Sabrina Monteleone-Oeino – The Legacy of a Woman-Owned Family Business

Preeminent Monégasque interior designer, Sabrina Monteleone-Oeino opens up on her successful journey that built her family business legacy with her sister and two daughters.

Sabrina Monteleone-Oeino is a Monégasque designer of Italian origin and founder of Sabrina Monte-Carlo, an interior design company founded 25 years ago in the Principality of Monaco. Before launching her business, Sabrina had worked in the fashion industry for about ten years, managing a boutique in Monaco.

Having moved into interior design after a successful career in fashion, designer and founder Sabrina Monteleone-Oeino has solidified Sabrina Monte-Carlo as an international luxury design studio, known for its signature eclectic and refined style. Her work combines sophisticated Mediterranean lifestyle inspirations with modern elegance, contemporary lines, and vibrant colour palettes.

The studio is a true woman-owned family business to its core. Sabrina’s sister, Sophie, is the chief interior designer and her two daughters, Manola, is in charge of kids and interior projects, and Carla, is the creative director and tableware expert.

Heritage of a tailor

Sabrina, you are a Monégasque designer of Italian origin. Did you always want to be a designer?

“Yes. I was very lucky to grow up here in the Principality of Monaco!” – starts Sabrina –    “I definitely wanted to always do something creative. I have been redecorating my bedrooms for as long as I can remember.”

Has anyone else been a designer before you in your family?

“My father was a tailor and used to dress the most elegant men in the Riviera, whereas my mother was a fantastic seamstress, creating glamorous evening gowns.”

You worked in the fashion industry for 10 years. Why did you change to interior design?

“It is something I always wanted to do and really saw a gap in the market for luxury outdoor furniture.”

You are known for your extensive knowledge of fabric and a keen eye for design, which definitely helped you to emerge as one of the first designers to focus on luxury outdoor décor. What is the source of your design inspirations?

“Travels, art galleries, exhibitions, magazines, fashions, hotels… anything really!”

Does Monaco inspire you?

“The beautiful landscape always does, it is important to keep in mind that we are living by the sea.”

Do your clients bring you a new source of inspiration, or rather do you inspire the clients in Monaco? 

“It goes both ways, but I am also lucky to have some clients with impeccable taste to inspire me.”

When you envision an interior design, how do you start the process, what is the typical first approach? 

“The very first step is always to understand the clients. Do they have family or are they single? Do they have small kids, or relatives to visit? To envision a living space, it is important to understand how a family functions so we can adapt to them.”

Do you follow the process with mood boards, fabrics?

“Yes, I love this phase with fabrics to set the tone and then move on to the furniture and accessories.”

What’s your personal colour preference?

“I prefer light colours, such as white and beiges. I have never been into the dark tones, but it is always a personal taste. I always try to have a light and natural base. Light colours offer a calm environment and peaceful vibe, and this is especially important for bedrooms. Obviously, we can adapt to every request.”

Comprising seven physical showrooms across Monaco and Saint-Jean-Cap Ferrat, her label, Sabrina Monte-Carlo offers an extraordinary selection of luxury furniture, textiles, tableware, and accessories. 

The new generation

Your service is bespoke and always personal. Yet, in September 2019 you launched your e-store together with your daughters Carla and Manola. How does this fit into the bigger picture? 

“With what happened that year, we definitely saw that e-commerce is the future of retail. This is especially true for items such as tableware and decorative accessories.”

The e-shop has been transforming Sabrina’s business into new heights and opportunities for more than 5 years.

“Carla is taking care of the tableware store and she is developing it. It is an amazing e-shop for unique tableware, because she does a lot of collaboration with big brands. My other daughter Manola, also helped her and together we created something new to expand the Sabrina Monte-Carlo brand. I am really proud of them.”

Do you see any transition in your segment?

“Absolutely. Since we launched the e-store a lot of people don’t come anymore to the shop. Yet, we have a very loyal clientele. They call us and look us up online, and then we can help them  this way. 

Of course we still have our core focus, the interior and yachting projects, and apartment refurbishments here in Monaco and globally, including many clients from the Middle East and America. However, the opening up of a digital store helped us to create a different revenue stream and approach new clientele.”

In 2020, Sabrina opened the Sabrina Monte-Carlo Kids shop in the heart of Monaco, inspired by her daughter Manola.

“After many requests from our clients, we realised that there was a big gap in the market. It was impossible to find something nice for children here. My clients used to go to London or Milan to buy a crib! Now their children find their dream bedrooms at their doorsteps.”

The Sabrina Monte-Carlo Kids caters to children from infancy to 12 years old, with an extraordinary space dedicated solely to the smallest of clientele, for little girls, boys, and newborns.

Did Manola influence you in the Kids Store and its related items? 

“Yes, it was actually Manola, my eldest daughter’s idea – she is having so much fun with the kids shop. Carla is fantastic with tableware and creating collections of table linen and tableware.”

