Life & Work with Erin Haugerud of Orono

Today we’d like to introduce you to Erin Haugerud.

Erin, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I founded EH Design in 2014 in the Twin Cities with a simple yet meaningful mission: to help homeowners create spaces where life’s most important moments naturally unfold.

Ever since I was a kid, I loved gathering inspiration from around me—whether I was making collages, rearranging furniture, or doodling ideas for dream rooms. That passion never left me. After studying design and working in various creative roles, I realized that my calling was to design homes that don’t just look beautiful—but feel unforgettable, while also functioning seamlessly with each family’s lifestyle. That realization led me to start EH Design.

From the beginning, our focus has always been on new construction and remodels paired with full-service furnishings—turning blank canvases into warm, functional, and deeply personal places. We collaborate closely with skilled builders and artisans, guiding clients through every phase—from concept and planning, through construction, all the way to final furnishing and styling.

As we’ve grown, what keeps me inspired isn’t just the design accolades or being featured in publications—but the way those homes become central to people’s lives. We’re in the business of setting the stage for family dinners, bedtime stories, celebrations, relaxation, and everything in between. We’re honored that our clients trust us to design environments where lifelong memories begin.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I would be lying if I said it’s been a completely smooth road—owning a business never is. My past experiences have always guided me, especially when it comes to the backend and business side of design, but there are always challenges that come with running a company. The economy ebbs and flows, and with that, so does the business climate. Those ups and downs can be difficult to navigate, but they’ve also taught me to stay resilient.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that you can’t do it all on your own. I lean on the expertise of others where I may be a bit short, whether that’s financial guidance, marketing, or technical support. Every challenge has ultimately been a learning experience, and I carry those lessons into each new project we take on. While it’s not always easy, the growth that comes from those struggles has been invaluable—and it allows us to serve our clients at a higher level each time.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
At EH Design, we specialize in residential new builds, remodels, and full-service furnishings. Our goal is to create spaces that not only look beautiful, but also feel deeply personal and function seamlessly with the way our clients live. We believe that home is more than walls and furniture—it’s the backdrop for life’s most meaningful memories.

We’re known for bringing a high level of detail, care, and thoughtfulness to every project. Whether we’re collaborating with a builder on a new home from the ground up or transforming an existing space through a remodel, we guide our clients through the entire process—from the early planning stages to the final finishing touches. What sets us apart is the way we combine creativity with functionality, ensuring each design reflects both the homeowner’s personality and their lifestyle needs.

What I’m most proud of is the trust our clients place in us. It’s an incredible privilege to design spaces that become part of their daily lives—where family dinners, milestones, and quiet everyday moments take place. For me, the real success isn’t just in the finished project photos, but in knowing that the homes we create are lived in, loved, and enjoyed for years to come.

If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
I would say resilience and adaptability have been the most important qualities in my journey. The design industry—and business ownership in general—comes with constant challenges, whether it’s navigating shifts in the economy, staying ahead of design trends, or balancing the many moving parts of each project. Being able to adapt while staying grounded in our mission has been key.

Along with that, I believe empathy plays a huge role in our success. At the heart of our work is the homeowner—their lifestyle, their routines, and the way they want to feel in their home. Listening deeply and designing with intention allows us to create spaces that truly reflect who they are. That ability to connect with clients, combined with the resilience to move through obstacles, is what has allowed EH Design to grow and thrive.

Pricing:

• Each project is based and priced on scope of the project.
• Pricing structure is flat rate.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.ehdesignco.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ehdesignmn/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EHDesignmn