Nearly ten years ago, I met a family in Hoffman Estates and was asked for help as they began updating and redecorating their two-story, suburban home. What started with first floor furniture and other updates gradually turned into a long-term collaboration. We worked together, room by room, transforming nearly every space in the home: the living room, family room, home office, kitchen, owner’s suite and shared hall bath, not to mention all three children’s bedrooms.
Naturally, after spending so much time together, I got to know the family pretty well— both professionally and personally!
At the time, their kids were teenagers, each with his/her own distinct personality and a clear vision for their own spaces. Their son enjoyed his sports-themed room while his sister leaned into a cool, nautical-inspired space. Their other sister’s spunky personality shown thru in her vibrant, hot pink and orange bedroom. Each space told a story about who they were at that moment.
DINING ROOM AFTER
What I didn’t realize, back then, was that those very early decorating conversations with the parents and kids would one day come full circle. A decade later, each of the children, now with homes of their own, has reached out to invite me to help kick start their decorating journeys. You see, design isn’t just about the present— it’s about how people live, grow, and evolve. Being invited back by the next generation is not only incredibly meaningful, it’s a reflection of the confidence and trust I’ve built over the years.
This summer, I’ve had the chance to work with the last of three siblings. She just bought her first home in Lake Zurich. Funny enough, it’s in the same neighborhood and the same model as her sister’s place. So I already had a pretty solid idea of the layout. That said, and knowing their very different personalities, I had no doubt this project would feel completely different.
We’ve all been there. Just starting out, using what we’ve got or were given until we can create a space that really reflects who we are. Thankfully, I got to be part of that journey with her. During our initial consultation and strategy session, we decided to focus on the foyer, living, and dining areas for now.
CHILDHOOD BEFORE
Unlike her childhood hot pink and orange bedroom, she was leaning toward a more sophisticated look—think grays, blacks, and a more sleek, urban style. To that, I suggested adding a few wood elements to add warmth and balance things out, while still staying true to her vision.
After a couple of months of sourcing, planning, and ordering, it was finally time to bring it all together. And during the big reveal? She must’ve said “This looks SOOO GOOOOD!” at least ten times. She was beyond thrilled with how everything turned out—even better than she imagined!
BEFORE
AFTER
In the end, we were able to take care of all her “wants” and still finish several $$ under budget. And as always, I left room for her to further personalize her newly styled rooms and continue to make them her “own”. I only wish my first home looked half this good!
In the end, I’m incredibly grateful. Grateful to the parents who first welcomed me into their home, and now to their children, who have invited me into their lives once again. There’s a saying in this profession: “A good designer decorates a house; a great one becomes part of the family.” Of course, I never set out with that intention. But somehow, over time, that’s exactly what’s happened. And I’m proud to be an honorary part of the family.
BEFORE
AFTER
As these children’s children grow up and go out on their own, it’s safe to say I probably won’t be around to design spaces for them. But if a few design principles or memories from our time together make their way into those future homes, I’ll consider that a lasting legacy.
Here’s to full-circle moments, to growing alongside the families I’ve worked with, and to creating spaces that are not only beautiful—but meaningful—one generation at a time.
