Jennifer Hunter, NYC-based interior designer, founded her own design firm in early 2019 following a long history of love for architecture and design. She joins us on our blog to share her experiences, passions, challenges, and valuable insights as a professional in the industry.

From her humble beginnings and all of the wisdom she’s picked up along the way, to her experiences with Scout & Nimble’s trade design program and her most recent project, we’re covering everything related to Jennifer’s fresh take on traditional design.

Jennifer’s unique, balanced spaces are tailored to each client’s individual personality and can be found across the country in locations like New York City; Washington, D.C.; Tenafly, New Jersey; Austin, Texas; and Palm Beach, Florida.

After completing 27 full projects in 2021, Jennifer and her team are on track to have 29 completed by the end of this year, helping even more clients recognize their home as a true reflection of themselves.

In the Spotlight: Jennifer Hunter, founder of Jennifer Hunter Design

We want to hear about how your love of design began! How did you end up in the profession?

I was born into it — my grandfather, my biggest inspiration, was a developer in D.C. From an early age I would spend Sundays with him visiting job sites. When it came time to apply to college, I pursued various five-year architecture programs and landed on The University of Texas - Austin. 

In my summers I came to NYC and had the privilege of interning for the design legend, Albert Hadley. Upon graduation, Mr. Hadley advised me to apply for my MFA at Sotheby’s Institute of Art in the ‘American Fine and Decorative Art Program’ in order to develop a foundation in the history of furniture and decorative objects. Once I graduated I was hired by one of Mr. Hadley’s lead designers, Harry Heissmann, and helped him launch his business. From there I went off on my own with a business partner, and eventually then went solo over three years ago.

What’s your favorite part about being a designer?

Installation days are the most rewarding part of being an interior designer and certainly my favorite! The clients get to see all your hard work and vision come to life. There is truly no better feeling than happy clients who validate and appreciate your work!

What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced as a designer? How did you overcome that challenge, or how are you still working to overcome it?

The biggest challenge is setting clients’ expectations with regard to lead times in this current climate of supply chain issues. Most clients are understanding, but we know how hard it can be to wait. We are navigating it all the best we can!

What’s been your favorite project so far?

Houston, Texas.

What I loved most about this project was the client's willingness to take risks with their home design. Utilizing dramatic patterned wallpaper throughout the dining room, stairway and children's bedroom really brought this spec house to life and added some much-needed character. We were able to transform a contemporary build to infuse elements of traditional design through antique lighting and furnishings to soften the modern lines of the home.

What’s been your most challenging project so far? What challenges did you face, and how did you overcome them?

My own home!

While I am super decisive with all my clients, it is different when designing for yourself as I have so much access to everything within the industry. At the end of the day I just try to stay true to my aesthetic!

What’s the most valuable thing you’ve learned as a designer?

Two things: One, staying true to my artistry — it's what enhances my brand and establishes my trademark in the design industry, and two, hiring a team that is dependable, professional, and dedicated to servicing clients at a caliber that exceeds expectations. Ultimately your team is a reflection of you, so it's vital to hire individuals who embody the same ethics and professional values that you hold true for yourself.

What sets you apart from other traditional-inspired designers?

I truly value the aspect of relationship building with each of my clients. I really make an effort to get to know each one of them as individuals so that the experience is very personalized.

How did you learn about the Scout & Nimble trade design program? How long have you been part of the program?

I came across the program as I was perusing on their website one day, and [I’ve been a part of it for] three years.

What compelled you to join?

I am a huge fan and have known about Scout & Nimble for years! I consistently use the brands Scout & Nimble carries, so it made sense to join the trade program to service current and future clients through one centralized source.

What do you like about the trade design program?

They are very responsive and we have a great, dedicated representative!

We’ve seen the Bridgehampton, New York Hamptons project you’ve been promoting on Instagram! Can you give us some background information on that project?

The homeowners, a young family — husband in finance and wife in real estate — with two little girls and a baby on the way, had left NYC during the height of the pandemic, listed their NYC apartment, and wanted to create a calm, family-friendly home in Bridgehampton that did not sacrifice on style. Pregnant at the time, they needed to move quickly and needed a designer to make it feel like a family home with products that were immediately available.

How long did it take to complete this project?

The 4,500-square-foot, four-bed and five-bath (plus a pool house) home took just six months to complete and is the epitome of easy living in the Hamptons. The design is the ultimate decorating class in constraints.

Because of the tight turnaround, our team had already started calling vendors and installers on the way back to the city after first visiting the house.

In what ways were you able to create a family-home feel in such a short time?

This was a new build, so most of the changes were cosmetic, such as installing fun wallpaper in subtle colors and traditional prints, fresh coats of paint, replacing light fixtures and hardware, and commissioning some really special art pieces that captured that casual attitude in the home.

How would describe the design style of this project?

While typical coastal Hamptons interiors can be described as effortless and relaxed, this home marries that laid-back aesthetic with a new traditionalist touch. Think all-over patterned wallpaper, scalloped edges, chintz pillows, and floral upholstered beds.

What are some of the top features of this design?

The home features dark wood floors contrasted by classic blues and whites, natural material furniture accents of jute and rattan, crisp white beds, large-scale lounge chairs offering a quiet respite, and, of course, several indoor and outdoor spaces for large gatherings and entertaining. The final result is a comfortable, family-friendly home. It is equal parts refined and relaxed, traditional yet modern. Many of the fabrics used are from classic design brands Lee Jofa, Brunschwig & Fils, and Schumacher.

Time for some rapid-fire questions! Where is your favorite place you’ve lived?

New York City, New York.

Where is your favorite vacation spot?

Palm Beach, Florida.

What is your favorite brand in interior design?

F. Schumacher & Co.

What is your favorite clothing brand?

Love Shack Fancy.

What’s the best advice you’ve been given as a designer?

One piece of advice I was given and think is invaluable would be to tailor your creativity according to your client's best interest. Interior design is a service, and clients hire you not only for your expertise but also for your design aesthetic. When I first started out I was in the business of servicing requests, and oftentimes clients are not risk takers. It is our job to nudge them into more creative choices, which not only builds trust but ultimately strengthens the relationship between you and the client. Client relations is a true artistry and skill set interior designers master to balance.

What’s your best piece of advice for clients?

Designers bring a wealth of knowledge and guidance to the interior design process. As an expert in the industry, interior designers are a smart investment — preventing costly mistakes and acting as resources to provide continued solutions to inevitable design challenges. It is a service that is invaluable and will guarantee results that ultimately turn clients’ dreams into tangible realities.

What is a personal life motto or quote you live by?

Coco Chanel quote: “Before you leave the house, look in the mirror and take one thing off." The same goes with decorating — always edit.

A big thank you to Jennifer Hunter!

Thank you so much, Jennifer, for taking time to share your experiences, passions, challenges, and valuable insights with us! Don’t forget to take a look at all of Jennifer’s work and follow her on Instagram to stay up to date with all of the stunning designs Jennifer continues to share with the world.