The Windy City is a mecca when it comes to talent and panache with these top Chicago interior designers. It would take forever and a day to cover so many of these artistic experts anchored here.
Chicago has that old-world style and we love how these designers bring modern and contemporary into this mix but still remain distinctly Chicago.
9 Top Interior Designers in Chicago
Summer Thornton
Named one of the top 50 interior design firms in the world by 1st Dibs, Summer’s interior designs have been featured in House Beautiful, Traditional Home, Luxe Interiors+Design, Domino, Lonny, and Modern Luxury Interiors.
Summer is a Traditional Home “New Trad,” named Chicago’s Best Transitional Designer by Modern Luxury and a “Rising Star” by the Fashion Group International.
She states you should always insist on natural fabrics, but she shines, adding her touch of boldness to a room.
She’s also big on letting the coffee table speak for the room, a unique trait that ranks her high with our Chicago interior designers.
“The coffee table is the place to go bold, take risks, and create an edgy moment that will set your home apart and give your visitors something to talk about.”
Her work on the 2013 Lake Forest Show House exemplifies how fun, bold, and traditional can all play together in the same room.
Combining the beauty of the formal gardens with the quirky glamour of the 1960s to create a space that pays homage to David Adler architecture in the style of Francis Adler Elkins. This is the way David Adler’s architecture was meant to be decorated.
Summer Thornton Lake Forest Show House
Michael Del Piero
Michael Del Piero founded Michael Del Piero Good Design in 2007 based on three simple principles: strive for balance; create interiors as current as they are enduring, as sophisticated as they are approachable, and as unusual as they are beautiful. And the beautiful works of this Chicago interior designer back all that up.
Michael’s work has appeared in over 350 interior design blogs and national and regional publications. These include Traditional Home, House Beautiful, The New York Times, The Chicago Tribune, and 1st Dibs Introspective, which declared her work as “truly, one of a kind.”
Her projects are also featured in popular interior design books, including House Beautiful’s Kitchens, Chicago Spaces, and the international publication, Visions of Design.
Recently she has been theorizing conceptual projects to stretch her creativity. She has included inspiration for a unique blend of traditional and modern in a farmhouse idea, which is one of her favorite architectural typologies.
Her clean lines and minimalist style lets the architecture tell the story, similar to the notable homes we see with our top Los Angeles interior designers.
Alexandra Kaehler
House Beautiful named Alexandra one of the 25 Next Wave Designers to Watch in 2015, and she’s another top Chicago interior designer we love.
Her work has been featured in Vogue, Domino magazine, and House Beautiful. She’s also a local favorite, often covered by Chicago’s Modern Luxury magazine and Chicago Home and Garden.
She describes her style as eclectic. The tension of different things makes space interesting—shiny with matte, square with round, feminine with masculine. The fresh, airy look compliments the interior designers we’ve featured in Miami.
“We like all different time periods and aesthetics, so mixing them is the perfect way to create a space in our eyes.”
We like her approach to creating space. She says walls are the place to start. And the color White Dove is one of her faves to start with on the walls. “This is such a classic, versatile white,” says Alexandra.
“It has a little bit of warmth, but not enough to look yellow, so it’s always fresh-feeling. I would absolutely fill an entire house with it—and have many times!”
Continuing, “I think your walls should be decorated first. Everything else can be secondary if you have a collection of meaningful, beautiful pieces of art. Like, for instance, that old Picasso you’ve got lying around.”
Is there any other kind of Picasso?
Marshall Erb
Marshall Erb has been servicing Chicagoland clients as one of the city’s go-to interior designers who fully understand how to combine and mix different era styles and references with panache. And Chicago is era-specific, articulately mastered by Marshall.
Marshall’s work has been featured in Traditional Home, Luxe, Chicago Tribune, CS Interiors, Décor, Renovation Style, and Sophisticated Living, among others.
He has been lauded as a Top 10 Designer in Chicago by Decorilla and named to Traditional Home’s “20 Young Designers to Watch,” the Merchandise Mart’s “Ones to Watch” list, and the LUXE Gold List.
An expert in art, antiques, and textiles, Marshall creates carefully curated rooms that perfectly reflect their owner’s taste and lifestyle.
His knowledge of architecture and design allows him to create custom furniture and millwork to fit any space or period.
“Whether traditional or modern, city or country, a home should be a place that functions beautifully. We create homes that stand the test of time and trend.”
So what’s his approach to all this warmth and coziness he creates? “I’m not an open floor plan person at all, I think space should reveal itself to you slowly. I equate it to why burlesque is so appealing. It’s the slow reveal. If you walk out and expose everything, there is nothing left to discover.”
Nadia Gordon
Originally from Ukraine, Nadia Gordon believes that the secret to a successful project lies in seeing through her customer’s vision, deciphering their wants and needs, and finally supporting them until the project is completed.
According to Nadia, “The biggest mistake a designer can make is to impose their vision on their clients. One may end up with a beautiful space, but also a space that is foreign to their customer.”
