HILLARY COHEN

In the world of interior design, where creativity converges with functionality, Hillary Cohen has an intuitive grasp of space and a keen eye for detail. Cohen has carved her niche as a sought-after interior designer known for transforming spaces into captivating reflections of her clients’ personalities and aspirations.

Born with an innate passion for aesthetics and a keen eye for detail, Cohen’s journey has been a natural progression of her lifelong fascination with the interplay of form and function. This foundation laid the groundwork for her future endeavors, fostering a relentless pursuit of excellence and innovation in her craft.

Upon graduating from George Washington University with a degree in interior design, Cohen embarked on her professional odyssey working alongside elite design firms and eventually establishing her synonymous design firm. Hilary’s extensive pedigree and experience armed her with a blend of classical training and avant-garde sensibility that guides her designs.  

TIMELESS ELEGANCE
Central to Cohen’s design philosophy is the belief that spaces should be visually stunning and tailored to enhance the lives of those who inhabit them. Whether it’s a chic urban loft or a sprawling suburban estate, she approaches each project with a deep reverence for the client’s vision, weaving their narrative into the fabric of the design.

Her innate ability to strike a delicate balance between tradition and practicality sets Cohen apart. She seamlessly blends timeless elegance with a functional contemporary flair. Cohen’s signature style is characterized by clean lines, sophisticated palettes, and unexpected juxtapositions, resulting in interiors with a sense of effortless refinement. Each project reveres the building’s architectural heritage while infusing it with a fresh and tailored perspective.

But beyond her impeccable taste and design insight, Cohen keenly understands the importance of collaboration and communication. Leaning on her experience working with high-caliber celebrity clients, Cohen collaborates closely with each client to listen to their unique visions and ensure that they are brought to life with a level of precision they couldn’t imagine.

As she continues to expand her firm, HCO Interiors, within the tri-state area, Cohen reminds us of the profound impact that exceptional design can have on our lives. 

Have you always known you wanted to be involved in interior design?
When I was younger, I didn’t understand that interior design was a viable career option. I just knew that I loved to be creative, and I was constantly trying to rearrange the furniture in my room, decorate my walls, or create an innovative way to make my space feel exciting and different. It wasn’t until I was in college that I realized maybe I could pursue this. I gravitated toward the design classes; they sounded like something I wouldn’t get bored with and excited me to go to school. That was my turning point, and I’ve never looked back.

Do you need to possess an innate flair for color, spatial arrangements, architecture, and textiles, or can you learn it? The only thing that is genuinely innate is a passion for design. The skills needed can absolutely be learned if you love what you are doing. I’ve come across some amazing creative people who have a raw, innate talent, and the skills come more easily to them, but I think anyone can become an expert if they have the passion and motivation to do so.

In your own thoughts, how much of a people person do you need to be to work as an interior designer? 
I find an outstanding balance in my career between interaction with others and quiet moments. I love collaborating with others and seeing how clients live, but I also spend a lot of time designing by myself. Being able to handle different personalities, though, is a must, particularly when managing clients. Understanding what motivates clients, what their concerns are, and how to reassure them is a major part of the business.

What types of projects have you worked on? Name a few favorites. I have worked on vastly different styles of projects—my favorites are always the result of a fantastic client who trusts in my abilities and in the process. We recently completed a modern home where the client started from scratch in terms of furniture and was really open to different directions. It was fun to have a blank palette with which to be creative.

I also love any project where we are working on both construction and decorative items. In our Upper East Side project, we completely redesigned the layout of the living and kitchen areas. The design becomes very cohesive when the architecture and design work together, and the result is very satisfying—it is a true reflection of your vision as a designer.  

What are some everyday problems you face as an interior designer?
Time management is consistently my most significant issue! When I’m designing, I can often get carried away, and the next thing I know, I’ve spent hours on intricate details. I’m learning to set more deadlines for myself to be more efficient.

The other challenge we experience is difficulty navigating vendor delays or mistakes that are sometimes out of our control. We always try to manage client expectations and be as communicative as possible when working through any unexpected issues (especially with construction!).  

How often do clients change their minds during the design process, and how does that affect your work? Typically, I don’t see clients changing their minds that often, but what can happen is that they lose confidence in the decisions they are making and want to second-guess them. When I first started, I proposed lots of options, but as I’ve grown in my business, I find less is more. The more detailed and thorough the initial design presentation, the less likely the client is to second-guess or try to change direction. They also have less time to reconsider everything. There are exceptions to this, so I try to remind them why they hired me and give them insight into why we are making certain choices. Helping clients be confident in their choices is one of the most essential elements to a successful result.

How do you keep up to date on current design trends?
Staying connected with current design trends is an enjoyable part of the job for me. I try to read unique design magazines, spend a lot of time in local stores, and spend hours perusing Instagram. I also meet with vendors to see new products and design events. I love to see different trends. However, I’m very selective about when I use them in my projects because I want to strike that balance of having the design feel new and exciting but not crossover to be too trendy and of a specific time.

If you could go back, would you have done anything differently?
When I first started, I took on every aspect of my business myself and very rarely asked for help. Looking back, I think I would have invested in help for certain aspects sooner—particularly in accounting and bookkeeping! It takes a lot of pressure off as a business owner, and it also gives you the benefit of having other opinions and advice on how to succeed. 

What advice do you have for those wanting to pursue a career in interior design?
I started my career with a series of internships at hugely different types of firms—it was a fantastic opportunity. I learned incredibly and saw how different industry niches and offices operated. It gave me an insight into why I wanted to be a residential designer, and I loved working in boutique design offices. I would encourage anyone interested in the field to find a local designer to learn from, and the hands-on experience is invaluable. 

For more information on Hillary Cohen and HCO Interiors, visit hcointeriors.com