Our Work

“Treating clients the way I would like to be treated creates a unique design process from other professionals in the industry. This business model has been extremely well received & keeps clients coming back for more”

Manhattan in the Midwest

DESIGN BUILD + INTERIOR DESIGN + DECORATE

MANHATTAN IN THE MIDWEST

Downsizing doesn’t mean downgrading! These stylish clients wanted to simplify their residence and desired a turnkey space with little to no maintenance. The homeowner jokingly requested a “Manhattan in the Midwest” aesthetic which is exactly what we provided. What was a dated, boring condominium is now an updated, unrecognizable space with style to spare.

We started by suggesting relocating the galley kitchen which meant taking down a wall that once closed off the space entirely. By repositioning the heart of the home, we were able to make this workhorse fun, functional and part of action. Beautiful Black Swan quartzite was selected with a full height backsplash, waterfall leg and dark cabinetry with hardware as unique as the homeowners. Bespoke wood cabinetry with copper inlay was made to conceal the vent and gorgeous pendants highlight the slightly elevated custom upper countertop. We added a sophisticated bar area with a concealed work zone that blends nicely with the rest of the home. An electric fireplace was added, breathtaking wallpaper, oversized chandeliers and wide plank floors unite each of the newly remodeled rooms.

In the primary suite, we added a wall of floor to ceiling cabinetry for additional storage with a built in window seat. A beautiful soaking tub was a must for the homeowner and is positioned in the walk-in shower. The floating vanity is surrounded by another gorgeous natural stone with wall mounted plumbing fixtures. Every decision in this well thought out space was intentional and represents the ease and elegance of the homeowners. We loved bringing this bold style to the Midwest!

WINE LOFT

DESIGN BUILD + INTERIOR DESIGN

WINE LOFT

What do you do when a client has 2,000 bottles of wine and no where to properly store it? My answer was to convert a 2nd floor, over the garage “bonus room” into a wine loft. The practical challenges were: structural support of 6,000 pounds of wine– solved with steel beams in the sub floor; climate control–solved with cooling units in the attic and garage, and functionality–solved with glass partitions and an open mind. The antique brick columns frame the large format bottles and storage drawers, which are finished with 2,000 year old redwood. The floor is Italian tile in a concrete finish with random graffiti. I added programmable lighting which allows for 6 different lighting scenes; from dramatic display, to functional task lighting–this client is in control. The tasting area includes Barcelona chairs and a leather love seat to provide a comfortable but contemporary environment to enjoy a first growth Bordeaux with friends (make that very good friends). To the left of the signed advertising poster is the Champaign area–because every successful relationship is based on sharing your space. Cheers.

MODERN RETREAT

RENOVATE+ INTERIOR DESIGN + DECORATE

MASTER BEDROOM / BATH / DRESSING ROOM

This was my opportunity to really add “WOW” but with a rich sensual feel. The clients had purchased an existing residence that had an irregular shaped master bedroom and an outdated master bath and his and her undersized closets. After moving walls and lowering some floors (along with gutting the bathroom) it was time to start the fun. First, I recommended a bedroom floor that is recycled leather in a black high gloss crocodile pattern (surprisingly durable). I paired that with a sexy vermiculite wallpaper with reflective specs that add a subtle shimmer in the morning light. A king size tufted headboard in a soft velvet fabric contrasts the texture of the wall and floor and faces opposite the grey oversized Italian tiles framing a dramatic inset fireplace. The art above the bed was from the clients collection and heightens the sensual feel of the room. The entry doors were repurposed from mid 1800’s pocket doors sourced from a salvaged yard and stained a rustic black and still showing suspected bullet holes. They paired beautifully with vintage English chrome and leather door handles. The fireplace is flanked by iconic leather Barcelona chairs with a commissioned table of spalted maple and feminine stainless legs. The rug is a speckled hair on hide in an octagon pattern.

MASTER BATH

Who would not want to take a shower with beautiful art? The clients requested room for two, along with a steam shower option. I redesigned the floor space to proved a walk-in shower/steam room with an Italian mosaic wall and a crocodile granite floating bench. The floor to ceiling glass entry wall along with a trough drain and exterior rated art lights complete the contemporary look.

DRESSING ROOM

This space takes “WOW” up a notch. Starting with an elevated open space off the bedroom, I designed a secluded, sensuous, but functional boudoir. My client wanted to display her collection of vintage Chanel jewelry along side fashion books and personal photos. The cabinetry was custom designed with smoke glass panels that complement a leopard print wool carpet. The tufted sofa and chair were found on clearance. Wood shutters provide light during the day, while the crystal chandeliers provide sparkle after dark.

ORGANIC MODERN

DESIGN BUILD + RENOVATE + INTERIOR DESIGN + DECORATE

ORGANIC MODERN

When clients have a strong sense of how they want their home to look and feel, it makes our job a little bit easier. So was the case for these homeowners; they wanted a particular vibe that felt a lot like nature but with a modern twist.

We first recommended taking down a large wall that separated the living room and kitchen. By opening up the center of the space it took their home from average to awesome. Gorgeous quartzite countertops and full height backsplash were selected that brings the drama that only a natural stone can provide. A custom copper hood, dark cabinetry and updating the staircases are a few changes that transformed this residence. Next we relocated their laundry which then made room for a functional butlers pantry with a coffee bar and a lot more storage.

