The Aesthetic Edit

Bold interiors, eclectic finds, and the art, fashion, and vintage treasures that fuel my work. Design tips, product roundups, and a peek behind the curtain — because great homes have character, personality, and soul.

How to Think About Paint Color (And How to Get It Right)

Picking paint color is one of the most paralyzing parts of designing a space. Here's how I actually think about it — plus a yellow ceiling story, a glob of paint in my mouth, and what's coming next in our Saint Paul home.

6/2/2026

A Downtown Minneapolis Penthouse: Fast, Intentional, and Built to Last

A downtown Minneapolis penthouse, two busy doctors, a newborn, and a deadline. Here's how I made it work — fast, intentionally, and beautifully.

5/26/2026

The Case for One Weird Thing in Every Room

Every room in my house has at least one thing that makes people stop mid-sentence and ask where I got it. A dad at a playdate once asked if our house was decorated for Halloween. It's not. This is just how it always looks — and there's a design philosophy behind every weird, wonderful, intentional choice.

5/19/2026

What I'm Seeing at Estate Sales and Vintage Shops Right Now (And What to Actually Do With It)

Estate sales and vintage shops are overflowing with outdoor furniture right now — and if you know what to look for, this is one of the best times of year to shop it. Here's what I'm grabbing and what I'm leaving behind.

5/12/2026

The Bathroom That Almost Broke Me (And Why It Was Worth Every Single Coat)

Five days. Every inch painted by hand. One very dramatic day four involving tape, a ceiling, and some words I won't repeat here. The bathroom that gave me hives is finally a room I actually love.

5/5/2026

What Textiles Can Do: Two Bathrooms, One Downtown Minneapolis Penthouse

Builder grade to beautifully layered — two bathrooms, one downtown Minneapolis penthouse. No renovation required. Just the right textiles, a little pottery, and a soap dispenser worth searching for.

4/28/2026

How I Get Ready for Spring (And Why It Takes Over My Entire House)

How I get the sunroom, front porch, back porch, and pergola ready for spring — and why it starts in January.

4/21/2026

The Only Rule For Hanging Art (And Why Everything Else Is Fair Game)

I have a lot of art and exactly one rule: 60 inches to center. Everything else — mediums, frames, price tags, whether it matches — is completely fair game. Here's how I actually live with art in my Saint Paul home.

4/13/2026

This Isn't A Hallway. It's An Archive.

My hallway isn't a hallway. It's twenty years of collecting, three cities, a trip to Amsterdam, Lowertown Art Crawls, a honeymoon in Bosnia, and a box of old photographs left behind by strangers who loved this house before we did.

4/7/2026

The Easiest Way to Refresh Any Room (It's Pillows. It's Always Pillows.)

Pillows are the fastest way to change a room — no contractor required. Here's how I mix prints, shapes, and textures room by room, and the only rules I actually follow.

3/31/2026

The Vintage Edit — What's Always on My List

Twenty-plus years of vintage shopping distilled into six categories. Here's what I look for, why I love each one, and what to actually do with them once you get them home.

3/24/2026

A Designer's Guide to Buying Vintage Furniture in the Twin Cities

The Twin Cities vintage furniture market is exceptional — if you know where to look. Here are the 15 shops I return to again and again, personally vetted and worth every minute of your time.

3/16/2026

How I Built a Pottery Collection in Three Weeks (And Why I Can't Stop)

How one basement discovery turned into a full pottery collection in three weeks — built entirely on instinct, great thrifting, and a very persuasive run of kitchen cabinets.

3/10/2026

Cabinet of Curiosities: How I Style My Étagère (And Why Every Object Has a Story)

My cabinet of curiosities étagère is a lesson in why provenance matters more than aesthetics — and how to build a shelf with real soul. What do a bronze skull, a glass eye, and a 1700s architect's scale have in common? They all live here.

3/3/2026

Why Some Rooms Feel Flat — And How to Fix It

Most rooms don’t feel flat because of color — they feel flat because of texture. Learn my simple 3-Texture Rule and how layering soft, structured, and organic materials creates depth, warmth, and spaces that feel truly lived in.

2/24/2026

Designing Spaces That Evolve: Collected, Lived-In, and Built Over Time

Design isn’t about rushing to the finish line — it’s about layering thoughtfully over time. From mood boards to real rooms, here’s how I build spaces meant to be lived in, loved, and grown into for years to come.

