Why We’re Hiring an Interior Designer

Meet Larissa Anderson of Haven Design Studio

When we decided to embark on our home build journey, one of the first things {Dale and} I realized was how crucial it would be to have the right heart-led professionals guiding us. While I love the creative side of designing spaces, taking on a blank slate—an entire house—feels really overwhelming. That’s why we’re thrilled to be partnering with Larissa Anderson of Haven Design Studio, located right here in Madison, Wisconsin.

I’ve always loved reimagining spaces, whether it’s rearranging furniture, refreshing paint colors, moving walls, or finding pieces that reflect my style. But designing a home from scratch? That’s a whole different ball game and it freaks me out. The excitement of building our dream home also came with a flood of questions: How do we create a cohesive design? How do we choose materials and finishes that reflect our style but also work for the long term? The truth is, I’m much better at refining and enhancing existing designs than starting from nothing. I need direction when it comes to a blank canvas—and that’s exactly where Larissa comes in.

Why Haven Design and Larissa Anderson?

Larissa, the founder of Haven Design Studio, has a reputation for creating warm, functional, and personalized spaces. Her approach is collaborative, meaning she listens carefully to what her clients want while offering the expert guidance and direction needed to make those visions come to life. With Larissa’s help, we’re not just designing a house; we’re creating a home that reflects who we are and how we want to live.

She brings a level of expertise that goes beyond selecting paint colors or arranging furniture. She considers how spaces flow together, how they’ll function for our lifestyle, and how they’ll feel once we’re living in them. She’s able to see the big picture while also honing in on the small details that make a space truly special. It’s a skill set I deeply admire but don’t quite possess when it comes to a brand-new build. Plus we have very similar business and client relationship philosophies. Win.

Finding Direction in Design

For me, having a vision is one thing, but executing it in a way that works in real life is another. Larissa is helping us make smart, thoughtful decisions, from selecting materials that will stand the test of time to ensuring each room serves its purpose without sacrificing beauty. With her on board, I feel more confident navigating the sometimes overwhelming world of design choices.

It’s easy to get lost in the endless possibilities a blank slate offers, but Larissa will hopefully help us stay grounded; not an easy assignment. But her ability to guide us through the process while honoring our tastes and needs has already been invaluable. Whether it’s recommending finishes, visualizing how spaces will connect, or helping us balance form and function, Larissa is giving us the direction we need to turn this dream into a reality.

We’ve worked with Larissa on my office design. You can check that out here.

So, while I might be great at updating a space once it exists, I know when to ask for help. Hiring an interior designer like Larissa means we’ll get to enjoy the fun, creative parts of the process without getting bogged down in the details that leave me spinning. And when all is said and done, we’ll have a home that not only reflects our personalities but feels like the perfect fit for the life we’re building.

About Larissa Anderson and Haven Design Studio

Larissa Anderson is the principal designer and owner of Haven Design Studio, a Madison-based firm specializing in residential design. Her work blends timeless style with modern function, creating spaces that are both beautiful and livable. With a passion for helping homeowners bring their visions to life, Larissa approaches every project with creativity, expertise, and care. Whether working on a remodel or a new build, she brings a wealth of experience and a unique ability to tailor designs to her clients’ lifestyles and preferences. Learn more about Larissa and her work at Haven Design Studio.