Trish Lynn is the founder and principal designer of Colette Interiors, a Chatham, New Jersey-based residential design studio known for sophisticated yet inviting homes that balance clean lines, natural materials, warmth, and livability. After more than a decade in the corporate world, the birth of her first daughter, Colette, inspired Trish to pursue her longtime passion for art and design and ultimately gave the studio its name. Today, she brings creative instinct and professional discipline to residential renovations, furnishings and new construction, creating highly personalized, timeless interiors.
This week, Andrew Joseph sits down with Trish to discuss the influences behind her work, the importance of custom details and why the best interiors are about much more than how a home looks.
Andrew Joseph: How do you stay creative and inspired?
Trish Lynn: Inspiration comes from far beyond the design industry. Travel, architecture, fashion, fine art and nature all influence the way I think about interiors. I also draw inspiration from each project itself, whether it’s the location, architecture, environment or the homeowners. Sometimes stepping away from a project for a bit is what ultimately brings the greatest creative clarity.
AJ: What is your favorite place to find inspiration?
TL: Traveling, particularly abroad. Experiencing history and architecture and exploring everything from boutique hotels to local markets offers a perspective you simply can’t replicate elsewhere. Every destination has its own design language and craftsmanship that can influence future ideas in subtle, meaningful ways.
AJ: What is a favorite design element to incorporate into your projects?
TL: Custom millwork because it brings together architecture, function and craftsmanship. Whether it’s a beautifully detailed library, tailored cabinetry in a scullery or a statement fireplace surround, those custom details give a home its own identity. There are endless ways to approach it, so nothing ever needs to feel replicated.
AJ: How do you approach a client who has a very specific style in mind?
TL: I see a client’s preferred style as a starting point rather than a limitation. Whether they gravitate toward traditional, contemporary or transitional design, my goal is to interpret that aesthetic in a way that feels elevated, layered and uniquely theirs. Ultimately, the space should feel like a home with depth, character and lasting appeal.
AJ: What is your favorite thing about being a designer?
TL: Creating spaces that genuinely improve and complement how people live. A well-designed home isn’t just beautiful. It changes the way someone starts their morning, gathers with family, or unwinds at the end of the day. Knowing we can influence how someone feels when they walk into their home is incredibly rewarding, especially when you finally reveal the completed space.
AJ: Tell us about a project where the surroundings played an important role in the design.
TL: We recently designed a mountain-style lake house where the client wanted to capture the feeling of the environment without making the home feel overly themed. Instead of obvious nautical references, we focused on bringing the outdoors in through natural textures, authentic stone, warm woods, living finishes, and a calming, organic palette. The result feels authentic to its surroundings without being literal.
AJ: What is your favorite type of lighting to use in your designs?
TL: Layered lighting because it creates depth and flexibility. I love combining architectural lighting with decorative fixtures and plenty of warm ambient light. If I had to choose one element, though, a perfectly placed wall sconce or picture light can add that unexpected layer that really defines a space.
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