With princess-approved palettes and toys for the toughest of young explorers, the boutique’s team of architects and designers is equipped to handle the most bespoke of requests – from concept designs, floor plans, and 3D renderings to custom furniture and accessories. No dream is out of reach.

Were you surprised by the success of the children’s store?

“I love this shop. In the past, we were working a lot on apartments and houses, and we always had a problem with the kids’ bedrooms. Manola developed a complimentary store for us where parents can have bespoke and made-to-measure bedrooms with matching qualities.

She also took great care of the small details, such as offering unique accessories and toys – basically all these things that you don’t find everywhere.”

What is your competitive advantage?

“We negotiated exclusivity for all the brands we represent in Monaco. Manola is doing this very well with Sabrina Monte-Carlo Kids.”

In addition to offering a curated selection of fabrics, wallpaper, linens and lighting, the new boutique provides upholstery, carpets, and a wide variety of whimsical toys for every young and discerning imagination.

Legacy shaping tips

What do you think, what makes someone become a great designer? Knowledge of fabrics, elements, or creativity?

“Understanding the client, knowing all products and creativity! Most of all, being logical and precise.”

Do you have any favourite theme or colour combination that you love most to use?

“Obviously, French Riviera chic!” – laughs Sabrina. – “We also launched a porcelain collection with the legendary porcelain house, JL Coquet, in the very turquoise signature of Sabrina Monte-Carlo.

It was entirely envisioned by me, echoing shades of the Mediterranean as well as the Monégasque sky. We named it the Turquoise Hemisphere collection.”

What is your favourite brand for accessories? 

“Lalique. In my office I have a beautiful Lalique sculpture, depicting a large aquarium with tiny glass fishes inside.”

Do you think focussing on accessories is important?

“It is one of the most important parts. You can add colours with paintings and cushions, you can use books, sculptures and so many elements. I would say it is the detail that costs more in the process, but this is really something that completes the house.”

Do you recommend art on the walls?

“Absolutely. It makes you feel good at home when you have art around you. You can have the most beautiful house with nice furniture, but if you don’t have art, if you don’t have books, if you don’t have vases with flowers, cups with fruits, then the house is not complete. 

The finishing is the most important element, because at the end, people notice the flowers more than the wallpaper,” – smiles Sabrina.

In your Sabrina Monte-Carlo shops you have a vast collection of books. Do you consider books as a decorative element?

“I love big format books, especially those colourful coffee table books. Let’s face it, you need books at home and they can be decorative not only in a library. A nice collection of coffee table books can create a quite exceptional finishing touch.”

If you look back at your career, what was the biggest challenge you have experienced so far?

“The uncertainty of 2020 was not easy to deal with as it was for everyone, but thanks to my great staff and loyal clientele, we managed to overcome this challenge.”

Do you think Monaco is an easy market? Or do you compete more with big cities such as Milan? 

“There is less competition here, but the clientele is unique as the Principality has a concentration of wealth.”

What would your advice be for the next generation? What was your advice to your children when they decided to work as designers?

“Be yourself and don’t copy anyone else.”

The next big thing

Do you work on any big projects for 2024/2025?

“We have a beautiful superyacht project called MY Ulyssia. We allocate a lot of time and energy to focus on this project, but of course we also continue with other projects here in Monaco and abroad.”

The superyacht MY Ulyssia is a 320-metre residential superyacht concept that will feature the Ulyssia Residences.

Developed in collaboration with Sabrina’s husband, Espen Oeino and Meyer Werft, Ulyssia will take residents to a wonderful balance of destinations, from chic yachting ports to the world’s most iconic cities, as well as the most remote locations on earth.

Your husband is a world-renowned naval architect and you work together on the most exclusive residential community at sea;  the superyacht MY Ulyssia. Have you ever overshadowed each other’s vision when it comes to design-related issues?

“We are very similar and both learn from each other. We are very lucky to share this common passion.”

How did this project idea arise?

“Residences at sea is an old concept that has existed for decades. One of the most known examples of it is ‘The World’, which is one of the largest privately owned residential yachts. However, the goal with Ulyssia was to create something modern with high-standard facilities including medical, spa, restaurants, fitness, etc.”

Thanks to their vast experience in superyacht interior design, Sabrina Monte-Carlo was selected for the design of some of the private residences onboard. Sabrina has previously worked on many iconic yacht interiors, including MY Dreamboat, MY Flying Fox, MY Coral Ocean, MY Amare II or MY Kismet.

“Working with Ulyssia, our overarching aim was to provide passengers with a peaceful ‘home away from home’, seamlessly blending contemporary aesthetics with the utmost comfort and warmth. To achieve this, we have meticulously curated a selection of natural materials such as terrazzo, travertine, onyx, and light oak, complemented by luxurious textures including gold leaf, mother of pearl, silk, faux shagreen, and brushed bronze.”

Remaining faithful to the distinctive Sabrina style, they have maintained a neutral base palette of warm whites, ivory, and chocolate browns, serving as the perfect backdrop to their contrasting signature aqua colour. These bright blue hues are predominantly featured in accessories, and the artworks are by esteemed contemporary artists, such as Jean-Michel Othoniel, Josh Sperling, and Lisa Cahill.

