When I came up with the term Silver & Sage, it was the name of a business started by the main character in my novel “Menopause in Manhattan”. It had to do with catering to the “older” (over 50) woman. Now, many years later, I can’t think of a better way to connect with women who, as they age, still want a beautiful, functional home to live in.
As we grow older, we experience transitions. Some women go through divorce or widowhood. Others are downsizing or upgrading their homes. Many are finally spending their hard-earned savings on the dream home they’ve always wanted, while some are bidding farewell to the house they raised their family in, creating a new space just for themselves.
I don’t love admitting it, but our bodies change. Parts don’t work as smoothly as they once did, and some need to be “refurbished” or replaced. What used to be minor inconveniences can now become major issues that bring constant discomfort. The home we live in—the space where we spend the most time—shouldn’t add to these challenges. It should help alleviate them and create an environment that maximizes our comfort.
That’s where Silver & Sage comes in. The Silver part reflects the inevitable graying of our hair, a symbol of growing older. The Sage part speaks to the wisdom we’ve gained through experience—the lessons, growth, and knowledge that make us wiser, more grounded individuals.
I’m focusing on women because—quite simply—I want to. Broadly speaking, I’ve always been guided by the feminist spirit within me, naturally encouraging others to pursue their dreams, embrace risk, and face life’s uncertainties with minimal fear. I’ve taken my share of bold leaps, each one leading to unexpected rewards and profound growth. It hasn’t always been an easy path, but it has always been worth it. So yes—here’s to women’s power, and all that it encompasses.
I’m focusing on interior design because it’s what I know best. Not just because I hold a degree in it and have worked in the field for more decades than I care to admit, but because it’s truly part of who I am. My environment has always mattered to me—whether it was painting a bedroom wall black when I was 15, wallpapering a living room wall with a full height black-and-white tree mural in my 20s, or constantly redesigning the 8′ x 12′ “studio” I called home during my early years in Manhattan.
Now that I’m past 50 (okay, fine—past 60), I see the world through a different lens. I’m still passionate about aesthetics, but I’ve become much more attuned to comfort and functionality. That sumptuous sofa featured in luxury design magazines—the one that looks endlessly inviting and cloud-soft? Want to buy it? Think again. Sitting down might be manageable, but try getting up if you have hip or knee issues (and honestly, who at this age doesn’t?)—it’s not a pretty sight. Armless, low dining chairs? The same story. Sleek and sophisticated, yes—but offering no support feels like a lost cause. While sexy, minimalist furniture may be beautiful and evocative of luxury, it simply doesn’t make sense for those of us entering the third stage of life, with all its inevitable aches and pains.
The same philosophy applies to every aspect of home interiors. Kitchen and bathroom design, lighting and electrical elements, window treatments, area rugs, bed sizes and heights—all exert a profound influence on how we navigate our daily lives. Whether we move through our homes with comfort and ease, or grapple with features that cause discomfort, is precisely the challenge Silver & Sage aims to address.
I hope you’ll be interested enough to become a part of the Silver & Sage family – it’s all about:
Inspired interiors for living well—where comfort, beauty, and wisdom feel at home.