2/16/2026

Project Spotlight: A Downtown Penthouse — Phase One

A downtown penthouse project focused on layering warmth, texture, and personality into a modern home. Phase one includes bedrooms, baths, hallway, entry styling, and dining room details — with more to come in phase two.

2/10/2026

A Softer Take on Valentine’s — Layered Textures, Warm Metals, and a Little Color

A softer take on Valentine’s décor, focused on layered textures, warm metals, and subtle color. Timeless pieces that feel romantic yet livable — and transition seamlessly from seasonal styling to everyday life.

2/3/2026

Design Rooted in Craft, Culture, and Care

Design is never just about objects. This visual feature explores markets, makers, and platforms rooted in craft, culture, and care—celebrating global design that supports immigrant and refugee communities through tradition, resilience, and human hands.

1/27/2026

Beauty + Real Life: Designing for What You Don’t Want to See

Good design isn’t about hiding life—it’s about giving everyday things a place. From sculptural boxes to thoughtful storage, this post explores how practical details create calm, livable spaces without sacrificing beauty.

1/21/2026

A Designer’s Winter Comfort Kit

A curated collection of the things I actually reach for when winter feels long — warm lighting, rich textures, cozy throws, handmade ceramics, and small rituals that make being home feel grounding, calm, and genuinely comforting.

1/12/2026

3 Mood Boards I’m Loving Right Now

Three mood boards, three distinct moods. From layered warmth and sculptural forms to retro-modern color and moody glamour, this post is a peek inside my design brain right now—full of texture, contrast, and pieces I can’t stop thinking about.

1/6/2026

Vintage Gems: My Favorite Twin Cities Shops for Unique, Giftable Finds

A curated guide to my favorite Twin Cities vintage shops — from pottery and art to lighting, textiles, books, and one-of-a-kind treasures. If you're hunting for unique, meaningful holiday gifts, these spots never miss.

12/16/2025

Holiday Gift Guide: Thoughtful Finds for Artful Living

A Holiday Gift Guide for artful living — featuring three curated edits filled with beautiful, usable pieces. From cozy essentials to statement finds and easy gifts under $50, everything here is handpicked to make giving feel elevated and effortless.

12/2/2025

How I Style My Thanksgiving Table: Warm, Layered, and Effortless

A warm, layered Thanksgiving table that feels collected, cozy, and effortlessly elevated. From brass chargers to handmade textiles and playful details, here’s how I styled my holiday table this year — and the pieces that bring it all to life.

11/25/2025

Cozy, Not Holiday

This seasonal edit leans on texture, warmth, and subtle shine—pieces that feel festive without the fuss. Cocoa, camel, brass, and marble tones make your home inviting now and all winter long.

11/17/2025

Designing for Real Life: Creating Spaces That Work as Beautifully as They Look

Design that lasts starts with livability. From durable finishes to emotional layers, I’m sharing how to create spaces that work beautifully day to day — without sacrificing style.

11/11/2025

Lighting as Jewelry: Layered Glow and Intentional Form

Discover how to layer lighting like a designer. From moody and low-lit to bright and airy, learn how the right lamp pairings, finishes, and placements can completely transform your space’s warmth and balance.

11/3/2025

Runway to Room: Fashion-Inspired Interiors

Runway to Room: Translate fashion cues into spaces—tweed texture, a rust-ochre-blush palette, tailored curves, and jewelry-like lighting. Start with one hero in each, echo once, then stop for effortless polish.

10/27/2025

The Curve Edit: Shape, Flow, Ease

Curves soften straight architecture. Choose one curved hero, keep one piece crisp, and mix plush textures with a touch of glow. Four boards show it: Tranquil Haven, Swanky & Slick, Palm Springs Fever Dream, and Spring Fling.

10/20/2025

How I Mix Retail, Trade & Vintage—On Purpose

Assembled, not one-clicked: how I mix retail, trade, and vintage to balance quality, lead time, and soul—where to splurge vs. save, plus my simple 1-1-1 formula (one vintage, one trade anchor, one retail workhorse) with real-room mood boards.

10/13/2025

Color Crush: Olive + Oxblood

Explore Olive + Oxblood—calm meets dramatic. I share pairings (woods, marble, brass, linen/velvet), where each shines, and how to balance them with a 60/30/10 mix. See a restful olive bedroom and get spec tips on sheen, sampling, and scale for layered, lived-in rooms.

10/6/2025

The Entry Sets the Tone: Hallways With Intent

Your hallway is the home’s first sentence. This piece explores how scale, materiality, lighting, and art turn a pass-through into a place, with three mood-driven examples to illustrate different directions.

