The Windy City, with its plethora of talent and unparalleled panache, is a veritable mecca for interior design. From the top Chicago designers to the most artistic experts, this city is anchored by a wealth of creative minds that would take a lifetime to cover.
With its timeless charm and old-world allure, Chicago is the perfect canvas for these designers to seamlessly blend modern and contemporary elements into their masterpieces, staying true to the city’s unique identity. Prepare to be enchanted by the fusion of past and present in this concrete jungle of artistic genius.
9 Top Interior Designers in Chicago
Summer Thornton
Summer’s breathtaking interior designs have secured her spot among the top 50 firms in the world, as recognized by 1st Dibs.
Her awe-inspiring creations have graced the pages of House Beautiful, Traditional Home, Luxe Interiors+Design, Domino, Lonny, and Modern Luxury Interiors, cementing her reputation as a visionary in the world of interior design.
Summer, the renowned Traditional Home “New Trad” designer, has been named Chicago’s Best Transitional Designer by Modern Luxury and hailed as a “Rising Star” by the Fashion Group International.
Her design philosophy advocates for natural fabrics, while injecting her signature touch of boldness into every room she transforms.
One unique aspect of her style is her belief in letting the coffee table make a statement in a room. This daring approach has earned her high praise among Chicago’s top interior designers.
According to Summer, the coffee table is the perfect place to take risks and create an edgy moment that will leave your guests in awe.
Her impressive work on the 2013 Lake Forest Show House perfectly showcases how she effortlessly blends fun, boldness, and tradition in one harmonious space.”
Infusing the elegance of formal gardens with the charming chicness of the 1960s, we have crafted a space that truly honors the architectural genius of David Adler and channels the distinctive flair of Francis Adler Elkins. This is the ultimate embodiment of Adler’s vision, brought to life with unparalleled decor.
Summer Thornton Lake Forest Show House
Michael Del Piero
Inspired by a vision of achieving perfect harmony, Michael Del Piero boldly established her eponymous design company in 2007, guided by three fundamental ideals: achieving balance, crafting interiors that effortlessly blend modernity with timelessness, and infusing sophistication with approachability.
The exquisite portfolio of this Chicago-based design maven serves as tangible proof of her philosophy in action.
With a glowing reputation and a prolific portfolio, Michael’s exceptional interior design work has graced the pages of more than 350 influential blogs and esteemed publications such as Traditional Home, House Beautiful, and even The New York Times and The Chicago Tribune.
Her talent has also been lauded on the coveted platform of 1st Dibs Introspective, where her unique and unparalleled creations have been declared as “truly, one of a kind.”
Not only that, but her impressive projects have also earned a spot in the pages of renowned interior design books, including House Beautiful’s Kitchens and the international sensation, Visions of Design.
Lately, her mind has been ablaze with visionary concepts, expanding her creative boundaries. With a farmhouse design as her muse, she infuses a harmonious mix of traditional and contemporary elements, igniting a fresh spark in her architectural imagination.
Her signature clean lines and understated elegance allow the structure to speak for itself, reminiscent of the iconic residences crafted by the finest interior designers in Los Angeles.
Alexandra Kaehler
Renowned publication House Beautiful recognized Alexandra as one of the 25 Next Wave Designers to Watch in 2015, solidifying her position as a top Chicago interior designer.
Her exceptional talent has also been celebrated in Vogue, Domino magazine, and House Beautiful. Not only is she a local favorite, frequently gracing the pages of Chicago’s Modern Luxury magazine and Chicago Home and Garden, but her work also captivates and inspires the city’s design community.
Describing her style as eclectic, Alexandra is drawn to the dynamic tension created by combining contrasting elements.
Whether it’s the juxtaposition of shiny and matte, square and round, or feminine and masculine, her fresh and airy approach adds a unique touch to the interior design landscape of Miami.
In her own words, “We are drawn to a variety of periods and aesthetics, and melding them together is our idea of the perfect fusion for a space.”
