About Hannah Kern

A woman with wavy brown hair smiling, sitting on a couch with her left hand on her knee. She is wearing a white button-up shirt and blue jeans. There are pillows on the couch, a side table with a glass vase containing pink flowers, and a piece of colorful floral artwork on the wall behind her.

I’m a mom to two amazing girls, a mini goldendoodle, and wife to an incredible husband. I love to travel, cook, and learn about new cultures which constantly inspires my design style and how I approach creating personalized spaces for my clients.

I hold a BFA in Fashion Design from Parsons The New School for Design in NYC. After college, I spent 8 years at Macy’s, where I gained invaluable experience in organization, market trends, and working with all kinds of people. These skills naturally transitioned into my work as an interior designer.

I’ve always had a passion for homes. Whether it’s transforming a single room, managing a new build, or staging a property to shine. Today, through NJ Living by Design, I bring together creativity, functionality, and local expertise to help clients across Northern New Jersey love where they live.

My projects range from color consultations and one-room redesigns to full-home renovations and new construction design. I work with homeowners, contractors, and investors across Montclair, Essex County, and Passaic County, tailoring each project to fit both lifestyle and budget.

With me, you get more than a finished space. You get a collaborative process, clear guidance, and a home designed to be as functional as it is beautiful.

“I believe every home should be beautiful—but above all, it should function for the way you live. My process always starts with understanding your routines, needs, and goals, then layering in style, color, and detail to create spaces that feel both timeless and personal."

From First Call
to Finished Space

Every project is unique, but my approach is designed to make the design journey clear, collaborative, and enjoyable.

  • We start with a conversation about your home, your needs, and your vision. Whether it’s a single room or a whole house, this step is about uncovering how you want your space to function and feel.

  • I create a customized plan with layouts, color palettes, and furnishing recommendations. You’ll get clear visuals and direction so you can confidently picture the finished space.

  • From finish selections and furniture sourcing to final styling, I bring the plan to life. For larger projects, I collaborate seamlessly with contractors and trades to ensure every detail comes together smoothly.

  • The best part—seeing your home transform into a space that’s functional, beautiful, and completely your own.

Living room with a white marble coffee table, blue armchair, and a vase with greenery on the table. There is a window with curtains, a small round side table, and a patterned rug.