There is no doubt that the residential superyacht Ulyssia is a vessel that provides a groundbreaking blend of luxury and purpose that will provide its residents with a life without boundaries.

Offering 119 residences and 13 guest suites onboard Ulyssia, the owners will have a unique experience – travelling the world from their home – to connect with the local people and cultures, and to make a positive impact through philanthropic initiatives wherever they go. 

Ulyssia will sail the seas to explore the far corners of the globe with voyages that could last weeks, months or even years.

“Personally, I really like this superyacht, because it offers soft and light interior elements that really resonate with me. Of course, I am also proud of my husband, because this is a very complex and challenging project.”

The onboard residences range in size from 166 square metres to over 1,400 square metres. They are offered in one to six-bedroom configurations and will include reception rooms, open-plan kitchens and terraces. Guest cabins are also available for the purpose of extended family use, as well as for invited lecturers and destination experts.

Meanwhile, Swiss-based Chenot will be handling the health and wellness activities on board, including a spa, sports and fitness centre and dental care. A medical facility will also be available, fitted with the “latest, high-quality equipment” such as X-rays, MRIs, CT scanners, endoscopy and ultrasound equipment.

Other leisure highlights include a well-stocked signature wine cellar and a collection of restaurants which will feature a rotation of “world-renowned” and “up-and-coming” guest chefs. 

Outdoors, a fully-equipped yacht club, marina, dive centre and submersibles will be available to residents, alongside multiple indoor and outdoor pools found around the yacht. 

A two-level theatre, extensive library and several conference rooms will also be featured, while two resident helicopters will be on hand for transport, medical evacuations and to “facilitate epic adventures” such as heliskiing.

“We basically contribute to this breathtaking project by designing floating apartments on Ulyssia, which is a very distinctive way to showcase our expert knowledge both on land and sea.”

The naval design team has also promised to introduce the most technologically advanced and sustainable power system available, including a fully integrated system for recycling and processing waste.

Do you find it more challenging to design a yacht interior than an apartment?

“Yes, of course. When we design an apartment, it’s quite easy for us. When you design a yacht interior, it is very specific, as you have to draw everything.”

Typical clients in Monaco

Who is your typical customer in Monaco?

“Most of the time, we have requests for big apartments. In some cases, clients want to renovate small apartments, so we help them. But most of our projects are big apartments.”

Do you have clients in the new land extension?

“Yes, and it makes me very happy. We have a lot of work in Monaco, and I’m happy that I don’t need to take the plane to work. Everything here is walkable and approachable on foot.”

What was your favourite project here in Monaco?

“You cannot ask a mom to choose between her babies. I really take care of all of my projects and am proud of all of them. However, recently I’m doing a super nice house in Cap Martin, just next to Monaco. That is something that I really take care of, as I like everything in it.”

Do you see any changes in interior trends recently?

“Yes. The pandemic was a transformational period and it changed the ways we use our living spaces. 

People prefer to have a big  and deeper sofa and relaxing ambiances. Everything became cool, just as one puts on sport shoes even to go to work. 

People really want to have a cosy house, as before the pandemic they didn’t really use their house. I think the new keyword is comfy.”

It is interesting to see how the e-shop of Sabrina Monte-Carlo excels into new heights in a world where people are used to having bespoke and personalised touches.

“What makes us different is the importance we put on finding and curating the right products. Similar to the way we work with our clients on one-on-one projects. It is very easy to forget this, because with an e-shop you don’t see directly the invested time behind it.

My sister does a lot of tests, and she is the one who manages the big orders. Manola manages all the kids related items, while Carla is specialised in the tableware.”

So it is a truly family driven business.

“We are 52 in the company, but four of us who really make everything personal.”

What would your advice be for someone who wants to renovate an apartment?

“Go to professional people. When you hire professional expertise, you know that everything will be made in the correct way. Correct with the time, normal prices, because we have a lot of people and experiences in place. People think that they can do everything themselves, but it is not always easy to utilise a living space in the best possible way. It’s a real profession.”

Do you create 3D visuals?

“Yes, we can offer the best 3D renders for the clients. It is a great tool because thanks to it, the client can have a real visual of the final product. Then we start the processing of details, specific design for the bathroom, kitchen, and dressing room.”

Which one is your favourite room?

“I love the creation of the dressing rooms. I think every lady loves a big dressing room.”

It is easy to say why Sabrina is the number one choice of many who are looking for high-quality interior design in the Principality and abroad. Her interior design studio, Sabrina Monte-Carlo, has become a one-stop destination for all interior and exterior decoration projects.

It is remarkable to see how this Monégasque family of Interior Designers, Interior and Naval Architects, Tableware Experts and Fabric Specialists works together hand-in-hand to set new benchmarks in the industry. Embodying family values and creating curated homes for their clients, the Sabrina Monte-Carlo team truly brings the Mediterranean lifestyle to life.