Design Challenge: To create an unexpected yet inviting atmosphere that reflects the owner’s ethnic heritage, and a living space that provides comfort, functionality, and the durability to stand up to frequent use from international guests and college students.

Design Solution: Disciplined space planning creates an intimate, highly functional great room. We used solution-dyed fabric feels like velvet, yet offers excellent durability. Bright, rich color palette complements Asian antiques for an evolved look. Motorized shades optimize the dramatic Lake Michigan view, yet protect the vivid colors. Kitchen interior design seamlessly extends the great room with quality finishes and fixtures. Custom millwork and state-of-the art lighting—punctuated with crystal chandeliers—offer both character and function.

Design Challenge: A long narrow room with two off-center access doors, this master bedroom had a diagonal walkway from the hall door to a charming outside sun room. The room had no focal point or architectural interest to welcome the individuals using the bedroom.

Design Solution: Our design team created an intimate space that is visually dynamic with creative planning, saturated color, and unique millwork. Two separate areas in this small room are formed around the diagonal walkway: (1) A seating area in front of a window and (2) a dramatic bed is positioned against the drapery wall for a comfortable & inviting sleeping area. Two focal points for visual interest are created: (1)  A drapery wall, as the backdrop to the bed  and (2) a custom millwork surround to “frame” the original French doors. Saturated colors (turquoise, citrine and fuchsia) create visual interest and a comfortable refuge with delightful harmony. Eclectic furnishings, including antiques & contemporary items, are carefully positioned with the colorful fabric for a balanced composition.

Design Challenge: Absentee owner living abroad, with contemporary taste, requested a complete build-out of high-floor, 3,600 square foot condo starting with bare walls and floors—and with all communication handled online.

Design Solution: Highly disciplined design creates a contemporary, European influenced environment. Large great room boasts a decorative concrete floor, dropped ceiling, and contemporary lighting. Top-of-the-line kitchen exemplifies design and function for the sophisticated cook. Sheer drapery panels at all windows softened the sleek, minimalist look. Bathrooms feature custom vanities, tiled walls, and color-themed Carrera marble. Built-ins and custom millwork reflect the European influence in style and functionality. A fireplace creates a one-of-a-kind experience, particularly in a high-rise environment.

Design Challenge: To create a compelling design statement that not only captures the quintessential character of a country French estate within a single room, but also serves as inspiration for other areas throughout.

Design Solution: Every design detail was chosen to envelop the occupant with a sense of luxury compatible with the personality of the estate. Lush custom draperies and luxurious cashmere bedding enhance the “historic” feeling of the four-poster bed. Art, carefully chosen to fit comfortably into the theme, includes nine hand-blown custom glass panels, Jamali painting on cork, and two gilded 24-karat paintings. Eclectic furnishings complete the country French concept with engaging visual interest.

Design Challenge: To create a sun porch for all seasons, by transforming this space—made cold by long Chicago winters—into an area that can coexist with the adjoining formal living room yet come into full bloom for seasonal use in warmer weather.

Design Solution: Winter - Area rugs and unique drapery panels create a backdrop for a floor mirror that provides a focal point for dull, cold drafty days. Summer - rugs and draperies are stored away, the mirror is re-positioned, and summer seasonal slipcovers and accessories appear.

Design Challenge: To create an urban home on an upper floor of a Lake Shore Drive high-rise—an expressive space that provides all the comforts necessary for family living and can serve as a showcase when entertaining professional colleagues and clients.

Design Solution: Color and classic design extend a warm welcome to family and guests. Efficient space planning maximizes the utility of the open floor plan. Patina finishes on Venetian plaster walls evoke timeless graciousness. Asian antiquities underscore the distinctiveness of this one-of-a-kind setting. Hard-wearing luxury fabrics and Tibetan rugs rise to the demands of family living.