With this unique approach, Alexandra continues to amaze and delight, solidifying her place as one of the most innovative and sought-after interior designers of our time.”
Her approach to designing space is one we greatly admire. She firmly believes that walls are the cornerstone of any room.
And her go-to hue for walls? The timeless and adaptable White Dove, as stated by the talented Alexandra herself. With just the right touch of warmth, it exudes a never-ending sense of crispness.
Suffice it to say, we would eagerly coat every inch of a home in this alluring shade – a feat we have accomplished numerous times!”
Marshall Erb
Marshall Erb, the eminent interior designer of Chicagoland, possesses a profound understanding of blending various era styles and references with finesse, making him the top choice for clients.
His mastery of Chicago’s era-specific aesthetic is unparalleled, elevating his designs to a level of artistry.
Marshall’s exceptional work has graced the pages of prestigious publications such as Traditional Home, Luxe, and the Chicago Tribune, just to name a few.
His talent and expertise have earned him numerous accolades, including being hailed as one of Chicago’s Top 10 Designers by Decorilla and being featured on Traditional Home’s coveted “20 Young Designers to Watch” list.
Additionally, he has been recognized as a rising star by the Merchandise Mart’s “Ones to Watch” and the esteemed LUXE Gold List. Marshall’s remarkable achievements have solidified his position as a true visionary in the world of design.
Marshall, a master of art, antiques, and textiles, skillfully crafts exquisite living spaces that embody the unique essence of their owners.
With a keen eye for architecture and design, he seamlessly blends custom furniture and millwork to suit any environment or era. From sleek and modern to classic and rustic, Marshall creates timeless havens that perfectly balance both function and beauty, ensuring a lasting sanctuary for his clients to call home.
How does he cultivate such an atmosphere of warmth and comfort? “I’ve learned that he’s not one for open floor plans, preferring instead for space to unfold gradually.”
It’s akin to the alluring charm of burlesque, where the art lies in the tantalizing reveal. Rather than laying everything bare at once, he believes in leaving room for discovery.
Nadia Gordon
Hailing from Ukraine, Nadia Gordon’s mantra for project success is rooted in her ability to envision her clients’ desires, unravel their needs, and stand by them until the project’s triumphant completion.
As Nadia wisely points out, forcing one’s own design perspective onto clients is the ultimate blunder in the world of design. While it may result in a stunning space, it could also create a sense of unfamiliarity for the customer.
This invaluable lesson has shaped Nadia into a versatile and flexible “design chameleon”, effortlessly morphing to cater to the unique tastes and desires of each individual client.
As she breathes life into her elegant rooms, an ethereal essence envelops you, lifting you up and carrying you through on a journey of airy wonder.
Just when you feel like you might float away, a touch of daring boldness and earthy tones ground you, bringing a sense of balance and harmony. It’s almost as if she’s created a little slice of paradise, beckoning you to stay and revel in its beauty.
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 Plunkett Psenka
With her impeccable eye for detail and knack for capturing the essence of her clients’ individuality, Eileen has perfected a signature design style that effortlessly blends timeless pieces, bold splashes of color, and eye-catching accents.
Each of her carefully curated spaces exudes a harmonious blend of sophistication, coziness, and irresistible charm, transforming mere rooms into stunning works of art.
As she honed her craft over the years, Eileen’s passion for design only grew stronger, solidifying her reputation as a true visionary in the industry.
But what truly sets her apart from the rest is her innate ability to infuse each project with a touch of enchantment, elevating her creations to a whole new level of magic.
Eileen’s design ethos is a harmonious symphony of timeless elements, daring shades, and captivating details, all expertly curated to reflect her clients’ distinct identities and lifestyles.
Each of her masterpieces exudes an enchanting fusion of refinement, coziness, and allure, transforming ordinary spaces into breathtaking canvases.
