Written by: Sarah Ericson
The Flathead Valley has seen its share of changes in the last 25 years. The population has grown, the real estate market has boomed, and “big city” amenities are here to stay. But the things that make this place special remain constant. Residents live outdoor-centric lives all year long. Locals are warm and welcoming to each other, newcomers, and visitors. And in the background of the tight-knit community of Whitefish, there are homegrown businesses that have lasted the test of time. Hunter & Co. Interior Design is one of those mainstays, and they’re celebrating 25 years of making their clients’ dreams come true. While design trends come and go and the valley continues to grow, this industry cornerstone sets the standard for interior design excellence and building relationships that last.
EARLY INFLUENCES AND A DESTINED PATH
When Hunter Dominick first opened Hunter & Co. Interior Design, she was new to town but well-versed in her field. “My dad was the principal designer of his own interior design firm as well as a furniture maker and musician. My mom was a painter and a children’s librarian,” she says. “Creativity and design have been a part of my life as long as I can remember.” Hunter graduated from high school early, pursued academic credentials, and found her way out west. After a few years in Vail and Aspen, she settled in Whitefish, and destiny unfolded. “I couldn’t find the job I was looking for, and that’s how it started. I knew I had to open my own studio.” At the time, there were only two other interior design firms in the area, and they welcomed her with open arms.
“MY DAD WAS THE PRINCIPAL DESIGNER OF HIS OWN INTERIOR DESIGN FIRM AS WELL AS A FURNITURE MAKER AND MUSICIAN. MY MOM WAS A PAINTER AND A CHILDREN’S LIBRARIAN. CREATIVITY AND DESIGN HAVE BEEN A PART OF MY LIFE AS LONG AS I CAN REMEMBER.”
Hunter’s original office was a small space in Whitefish’s railroad district, but the need for a showroom immediately became evident. “People need to see and feel the pieces to imagine the possibilities. A space opened up on the north side of town, and I took it right away,” Hunter remembers. Hunter & Co. has been at home on Wisconsin Avenue ever since she added the 3,500-square-foot showroom and warehouse filled with locally and globally sourced fabric, furniture, lighting, artwork, and accessories. While the inventory is vast, the frequent rotation of goods has allowed people to visualize the potential for their own spaces and dreams. This is where Hunter expanded her boutique interior design firm to include Hunter & Co. Home, the retail venue where shoppers can find unique stand-alone items in addition to her concierge design services.
“AT ITS HEART, DESIGN IS ABOUT PEOPLE AND PLACE. GOOD DESIGN IS ROOTED IN AESTHETICS, FUNCTION, SCALE, AND THE INCLUSION OF THE SURROUNDINGS.“
From Hunter’s childhood growing up in the Appalachian Mountains to settling in ski resort towns out west, the fundamental principles of design remain the driving force behind her work. “At its heart, design is about people and place,” she says. “Good design is rooted in aesthetics, function, scale, and the inclusion of the surroundings.” Having mastery of these elements has allowed Hunter to lead successful projects spanning decades, even as passing fads come and go.
FLATHEAD VALLEY INTERIOR DESIGN
“TRENDS RISE QUICKLY, FADE JUST AS FAST, AND EVENTUALLY REAPPEAR IN A SLIGHTLY DIFFERENT FORM.”
With 25 years to look back on, Hunter has witnessed plenty of industry changes. “Trends rise quickly, fade just as fast, and eventually reappear in a slightly different form. What comes back is rarely an exact replica—it’s usually a refined or simplified version,” she says. A current transition is noticeable in the shift away from the colloquially named Gray Era. “Warm wood tones are replacing cooler grays, and wallpaper is returning after years of minimalism. More architectural detailing is finding its way back into contemporary residential design.”
Even as gray motifs are transitioning out, reflections of natural colors and textures remain timeless. “Many of our clients have chosen the Flathead Valley intentionally, and they want homes that feel grounded and connected to the landscape,” says Hunter. “People will always be drawn to design elements that reflect environmental textures. Many projects mimic the water, rocks, and plants of the area, and whether people are aware of it or not, they’re drawn to it.” Completing projects that are lakeside, mountaintop, in a field, or on a hundred-acre ranch all entail the same process—the interior design is influenced by the characteristics of the land.
“WHAT WE DO IS A LITTLE DIFFERENT THAN A TRADITIONAL INTERIOR DESIGN FIRM. WE HANDLE A LOT OF CONSTRUCTION ADMINISTRATION THROUGHOUT A PROJECT. OUR METHODS INCLUDE AN EARLY FOCUS ON ARCHITECTURALLY DRIVEN ASPECTS OF INTERIOR SPACES.”
Hunter & Co.’s diverse portfolio has another common through-line: teamwork. They have been privileged to work with the area’s top architects, builders, and tradespeople, with repeat clients and referrals as evidence of their success. “What stands out is the level of craftsmanship and integrity within this community. It’s filled with professionals who care about quality and take pride in their work,” says Hunter. Collaboration on projects, from small remodels to large-scale new builds, is a heavy lift, and Hunter welcomes every one. “What we do is a little different than a traditional interior design firm. We handle a lot of construction administration throughout a project. Our methods include an early focus on architecturally driven aspects of interior spaces.” Teamwork is at the heart of every project, and it is one of the strengths that has enabled Hunter & Co.’s decades of success.
