About
Northern Lights Interior Designs
For as long as I can remember, I have been drawn to the arts and creative expression. Although my professional path initially led me into public service, that experience profoundly shaped my perspective as a designer. I earned a degree in Gerontology and worked in the field of Aging and Disabilities, where I became deeply committed to enhancing quality of life for older adults and individuals with diverse needs.
My work contributed to the revitalization and design of modern senior centers throughout Northern Wisconsin, guided by a vision to create spaces where individuals could comfortably and safely “Live Well, Age Well” within their homes and communities. In tandem with this work, I also envisioned and executed large-scale community events—thoughtfully curated experiences designed to foster connection, engagement, and a meaningful sense of belonging. Through these efforts, I witnessed firsthand how intentionally designed environments and shared experiences can cultivate dignity, independence, connection, and overall well-being.
This realization ultimately guided me back to pursue my degree in Interior Design at Milwaukee Area Technical College. With a renewed sense of purpose and a desire to merge beauty with functionality, I embraced design as both a creative discipline and a service-centered profession. Following graduation, I chose to pursue my long-held dream of establishing my own firm, Northern Lights Interior Designs.
As an emerging designer, I am committed to creating interiors that are timeless, accessible, and deeply personal—environments that honor both aesthetic excellence and the lived experiences of those who inhabit them.
“Thoughtful reflections from clients, colleagues, and industry professionals.”
"Linda demonstrates a consistent ability to balance the creative and technical aspects of interior design. During her time in our program, she has shown a particular aptitude for material selection and curation, backed by a strong proficiency in industry-standard software. Her attention to detail in construction and coding requirements is reliable, and she possess the foundational skills necessary to contribute effectively to a professional design team."
—Molly Philaja, Interior Design Instructor MATC, milwaukee, wi
"Linda has a rare gift for creating spaces that feel both meticulously curated and deeply personal. Her design philosophy is a breath of fresh air; she draws from the natural serenity of the Wisconsin Northwoods—the hushed colors of a sunrise and the quiet calm of the forest—to create environments that are both timeless and restorative.
What truly sets Linda apart, however, is the 'why' behind her work. Leveraging her professional expertise in Aging & Disability Services, she prioritizes purpose-driven interiors that maximize flow and function without sacrificing beauty. Throughout her work, she transforms every space into a sanctuary that supports everyday life with grace and dignity. If you are looking for a designer who can merge a sophisticated aesthetic with a heart for accessibility, Linda is an exceptional choice."
—Tonya Dybdahl, Interior Design Instructor MATC, Milwaukee, wi
“Linda brings a rare and valuable combination of technical expertise, project leadership, and human-centered design thinking. She successfully led multiple senior center renovation projects, demonstrating not only a strong command of design principles but also the ability to manage complex projects involving diverse stakeholders, budgets, and regulatory requirements. Her work consistently reflects thoughtful planning, functionality, and a deep understanding of how environments impact quality of life—particularly for seniors and individuals with disabilities.
Linda's integrity sets her apart. She does not take shortcuts—whether in materials, process, or decision-making. She approaches every project with a long-term perspective, ensuring that the spaces she helps create are safe, accessible, durable, and welcoming. Her standards are high, and she holds herself and those around her accountable for delivering work that truly serves the community.”
—Justin Johnson, CEO/Founder Sustainable Kitchens, Milwaukee, WI
“We were so lucky to have Linda Hand on our team as an Interior Design Selections Coordinator, for her internship last season! She jumped right in and took on the big task of updating Buildertrend's procedures for design selections - making them clearer, easier to follow, and more efficient for our team and clients. Her organization, attention to detail, and problem solving skills made a huge difference in how we use the system day to day. Beyond that, Linda brought a great attitude, fresh ideas, and a genuine team spirit that made working with her a joy.”
— mary larson, GM/hr mgr, hill construction, hayward, wi
“As the Director of the ADRC, Linda spearheaded a comprehensive redesign of the Spooner Senior Center. Her work not only demonstrated a keen eye for aesthetic design but also highlighted her exceptional leadership and advocacy skills. The scope of this project encompassed every phase of a full-scale redesign. Linda personally navigated the complex process of grant writing and funding acquisition to secure the capital necessary to move the project forward. Her advocacy was instrumental in transforming an outdated office building into a modern, welcoming center for older adults. Linda presented a compelling case for how thoughtful, intentional design can enhance health, dignity, and social connection within the aging population. Linda collaborated closely with those involved in the remodel to ensure the new building would meet the highest standards of accessibility while avoiding an institutional feel. She thoughtfully guided the interior design, incorporating colors and textures inspired by the forests and waters of the Northwoods to create a warm, welcoming environment. Her attention to detail was evident in every aspect of the project – from the design of the commercial kitchen to the inclusion of the surround sound speakers to better support individuals with hearing impairments. Linda’s vision resulted in a space that is both highly functional and deeply welcoming, designed to serve the community for years to come.
Beyond the physical transformation, Linda also led a rebranding effort for the center, updating its name and logo. This change helped create a more inviting and inclusive identity for older adults in the surrounding area.
It was an honor to work alongside Linda and watch her turn a vision into reality for so many in our community. Through her leadership, persistence, and eye for design, she has created a lasting impact. Her unique ability to integrate interior design, branding, and community advocacy makes her an outstanding professional..”
— Valerie VanderBent, former Washburn County WI Elder Nutrition Program Director, spooner, wi
“It is with great pleasure that I offer my wholehearted recommendation of Linda. She has a remarkable eye for design and an innate ability to balance aesthetics with functionality. Her creativity and attention to detail were especially evident in the renovation of the Spooner Seniors Wellness Center 50+ in Spooner, WI.
Not only did Linda successfully secure the funding for this renovation—no small feat—but she also reimagined the interior of a space that was once cramped and uninspiring. Her vision transformed the building into a bright, open, and highly functional space with diverse areas serving a variety of needs, greatly improving the experience for all who use it. One of her most notable achievements was the conversion of the old office area into a commercial, sustainable kitchen. Linda worked closely with top chefs to ensure the design met the specific requirements needed to successfully prepare all meals for the center.
Beyond her exceptional design talent, Linda is an incredibly hardworking, reliable, and dedicated professional. She consistently meets deadlines, embraces feedback, and works collaboratively to ensure the best possible outcomes.”
— Theresa (Terri) Reiter, Spooner, wi
“As Washburn County Board Supervisor for two terms/four years, I was also a County Board Supervisor for the ADRC for all four of those years. As such, I enjoyed working with Linda Hand as she was very pleasant, very organized, smart, driven, and willing to try new things to advance the ADRC, all traits that made it easy to supervise her department. She was very good at directing the ADRC, and played a major part in getting the new building for the seniors of Washburn County. She also was very good at grant writing, securing money, and running a very efficient department. It was truly a pleasure working with her. I would like to stress that what she did with the creation, design, and follow-through of the Washburn County Wellness Center 50+ has given long-lasting pleasure to many folks, including myself."
— Robert Reiter, past County Board Supervisor, spooner, wi