Meet Sierra Fox — Founder and Principal Designer of Studio MTN, a full-service interior design firm specializing in high-end residential design. At Studio MTN, every home is designed to feel deeply personal and reflective of its surroundings. The studio believes exceptional interiors balance beauty with function, blending natural materials, thoughtful craftsmanship, and timeless design to create homes that feel as though they’ve always belonged.
That philosophy is rooted in Sierra’s own story. Raised between Hawaii and Idaho, she developed an appreciation for two distinct ways of living — one shaped by simplicity, nature, and a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor spaces, the other by mountain landscapes, craftsmanship, and homes built to last. Years spent traveling throughout the United States and Europe further shaped her design perspective. She was drawn to places that felt layered and authentically lived-in, and those experiences continue to influence her work today. Rather than designing around trends, Sierra believes the best homes tell a story and evolve over time.
We had the opportunity to sit down with Sierra to talk about her career journey, the inspirations behind her work, and what’s next for Studio MTN. Follow along with our conversation below. x
a conversation with Sierra…
1
Let’s start from the beginning! Tell us a little about the journey that led you to where you are now.
Growing up, I was interested in the arts (architecture, photography, and ceramics), but I also loved and excelled at math and science. My parents built all of the homes I grew up in, so I was always very familiar with architecture and construction, but I didn’t really think of it as a career path. I was really into ski racing as a teenager, and with that being my main focus, I never spent much time thinking about what I would eventually do for work. When I went to college, I didn’t realize I should have gone somewhere more art-focused. I literally chose the school because I liked the campus (which actually makes sense, given the fact that I’m very sensitive to aesthetics, lol!). After my freshman year, I realized I wanted to try interior design, so I found an internship in LA. Once I got some hands-on experience, I knew it was what I was meant to do, and I never looked back. In hindsight, interior design ended up being the perfect intersection of all the interests and skills I had as a kid—including being an athlete (if you’ve ever installed a home full of furniture, you know what I mean).
2
Can you explain the story behind the name of your business, Studio MTN?
I wanted the company to stand for something bigger than me—something strong, permanent, and immovable. My name, Sierra, is the Spanish word for mountain range, and I grew up surrounded by mountains in both Hawaii and Idaho. Once I landed on “Mountain,” it just felt right.
3
Tell us a bit about how you find inspiration. What factors have played roles in the development of your design style and evolving aesthetic?
Tell us a bit about how you find inspiration. What factors have played roles in the development of your design style and evolving aesthetic?
Travel has probably had the biggest influence on my work. Growing up, my family spent a lot of time in Europe, and I was always drawn to places that felt collected over generations rather than designed all at once. I love spaces that have history, texture, and a sense of permanence. I’m also constantly inspired by nature. Whether it’s the colors of a landscape, the way light changes throughout the day, or the materials found in a particular region, I think some of the best design comes from paying attention to what’s already around us. More than anything, I try to create homes that don’t feel tied to a specific trend. I want them to feel like they belong—to the site, to the architecture, to the time and to the people who live there.
4
Your approach to design is incredibly personal and detail-oriented. How do daily rituals — like morning routines and family traditions — influence the way you design a home?
I think the best homes support the way people actually live, not just the way they want their home to look. We spend a lot of time learning our clients’ routines. Where do they drink their coffee? How do they entertain? Where do their kids drop their backpacks? What does a slow Sunday morning look like? Those little habits end up informing everything from floor plans to cabinetry details. Some of the most successful design decisions aren’t the ones people notice immediately—they’re the ones that quietly make everyday life easier.
5
Between design meetings, project installs, photoshoots, and everything in between, you juggle so much! Tell us what a typical day-in-the-life looks like for you.
Between design meetings, project installs, photoshoots, and everything in between, you juggle so much! Tell us what a typical day-in-the-life looks like for you.
My day pretty much always starts with walking my dogs in the morning to grab a flat white somewhere in Venice (usually at Companion). Then I head back to our office to start work. No two days are exactly the same, which is one of my favorite parts of the job. One day might start with reviewing construction drawings, followed by client meetings and site visits. Another might be spent sourcing materials, styling a photoshoot, or traveling to oversee an installation. After work, I’m either at the gym or headed to dinner with friends. I love the restaurant scene in LA and trying new places, but there are also so many great spots in Venice that I love going back to time and time again—Gjelina, Dudley Market, and RVR, to name a few.
6
How do you find balance within it all?
How do you find balance within it all?
I’d be lying if I said I had figured that out! I think there are seasons when work is my priority, and I lean into that. Then there are seasons when I need to slow down, and I lean into that, too. When work is busier, I try to make sure I take care of myself with walks in nature and plenty of rest. When work lets up, I focus on spending time with friends, having fun, and trying new experiences—whether that’s food, museums, travel, or new activities. My number one tool for finding balance is walking. When things get really busy, a long walk paired with the right music or podcast tends to fix just about everything.
7
What is a design-related trend or element you’re loving right now? And not so much?
What is a design-related trend or element you’re loving right now? And not so much?
It feels like clients and people outside of our industry are getting more exposure to the interior design world online. Because of that, I think they’re seeing better design than what’s typically available to them in their day-to-day lives. Practically speaking, my friends who aren’t in the industry now understand what’s cool and interesting and what isn’t, which I hope means that design everywhere—from homes and apartments to cafés and restaurants—will become more elevated through the ripple effect of that exposure. It’s hard to call that a trend, but I love that my world is becoming more accessible to others. In terms of an actual trend, I think the industry as a whole is moving toward handcrafted materials and designs, as well as incorporating vintage and antique pieces. It feels like the entire industry wants to bring back the authenticity and warmth of the human touch and create spaces that feel collected instead of forced.
8
What’s next for you? How do you hope your work continues to shape the industry and inspire others?
I am looking forward to expanding our influence on the development side – creating projects intended for sale that feel high end and custom but are available turn key. I want to keep raising the standard for how thoughtfully homes are designed not just for custom clients – from the big architectural ideas down to the smallest functional details. If our work encourages people to invest in quality, craftsmanship, and spaces that truly improve everyday life, then I think we’ve done something meaningful.
rapid fire with Sierra…
1
Favorite place to visit to spark inspiration?
The airport! If I’m feeling uninspired and I need a pick-me-up, it’s time to visit a new place. Anytime I go somewhere for the first time, I always feel so refreshed and excited. There is always something new to discover—an artist, a detail, a restaurant.
2
One product that’s always in your bag?
Charlotte Tilbury Lip Liner in Pillow Talk Medium. Oh, and a tape measure. We have to have range.
3
Favorite space in your home?
We just renovated our offices, and it is so exciting to get to be in our new office space, where everything has its place and where each design detail was intentional. There are two large floor-to-ceiling corner doors that look out over the trees of the neighborhood and bring in tons of natural light. It’s a dream to get to work there each day!
4
Current go-to interior paint color?
We just made a custom Roman Clay with Portola Paints based off of OC-131 White Down — it’s warm without reading yellow and plays well with warmer wood tones, which we use a lot.
5
A design “rule” you always follow — or always break?
Always, always, alwayyssss order a sample!
