Chicagoans know that space is precious—whether you live in a classic brownstone, a historic greystone, or a suburban home, maximizing every square foot is key. When I transformed this unused garage into a cozy, eco-conscious retreat, I knew this project had to be as stylish as it was sustainable.

The result? A warm, inviting coach house built entirely with salvaged materials, recycled textiles, and eco-friendly finishes—proving that sustainability doesn’t mean sacrificing luxury.

Kitchen remodels are always a top priority when flipping a house, and it makes sense—a well-designed kitchen can completely change the feel of a home. But too often, these remodels miss the mark by focusing on trendy finishes instead of details that give the space character. A kitchen should feel like it belongs, not just look like a quick update. That’s where thoughtful design choices and a few architectural details make all the difference.

I absolutely love vintage homes with charm, and this house has so much potential. But the kitchen? It’s missing that warmth and personality that make vintage spaces feel so special. The navy cabinets and black countertops might be stylish, but they make the space feel dark and a little out of place. Luckily, there are some easy ways to bring in charm and make this kitchen feel like it truly belongs in the home.

When people think of modern design, they often picture sleek lines, minimal decor, and a cool, almost stark aesthetic. But modern doesn’t have to mean cold! A well-designed modern space can be just as warm, inviting, and cozy as a traditional one. In fact, with the right materials, textures, and thoughtful touches, modern interiors can create a perfect retreat—especially in the bedroom, where comfort is key.

This recent bedroom design was an absolute joy to create! My goal? To blend modern sophistication with warmth, texture, and sustainability, proving that you don’t have to sacrifice coziness for a clean, contemporary look.

One of my personal goals this year is to spend more time drawing and painting. One word my teacher uses often in critiques is “piccolo.”

“Does the art piece have a piccolo?” he asks.

Piccolo, like the tiny flute, refers to the small nuances or details that make art come alive or excite the viewer.

This got me thinking about home design. When I walk into a room, does the space have a piccolo? What gives the room its energy or spark?

The holidays are approaching fast, and I seem to always struggle with finding the perfect gift for family and friends. I like to be thoughtful and creative, and it’s important for me to shop small-business. In fact, I pledge every year not to grab gifts from big box stores.  Not only that, but I also love thoughtful, one-of-a-kind gifts that go beyond the norm. Nothing gives me greater joy than giving an unexpected gift to a loved one and seeing a giant smile on their face. 

Shopping at small, independently owned stores also supports the local economy and is a large part of sustaining a healthy community. We don’t want to see our communities turn into ubiquitous shopping malls! Not only would our economy suffer, but so would our creativity. So… let’s be innovative in 2024 and forget the chain stores! Here is my list of unique gifts for those who, just like me, love interior design and architecture. 

Take it from me (someone who does interior design for a living) when I say lighting is tricky. You have to analyze how much natural light is being filtered into the room, and then determine the best lamps that will provide optimal functionality and style. In my case, there was one corner by my couch that not only needed an interesting space filler, but I also wanted to add some lighting so I could use the couch for reading. I ended up purchasing a 3-light fixture with a mid-century modern appeal. The purpose was not only to provide extra light for reading but also to provide some beautiful backlighting to give my space a warm and cozy feel.