Hazel Tree Design Studio

06/18/2026

When Summit County Land Bank asked us to curate the art for their new space, we were honored — and we approached it the way they approach their mission: with deep roots in this community.

A little background: this building was in such poor shape that it was nearly slated for demolition. But its historical significance was too important to let go, so Summit County Land Bank chose to renovate it and relocate its staff offices. That decision set the tone for everything we did.

Here’s how it came together:

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗞𝗻𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗙𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗹𝘆: The building's history is tied to John S. Knight and his first wife, Katherine, so their story needed to live in the space. Daughter-in-law, Cynthia Knight (still an Akron resident), generously opened her family albums to us, and we scanned and framed family photos throughout the building. For the original oil paintings in her home — too meaningful to move — photographer Tim Fitzwater captured them in high resolution. We printed giclées on canvas, and our own Jon Haidet of Hazel Tree hand-applied a gesso texture so they carry the feel of the originals. In person, they read like the real thing

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗟𝗼𝗯𝗯𝘆: Summit County artist Mary Graham Eagle White created a custom still life inspired by a Native American vessel from the Summit County Historical Society collection — history reimagined through a local lens.

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸𝘀 + 𝗔𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗳𝗮𝗰𝘁𝘀: The Summit County Historical Society also opened its archives to us, and loaned all of the antique books that fill the bookshelves shown here in the former Living Room, now conference room. All of the books were selected by Hazel Tree’s curatorial team for being dated prior to 1929, when Katherine passed away.

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽: The Partnership: Jones Group Interiors handled the office furnishings, paint, and other finishes; we curated the art, accessories, and rugs. Two local firms, one shared belief: spaces should belong to where they are.

Every single piece of art purchased by the Land Bank for this space was created by a Summit County artist. That wasn't a happy accident. It was their intention from day one.

Thank you to Summit County Land Bank, the Summit County Historical Society, Cynthia Knight, and every Summit County artist who made this possible.

Click through to see a couple of before shots!

Photos taken by The Green Photograph

06/15/2026

In this primary bathroom renovation, the vision started with a statement soaking tub. Not just any tub, but a beautiful asymmetrical design with bubbles built in for a true spa feel at home.

The transformation — brought to life by Michael Marchetta Construction — completely changed the energy of the space, turning it from purely functional into somewhere peaceful and serene!

Click to see the before!

06/10/2026

What do you do when a client wants color and movement in their kitchen cabinets? If you are Karen at Hazel Tree Design, you head to Leaded Glass Design to hand-select the perfect colored art glass panels. These two projects show just how different and stunning the results can be. Same concept, completely different personalities.

06/08/2026

Psst... want a sneak peek of the “Before” in a space we are redesigning? 👀 Here’s a look inside the former Bricco West space at the Holiday Inn Express in Fairlawn. The Tangier is transforming it into a brand-new restaurant, cocktail bar, and ballroom, and once again, we are partnering with the amazing Angelica George to help bring it to life! ✨

Stick around to the end of the video for a first look at our presentation boards of what the space will eventually look like! Don’t forget to head to the Akron Beacon Journal for the full story: https://shorturl.at/cYnKk

06/01/2026

Sometimes the best projects happen completely by chance.

Hazel Tree co-owner and lead designer, Karen, found Valley Overlook on Instagram, booked a glamping weekend with her friend Lori (and now our design assistant), and ended up leaving with a cabin design project!

What started as coffee and conversation with the owners turned into one of our favorite collaborations. The owners had already collected incredible pieces for the cabins, and our team was tasked with helping bring everything together through sourcing, styling, layout planning, and finishing details that made the spaces feel warm, grounded, and connected to nature.

Watching this family-run campground continue to grow over the last couple of years has been so special. New sites, national features, and so many people discovering this hidden gem right here near Akron.

Proof that sometimes all it takes is one conversation and a little creativity.

05/26/2026

Vendor Spotlight Q&A: Copley Upholstery, Inc. 🪡

For 20 years, Copley Upholstery has been our go-to for upholstery, making them the longest-standing vendor in our little black book. Our co-owner and lead designer, Karen Starr, was first introduced to them by the late interior designer Joel Wolfgang, back when she was his design assistant and just starting in the industry.

Copley Upholstery is a third-generation family business, 36 years strong, with all four sons working alongside mom and dad. Grandma retired back in 2010! The kind of craftsmanship that takes time, skill, years of hands-on experience, and a whole lot of heart.

Pictured here with our design client Amy C are Simon and Gordon Budimlic of Copley Upholstery.

We had the chance to ask the family behind the business a little more about their work with our team and the craft on which they've built their name:

What's your favorite thing about working with Hazel Tree?

"We love Karen and Hazel Tree's focus on sourcing local and sustainable products and services for her clients."

What makes Copley unique?

"We are family-run and focus heavily on using high-quality materials and traditional methods, with a focus on sustainability and being able to save as many pieces from the landfill as possible."

Any favorite or most challenging projects over the years?

"We have been in the business for 36 years now, so it is hard to pick a favorite or the most challenging. Some memorable projects would be those where our pieces are on display at a museum exhibit, Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, local hotels, or the Cleveland airport, but truthfully, those pale in comparison to the pieces that have a personal story or sentimental value to our clients."

An upholstery secret most people don't know?

"Most people don't realize how much prep work and years of hands-on experience it takes to create beautiful reupholstered furniture."

Grateful for partners like this. 🤍

Scroll through to see some pieces they did for us and make sure to give them a follow!

05/21/2026

When sound isn’t managed, noise builds, conversations blur together, and people begin to pull back.

We carried that awareness into our work on the Stow Community and Senior Center ( Fun in Stow ). With a large room, vinyl tile flooring, and tall ceilings, the space was set up to amplify every sound rather than soften it. Acoustics had to be part of the plan from the start.

The solution? Suspended acoustic baffles from MDC Interior Solutions, a vendor we love for their work in wall coverings, acoustics, and paints. Designed to absorb sound and support clearer, more comfortable interaction.

But we didn't stop at function. We wanted the baffles to do more than perform. We wanted them to be art. So we leaned into a subtle ombre pattern that adds a soft wash of color, draws the eye upward, and highlights the peak of the ceilings.

Instead of fading into the background, they became a defining feature. Something that not only improves the way the space sounds, but transforms the way it feels.

Swipe to see the before photo!



In Stow Interior Solutions

05/21/2026

Huzzah!! 🎉

🎉🙌Today, we celebrate a monumental victory for community power, as the demolition of 284 Crosby St. (former Theiss Mansion) has been successfully stopped! This triumph is a shining example of what can be achieved when dedicated individuals and groups come together to shape the future of Akron. We're excited to see the outstanding ownership matters resolved under the expert guidance of Attorney Max Thomas, and we're confident that a brighter future is on the horizon for our community and this historic home.
📷: Naturaclaimed

05/19/2026

One of our favorite commercial interior design projects from 2025!

05/18/2026

Meet some of the real stars in the lives of our HazelTree clients 🐾

In honor of National Pet Month, we’re celebrating the pets who bring comfort, joy, and companionship to the families we support every day. From loyal cuddle buddies to energetic playmates, these pets are truly part of the journey. ❤️

We would love to see the pets that mean the most to you too. Feel free to share a photo in the comments.