Meet Hannah Oravec, the founder and creative force behind Lawless Design, a New England-based interior design studio. Hannah's work brings together timeless charm with wellness and sustainability, emphasizing spaces that not only look good but also feel good. Her thoughtful approach integrates natural materials and balanced layouts, always personalized to reflect each client's unique lifestyle and personality. Read on as Hannah shares her insights, inspirations, and practical design advice.
Tell us a little about yourself—how did you get started in design?
Ever since I was a little girl, I was exposed to my dad always renovating our home (which actually happens to be the home my mom grew up in too!). I found my spark for creativity at that young age and never looked back. I went to school for sustainable interior architecture and business at Endicott College.
Do you have a signature design element or style that defines your work?
My signature design style blends timeless, wellness-focused interiors with a deep love for vintage elements. I gravitate toward natural materials, calming color palettes, and thoughtful layouts that support both beauty and well-being. Whether it’s incorporating antique furniture, handcrafted finishes, or layers of texture, every space I design tells a story and feels deeply personal. My approach is rooted in creating homes that are not only aesthetically rich but also promote a healthier lifestyle—spaces that feel grounding, soulful, and lived-in. It’s all about a refined balance between old and new, form and function, with a quiet luxury that feels approachable and warm.
Was there a specific project that shaped your approach to design?
I don't think there was one specific project. It's been a slow and steady growth to shape who I am as a designer.
What’s the best piece of design advice you’ve ever received, and how has it influenced your work?
To start with one signature focal point and design the room around that. Not everything needs to be a focal point and having more simple things allow for the focal point to shine
What’s one thing you wish more people understood about working with an interior designer?
One thing I wish more people understood about working with an interior designer is that it’s a deeply collaborative and layered process—it’s not just about picking out pretty furniture. We’re thinking holistically: how your home functions, how it feels, how it supports your lifestyle, your wellness, and even your future plans. There’s a lot of behind-the-scenes work that goes into creating a home that feels effortless—from space planning and sourcing, to managing timelines, trades, and budgets. The end result is not just a beautiful space, but one that’s uniquely tailored to you—and that takes intention, trust, and time.
What’s your favorite design trend this year, and how are you bringing it into your projects?
I'm not necessarily one that loves trends but, the design trend I'm particularly excited about this year is the revival of antiques and vintage elements in interiors. Integrating antique furniture and decor adds a sense of history and character to a space, creating a layered and personalized environment. In my projects, I incorporate vintage pieces to bring warmth and uniqueness, ensuring each home tells its own story. This approach aligns with the broader 2025 trend of moving away from overly neutral and minimalistic designs towards more vibrant and individualized spaces.
Where do you find the most inspiration—travel, nature, fashion, or something else?
I find inspiration everywhere, but nature, fashion, and music are the biggest sources that fuel my creativity. Nature grounds me—whether it’s the soft tones of a foggy New England beach morning or the textures found in weathered stone or driftwood, it all makes its way into my designs. Fashion brings in a sense of structure, flow, and layering that I translate into interiors—it’s about how pieces work together, how they feel, and how they tell a story. And music sets the mood for everything—it shapes the energy I want to create in a space. It's the rhythm, the emotion, the tone—it all plays a role in how I design. We even create custom vinyls for our clients as part of their final install—curated playlists that reflect the style and feeling of their home.
If you were designing your dream bathroom from scratch, what’s the first thing you’d choose?
If I were designing my dream bathroom from scratch, the first thing I’d choose would be the materials—specifically natural stone (marble) and handmade tile. The textures, the imperfections, the way light hits them—it all sets the tone for the space. I love creating bathrooms that feel like a retreat, so I’d start with grounding, earthy elements like limestone paired with a mix of warm wood tones for the vanity. From there, I’d layer in unlacquered brass fixtures, and vintage lighting to make it feel soulful, not sterile. It's all about creating a space that feels both calming and lived-in.
If you could use just one wallpaper in a bathroom, which would it be and why?
My absolute favorite wallpaper is De Gournay Botanical Studies. I would love to use it in a powder room.
What’s your favorite Vanity & Co. style and how would you customize it for your client?
I love the Evie and the legs on it. I think using a deeper espresso stain color with the Botanical Studies wallpaper would be so charming!
