Designers Up Close

Martha O'Hara

The story of Martha O’Hara’s career as an interior designer begins at an unlikely place: an accountant’s desk. Having built a career as a successful financial adviser, O’Hara never expected to become one of the Midwest’s leading interior designers. “I was missing a creative outlet,” explains Martha. “It has now been 19 years since I began my design firm and I like to think that we’re still pushing boundaries.”

Martha O’Hara Interiors completes hundreds of residential design projects each year. “We participate in so many home tours that people often think we only design entire homes,” says Martha. “The truth is, most of our clients come to us with only one or two rooms to work on at any given time.” From large, complex projects to smaller ones, O’Hara’s talent and expertise are valued by clients of all ages, design styles, and price points.

And it’s not a solo gig, either. Martha’s firm employs a team of nine master designers, with O’Hara herself in the role of design director. While the firm’s clients may interface with only one or two of these designers, many others, including O’Hara, will contribute their expertise to the project. O’Hara finds that this creative interplay produces even better results for clients who benefit from a seamless design process—one that may incorporate interior and architectural design, space planning, and collaboration with builders.

“People often think an artistic eye is all it takes, and that just isn’t true. An excellent designer must be detail-oriented; she must be a strong and consistent communicator; and she must be flexible—willing to work with her clients’ visions along with her own,” Martha explains. “Above all else, a great designer must always display integrity in her professional relationships and business transactions.”

Now clients can purchase beautiful furniture at sample sale prices at the new Martha O’Hara Interiors Showroom in St. Louis Park, featuring much of the same furniture seen during the annual Twin Cities Luxury Home Tour.

Martha O’Hara Interiors
952-908-3150
www.oharainteriors.com
 

RCC Interiors

great interior designer not only loves the art of design, but also has the ability to listen and interpret their clients’ needs. A group of great interior designers with decades of combined experience can be found at RCC Interiors, located in International Market Square.

RCC is a sophisticated place where an amazing group of women think that style reigns and details matter. The team consists of designers: Jeanne Blenkush, Lori Handberg, Jennie Korsbon, Diane Lumpkin, Mary Ellen Dalman, Michelle Deering, Shelley Brown; design coordinators Julie Mathie and Lexie Olson; and the company’s namesakes: Susie Ries and Joy Cacicia, interior designers /partners and Elizabeth Cohen, managing partner (RCC).
Whether building a new home, remodeling an existing home or rooms, or asking for an art or color consultation, they work with clients to bring their visions to life and introduce ideas they may have never imagined on their own. They go above and beyond to ensure the experience is positive and memorable, with no surprises.

These multi-talented women are dedicated to the highest standards in design, service, and client relationships. They love the whole process, from the planning phase to the exchange of ideas to the final ‘wow’ moment when a client sees the finished space for the first time.

What is your personal design philosophy? Classic. Whether contemporary or traditional, if we are able to incorporate classic elements to create “good bones,” we’ll end with timeless beauty.

RCC Interiors
International Market Square
612-375-7800
www.rccinteriors.com
 

LiLu Interiors

What you see is what you get at LiLu Interiors. No egos. No prima donnas. Just a close-knit team of talented interior design professionals—Lisa Peck, ASID, LuAnne Silvia, ASID, and Emily Anderson, Allied Member ASID—committed to high-caliber design and superior service.

With 42 years of combined experience, the team is professional and organized, yet knows how to creatively think outside the box and shake things up.

“We know that the journey is as important as the destination,” says Lisa, the principal of the Minneapolis boutique design firm. “We make every effort to ensure the experience of getting there is as fun and delightful as your finished space will be.”

They take a collaborative approach with all their work whether it is a decorating, remodeling, or new construction project. No project is too big or detail is too small for the LiLu team.

We find inspiration in … each client. We find out about their passions, values, interests, and hobbies and design a unique environment around those themes.

LiLu Interiors
952-929-4133 • www.liluinteriors.com
 

Eminent Interior Design, Ltd.

Brandi Hagen, owner of Eminent Interior Design, Ltd., is personally responsible for the kinds of jaw-dropping reactions most people only witness while watching decorating and design shows on TV.

“I love to transform a room before a client comes home so I can see their reaction,” she says.

With 15 years of design experience, Brandi has become widely recognized locally and nationally for her award-winning work, ranging from consulting to new construction and remodeling projects. Design associates at Eminent help with the creative details and a business manager handles all of the back-office tasks so Brandi, the principal designer, can focus on the design work. With an energetic and positive attitude, excellent communication skills, and a great eye for design, Brandi’s work results in long-term relationships with builders, architects, and homeowners.

How can someone add personality to a room? Think bold. You can do this with a bold paint color, a piece of artwork, or even an oversized chair. Think outside of your comfort zone.

Eminent Interior Design, Ltd.
612-767-1242
www.eminentid.com • www.brandihagen.com
 

Design Works

Getting from “before” to “after” can be an overwhelming process, unless you’re working with an experienced designer like Gloria Stafford, owner of DesignWorks.

“For every design dilemma, there’s an ideal solution,” she says.

The highly-qualified and well-rounded designer has 15 years of experience coming up with “ideal solutions” for everything from residential homes to corporate and retail spaces. With such a broad scope of expertise, Gloria is just as comfortable working on construction-based projects like home expansions or large kitchen remodels as she is working on smaller projects involving furniture, finishes, and color selection.

