Pennsylvania-based Lisa Walsh has mastered the classic-contemporary mix, in projects from Maine to Florida. While each project is tailored to its location, there’s a current of classicism running through these rooms. Balance, proportion, scale, and harmony are the threads that tie these projects together—read on for a peek and to see what Lisa’s loving right now on Chairish.
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What made you passionate about interior design? How’d you get your start?
My love for design started back in sixth grade, when I begged my mom to let me move into a little den upstairs. It wasn’t the biggest room, but it had wood tongue-and-groove paneling and beautiful walnut built-ins with a desk that looked out over the backyard. I was thrilled—until the carpenter she hired added a closet out of plain plywood panelling. Even as a kid, I knew it didn’t feel right. So, I took matters into my own hands, painting the paneling white and arranging my books and art on the shelves. It was the first time I felt the joy of shaping a space, and that feeling never left me. Years later, it brought me back to design school in 1998, and eventually to starting Walsh Hill Design in 2008.
What do you find most compelling about Chairish?
I see Chairish as much more than just a shopping site—it’s like a treasure hunt for design lovers. Each curated collection or seller’s shop feels like a peek into someone else’s taste, and I’m always inspired by how they pair vintage and modern pieces. The fact that so many items are one-of-a-kind means you’re uncovering furnishings and décor with their own stories and soul, not something you’ll see in every catalog.
How does sustainability factor into your design choices and love of vintage?
I have a sixth sense when it comes to materiality. I can always tell whether a finish is truly natural or engineered to look that way. Whenever I can, I choose fibers and finishes derived from plants, stone, and wood for myself and for my clients. Even in photographs, I can sense the difference. I love the patina that develops on natural surfaces, and I trust their longevity and durability. Given the choice, I’ll always reuse something vintage with character rather than bring in a brand-new piece made from artificial materials.
Favorite way to create a statement-making moment in a room?
Art is always my first choice. Whether it’s a painting, a striking sculpture, or a sculptural light fixture, the right piece has the ability to define a space with strength and elegance. I find that a single, well-scaled work can anchor a thoughtfully proportioned room and establish an unmistakable focal point.
I also consider how color and pattern can be used strategically—not only to highlight what deserves attention, but also to subtly diminish elements that do not. Thoughtful decorating has the unique power to transform the architecture of a space through proportion, placement, and emphasis, creating balance and a sense of cohesion.
Do you have any go-to color palettes and color combos?
I love the timeless pairing of brown and white—much like the crispness of white linen set against rich brown furniture, or the refined elegance of a bold brown-and-white pattern reminiscent of a classic spectator shoe. Brown, with its warmth and patina, grounds a space with depth and character, while white introduces clarity and freshness. Together, they create a balance that feels sophisticated yet carries a playful edge, keeping the combination approachable rather than overly formal.
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What advice do you have for first-time clients to make their space truly personal?
Often, clients come to me unsure of what they truly love—but very clear on what they don’t. That’s a good place to start, but I always encourage a deeper look. Think back to a place from your childhood that made you feel at home, or a hotel you once stayed in that left a lasting impression. Chances are, the elements that resonated with you are quite different from what’s splashed across today’s catalogs.
Buy what you genuinely love, even if it feels unconventional. Skip the trends, and instead educate your eye—look beyond the generic, explore sources with character and history. And remember: quality doesn’t always mean expensive, but it does mean thoughtful.
Lead Image: Interior by Walsh Hill Design, Photography by Jonathan Reece.