October 28, 2025
With more than four decades of experience, Craig Longhurst leads a full-service interior design practice specializing in residential projects in New York City and Litchfield County. Blending antique and vintage pieces with contemporary art and furnishings, he creates layered interiors enriched by local artisanship and global inspiration.
Who is your ideal client?
My ideal client is curious, open-minded, and eager to create a home that reflects their life and values. Whether it’s a young family settling into their first house, a couple downsizing to something more manageable, or a business owner reimagining a commercial space, I thrive on collaboration and trust.
How would you describe your design philosophy or aesthetic?
I believe interiors should be both beautiful and functional, evolving gracefully over time. My aesthetic blends classic structure with modern ease, always with an emphasis on proportion, comfort, and detail. I aim for spaces that feel as though they’ve always belonged to the people who live in them.
Can you share a recent project you’re especially proud of?
I’m particularly proud of my new office and gallery in Kent. It’s both a creative studio and a destination where clients and visitors can experience my design philosophy firsthand. Curated with furniture, art, and objects I’ve collected or commissioned, the gallery is a place for conversation and discovery, showing how design and decorative arts come together in real life.
How do you incorporate innovation, sustainability, or craftsmanship into your process?
Sustainability often begins with what already exists—restoring historic structures, refurbishing millwork, or reimagining heirlooms. I also explore eco-friendly products for furniture, finishes, and hardware that reduce environmental impact without sacrificing beauty or durability. Collaborating with local craftspeople who combine traditional methods with modern technology ensures every piece has integrity, longevity, and a story worth telling.
What’s the most rewarding part of your work?
The greatest reward comes when a client refers me to a friend or family member. A referral is the highest compliment—it means they value both the outcome of their project and the experience of working together.
What trends are you seeing in design right now, and how are you responding to them?
I avoid trend-driven design, which dates quickly and rarely feels authentic. Instead, I embrace the shift toward meaningful spaces: homes that use natural, sustainable materials, and incorporate antique, vintage, and handmade pieces, all while prioritizing well-being.
What advice would you give someone considering hiring an interior designer?
Choose a designer whose work resonates with you, but also someone you feel comfortable collaborating with. A strong relationship is the foundation of any successful project.
What’s next for your business?
I’m beginning construction on a full renovation of a 1920s Manhattan apartment, and expanding the reach of my Kent gallery as a space for design, art, and community.
Anything else you’d like readers to know?
That I love what I do—and I’m grateful to call Litchfield County home. My husband, Greg Ruggeri, and I moved here after leaving Sydney for New York 15 years ago. We’ve found both inspiration and community.
27 N. Main St., Kent—craiganthonylonghurst.com