While the Flathead Valley is home to cutting-edge talent, challenges exist due solely to the location. “No matter how much we’ve grown, Whitefish is still a remote mountain town. Lead times, freight, and access to resources require careful planning and flexibility,” she says. After 25 years of navigating these challenges, Hunter sees it as a benefit. “Those limitations force us to think ahead and design more deliberately.”
HUNTER & CO. SPECIALTIES
“WHAT STANDS OUT IS THE LEVEL OF CRAFTSMANSHIP AND INTEGRITY WITHIN THIS COMMUNITY. IT’S FILLED WITH PROFESSIONALS WHO CARE ABOUT QUALITY AND TAKE PRIDE IN THEIR WORK.”
Hunter & Co.’s portfolio has garnered numerous awards, honors, and recognition from organizations such as Houzz and Mountain Living. These accolades are a credit to the entire team, especially two women who’ve been with Hunter & Co. for well over a decade. “Our work exhibits a consistency that is due in large part to Julie and Kay,” Hunter says. “Our Managing Director, Julie Blystone, works closely with me to manage the business side of the practice, and our Senior Designer, Kay Sherman, plays a critical role in shaping our work.” Hunter, Julie, and Kay enjoy working with a cohesive team that tackles every project with a client-centered lens. “Everything we do is credit to our whole team,” adds Hunter. “Every person here is solid and team-oriented, and we’re able to accomplish beautiful projects because of each individual’s contributions.”
▲ (Left to Right) Hunter Dominick | Julie Blystone | Kay Crnkovich Sherman
One reason that Hunter & Co.’s portfolio showcases so much variety is that Hunter’s own style can’t be pinned down. “My personal style has always been eclectic. Because our mission is to listen to every client and deliver their unique vision, we avoid the conflict that some designers face when personal style gets in the way of client requests.” With 25 years in the rearview mirror, it’s easy to appreciate the variety of successful work. Respect for the process and respect for everyone on the team—especially the client—results in well-executed projects year after year.
“I HAVE ALWAYS FELT THAT THE DINING ROOM TABLE IS THE FOCAL POINT OF A HOME.”
While the spotlight often shines on grand areas of a home—entryways, vaulted-ceiling living rooms, and spa-like ensuites to name a few—Hunter feels drawn to the heart and soul of a home: the dining room. “I have always felt that the dining room table is the focal point of a home. The place where people gather with their loved ones, where meals are shared, and where generations of conversations take place. It evokes so much emotion and connects memories to a place in the most tangible way,” says Hunter. Growing up in the furniture industry has certainly influenced that connection, and Hunter relates to both manufacturers and clients when sourcing materials. “I remember what happened when the furniture industry started moving offshore. Then and now, it’s imperative that we represent local artisans. When makers can earn a living and showcase products that they love, and the client is satisfied when they ask, ‘Where is this from?’ it’s truly a full-circle moment in the design industry.” Rooting themselves in the local economy is more than just a marketing strategy for Hunter & Co.; it’s part of their mission to serve the community.
DESIGNING INTO THE FUTURE
“I’VE ALWAYS BEEN A DAY-BY-DAY PERSON. EVERY MORNING, I GET UP AND I’M EXCITED TO FIND OUT WHAT’S ON MY PLATE. TWENTY-FIVE YEARS AGO, I DIDN’T REALIZE HOW MANY EXPERIENCES WERE AHEAD OF ME OR HOW INFLUENTIAL THE CUMULATIVE EVENTS WOULD BE ON MY LIFE AND CAREER. I’M SO GRATEFUL.”
▲(Left to Right) Garrett Stucki | Liana West | Riley Wolgamott | Zaygen Blaszkowski | Samantha Savage | Tina Grover | Kay Crnkovich Sherman | Hunter Dominick | Brevon Bansuelo | Julie Blystone.
Rather than operating on cruise control, the team at Hunter & Co. is committed to incorporating fresh perspectives and evolving with client needs. “We’re always learning and staying inspired as we collaborate with teams and clients,” says Hunter. Attending industry trade shows, exploring new materials and techniques, and participating in design workshops are integrated every year, and each activity enriches their commitment to serving a diverse set of clients. Cultivating relationships with clients, vendors, and craftspeople has been equally as gratifying as completing the projects themselves, and it shows in Hunter & Co.’s joyful process, resulting in decades of collaboration and friendship.
Looking to the future, it’s easy to imagine Hunter & Co.’s showroom and offices continuing to buzz with activity. Downtime will remain equally important, as you’re just as apt to find Hunter at the lake enjoying time with her family and friends—just as she has since day one. “I’ve always been a day-by-day person. Every morning, I get up and I’m excited to find out what’s on my plate,” she says. “Twenty-five years ago, I didn’t realize how many experiences were ahead of me or how influential the cumulative events would be on my life and career. I’m so grateful.”
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