusive shots of Sarah Richardson’s off-the-grid rental home.

Sarah’s a heavy-hitter on Instagram. She has more than 300,000 followers and scrolls through the popular social media app first thing in the morning before she’s even finished her first cup of coffee. “I love the visual world, so I absolutely feed off the inspiration that is on Instagram.”

For more design and decor inspiration, follow us on Pinterest @hgtvcanada.

Sarah, pictured here with husband and partner Alexander Younger (aka. AY), may be all about design and decor, but she’s also a bona fide explorer at heart. “The best holidays combine a variety of activities and landscapes with awesome food, gorgeous surroundings, sunshine, water and fine wine,” she says. “A couple of years ago, we went to Carmel Valley, California for my brother’s wedding. Driving the Pacific Coast Highway, staying in a luxury resort, hiking, horseback riding, lounging in the sun and being by the ocean all in a few short days ticked every box and delivered a fabulous experience. Every holiday should be like that no matter where the destination takes you!”

Sarah has an older brother and two younger half-brothers. “Brothers are good,” says Sarah. “Nobody was ever trying to steal my clothes.” They also have good taste in friends: Sarah married her older brother’s best friend. Her hubby AY is also a big part of her renovation projects.

You may not automatically think “potluck” when you envision Sarah entertaining guests – but think again. “When I entertain in the country, it’s friends coming together and everybody brings what they do best. And if you only have to make one thing to get to a gourmet feast, how great is that?”

One of the biggest design mistakes that Sarah sees in homes is when people try to get more for less. In fact, she believes that less is more if you invest in quality pieces. “If you live within your means and commit to living smaller with less while celebrating quality, you get SO much more!” she says.

Guilty pleasure? There’s no such thing for Sarah. “I’m certain my love of champagne, chocolate and Chardonnay would come as no surprise to anyone,” she admits. “What’s hard work without a little reward? I also don’t believe in ever feeling guilty about things that bring you pleasure.”

When asked which HGTV star has the best hair, Sarah didn’t even hesitate. “Tiffany Pratt rocks a rainbow like no one I’ve ever met,” she gushes.

Who doesn’t love fall and all of its gorgeous colours and design inspiration? That’s part of why Sarah easily names it as her favourite season. “Colourful leaves, crisp walks, cozy fires (and cashmere sweaters), picking apples and baking a crisp with the girls and those harvest sunsets,” she says, listing all the things she loves about autumn.

What kind of job would Sarah do if she could pick another career? It’s simple: she wouldn’t. “Are you kidding? If this isn’t my dream job, I’m missing something,” she says. “I’m right where I’m meant to be, doing exactly what I’m supposed to be doing and I realize how very lucky I am!” There’s no arguing with that.

We’ve all been mesmerized by a good old-fashioned fire, but sitting by those embers is one of Sarah’s most favourite ways to relax. “Family, friends, fine food, good wine, lots of laughs…” she says, listing off all the things that put her at ease.