Hiring the right interior designer is commonly one of the neglected steps new homeowners make in the new custom home. But without the services of an interior decorator, you have a beautiful and well-built home thanks to our architect and general contractor, but the inside of the home is lacking a vision. Interior designers will help you complete the whole picture — from selecting the right furnishings, lighting, fixtures, paint colors, and flooring, even creating custom furniture in some cases, to giving your home a feeling and flow that reflects your lifestyle. They will give your home a cohesive look, from your new home office to your entertaining kitchen, and even integrate indoor and outdoor living. Rather than try to do it yourself using home design cheats or focusing on just one or two rooms of the house and leaving the rest be, hire a professional for this important final stage of your new home build. To ensure that your new residential project is finished off right, we researched hundreds of companies to find the ten best Texas interior design firms.
Unlike when picking some other professionals, you are rarely limited by geography when hiring an interior designer. The ten companies included on this list work not only in the urban areas of Austin, Houston, Dallas-Fort Worth, and San Antonio — but most of them work nationally, and in some cases, even internationally. We found award-winning companies that have the design industry’s top honors, including being placed in Architectural Digest’s prestigious AD100, published in the top periodicals, and working with A-list clients. From a modern aesthetic on a lakefront vacation home to a rustic interior design in sprawling ranch home, these designers know just how to give you the perfect new home look at the right cost.
About our methodology: We considered hundreds of professionals while making this list of the 10 best custom home interior designers in Texas. In addition to professional associations, we heavily weighed recognition the firm has received in the form of awards and press, any prestigious clientele they have worked with, whether or not they collaborate with other top industry professionals, including architects and builders, and what geographic areas they work in, with the more exclusive and high-end neighborhoods having greater influence. We also took into account the value of the projects they undertake, years in the business, customer reviews for quality and service, and range of services offered. Finally, we considered geographic location to give you a representative sampling of the best companies across the state.
If you are thinking about doing a construction project, we recommend checking each builder’s license with the local licensing board, speaking to past clients, and using our bidding system to get competitive quotes from at least 3 contractors. Getting multiple bids is the best way to ensure you get a fair price and that bids include the complete scope of work.
10) Studio Bespoke
Where they work: Nationwide
Houston-based Studio Bespoke interior design studio is known for offering the energy and personal approach of a boutique design firm, with the experience and capability of a much larger company. Their work has resulted in many awards, including numerous Texas Association of Builders Star Awards. These include the 2016 awards for Best Remodel, Best Speciality Room, and Best Special Project. Studio Bespoke has garnered its share of praise and media attention and their work was recently featured in Texas Builder. The design firm, lead by Jodi Holt, is responsible for the interior design of many commercial and residential projects nationwide. They invite challenging projects and are also interested in finding unique design solutions.
Studio Bespoke was founded by Jodi Holt, a visionary leader with a critical eye for detail, lush use of color, and understanding of style that makes each project unique and reflective of its owners. She is a graduate with honors at the Art Institute of Houston, is a registered Designer with NCIDQ credentials, and is licensed by the Texas Board of Architectural Examiners. After 19 years of leadership, she continues to oversee each project and set the precedent for design and tone throughout the studio. She is known for her skill at pushing creative boundaries in ways that respect and redefine traditional design aesthetics.
Fearless – maybe how to best describe the way Jodi Holt approaches her designs. Her deliberate determination and sophistication are echoed in all the installations touched by her design abilities. She has relentless attention to detail and a passion for perfectionism. Leading a team that reflects her abilities, be dazzled by her professionalism and her raw talent.
