Finding flair in Park City
Stephanie Hunt of Flairhunter specializes in making her clients’ homes pop
Summer/Fall 2021
Written By: Katie Eldridge | Images: Gillian Hunter
It’s commonplace for Park City designer Stephanie Hunt to be moving into or out of a home.
“My husband and I are definitely nomadic,” she says. “We both grew up moving a lot.” Which may explain the six homes they’ve lived in over the past nine years.
These are houses that most would consider “forever homes” with world-class architecture, textiles, art, and every detail thoughtfully placed. For Stephanie, once it’s done, it’s often time to move on. “Home is where your people and dogs and paintings are,” she laughs.
This blonde, 5-foot, 5-inch force of energy thrives on creating authentic, original spaces for her clients, and her family. “I am focused on having a space feel authentic to the person. One-of-a-kind art pieces, books, and vintage furniture that tells their story — that’s what I do,” she says.
Back in the ‘80s, when she was working in law firms and considering law school, her friends kept asking for help beautifying their homes. She loved it. That’s when Stephanie realized she was more interested in design school than she would ever be about law.
After 20 years in business as Stephanie Hunt Interiors in California, Flairhunter was born, and Stephanie opened offices in Park City and Montecito, California. The name hails from Stephanie’s passion for hunting down fine art and unique pieces for her clients’ homes.
After building a life and a business in California, Stephanie and her husband moved to Utah when one of her sons, a competitive snow- boarder, was named to the U.S. Snowboard Team for slopestyle. But it didn’t take long for Stephanie to consider Park City home — and no matter where she is working, her focus remains the same. “A big part of my job is guiding people out of their comfort zone,” she says. “They hire me to help them try something new that ultimately brings them joy.”
Stephanie’s portfolio spans the globe and her “flair” can be found everywhere from private jets to commercial offices, yachts, and homes near and far. With that in mind, it’s no surprise that Stephanie’s upcoming projects include designing a home in the French Quarter of New Orleans, a contemporary home build in Palm Springs, and a chateau in France.
And, of course, she is in the process of moving. Her and her husband are building a home on Old Ranch Road using inspiration found during a trip to Iceland where they kept seeing groups of simple farmhouses built close together. Once finished, their home will feature several structures connected by halls that are filled with special art pieces.
Will this be her last move? “Every time we build a house, we say it’s the last one,” she smiles. But no one, including Stephanie really knows.
DESIGN REFRESH
Simple tips for infusing flavor into your space
A smaller budget should not limit your style! Stephanie Hunt has these tips for brightening your space, without depleting your budget.
Add succulents in chalky white (or another solid color) ceramic. The clean color of the pot set against the green of the plant results in a perfect pop.
Remove book covers and stack hardback books both vertically and horizontally on a shelf. Add in a couple of interesting, but simple objects. The words on the book spines give a small space life and interest.
Throw pillows with graphic chunky patterns added to a solid-colored sofa gives a space new energy.
Group a collection of similar-looking vases, jars, or wine bottles in a long row and add single-colored blooms to each — yellow tulips in one container, white tea roses in another, then one with green lemon leaf or pink peonies, for example. This is a lovely way to color block a vignette on a simple surface.
Set a large, blond wood bowl of fresh fruit (lemons, green apples, etc.) on a table or counter for a light, summery feel.
Make something feel new by adding in something old. Look around your home and find something from another room to give another space a whole new look. Or, better yet, take that vintage table from your parents’ home.
