Today we’d like to introduce you to Lauren Hunter.
Hi Lauren, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ve always been a creative at heart. Growing up in Houston, I spent much of my childhood painting still lifes and landscapes in oil — I even had a few pieces commissioned when I was young. Alongside art, I’ve always been drawn to nature, music, and anything that makes you feel something deeply, so a career in design felt like a natural extension of who I am.
I moved to San Francisco to study Interior Design & Architecture at the Academy of Art University and, after some time working for a larger design firm and a lighting company, I found my way to HSH Interiors. I spent seven years there designing everything from ground-up builds in Mill Valley to converted churches and historic homes in San Francisco. It was such an exciting and formative time — I grew so much as a designer working on those kinds of projects and really began to define my own voice and style.
In 2019, I relocated to St. Paul, Minnesota, and became a senior designer at Heather Peterson Design. After several rewarding years, I felt ready to carve my own path, and in early 2025 I launched Lauren Hunter Design.
Today, my work is defined by thoughtfully layered interiors that are both inviting and elevated. I love creating spaces with tailored character — mixing eclectic pieces, bold colors, and soulful art with collections, vintage finds, and statement wallpapers. It’s about striking the balance between refined and lived-in, so a space feels personal and tells a story.
Beyond client work, I also pour my passion into The Aesthetic Edit, my blog where I share design inspiration, mood boards, and styling tips. I also created The Design Edit, my newsletter — a place where I share bold interiors, curated finds, and behind-the-scenes glimpses of my projects. I’m endlessly inspired by hunting for vintage treasures, wandering through estate sales, and discovering new textures, finishes, and ideas — and I love using social media (and now my newsletter) as a way to share that journey in real time.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely hasn’t always been a smooth road — but honestly, whose is? Moving to Minnesota was a big challenge in itself. Starting over meant rebuilding an entire network of vendors, trades, and resources, which takes time (and plenty of coffee meetings). And in design, things rarely go perfectly anyway — there are always hiccups, delays, and unexpected surprises.
A lot of people think design is just picking paint colors or flipping through pretty fabric swatches, but the reality is it’s so much more than that. At its core, design is about people — connecting with clients, listening closely, and figuring out not only how they want to live in their homes, but also how to make the process enjoyable for them. Every project is an investment of time, money, and energy, and part of my role is keeping all the moving parts on track so my clients can focus on the exciting parts instead of the stressful ones.
In the end, my goal is always the same: to create something that feels personal, layered, and even better than they imagined — interiors that are artfully designed and effortlessly bold without being intimidating.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I specialize in creating truly personal interiors that are layered, eclectic, and full of character. I love mixing styles, weaving in bold colors, wallpapers, art, and vintage finds alongside bespoke pieces. My product knowledge runs deep — I’m constantly exploring new vendors and sources, from fabrics and furnishings to finishes — and I take pride in finding the right piece for each client and project.
One project I’m especially proud of is a Mill Valley residence I designed over four years. It was a dream home that combined art, vintage treasures, and custom details throughout — from a turquoise, jewelry-grade backsplash to bespoke bedding and a completely custom rug that we hand-colored with the client. The home reflected the personality of a couple in the music industry who adored their dogs, and every detail was tailored to how they lived and what they loved. Wrapping that project at the end of my pregnancy made completing such a layered, detail-driven home feel even more rewarding.
I’m equally proud of starting my own business. It’s pushed me in new ways and given me the freedom to create interiors that are both beautiful and practical. What sets me apart most, though, is the way I connect with clients. I have a knack for reading people and helping them refine their style, uncovering not just what they like but also what they need — sometimes before they even realize it themselves. That balance of personality and function allows me to design spaces that go beyond expectations: layered with intention and distinctly personal.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
I’ve always marched to the beat of my own drum — creative from the very beginning. By middle school I was painting, but really, I found inspiration everywhere. I was strong-willed, curious, and drawn to both art and nature. I grew up in Houston, where the heat could be relentless, but that never stopped me from spending time outside. I loved building forts, climbing trees, and going on little adventures — but I also loved playing with Barbies. One of my favorite things was designing elaborate Barbie houses with a big Barbie Lego set I had, which in hindsight feels like an early glimpse of the career I’d eventually pursue.
Some of my best memories are from summers spent with my grandparents in East Texas, near the Louisiana border. I’d fish, swim, and cook with my grandmother, who was one of my biggest influences. She always encouraged me to be strong, independent, and to stand up for myself — lessons that have stayed with me ever since. I was lucky to have friends who cheered me on, too — the kind who recognized and encouraged my creativity from an early age, which gave me even more confidence to pursue it wholeheartedly.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.laurenhunterdesign.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurenhunterdesigns/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/laurenhunterdesign/
- Other: https://www.pinterest.com/laurenhunterdesigns/ and my newsletter: The Design Edit: https://laurens-newsletter-9d65e9.beehiiv.com/
