This Rising-Star Interior Designer Is All About Delicious Restaurant Decor

Jhane Hoang
This Rising-Star Interior Designer Is All About Delicious Restaurant Decor

EVEN IF IT'S just a damn fine cheeseburger, Underbelly Hospitality’s food makes a statement. And with her minimally minimalist design ethos, Amanda Medsger could say the same of the interiors she creates for restaurants like Underbelly Burger, Wild Oats and the forthcoming Pastore.


Over the past decade, Medsger’s background in prop- and food-styling — especially for cookbooks, such as Chris Shepherd’s own Cook Like a Local — gave way to a full-blown interior-design career.

Her residential and commercial projects span several aesthetics, but all boast a unique warmth and livable eclecticism. At Wild Oats, she shines a spotlight on Texas nostalgia with vintage décor and floors of Linoleum, while the burger joint, pictured here, gets a classic-diner-style checkerboard treatment throughout.

Home + Real Estate

How did you get to where you are today? A few key principles integrated into my life: setting clear goals, maintaining a growth mindset, building strong habits, and surrounding myself with the right people. Goals provided direction, while a growth mindset helped me turn challenges into opportunities for learning. Consistent habits, like disciplined work and effective communication, kept me moving forward. Being surrounded by motivated, supportive individuals has elevated my standards and kept me accountable. They’ve provided advice, encouragement, and sometimes that extra push I needed to stay on track. With these elements, I’ve been able to create a framework that helps me succeed and ensures I continue to grow and evolve.

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People + Places

Lilith's Lullaby cocktail (photo by Angie Cavazos)

TO QUOTE THE wee one in Poltergeist: “They’re baaaaack!” Houston’s beloved gothic and girl-powered pop-up The Cursed Cauldron returns Friday, Oct. 4 to Aero Cocktail Co. in River Oaks. The new Aero Cocktail Co. will host the pop-up Tuesdays through Saturdays, from 4pm-12am, and Sundays 2pm-10pm. To help contribute to the spooky (and fun) vibe, visitors are invited to “don their magical attire;” kohl eyeliner and black nail polish are strongly recommended.

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Food