This truth has enabled Nadia to become a self-proclaimed, “design chameleon that is able to change and re-adapt to each customer’s needs, their specific style and preferences.”
The airy feel she creates makes you feel like you can float through her elegant rooms, as a touch of boldness and earth tones gently bring you back down. You might say she creates a little heaven on Earth. Speaking of heaven on Earth, Chicago also has some of the top Jewish delis as well as the best pizza around. A tasty meal might be a good way to gain some inspiration while hashing out your design dreams.
Eileen Plunkett Psenka
Raised in a family that owned and operated a home furnishing business, Eileen Psenka’s fascination with design and decor was kindled at a young age. Today, as an interior designer and decorator in Chicago, she uses her upbringing to create unique design solutions that reflect her clients’ unique styles and personalities.
With over 25 years of experience under her belt, she has established herself as one of Chicago’s most sought-after local interior designers and decorators. Her exceptional ability to build strong client relationships is reflected in the numerous accolades she has received, including the Houzz Interior Designers Chicago – Best Service award.
Eileen’s signature design style incorporates classic pieces, bold hues, and striking accents tailored to her client’s unique personalities and lifestyles. Her designs exude a perfect blend of elegance, warmth, and allure that transform spaces into true works of art.
As she grew older, Eileen’s passion for design flourished, and she quickly became known for her unique and innovative approach to interior decoration. But what sets Eileen apart from the rest is her ability to infuse a touch of magic into every project she undertakes.
Whether it’s transforming a dull living room into a cozy and inviting space or revamping an entire office with a vibrant and energetic atmosphere, Eileen has an uncanny knack for creating environments that captivate and inspire.
So, if you’re looking for a designer who can sprinkle a little fairy dust into your home or workspace, look no further than Eileen Psenka.
Tiffany Brooks
Tiffany Brooks is an accomplished interior designer based in Chicago with over 15 years of experience in the industry. She is widely recognized for her unique ability to transform spaces into stunning, functional works of art that exceed her client’s expectations.
As a designer, Tiffany Brooks is known for her bold use of color, texture, and pattern, which infuses her projects with energy, vibrancy, and a sense of playfulness.
Her designs are characterized by an effortless blending of different styles and eras, resulting in timeless and modern spaces.
In addition to her technical skills and design expertise, Tiffany Brooks is also highly attuned to her clients’ needs and preferences. She works closely with each client to understand their vision, goals, and lifestyle and then translates these insights into design solutions that are both beautiful and practical.
Throughout her career, Tiffany Brooks has received numerous awards and accolades for her work, including the coveted HGTV Designer of the Year Award in 2016.
Today, she continues to create stunning, transformative spaces that push the boundaries of what is possible in interior design.
Donna Mondi
Donna Mondi is a highly acclaimed interior designer and is considered one of the top interior designers in Chicago. With her passion for creating exceptional spaces that embody quality, beauty, and everlasting style, she has established a reputation as a leader in the interior design industry.
Donna Mondi’s portfolio showcases her impeccable taste, exquisite attention to detail, and exceptional ability to blend traditional and modern elements to create unique and timeless designs. Her work has earned her a place in the “Top 100 Designers in the World” list and recognition from top publications such as Architectural Digest and House Beautiful.
Her design philosophy is rooted in the belief that every space should reflect the client’s personality and lifestyle. She works closely with her clients to understand their unique needs and preferences and then creates bespoke designs that perfectly align with their vision.
Her ability to seamlessly combine different styles, materials, and colors sets her apart from other designers and has earned her a loyal clientele.
Donna Mondi passion for sustainability and eco-friendly design is evident in her work, as she strives to create spaces that are not only beautiful but also responsible.
Throughout her career, Donna Mondi has received numerous awards and accolades for her work, including recognition from publications such as Architectural Digest, Elle Decor, and House Beautiful.
Mia Rao
Mia Rao is a renowned interior designer and the founder of Mia Rao Design, a top Chicago interior design firm. With a passion for creating unique and timeless designs, Mia has built a reputation for transforming spaces into beautiful and functional works of art.
Mia’s vision is to collaborate with her clients to create spaces that reflect their personalities and lifestyle. She believes that good design should be both aesthetically pleasing and practical, and her goal is to ensure that her clients love every aspect of their new space.
Mia’s work is heavily influenced by her French and Italian heritage, which is evident in her use of rich textures, luxurious fabrics, and elegant finishes. She has a keen eye for detail and a talent for blending traditional and modern styles to create a seamless and harmonious design.
Mia and her team have worked on various projects, from residential homes to commercial spaces, including hotels and restaurants. They have been featured in numerous publications, including Traditional Home, Chicago Magazine, and Luxe Interiors + Design.
Mia Rao Design has become one of the best Chicago interior designers focusing on quality craftsmanship, attention to detail, and dedication to exceeding their client’s expectations.
Conclusion
Chicago is one of the most vibrant cities in the world and it’s home to some of the most creative and forward-thinking interior design professionals. From modern to traditional, bold to subtle, these top 9 interior designers have mastered the art of blending aesthetics and function in the most breathtaking of spaces.