9) Sherry Hayslip Interiors
2604 Fairmount St, Dallas, TX 75201
Where they work: Nationwide and abroad
Sherry Hayslip founded her award-winning interior design practice in 1974. Known for her innovative designs and sophisticated eye, she leads her company in the design of residential and commercial spaces. Her signature style encases beautiful designs with moments of surprise and spontaneity, blending a wide array of styles in a delicate manner. Her work has attracted A-list clientele including major sports team owners, celebrities, and art dealers. She has crafted unique interiors from Texas to California and Cape Cod, as well as abroad in Europe, Mexico, the Caribbean Islands, and beyond. She and her work have garnered many prominent awards, including being named Interior Designer of the Year at the 26th annual ARTS Awards, being included on D-Home’s list of the best designers in Dallas many times, and over 100 other international and national design awards. She has also been featured in Andrew Martin, Elle Décor, Modern Luxury, Luxe Interiors, D Home, Texas Home and Living, Better Homes and Garden, and more.
Hayslip is personally involved in every project and considers herself to be a lifelong learner. She has a deep enthusiasm for continued education that informs her work and helps her keep growing as an artist. She has studied at Parsons School of Design in Italy, the National Institute of Design, and the Cooper Hewitt graduate studies program in Italy. She also attended the Harvard University Graduate School of Design summer programs, courses at the Bard Graduate Studies in Decorative Arts, and many other specialized programs in architectures and the decorative arts. In addition to her interior design practice, Hayslip also runs a retail boutique, Luxurease, which features many unique decorative home accessories, jewelry, and objets d’art hand-selected by Hayslip throughout her travels around the world.
8) Benjamin Johnston Design
701 Richmond Ave Suite 150, Houston, TX 77006
Where he works: Nationwide and some projects abroad
Although the practice is young — this latest incarnation of Ben Johnston’s interior design practice and lifestyle brand was launched in 2016 — founder Benjamin Johnston has proven himself over the years to have the talent to continue along his award-winning trajectory. Johnston has spent his entire life a pursuing artistic expression as a designer, artist, teacher, and tastemaker. He launched his first architecture, furniture and graphic design business in 2004 and in 2011 began his first exclusively interior-design focused practice.
His work has been published widely, including in Modern Luxury Interiors, LUXE Interiors + Design, the Houston Chronicle, H Texas, CityBook Houston, Modern Luxury Houston, PaperCity, and in the catalogs and coffee table book for Stark Carpets. In 2014 he was named a “Rising Star of Design” by the Decorative Center Houston, which just this year recognized him again, naming him a “Star of Design” for Interiors. More recently, he was named a “Leader in Design” by the Houston Design Center. And Modern Luxury Interiors named his firm as the ‘Best Transitional Design Firm.’ His works also have been all over North America from Mexico to Canada, and New York to Los Angeles.
“As a trained architect who is passionate about interiors, I believe that all good design must begin with function–great design requires quality and exceptional taste that can only come from experience and a finely honed instinct.” – Benjamin Johnson
Whether working on a beautiful residence at the Ritz Carlton in Montreal or breathing new life into a drab master bedroom in a Texas mansion – Benjamin Johnston’s designs are always extraordinary, sophisticated, and incredibly unique. He has built a reputation for his “classic, yet cool spaces that are refined reflections of his clients’ personal tastes and histories.” His spaces are inspired by a cross-section of cultures and time periods and display an effortless blend of new and vintage pieces. The resulting contemporary spaces feel as though they have been curated over a lifetime. His tasteful designs strike a careful balance of simplicity and extravagance through the use of clean lines and tailored details – a skill he credits to his previous study and practice of architecture. He also studied design philosophy and classical painting in Italy, traveled extensively throughout Europe, Northern Africa, and Japan, and was honored to be the first American student selected to complete a design residency with the prestigious firm Cesar Pelli & Associates – Tokyo. These experiences clearly inform his design practice today. He also served as a Professor of Interior Design at Houston Community College from 2006-2013.
7) Joel Mozersky Design
Address not available
Where they work: Nationwide and abroad
Joel Mozersky Design is one of the top names in the design community in Austin. The Texas-native is not afraid to push the envelope and successfully experiment with new ideas. His talents have earned him considerable media attention, including from Vogue Living, Dwell, and Tribeza. His talents have graced so many of Austin’s landmarks. In addition to designing residential projects ranging from a historic mansion in Austin to an elegant Palm Springs home, Joel Mozersky Design is behind the design on most of the hottest, trendiest, and most applauded new restaurants, bars, and retail shops in Austin, including Uchi, Uchiko, No Va, Juliet, Lonesome Dove, Birds Barbershops, and Palazzo Lavaca. And he was the interior designer for the Real World Austin house. Has partnered with many top architecture firms in the city, including Matt Fajkus Architecture and Alsterstudio.