9/30/2025

5 Design Rules I Love to Break

Five “rules” I love to break: mix wood tones, paint/paper ceilings, pattern play, combine metals, and embrace more-is-more. Thoughtful layering beats rigid matching—bend guidelines to create spaces that feel personal, soulful, and timeless.

9/23/2025

Mixing Patterns Like a Pro

In this post, I share three foolproof ways to mix patterns with confidence—start with a neutral like stripes, keep to a cohesive tonal palette, and vary the scale for balance. These tips add depth, movement, and character without feeling chaotic.

9/17/2025

Autumn Interiors: Cozy Layers & Seasonal Style

Fall is all about layers—at home and in life. 🍂 From cozy interiors (pillows, throws, candles, natural textures) to lifestyle accents (layered rugs, warm metallics, moody art, fashion, and self-care), these updates bring warmth and soul to the season.

9/10/2025

Designing with a Partner: How to Merge Different Styles

Blending two design perspectives doesn’t have to mean one person compromises — it’s about collaboration. In this post, I share how my husband and I combined our love of modern lines, vintage finds, and cozy layers to create spaces that feel like ours.

9/2/2025

Grounded in Style: My Current Rug Obsessions

Rugs are so much more than background — they’re art for the floor, adding warmth, texture, and personality. In this post, I share two curated rug boards that prove how bold patterns, sculptural shapes, and vintage-inspired designs can transform a space.

8/26/2025

Modern Meets Vintage: Blending Old & New at Home

I love mixing clean-lined modern pieces with soulful vintage finds to create homes that feel both fresh and timeless. In this post, I share how thoughtful layering, scale, and detail can turn a room into a story that’s uniquely yours.

8/19/2025

How to Style a Coffee Table: Tips for a Collected, Chic Look

A coffee table isn’t just for remotes — it’s a stage for books, art, greenery, and personal treasures. In this post, I share simple styling ideas to balance beauty with function and make your living room feel complete.

8/12/2025

How to Style a Vintage Collection Without It Feeling Cluttered

There’s something special about a well-loved collection — from brass animals to books and butterflies. In this post, I share how to style those treasures with balance, layering, and intention so they feel curated, not cluttered.

8/5/2025

Things I Always Look for at Vintage Stores

Vintage shops are full of hidden gems. In this post, I’m sharing my go-to finds — from quirky art to brass accents — and how they bring soul and personality into a home.

7/30/2025

Cabin Essentials: What Every Cozy Retreat Needs

Cabin style is all about warmth, texture, and a little whimsy. From wool throws and nature-inspired art to lantern lighting and game-night classics, these essentials bring cozy, personality-filled lodge vibes to any home.

7/23/2025

Designing a Moody Space: Color, Texture, and Light

Moody interiors are all about atmosphere — rich color, layered textures, and soft, inviting light. In this post, I share five essentials for creating spaces that feel dramatic yet cozy, with tips from my own moody dining room.

7/15/2025

Which One Are You? Discover Your Design Style Through These 3 Mood Boards

Not sure what design style speaks to you? I created three mood boards—Tonal Drift, Earthy Luxe, and Spring Fling—that highlight distinct personalities, from calm minimalism to bold layering to romantic charm. Which one feels like you?

7/9/2025

10 Statement Mirrors I’m Loving Right Now

Mirrors can be art, light, and personality all in one. From sculptural shapes to playful finishes, these ten statement mirrors are my current favorites for adding charm, drama, and reflection to any space.

7/2/2025

Lighting Layers: The Secret to a Well-Lit Room

Great lighting is more than a pretty fixture—it’s about layering. This post breaks down ambient, task, and accent lighting, and how each works together to bring depth, warmth, and balance to your home.

6/25/2025

The Difference Between Full-Service Design and Design Consultation

Not sure which design service is right for you? This post breaks down the difference between full-service design—where I handle everything from layouts to installation—and design consultations, a focused session packed with expert guidance you can implement yourself.

6/17/2025

5 Questions to Ask Before Starting Your Interior Design Project

Before diving into a design project, asking the right questions can set you up for success. This post covers five key things to consider—from goals and investment to timeline and involvement—so your home transformation starts on the right foot.

6/10/2025

Texture That Speaks Volumes: Thoughtful Layers for Every Space

Texture is the secret to depth and quiet drama in a space. In this post, I share 8 standout finds—from sculptural lighting to cozy textiles—that prove texture alone can transform a room with warmth, balance, and sophistication.

