Talk Shop: Kristin Harrison // Georgia & Hunt Design House
Photo by Angela Newton Roy
ABOUT KRISTIN
Kristin Harrison of Georgia & Hunt Design House is known for creating effortlessly livable interiors that blend vintage charm with modern sensibility. Based in Northern Virginia and working with clients nationwide, she brings a thoughtful, down-to-earth approach to every project, always with an eye toward comfort, character, and longevity.
Specializing in new builds and full-home renovations, Kristin focuses on sustainability, functionality, and that just-right balance of lived-in warmth and fresh perspective. Her guiding philosophy? A home should support your life — not the other way around. Whether reimagining a space or starting from the ground up, Kristin works closely with clients to create a home that feels deeply personal, beautifully grounded, and entirely their own.
Photo by Angela Newton Roy
Photo by Angela Newton Roy
Describe your style in three words or less:
Relaxed, curated, livable.
What have been the three biggest influences on your aesthetic in your life:
Travel, my kids, and my quest for comfort in all things.
How did you start your company, and/or what is your favorite thing about what you do:
I was forced into it by one of my great friends. She told me I was crazy for not pursuing it and physically made me renovate her house. She set up the photographer and got me my first magazine feature. My favorite thing about what I do is making people love the spaces they spend the most time in. There is no better feeling.
Do you have a mentor in your career, and if so, how have they helped to shape your trajectory:
I’ve got a few…Tanya Smith Shifflet from Unique Kitchens and Baths has stepped up to the plate from the beginning of my journey to guide me in the right direction. Lauren Liess and Amy Bannecker, who have been in the industry for a long time, are always there to answer any “dumb questions” I may have, and believe it or not, Philip Amin, who owns Carpet Impressions in McLean, VA, has been such a fantastic support system. He has run an uber successful business for 30 years, and has given me so much invaluable advice that I truly can’t keep track.
Photo by Angela Newton Roy
Photo by Angela Newton Roy
What does your home say about you:
I think my home says that I like things to be light and airy and calm, but I also have pieces of my personality that love mood and interest. I don’t like when everything looks and feels the same.
Where do you find inspiration:
Traveling. The most clichè answer, but it’s so true.
Who are your style icons:
I’m a big Sienna Miller fan. She is just so effortless and cool. Everything feels curated and purposeful, and looks like she just threw it together. To me, she is the epitome of relaxed style.
What are your key ingredients for entertaining:
Great food, great company, a plentiful drink menu, and comfortable places to sit and sip.
Do you collect anything:
I love collecting water bottles next to my bed (as my husband likes to point out).
Favorite Instagram accounts to follow for inspiration:
@allisonwillson, @bananas_and_hammocks, @districtloom, and @harrisondesign.
Photo by Angela Newton Roy
What design “rule” do you always follow, and which is made to be broken:
I always follow the rule that you need multiple levels of light in your home. Overhead lighting only is not adequate. The rule I think was made to be broken is that of making sure you have enough upper cabinets/storage in your kitchen. It’s a myth. You get much more storage from lowers, and it looks much less builder grade.
What are you working on right now:
We are working on so many exciting projects ranging from Virginia mansions, to the most beautiful hundreds of years old renovations. We are introducing a lot more color and mood, and can’t wait to show everyone.
Photo by Angela Newton Roy
Wardrobe staples:
Cashmere sweaters, cool sneakers, trouser pants, and easy dresses.
Favorite fabric/wallpaper:
Current favorites: Schumacher’s Sumptuous Silk Wool Velvets, and my favorite wallpaper is currently Phillip Jeffries' new Vista Line.
Photo by Angela Newton Roy
Best interior advice you ever received:
Stop trying to make everything look like a place you would want to live in yourself.
Best career advice you ever received:
Face your mistakes head-on, have quarterly check-in meetings with clients, and treat everything as a learning opportunity.
Types of home purchases you invest in, and save on:
Invest in: Lighting
Save on: Secondary Bathrooms
Your greatest extravagance:
Built-in coffee makers - you’ll never catch me without one at this point
Photo by Angela Newton Roy
Favorite places to shop for home:
Lucketts Store (Vintage) in Northern Virginia.
Most prized possession and why:
The first magazine I was ever featured in. I never thought anyone would care what I did, so it is a big reminder to me that all you have to do is start.
Photo by Angela Newton Roy
Your interiors motto:
“This is not a show home, this is your house. Stop trying to make it feel like one."
Your life motto:
“If anyone is in your life for anything but a positive reason, cut them loose."
Advice for someone looking to define their interior style:
Gravitate towards what you like, not what is in trend.
Take Ten: My Favorite…
Food: Sushi
Drink: Non-alcoholic (Skinny Vanilla Latte), Alcoholic: (Tito’s soda with a splash of ginger beer and lime - yes, I am aware this is basically a Moscow mule)
Film: I’m going with TV: The White Lotus
Hotel: The Montage Palmetto Bluff, but really any Montage property
City: Florence, Italy
Bedding: Cozy Earth is really on another level
Tea or Coffee (and how do you take it): Coffee (Skinny Vanilla Latte)
Playlist: Currently very into Mumford & Sons' new album
Weekend Activity: Hanging with my kids (5,4,2)
Design Book: The Interior Design Handbook by Freda Ramstedt