Interior Design: Monica Hart
About Monica Hart Interior Design “I grew up in the cozy little town of Karlstad, MN. I graduated from North Dakota State University in 1997 with a degree in Interior Design. My first job out of college was at the NDSU Alumni Association (Go Bison!). My internship and first design job were at Ste. Marie
About Monica Hart Interior Design
“I grew up in the cozy little town of Karlstad, MN. I graduated from North Dakota State University in 1997 with a degree in Interior Design. My first job out of college was at the NDSU Alumni Association (Go Bison!). My internship and first design job were at Ste. Marie Design, a hospitality firm, where I learned and practiced commercial and hospitality design until the firm closed its Fargo branch in 2002. I found employment with a builder and then a design center, where I discovered a love of residential design and new construction.
During these years, I passed the NCIDQ exam to become a certified interior designer. These various positions gave me the experience needed to realize my dream of owning my own business! I think, for any parent, balancing work and home life is a difficult juggling act. While I love being an interior designer, I love being a mom even more. Owning my own business gives me the flexibility to balance (or juggle) both! I am a volunteer for various organizations.
I am also a board member of the Building Industry Association, a member of the Fargo Moorhead West Fargo Chamber, North Dakota Interior Designers, and serve on the Parade of Homes Committee at the Building Industry Association. Outside of work and volunteer activities, I love being with my family. My husband, Phil, and our three sons are my great crew of boys! Our oldest, Griffin, lives and works in St. Paul, MN. Our middle, Marcus, is a senior at the Peabody Institute of Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore. Our youngest, Henry, is a junior at Davies High School. When I am not working or volunteering, I enjoy attending my sons’ activities, visiting with friends, playing with my two cats (Olive and Pepper), and experiencing a trip or two each year. Life is busy, and I love it that way!”
Featured Project:
Top Shelf Tavern
I did the interior design on Top Shelf Tavern located at 2920 Sheyenne St, Suite 120 in West Fargo. The concept was a warm and friendly atmosphere that felt collected and like it’s been there a while. Wood paneling with acoustics were used to differentiate areas while providing help with sound control. Vinyl wallcovering that looks like stitched leather adds a warm masculine touch. Thin brick adds texture and a feeling that this tavern has been around a while. This project was completed in April of 2023.
Designer Q&A
Q : How did you get started in interior design?
A: That is what my degree is in. I interned for a hospitality firm while I was in college, and that was also my first design job out of college.
Q : What inspired you to become a designer?
A: I always enjoyed moving furniture around to make the most sense of the room size and traffic flow. I also liked to make things look nice together. I was happy to realize there was a degree for this!
Q : Where did you train or study design?
A: I have a 4-year degree in Interior Design from North Dakota State University, and I am also NCIDQ-certified.
Q : How would you de scribe your design style?
A: My personal design style is modern, a little masculine, and clean. As far as my residential clients go, I don’t have a design style. I want their home to be a reflection of them—not me.
Q : What makes your approach or aesthetic unique?
A: The fact that I tailor every design to each individual client. What is most important to them? What are their favorite colors? What special needs may they have unique to their family that I have to be aware of?
Q : What kinds of projects do you most enjoy working on?
A: I especially enjoy remodels—there is nothing better than a good before and after! Especially when I’ve made a space function better.
Q : How has your style evolved over the years?
A: My personal style hasn’t really changed, nor has my philosophy for my client projects, which is that the finished product should be a reflection of my client, not me.
Q : What do you wish clients under stood better about interior design?
A: Interior design isn’t about matching colors or decorating. It is space planning, function, safety, and aesthetics come after that.
Q : What de sign trends are you seeing most often in the FM area right now?
A: Lots of white and beige, light wood tones, warmth coming back into spaces (which is great!).
Q: What project are you most proud of—and why?
A: I have so many I am proud of and for different reasons. I have helped widows as they are starting a new chapter. I have helped clients with homes that had to be tailored to them for medical needs. I have worked on custom homes with clients for 12-18 months, where we met weekly and formed a bond and friendship that is so special. I am so fortunate to have so many wonderful experiences!
Q: What ’s one piece of advice you always give your clients?
A: To not worry about trends. Trends come and go and will appear dated quickly. I encourage them to stay true to what they like and feel most comfortable with.
Q: What common mistakes do homeowners make when designing or renovating?
A: Not hiring a professional! It is a small investment to hire someone compared to costly mistakes and regrets. One of the worst things I hear is when someone builds a home and then has regrets in certain areas, and it can’t be changed.
Q: How do you balance aesthetic s with functionality?
A: I use the guiding interior design motto, “Form follows function”. Function ALWAYS comes first. I can make anything look great once the function is thought through and in place.
Q: What are your favorite materials or products to work with, and why?
A: I like to use commercial upholstery on residential furniture pieces. People have young kids, grandkids, dogs, cats, teenagers, etc, and I don’t want my clients worrying about life happening in their homes.
Q: How do you approach lighting , color, and space planning?
A: I talk at length with my clients about their lifestyle, project goals, examples of homes they like, favorite colors, etc… and go from there. Space planning comes first, and the selections naturally fall into place after that.
Q: How do you choose trade partners and suppliers?
A: It is especially important to me to work with partners who have quality products, do quality work, and have excellent customer service.
Q: What book s, websites, or magazines do you recommend for design lovers?
A: I love Houzz!
Q: What’s your favorite room to design, and why?
A: Probably a family/great room where people spend the most time and make everyday memories.
Q: What’s your favorite color palette right now?
A: I always love a mix of warm and cool—browns, charcoal gray, cream, and navy is a favorite palette. That’s what I have in my own house!
Q: What’s the worst design myth you want to retire forever ?
A: That there are “rules”. Design is fluid.
Monica Hart Interior Design
monicahartid.com
Facebook | /MonicaHartInteriorDesign
Instagram | @monicahartinteriordesing
Published March 26, 2026