6/3/2025

Summer Edit: My Favorite Finds for the Season

Summer calls for ease, playfulness, and a little style refresh. This seasonal edit rounds up my favorite finds—from outdoor furniture and chic planters to fashion and accessories—that bring a fresh, elevated vibe to the warm months.

5/28/2025

How to Make a Room Feel Finished

It’s often the final layers—lighting, textiles, art, and greenery—that take a room from “almost there” to polished and complete. This post shares seven essentials that bring warmth, personality, and a finished feel to any space.

5/19/2025

What to Expect When Working With an Interior Designer

Curious what it’s like to hire a designer? This post walks through my process step by step—from discovery call to installation—so you know exactly what to expect. It’s a collaborative, approachable way to create a home that feels thoughtful, functional, and uniquely yours.

5/13/2025

The Case for Custom: Why It’s Worth It

Custom pieces are the key to creating a home that feels truly personal. From perfectly scaled sofas to one-of-a-kind cabinetry and statement lighting, this post explores why custom design is worth the investment—offering better fit, craftsmanship, and individuality than anything off the shelf.

5/7/2025

Material Matters: Timeless Textures & Finishes for a Sophisticated Home

Burl wood, plaster, rattan, and marble bring timeless texture, warmth, and sophistication. This post shows how each can elevate a space—whether through bold furniture, subtle accessories, or details that balance modern and vintage style.

4/28/2025

Mood Board Magic: A Peek Into My Design Process

Step behind the scenes of my design process with a bold, moody dining room concept. From layered textures to sculptural statement pieces, this mood board shows how I translate inspiration into a cohesive vision for unforgettable spaces.

4/21/2025

Client Q&A: Collaborating on a Dream Space

Go behind the scenes of working with Lauren Hunter Design. From discovery call to reveal, this Q&A highlights how collaboration, transparency, and thoughtful details shape every project—so your home feels personal, layered, and truly livable.

4/14/2025

12 Favorite Coffee Tables That Elevate Any Space

A coffee table can do more than hold books—it anchors a room. Here are 12 stunning designs, from sculptural and bold to timeless and versatile, that prove the right table can transform your space.

4/7/2025

Easter Décor Roundup: Charming Finds for a Beautiful Holiday

Celebrate Easter with charm and elegance. From whimsical bunny accents to timeless tableware and spring-ready textiles, this curated roundup highlights festive finds that bring beauty, warmth, and seasonal joy into your home.

3/31/2025

Spring Fling: Seasonal Favorites I’m Obsessed With

Fresh color, playful details, and joyful charm—this seasonal edit captures everything we love about spring. From whimsical home accents to breezy fashion finds, these pieces bring warmth, energy, and elegance to everyday life.

3/25/2025

Effortless Entryway Styling: Simple Touches That Make a Big Impact

Your entryway is the first impression of your home—make it count. From layered lighting and bold art to smart storage and chic seating, these styling tips balance beauty and function to create a warm, welcoming space.

3/17/2025

Spring Refresh: Easy Ways to Bring the Season Into Your Home

Welcome spring with easy home updates that feel fresh and joyful. From playful pillows and breezy bedding to art swaps and charming tablescapes, these simple touches will brighten your space for the season ahead.

3/10/2025

10 Chairs I’m Loving Right Now

From sculptural statement pieces to vintage-inspired gems, these 10 chairs are my current obsessions. Each one blends comfort with personality, proving that the right chair can transform a room into something unforgettable.

2/21/2025

Portable Lighting

Portable lights are changing the game—no hardwiring, no messy cords, just stylish flexibility. From chic table lamps to sconces and picture lights, this roundup highlights my favorite designs that bring personality and practicality to any space.

2/3/2025

Winter Survival Guide

Minnesota winters are long, but cozy rituals make them brighter—ginger tea, faux-fur throws, nightly masks, candles, and even a heatless curling set. These small comforts keep the season warm and intentional.

2/3/2025

Retail Collabs I am Eyeing

From Goop x CB2 to House of Hackney x Anthropologie, these retail collabs show how fresh design partnerships can bring playful, stylish pieces into your home.

2/3/2025

Valentine's Day Decor

Valentine’s (or Galentine’s) Day is almost here! If you're hosting a brunch, dinner, or party, I’ve got you covered with elegant, zero-waste décor ideas. This year, I made sure to avoid plastic and disposable items—everything can be reused and looks great year-round!

2/2/2025