Interior Designer Young Huh Doesn't Shy Away from Color and Print

As a kid in Michigan, Young Huh was given a choice: She could practice medicine or law when she grew up. "I wasn't good at math or science, so I became a lawyer," she says with a laugh. But after clerking at the New York State Supreme Court, she had a life changing chat with an interior designer at a cocktail party:

"A light bulb went off. I thought, This is what I want to do." To transition from case research to color swatches, she studied design, interned, and launched her own firm. Twelve years later, business is booming, and her current slate includes homes in Arizona and Philadelphia; a private jet; and a hotel in Turks and Caicos. Whether it's working on a family-friendly residential project or designing a sleek commercial space, Huh's philosophy is as follows: "each client has a unique point-of-view and [my]role is to transform that vision into reality, while elevating it to its greatest potential."

To do so, Huh starts each project "with a mood," then manifests it with crisp lines, plenty of color, and joyful flourishes. Her personal style has the same energy: The mom of three will wear an Ulla Johnson frock with Stella McCartney platform sneakers and make it look like a no-brainer combination. "Don't get distracted by choices," she advises. "Think about how you want to feel, and choose materials and colors based on that feeling." How does the rising design star generally feel: "Pretty with an edge," she says. Read on to find out how she pulls it off.

"It's a citrusy green tea. I drink a cup in the late morning."

Kusmi "BB Detox" Tea, $24 for 4.4 oz., amazon.com. 

"I intersperse these with small floral arrangements on a table for instant magic."

Antique Silver Votive Holders, $16 for 6, jamaligarden.com. 

"It's great for a party. Her clothes are feminine and modern."

Ulla Johnson "Genevieve" Dress, $1,450, ullajohnson.com. 

"A fresh version of a classic tortoiseshell style. It would be fun to pair with traditional floral plates."

Sabre Bistro Flatware, $95 for a 5-piece setting, fetehome.com. 

"You just rub it on and put a hot towel over your face, and it practically sucks up all your makeup."

2 Note "Harmonic Cleansing Face Oil," $35, 2notehudson.com. 

"A patterned tablecloth and napkins lift the mood of your table."

Les Indiennes "Petite Croix Tablecloth," from $110-$140, lesindiennes.com. 

"There's just so much depth to his performance. It transports you to a place beyond everyday cares."

Bach: Cello Suites, by Mstislav Rostropovich, From $9.25, amazon.com. 

"I like to match my nails and toes."

Essie Nail Polish in Eternal Optimist, $9, amazon.com.

"It's great when you don't have time to style your hair."

Oribe "Après Beach Wave and Shine Spray," $44, amazon.com. 

"My go-to: a pinkish neutral that's not too bright and can go day-to-evening."

Bobbi Brown Lip Color in Brownie, $29, sephora.com.

"I've been wearing this scent since my mother gave it to me when I was 14."

Chanel "Coco" Eau de Parfum, $105 for 7.5 ml, sephora.com.

"If you have a tricky, tiny room, cover every inch of it in toile. It always looks fabulous."

Manuel Canovas "Bengale" Wallpaper in Paprika, price upon request, cowtan.com.

"A gift from my husband. I believe it brings me good luck."

Van Cleef & Arpels "Magic Alhambra Ring," $3,950, vancleefarpels.com.

"I have one in every color. They're lightweight, soft, and versatile."

Madewell "Whisper Cotton V-Neck Pocket Tee," $20, madewell.com.

"Pinks can be very juvenile, but this one is grown-up and sophisticated. It is such a happy color."

Benjamin Moore "Paradise Peach 011," benjaminmoore.com.

"On Fridays, I'll get a bag and pour a glass of rosé—heaven."

Lay's Classic Potato Chips, $2.49, target.com.

"Her work is classic, whimsical, and pretty."

Frances Palmer Pottery "Plump" Vase, $225, francespalmerpottery.com.