An Inspired Chat with Hannah Tringham of Culver City

We recently had the chance to connect with Hannah Tringham and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Hannah, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What do you think is misunderstood about your business? 
People always say, “Oh, you’re an Interior Designer!? That must be so fun!” And yes—there are fun moments. But the reality is a whole lot less shopping trips and wallpaper and a whole lot more muddy boots on job sites, schlepping heavy tile samples to meetings, and late nights wrestling with budgets and schedules.
The final product looks effortless, but getting there is anything but. This career is equal parts problem-solving, negotiation, project management, and sheer grit. I love what I do—truly—but it’s not for the faint of heart. It’s far more blood, sweat, and spreadsheets than people realize.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Hannah Bell Tringham, founder of Hannah Bell Design, a residential and commercial interior design studio in Los Angeles, CA.
What sets my firm apart is my fully customized approach. I dig into who my clients are, what they value, and how they actually live or work, and I design from there. Every project is built around the people, not the trend at the moment.
I specialize in remodels and elevated furnishings, creating spaces that truly reflect how my clients live and work. Right now I’m focused on expanding the studio team, and partnering with more clients who value thoughtful, trustworthy design.

Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
The part of me that needs to go is the people-pleaser. Like a lot of us, I grew up defaulting to “yes, of course!” even when it didn’t feel right. I’m firmly in my learning-to-say-no era now. As a business owner, it’s essential—I can’t take on every project or bend to every request without burning myself out. Letting go of that instinct is making me a better designer and a much happier person.

What fear has held you back the most in your life?
The fear that’s held me back the most is self-doubt—the constant loop of “I’m not good enough, I’m not ready, I don’t have what it takes.” It kept me playing small for years, especially when it came to starting my own design studio. Walking away from a steady job and building a business on my own, with no financial safety net, was terrifying. But once I ditched those limiting beliefs, I finally made the leap—and it’s hands down the best decision I’ve ever made.

Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Whom do you admire for their character, not their power?
I personally admire Michelle Obama for her character. She’s consistently shown integrity, generosity, and a rare kind of emotional intelligence throughout her career and her years as First Lady. She’s firm in her values, unwavering in her standards, and deeply driven—yet she leads with humility instead of ego. She’s made a meaningful, lasting impact on education, health, and girls’ empowerment, all while carrying herself with calm strength and remarkable grace in an incredibly public role. She’s the definition of character over power.

Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. When do you feel most at peace?
I feel most at peace in the mornings, outside. I’ve always been a morning person, and there’s nothing better than a quiet start to the day—a cup of coffee on an early beach walk or a solo hike with my dog, Wynnie. I’m especially grounded when I am somewhere quiet where I can hear the waves or the birds in the trees. Getting outside first thing resets me, and having Wynnie just guarantees I never skip the part of the day I love most.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.hannahbelldesign.com
• Instagram: hannahbelldesign
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hannah-bell-design/

Image Credits
Ryan Carr Photography
Yash Singh Photography