Meet The Home Upgraders

Since 2010, Fargo Monthly has been bringing you positive, community stories and resources and we’ve loved every minute of it.

Now, Fargo Monthly magazine is known as Meet Fargo, but don’t worry—we’re still going to have all of the great content you’ve come to love Fargo Monthly for, however, we are changing our approach ever so slightly. Our new concept will be more people-focused. We always hear feedback that the people are what makes the Fargo-Moorhead community great (which we agree with). So, we decided, why not meet them?

This month, we will kick off our first true effort to do so with our home upgraders issue. This is not a comprehensive issue so if there’s someone you would like to see featured in the future, please reach out to [email protected].

Meet Lisa Tostenson

Lisa Tostenson Interiors in Fargo is a top-rated residential interior design studio dedicated to creating beautiful and functional living spaces that reflect the unique personalities and lifestyles of its clients. As a highly detailed and creative designer, Lisa specializes in transforming houses into homes where comfort and aesthetics seamlessly merge.

Lisa’s journey into interior design began with inspiration from her mother, who had a love for creating beautiful spaces. Initially pursuing a different path in college, Lisa discovered her passion for interior design through a friend and transitioned to studying at North Dakota State University (NDSU). Her education, combined with her love for working one-on-one with clients, drives her ability to create truly personalized designs that connect deeply with her clients’ visions.

How Can I Help Upgrade Your Home

Key Services I Provide

“I offer a range of services designed to bring cohesive and personalized style to every project. My expertise lies in full-service interior design, which includes remodels, new builds, furniture selection, and decor. One of my strengths is creating a cohesive design that ensures every element of a project flows seamlessly. I love helping clients see the bigger picture and bring their vision for their home to life, even when the process feels complex.”

“For clients seeking a quicker design solution, I provide design consultations. These one-hour sessions are perfect for generating fresh ideas and actionable plans tailored to your space. We can cover as much or as little as you’d like, making these consultations a flexible and efficient option.”

“I also specialize in paint consultations, offering expert guidance to help you choose colors that truly transform your space.”

“Whether it’s a full-service project or a smaller-scale consultation, I work with all types of budgets. I source from local vendors and big-box stores to ensure you achieve a home you love, no matter your price point. My goal is to make the design process approachable, enjoyable, and tailored to your unique style and needs.”

Lisa’s 3 Tips For Upgrading Your Home

Invest In Your Lighting
“People often overlook lighting or treat it as an afterthought, but lighting is one of the biggest statements you can make in your home and can completely shift the mood and ambiance.”

Hire A Designer Early On In Your Project
“If you’re tackling a large project or feeling uncertain about your selections, invest in a designer early on. Many people start with DIY and later regret their choices. Bringing in a designer from the beginning can help you avoid mistakes and create a space you truly love.”

Make Your Upgrades Cohesive
“If you’re upgrading your home in stages, be mindful of how the upgrades will look next to the existing layouts, colors, and trims. Plan ahead and make sure you will be happy with how everything will look, especially as you complete your remodeling in stages.”

Common Error To Avoid When Upgrading Your Home

“One common mistake homeowners make is choosing new flooring without considering how it fits with the rest of the home’s design. Flooring is a significant investment, and selecting the wrong style can lead to costly regrets. Poorly matched flooring can clash with your existing interior woodwork, creating a disjointed look.”

“Because flooring is expensive to replace and involves substantial labor and disruption, it’s crucial to get professional help when making this decision. Consulting a designer or flooring expert can ensure you choose a style that complements your home and avoids unnecessary hassle later.”

Perks Of Working With Me!

I help you reimagine your spaces.
I help clients create a cohesive look throughout their whole home.
Spoiler alert: You will get a gift from me at the end of your full service interior design project, as I do not give gifts for my hourly consultations.

3 Things You Didn’t Know About My Services

I can go shopping for furniture, materials, and decor with you around Fargo!
I am able to create 2D and 3D drawings for projects.
I am highly rated on Google thanks to my amazing clients!

Home Upgrading Projects I’ve Done

Get To Know Me!

My Favorite Spots In Town To Unwind

“I have always loved Lindenwood Park, but I also love unwinding at Chai Moto. Their Rooibos Chai is so amazing!”

Who I Am Outside of Work

“I’m very involved at my church, Harvest Valley Church in Fargo, and serve on a regular basis. I’ve enjoyed volunteering with a handful of organizations around Fargo including the Ronald McDonald House, Secret Santa for Seniors, Down Home, the New Life Center, and others. I also love cooking and baking. What’s better than finding a delicious new recipe?”