Hi cuties, it’s Trade Member Spotlight time—our first of 2025! I’m excited to introduce you to Loretta Lynch, the owner and lead designer of Massachusetts-based Salt Bay Studio!
Loretta has been in the design business for over seven years and she operates under the ethos that home should feel “beautiful, comfortable, and unique” and roots everything she does in her design business in authenticity. While Salt Bay Studio is based in the Boston area, they take on projects throughout New England, from Maine to Martha’s Vineyard!
“Knowing I have KKH’s support, along with access to such beautifully crafted, next-level pieces, allows me to bring my clients’ visions to life in a way that feels truly special. I can confidently say that working with the KKH Trade Program has been an invaluable part of my journey as a designer, and I look forward to many more years of collaboration!”
-Loretta Lynch, Salt Bay Studio
When she’s not busy on a design project, Loretta loves to spend time at the beach (a New England woman after my own heart!), traveling, and spending time with her husband Trevor—a contractor, with whom she works closely on her design work—and their adorable golden retrievers.
Read on to learn more about Salt Bay Studio and enjoy some gorgeous coastal-chic design inspiration in Loretta’s project photos!
Loretta Lynch with her husband Trevor, who she works with frequently as a contractor
Tell our readers about your business—where are you based and what are your specialities and core offerings?
We are a full-service interior design studio that’s rooted in authenticity of both experience and design. We believe your home should be beautiful, comfortable and unique—a true reflection of your style and the way your family lives. With every project it is our mission to create a timeless and elevated interior that transforms the way you feel in each and every space.
“We love bringing a timeless and elevated touch to every space we design, whether it’s a historic renovation or a coastal retreat.”
We’re based in Framingham, MA, just 20 minutes from downtown Boston, and we love designing homes throughout New England. Most of our projects are in the Greater Boston and Metro West areas, but we’ve also worked in Nantucket, Martha’s Vineyard, Maine, and Connecticut.
What stands out to you the most about the KKH Trade Program?
Salt Bay Studio has been growing for the past seven years, and from the very start, my KKH Trade account manager, Mindi, has been by my side. Her expertise has not only introduced me to an incredible world of high-end, custom furniture but has also expanded my design possibilities in ways I never imagined.
“One of the things that sets Mindi and the KKH team apart is their deep product knowledge and unwavering commitment to helping me source exactly what I need—no matter how specific or unique.”
Finding the perfect piece in the right color, size, and finish isn’t always easy (seriously, where else would I track down a pink grasscloth dresser with gold feet and acrylic knobs?!), but Mindi makes it happen. More than just a resource, she’s become a true extension of my team—sometimes even my therapist on those extra stressful design days!
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Do you have a favorite interior design style to work with on projects?
Oh boy, that’s like asking me to pick a favorite ice cream flavor—there are just too many great options! I will admit, I have a soft spot for beachy and coastal projects, but honestly, we love designing in a variety of styles.
What matters most is honing in on our clients’ unique tastes and giving them a fresh, thoughtful twist. No two projects are ever the same, and that’s what keeps it exciting!
How would you describe the style of your own home? What’s your favorite piece of furniture or decor that you own?
Casual, comfortable, and covered in dog hair! I have two rambunctious Golden Retrievers, so durability was a must when designing my home. Thankfully, with all the incredible performance fabrics and materials available, I was still able to get the cream sectional I had been dreaming of.
“My sectional is definitely a favorite, but what truly elevates the house are two stunning paintings by a favorite New England artist, Christie Scheele. They make me smile every time I look at them. To me, original art is what gives a home its soul and personality.”
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Tell us about a notable project from the past few years.
We just wrapped up a 7,000-square-foot Net Zero home, and it was an incredible learning experience—our first of its kind! One of the coolest features is the Warmboard hydraulic radiant heat system installed in the floors, which means no bulky vents or baseboard heaters to design around—a true dream for a designer.
The home also features high-efficiency Schüco windows that traveled all the way from Germany, ensuring top-tier energy performance. Let’s just say we now know way more about R-values than we ever thought we would!
What have been some of the biggest joys and challenges you’ve faced in your career in the design industry?
One of the biggest joys of my career is that I genuinely love what I do—so much so that it rarely feels like “work.” But that also means the lines between work and life can blur, especially since I’m married to a contractor!