“Art inspires an emotional reaction to the person experiencing it. Good interiors inspire a similar reaction. If you walk into a space I created, and it makes you feel energized, happy, or even glamorous, and that’s the reaction I intended you to have, then that design is successful.” – Mozersky
Mozersky, who has an Art History degree and an MBA, finds inspiration in varied and unexpected spaces, including the bracelet of a friend, movie sets, or memories of places he has visited. And he is extremely inspired by the architecture of each unique home. His designs may be daring and unique, but they always respect the architecture of the space and are highly functional for the client. Plus, his love of history shines through in his designs around the globe. He approaches every project with the meticulous eye of an artist and believes that interior design “not only helps define a person’s first and last impression of a space, but also can have a profound impact on their emotions.”
6) Heather Scott Home & Design
1105 West 42nd St, Austin, TX 78756
Where they work: Austin and surrounding area
Austin’s award-winning Heather Scott Home & Design is an interior design service with special expertise in primary and secondary luxury residences. Founded in 2006, recent projects have won awards from the American Society of Interior Designers, the Austin Home Builders Association, and the Southern Living Custom Builders Program. The comapny’s design team has been featured nationally on TLC and HGTV television programs and in magazines including HGTV, Southern Living, and Big Sky Journal. Owner Heather Blue Harkovich has been chosen by Austin Monthly readers as the city’s “Best Interior Designer” and was named to Austin HOME Magazine’s list of “Who to call for interior design help.” Her keen eye for design recently earned her the position of lead designer on the award-winning Southern Living Custom Showcase Home and the 2014 Parade of Homes in Austin. Under her direction, the firm has been recognized as the winner of the ARTS award for ‘Best Home Accents Store mid-west/south-west’ and Top 50 Retail Star.
Harkovich’ signature style has been described as “Classic, Serene, and Chic.” Her distinctive sophisticated design sensibility has been informed by her world-class education — studying in Switzerland before earning her Fine Arts degree from Vanderbilt University, as well as an MBA and Interior Design certificate. This mix of business acumen and creative knowledge allows her to create spaces that are uniquely beautiful while being functional, organized, and within a client’s budget. In addition to whole-home design services, the top practice can also be hired to design just particular rooms within a residence.
5) Laura U Interior Design
4306 Yoakum Blvd, Suite 150, Houston, TX 77006
Where they work: Nationwide
Laura U Interior Design is a leading design firm known for its bold aesthetic and polished, livable interiors. The practice is led by celebrated interior designer Laura Umansky. Their company’s renowned “Classically Current” style has gained critical acclaim for its use of clean lines with striking details that bridge the gap between high design and practical living. The design firm has worked on projects across the globe and recently won an International Design and Architecture Award. Laura U Interior Design holds more than 20 awards from the American Society of International Designers, including Best of Show 2012. And she has also been included on Luxe’s prestigious National Gold List. Their work has appeared in The Wall Street Journal, The Houston Chronicle, Veranda magazine, and more.
“My approach to creating authentic interiors focuses on understanding what my clients value most in their life and visualizing what brings them the most joy. I use these observations to uncover the story they want to tell in their home, then curate finishes, custom furnishings, art and accessories to weave that story throughout each space.” – Laura Umansky
Laura Umansky, who has been named a ‘Leader in Design’ by the Houston Design Center and ‘Design Star on the Rise’ from the Decorative Center of Houston, applies her varied design background to create award-winning projects for her clients. After earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Studio Art from the University of Texas at Austin and a Master’s degree in Architecture at the University of Houston, she honed her skills designing luxury vacation homes for a resort design group. After founding her own interior design firm in 2006, Umansky has excelled at infusing a ‘warm luxury’ into functional family homes. And her architectural background, in particular, helps her create a cohesive, collaborative work environment with all teams involved in a custom home design and build. She is also an active member of the interior design community as an Allied Member of ASID and an Associate Member of AIA.
