Hazel Tree is dedicated to providing quality interior design, public space design, art curation and picture framing services to the people of Northeast Ohio and beyond. Our design portfolio includes projects for residential and commercial clients in both the private and public sectors.Our Showroom boasts a vibrant inventory of local artwork, decor and custom furnishings. 

We strive for economic sustainability for our community and environmental sustainability for the world. Our interior design team loves to collaborate with local artisans to make custom items for our clients, and we often work with them to find ways to use reclaimed materials. In addition, all of the furnishings and decor for sale in our Showroom are locally-made. All of the artwork is by Northeast Ohio artists. 

When we can’t make or find something locally, we specify domestically manufactured and environmentally-friendly materials and products whenever possible.

 

Our Hazel Tree Team

 
Karen Starr

KAREN STARR

Co-Owner
Interior Designer

Jon

JON HAIDET

Co-Owner
Certified Picture Framer

 

AMY BENSON

Interior Design Project Manager

TARA DEETSCREEK

Design Assistant

Steve Brightman

STEVE BRIGHTMAN

Guy Friday

LORI JULIEN

Design Assistant


Michael Marras's tree on the west side of the Hazel Tree studio.

Michael Marras's tree on the west side of the Hazel Tree studio.

The Hazel Tree Story

It all began with a dream. 

Literally. 

One night, Karen Starr had a dream of a building with a tree mural painted on the side and the flash of a name, Hazel Tree Interiors. When she woke up, she knew that the new business venture that she and her partner, Jon Haidet were embarking upon together would be named Hazel Tree.

Quite a bit of mythology exists regarding hazel trees, likely due to their versatility and usefulness. The overwhelming thread through much of this lore is creativity, inspiration and good fortune. Dreaming of a hazel tree is said to predict success and wealth. Karen considered that a very good sign.

Since Karen’s dream, the Hazel Tree vision has been one that has helped transform the artist community in the Akron area by creating a hub for collaboration, creativity and conversation about how design and life intersect. In this historic building — where memories of its original occupant, John P. Mazzola, echo Hazel Tree’s ethos of community, design and entrepreneurship — the past, present and future co-mingle and give rise to a vibrant space for creative thought.

Whether helping artists find the best way to present their work, conferring with clients about locally sourced décor options or transforming civic spaces into artful hubs of interconnection, Hazel Tree’s design team is always crackling with new ideas. Contact us today to discuss your interior or exterior design project, to explore ways of preserving and presenting your art or heirlooms, or simply to join the community of artists and art lovers who see the beauty and value in our connections with each other.

Thanks for visiting the Hazel Tree Design Studio website! We look forward to working with you and exploring all the possibilities in your dreams of art and community.

 
Hazel Tree’s original mural, “Akron Roots”, by Kelly James Tighe. This mural was on the East side of the building from 2010-2020.

Hazel Tree’s original mural, “Akron Roots”, by Kelly James Tighe. This mural was on the East side of the building from 2010-2020.