“Design is a constant conversation in our world, whether we’re on a job site or just having dinner. Learning to set boundaries and carve out time to recharge has been important, but at the end of the day, I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
Being able to create beautiful, functional spaces while sharing this journey with my clients and my family is something I’m truly grateful for.
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Are there any design trends you see on the horizon for the year to come? Any trends on their way out?
One of the biggest shifts we’re seeing is a growing appreciation for thoughtful, sustainable design—what we like to call the “buy less, buy better” mindset. More people are looking beyond fast furniture and embracing pieces with longevity, whether that means investing in well-crafted designs or giving new life to a great Facebook Marketplace find, an antique shop treasure, or even a roadside gem! It’s all about creating spaces that feel intentional, personal, and built to last.
“As for what’s on its way out—using satin brass everywhere! It had its moment, and while we still love it, layering in polished nickel and other metals creates a more nuanced, sophisticated look.”
Mixing finishes adds warmth, depth, and a sense of balance that feels curated rather than trendy. It also helps a space feel timeless rather than instantly recognizable as a product of the 2020-2025 design wave. A little variety goes a long way in keeping interiors fresh and enduring!
What advice would you give someone who wants to work with an interior designer on their home, but they feel intimidated or hesitant? For someone who’s never worked with a designer, what’s the major upside?
Working with an interior designer should feel exciting, not intimidating! A lot of people worry they need to have everything figured out before reaching out, but that’s exactly what we’re here for. Our job is to help bring clarity to your vision, guide you through the process, and make designing your home enjoyable—not overwhelming.
“The biggest upside? A designer helps you avoid costly mistakes, ensures your space is both beautiful and functional, and ultimately makes the process so much smoother.”
We take care of the details, problem-solving, and endless decision-making so you can focus on enjoying the transformation. Plus, the end result is a home that truly reflects you—just elevated in a way you may not have imagined on your own!
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Speaking to fellow design pros: What advice do you have about working a challenging client or overcoming unforeseen obstacles on a design project?
Meeting with a client first to ensure you’re a good fit as a team is always beneficial—not every project is the right project, and not every designer is the right designer for every home. Setting clear expectations from the start helps build trust and makes the process smoother for everyone.
That said, every project will have its bumps in the road—it’s inevitable! The key is to face challenges head-on with honesty, integrity, and open communication. Being proactive, transparent, and solution-oriented not only helps navigate obstacles but also strengthens the client relationship in the long run.
“At the end of the day, great design is a collaboration, and the best outcomes come from mutual trust and respect.”
Where do you draw the most inspiration from as a designer?
I feel like we kind of have to give this one to Mother Nature, right? I mean, she’s been creating magic for hundreds of years. She turns clouds into cotton candy at sunset, makes the sand sparkle when the sun hits it—and don’t even get me started on flowers. How could anyone not be inspired by that?
“At the same time, I have to say that most of my inspiration comes from people—my clients. What makes them tick? What are the funny little quirks that make them them? What’s their energy like?”
When I can uncover these things, that’s when the magic happens. That’s when a space truly comes together—not just as something beautiful, but as something deeply personal and uniquely theirs.
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Outside of work, where do you find joy and peace?
I find joy in learning and experiencing new things—whether it’s traveling, trying new foods, or wandering through a historic town with centuries of stories to tell. But my true sense of peace comes from being near the water.
“If I could have it my way, I’d spend most of my days hunting for sea glass on Martha’s Vineyard, where my husband grew up.”
There’s something so calming about the rhythm of the waves and the thrill of discovering those little treasures.
Are there any exciting updates with Salt Bay Studio that you’d like our readers to know about?
We’re excited to kick off projects for our 2025 clients and bring some incredible homes to life! This year, we have a mix of beach houses and historic renovations, which are always fun and rewarding.
One particularly exciting project we’re working on is a kitchen makeover for a real castle on the beach in Gloucester, MA. It’s not every day you get to design in a castle, and we can’t wait to share more as the project unfolds!
Loretta’s dogs, Pippa and Tashmoo
The Kathy Kuo Home Trade Program
Feeling inspired by Salt Bay Studio? If you’re an interior designer or architect you can apply to our Trade Program to enjoy a wide array of professional benefits, as well as access to a thriving community of interior design pros. You can learn all about it HERE, but in brief, KKH Trade members receive: Competitive Trade Pricing, Low Storage Fees, Dedicated Trade Specialist to Coordinate Orders from Start to Finish, and More.