4) Marie Flanigan Interiors
2525 Driscoll St, Houston, TX 77019
Where they work: Nationwide and Abroad
The beautiful work of Marie Flanigan Interiors has earned the Houston design firm many accolades and attention across the country. The design firm’s trademark style reveals itself through their sophisticated use of texture, color, and light, creating a timeless elegance and innovative simplicity. Led by Marie Flanigan, their work has been featured in many top industry publications, including Traditional Home, LUXE Interiors + Design, Architectural Digest, Southern Living, Elegant Homes, Decor, Tuscan Style, Modern Luxury Interiors Texas, Southern Lady, Lonny, Country Cottage, LUXE LIFE, Southern Home, domino, Modern Luxury Houston, and Houstonia, as well as on national television programs including HGTV’s Brother vs Brother.
“At MFI, we believe that homes should reflect the people who live, work, and play within. We weave the unique stories of our clients into every inch of space we design, and our passion for innovative interiors, unparalleled attention to detail, and extraordinary professionalism set us apart from other firms in our field. – Marie Flanigan Interiors
The full-service interior design firm specializes in high-end residential and commercial build-outs. Their comprehensive understanding of custom furnishings, antiques, textiles, and fine art combine to create one-of-a-kind spaces with a luxurious feeling and functional sensibility. Over the years, founder Marie Flanigan and her talented staff have built solid relationships with some of the industry’s most talented architects, contractors, and vendors – helping them deliver top-of-the-line service to their discerning homeowners and celebrity clientele. Flanigan’s roots in architecture have aided the development of her keen ability to integrate interior design and structure.
3) Bankston May Associates
1415 S Voss Rd, Suite 110-179, Houston, TX 77057
Where they work: Nationwide and abroad
Bankston May Associates (BMA) is an award-winning interior design firm specialized in luxury residential and commercial designs with a client-centered philosophy. The Houston-based practice does not have a trademark look but rather emphasizes the creation of functional spaces that speak to each client’s individual personality and compliments their lifestyle. Principal designer Darla Bankston May has assembled a talented staff with broad-reaching experience, technical expertise, and extensive resources. Together, they have executed even the most complex projects for clients across the US and abroad since 1999. Their work has been featured in numerous publications such as Home Design and Decor, Luxe Interiors + Design, Modern Luxury Interiors Texas, American Builders Quarterly, Western Horse & Gun, and Houston CityBook. BMA has also won awards from The Houston Design Center and the American Society of Interior Designers and been named one of the 25 Best Interior Designers in Texas for 2017 by The LuxPad.
With over 20 years of experience, Darla Bankston May has gained respect from her peers and clients for her talent working with a variety of aesthetics — classic, contemporary, rustic and traditional — and blending them expertly to suit any style. She is an active member of Preservation Houston, an organization that endeavors to revitalize Houston’s historic buildings, neighborhoods, and places. And Bankston May earned her BA in Interior Design from Texas State University, with minors in both Architecture and Art History – a background that helps her envision cohesive spaces for her clients. She has been recognized by the Houston Design center as a ‘Leader in Design’ and received Luxe Magazine’s Gold Award for 2013-2015.
2) Emily Summers Design Associates
4639 Insurance Ln, Dallas, TX 75205
Where they work: Nationwide
With the ability to blend unexpected materials, craft one-of-a-kind pieces for clients, and mix together 20-century furniture and decorative objects, it is fitting that Dallas-based designer Emily Summers has risen to the top of the country’s interior design field. She has earned the trust of the most discerning clientele and is works alongside top architects, such as Lake|Flato Architects. Emily Summers has been named to Architectural Digest’s prestigious AD100, an annual list of the best designers in the world, numerous times and earned spots on D Home’s list of the Best Designers in Dallas and Western Interiors’ Gold List. Her work is regularly featured in national publications, including Architectural Digest, Modern Luxury Interiors, D Home, Veranda, Vogue, and Town & Country.