“I once had a design teacher who told me the mantra of every good designer should be ‘observe, observe, observe,’” she says. That teacher would be proud of Gloria today. “I find inspiration in surprising sources at times while trying to observe and study the spaces and places around me,” she comments.

Design is both Gloria’s profession and her passion. She is “obsessed with perfecting the details” and loves creating beautiful spaces with and for her clients.

I find inspiration in ... surprising sources while trying to observe and study the spaces and places around me.

DesignWorks
952-715-0880
www.designworksmn.com
 

Kimberly Herrick

ASID

Designing a new home or space should be fun, not stressful, says Kimberly Herrick of Herrick Design Group, offering a complete range of interior design services including new construction, remodeling, and decorating. After all, she reasons, the end result is to yield a “dream come true,” and what could be more exciting than that?

Kimberly, with 10 years of experience, has fun creating designs for her clients that are timeless, beautiful, and most importantly, functional.

“Interior design is about creating a home that functions like a machine for the homeowner; its basic utility is to make life better,” she explains. “Aesthetics are then layered on to reflect the homeowner’s personality, and character is created through the selection and use of fixtures, furnishings, and finishes.”

Herrick Design Group
952-220-5958
www.herrickdesigngroup.com
 

Christine Nelson

AKBD, Member NKBA

ith an artist and an art professor for parents, it’s no surprise that Christine Nelson ended up in a creative line of work. She spent the early part of her career designing and producing home furnishings, costumes, and clothing. Today she owns Christine Nelson Design, providing kitchen and bath design, product assistance, and/or contract services to customers of all budget levels.

This creative, experienced designer is eager to share her knowledge, ideas, and enthusiasm, yet understands that ultimately, every project is a partnership.

“I get excited about educating my clients throughout the process and having fun along the way, but I also keep in mind that it’s their space,” she says. “ I want them to feel good about it reflecting who they are and how they live.”

Christine Nelson Design
612-750-7821
www.christinenelsondesign.com
 

Jennifer Hillman

ASID-IP

Jennifer Hillman of Exquisite Interiors has been creating beautiful spaces for over 20 years. Her wonderful sense of color and style has helped clients appreciate the possibilities of design, beyond their existing space. Her projects have taken her from New York, Chicago, Atlanta, and California back to her current hometown of Minneapolis/St. Paul. Her creative designs range in style from contemporary cosmopolitan condos to traditional suburban homes, all reflecting her clients’ unique personalities.

“I strive to create an environment that is all about the client rather than the designer,” she says. “I believe each space should be tailored to the clients’ desires while being vibrant, creative, and timeless.”

For this dedicated interior designer, the ultimate challenge lies in transforming spaces from ordinary to extraordinary!

Exquisite Interiors, Inc.
612-333-4404
exquisiteint@msn.com
 

JoLynn Johnson

CMKBD, CAPS

JoLynn Johnson, a Certified Master Kitchen and Bath Designer and Aging in Place Specialist with Crystal Kitchen Center­—a full-service design and build firm—doesn’t have to think twice about her favorite room.

“My kitchen,” she says without hesitation. “A well-designed kitchen makes cooking and entertaining a lot more fun.”

JoLynn has a degree in interior design (specializing in kitchen design) and over 20 years of experience at Crystal Kitchen Center, where she says her current title is “president, project manager, designer and salesperson.” Her clients benefit from her experience, creative flair, and talent. She has won numerous awards in the national Kitchen and Bath Association design contest, she conducts consumer and trader seminars, and her work has been featured in local and national magazines. 

Crystal Kitchen Center
763-544-5950
www.crystalkitchen.com
 

David Heide Design Studio

At David Heide Design Studio, each design problem presents unique challenges. With a commitment to finding solutions that match the clients’ taste and lifestyle, they recognize that expertise is not ego; and recommendations are never rules.

With over 20 years in the interior design industry, Anne Newman brings experience and proven talent to the position of director of interiors and believes in a classic approach. “Classic concepts stand the test of time,” she comments. Michael Crull has a broad knowledge of interior design, textiles, furniture, color, and finishes that informs much of the studio’s portfolio. Drawing on a large network of contacts, Michael is also able to locate unique and hard-to-find items. “I like that objects have stories behind them, and I like to share that history with others,” he says. Together, Anne and Michael work to meet the needs of their clients through every step of the design process, providing the highest level of service and quality.
 

612-337-5060
www.dhdstudio.com
 

Maureen Haggerty

Allied Member ASID

“Design is in the Details”

Maureen Haggerty, owner of mint, inc.—a full-service interior design firm—strives not to have a “signature” look. “My clients’ homes shouldn’t be a reflection of me. Their interiors should represent their tastes, lifestyles and priorities. I guide them through the design process-taking their vision to a thoughtful finished product that is created specifically for them,” she states.

With 24 years in the design industry, Maureen says that while experience is essential, an effective designer also needs to be very detail-oriented, have keen intuition skills and possess a strong appreciation of art, color and textiles. As a bonus, it doesn’t hurt to be passionate about your work!

Maureen adds, “l love what I do! lt is extremely gratifying and fulfilling to help people make their houses their homes.”

mint, inc.
651-332-9609
maureen@mint-design.biz
www.mint-design.biz