The primary bath was reconfigured, gutted and given an upgrade with a dramatic floating vanity with 10” backsplash, integrated stone sinks, mitered edge detail and wall mounted faucets. Strategically placed sconces and mirrors show the reflection of the new walk in steam shower with beautiful oversized tile. We added organic elements in this space as well with wall art and a custom accent table with a glass top. For convenience and functionality we converted a unused bedroom into a walk in custom closet that now includes their washer and dryer. A moody palette was consistent throughout the home and textured wood ceiling beams were also added to give the feeling of a sexy cabin.

Lastly, the homeowners asked us to design a unique console table for their new entry using wood slabs they had in storage and were unsure how to incorporate into their new space. Instead of using just one of the slabs, we designed a table that the length could be adjusted to fit the scale of the room. Using scrap steel, their wood, and a lot of creativity- they now own a one of a kind piece that fits their modern organic vibe.

COMFY LODGE

INTERIOR DECORATING+ STAGING

ROCKIES IN THE MIDWEST

As part of an extensive remodel, this husband and wife added a great room to their existing home. They both enjoyed traveling to the mountains and desired to bring that feeling to the midwest. All the standard features were in place–vaulted ceilings, exposed wood beams, oversized windows and a stone fireplace. The desire was to make this new space feel like a natural extension of the rest of their home. By mixing old and new, rustic with contemporary, and softening the mostly wood palette, the new room became a comfortable place to relax and is a true reflection of the owners love of the mountains.

RUSTIC MOD SITTING ROOM

RENOVATE + INTERIOR DESIGN + DECORATE

RUSTIC MOD SITTING ROOM

This space was a former home office in the lower level of a private residence. The entry to the room was through generic glass paneled french doors. The new owners desired a open space that connected to the more casual feel of the lower level but using authentic materials. The challenge was opening up the entry on a load bearing wall. I used Douglas Fir timbers from the early 1900’s, finished in a natural color with interior distressed brick from a 1860’s alley house to create a dramatic and natural entry point that was structurally sound. The center coffee table was commissioned by JRDesigns and utilizes the same timbers in a different finish, coupled with polished metal supports and a glass top elevated with rustic bolts. The textural journey continues with matching contemporary hair on hide swivel chairs flanking a commissioned side table which features a Polynesian wood top paired with a simple metal base. On the far right is an art display stand which utilizes a crank shaft from a heavy duty truck to support one of the owners collection of unique wood geodesic spheres.

FOYER / DINING ROOM / GALLERY / GREAT ROOM

DESIGN BUILD + RENOVATE + INTERIOR DESIGN + DECORATE

FOYER / DINING ROOM / GALLERY / GREAT ROOM

You never get a second chance to make a first impression, so the entry to your home has to speak to your style, your personality and welcome your guests. These clients had a space with great bones but a frumpy message. They asked me to open it up and let in the natural light in a contemporary language. I removed multiple columns, reshaped the 2nd story landing and replaced the traditional baulsters/handrail with a sleek silver and black combination. The focal point became a late 1890’s rigging timber which was left unfinished (Mother Nature can do a wonderful job if given 110 years) that allowed several load bearing walls to be removed. A Paris flea market hand-carved sculpture was paired with an oversized metal and crystal chandelier to add interest and scale. The clients requested a gallery space to display a rotating and expanding collection of family photos. I added distressed iron tables with unfinished travertine tops and antique pharmacy lamps, to offset the mirrored picture frames. The tufted settee and zebra patterned rug provide a relaxing space to recall great family experiences. The clients also requested a formal dining room with an intimate, sophisticated feel. I framed an oversized window with custom satin fabric and selected a marbled mural wallpaper to add drama and contrast. The table pedestals were commissioned in polished stainless steel to support a boat shape glass top. The floor is recycled leather planks in a rich chocolate brown, and the chandelier is an alternating polished/satin stainless steel in a flame pattern. The photograph of a London skyline is printed on metal in a triptych format. The dining room has programmable lighting, stealth speakers and an optical fireplace which set the mood and compliment the conversation. The great room (images shown below) continues the balance of organic with contemporary. The wide plank floor in a distressed grey herringbone pattern provides a smooth transition to gather with family and friends. The floor to ceiling custom curtains add drama and scale to the room while framing the gorgeous outdoor view. Leather and Tibetan wool seating contrasts the polished library scale on an acrylic coffee table. The iconic Bocci light illuminates it all. When the sun sets the metal art panels come to life and make the room dance in color and sparkle. The entry to the house says “Welcome” while the great room says “Stay awhile”

HUNTER HOUSE

INTERIOR DECORATING+ STAGING

HUNTER HOUSE

This client loves the outdoors and is an avid hunter. He wanted to showcase his passion but not make the space too masculine. The goal was to provide a balance of traditional and classic elements, colors and textures to bring it all together comfortably. The color palette he requested for the main level was rich burgundy, reds and greens. In the foyer, I blended the antler chandelier and zebra patterned rug with the more traditional sideboard and tufted leather bench for functionality and to set the tone for the rest of the home. A handmade teak wood root bench fits the nature-like decor and leather cornice boards with oversized nail trim don’t interfere with the wooded outdoor view. A surprisingly fun part of the project was the lower-level staircase which led to a more relaxed area for entertaining. The comfy white linen couch and black leather swivel chairs provide a classic traditional style while the stainless deer head sculptures add some whimsy to a powder room. This hunter knows how to have fun.