“Known for creating crisp, elegantly restrained contemporary rooms that still have a warm soulfulness, Emily Summers is a master at softening modernism’s hard edges with sumptuously upholstered furniture and rich, tactile finishes. Befitting a decorator who cites influences as diverse as the streamlined artisanal products of the Wiener Werkstätte, the monolithic architecture of Louis Kahn, and the playfully sculptural furniture of John Dickinson, she eschews prescriptive approaches to modern design and delights in occasional whimsical notes.” – Architectural Digest
Summer’s design practice fulfills each client’s unique program with services ranging from interior design and interior architectural services to custom furniture design and art consultation. Her work is widely applauded for an unexpected and creative combination of finishes, textiles, and custom resources and she is known for the delicate integration of antique and vintage elements. Believing that art is integral a comprehensive space, her firm also offers art consultation alongside interior design services. Her knowledge of the art market and travels throughout America and Europe connect her with a broad range of artists and galleries which gives her practice access to the best of the best — from Modern Art, Contemporary British Art, and custom commission pieces, to ceramics, sculpture, and 20th Century furniture. And Summers runs a home furnishings gallery with an exclusive curated collection of unique and one-of-a-kind vintage-modern, contemporary, and custom furniture and accessories. She also served, by Presidential Appointment, on the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation from 2002 to 2006.
1) Jan Showers & Associates Inc.
1308 Slocum St, Dallas, TX 75207
Where they work: Nationwide and abroad
From glamorous estates in rural Texas to high-end homes in London, the work of Dallas-based designer Jan Showers has earned worldwide acclaim. Looking at her exquisite home designs, it is no wonder that Showers has earned a many of the profession’s highest honors over her 3-decade career, including placement on the AD100 and Luxe Interiors + Design Gold List numerous times over. Her work can be found within the pages of respected industry publications, including Architectural Digest, Elle Décor, Veranda (where she appeared in their “Best of the Best” issue), House Beautiful, InStyle Home, Traditional Home, British Home and Garden, Harper’s Bazaar, and Luxe. Showers has written two books: Glamorous Rooms and Glamorous Retreats.
“Dallas-based designer Jan Showers came to her signature style from diverse and unexpected inspirations, including movies and novels, contemporary and vintage fashion, art, architecture, fine antiques, and vintage pieces. Filtered through her unique sensibility, the culmination of these influences is usually summarized simply as ‘glamour.’” – Jan Showers & Associates Inc.
Showers is known for going the extra mile, literally, to find the perfect accessories for her home designs, traveling abroad multiple times a year in search of rare antiques. In addition to running her interior design company — Jan Showers & Associates Inc. — Showers has a furniture and lighting collection available at showrooms throughout the country. She has also created a complete lifestyle collection for KravetCouture. The line includes fabrics, wall coverings, rugs, furniture, and lighting. In addition to working on a second furniture line with KravetCouture, to be premiered in 2018, she is involved in the creation of a hand-knotted rug series for Moattar, Inc., a lighting series with L.A. based designer Joe Cariati, and a cowhide rug collection for Kyle Bunting.
How can I find a designer or builder near me?
Read our latest articles on the best designers and across Texas. If you don’t see your city below, just let us know – we are happy to create a tailored recommendation list just for you.
Custom Home Builders and Design-Build Firms in Texas
About Our Rankings
This list takes a range of ranking criteria into consideration, including but not limited to: work history, customer satisfaction, awards and recognition, geographic area of work, cost, building permits, and clientele. We spent over 40 hours researching local contractors before calculating the final ranking for this post. If there is additional information about your business that could affect these rankings, please fill out this form and we will take it into consideration.
Get Bids For Your Build
If you are thinking about doing a construction project, we recommend checking each builder’s license with the local licensing board, speaking to past clients, and using our bidding system to get competitive quotes from at least 3 contractors. Getting multiple bids is the best way to ensure you get a fair price and that bids include the complete scope of work.