Eileen Psenka possesses a magical ability to breathe life into any space, whether it’s revamping a mundane living room into a cozy haven or infusing an entire office with a dynamic and invigorating aura.
With her unparalleled talent for crafting captivating environments, she is the go-to designer for those seeking a touch of enchantment in their homes or workspaces. Look no further than Eileen Psenka for a dash of fairy magic in your interior design.
Tiffany Brooks
Tiffany Brooks, a dynamic interior designer hailing from the Windy City, boasts an impressive track record of over 15 years in the field.
Her knack for transforming ordinary spaces into awe-inspiring, functional masterpieces has earned her widespread acclaim, leaving clients marveling at her exceptional vision and execution.
With a designer’s eye, Tiffany Brooks effortlessly transforms spaces with her fearless embrace of color, texture, and pattern, injecting every project with a lively, playful energy.
Her unique fusion of styles and eras culminates in timeless, modern masterpieces that leave a lasting impression.
Not only does Tiffany Brooks possess impressive technical skills and a keen eye for design, but she also possesses a rare ability to tune into her clients every need and desire.
With each client, she immerses herself in their unique vision, aspirations, and way of life, crafting bespoke design solutions that seamlessly blend aesthetics and functionality.
With a plethora of awards and recognition under her belt, including the prestigious 2016 HGTV Designer of the Year Award, Tiffany Brooks has solidified her place as a renowned and celebrated designer in the industry.
As the sun rises on each new day, she effortlessly crafts breathtaking and innovative environments, daringly shattering the confines of traditional interior design.
Donna Mondi
Known for her unparalleled talent and innovative vision, Donna Mondi stands at the forefront of Chicago’s interior design scene. Her name is synonymous with excellence and her creations are hailed as masterpieces.
With a fervent dedication to crafting exquisite spaces that exude luxury, elegance, and lasting allure, she has solidified her position as a true maven in the world of interior design.
Each of her projects is a manifestation of her unwavering passion and unmatched skill, seamlessly blending the old with the new to produce enchanting and timeless works of art.
Her awe-inspiring portfolio is a testament to her impeccable taste and unwavering attention to detail, leaving a lasting impression on all who encounter her designs.
Donna Mondi is a luminary in the world of interior design, hailed as one of the most sought-after talents in the Windy City. Renowned for her uncanny ability to fashion extraordinary spaces that exude excellence, elegance, and enduring allure, she has carved a name for herself as a visionary in the design realm.
Her keen eye for impeccable aesthetics, unwavering devotion to intricate details, and adeptness at seamlessly merging classical and contemporary elements have solidified her as a pioneering force in the industry. From opulent residences to opulent commercial spaces, Donna Mondi’s portfolio is a testament to her unrivaled flair for creating one-of-a-kind, timeless masterpieces.
Through her hard work and dedication, she has garnered a coveted spot on the “Top 100 Designers in the World” roster and has received glowing praise from esteemed publications like Architectural Digest and House Beautiful.
Her design approach is built on the principle that every environment should embody the essence of its inhabitants. She collaborates closely with her clients, delving deep into their distinctive desires and individual styles, crafting tailored designs that exquisitely capture their essence.
Donna Mondi’s gift for harmoniously blending disparate styles, textures, and hues sets her apart in the world of design, garnering her a devoted following of clients.
With a fervent commitment to sustainability and environmentally conscious design, Donna Mondi infuses her creations with both beauty and conscientiousness.
Mia Rao
Mia Rao is the visionary mastermind behind the award-winning Mia Rao Design, a prominent Chicago-based interior design firm.
Her innate talent for crafting breathtaking and enduring designs has garnered her industry-wide acclaim, as she continues to elevate spaces into exquisite and functional masterpieces.
Mia’s ultimate aspiration is to co-create with her clients, crafting environments that are a true reflection of their individuality and way of life.
She firmly believes that exceptional design should not only delight the eye but also serve a purpose, and her unwavering mission is to leave her clients enamored with every single detail of their revitalized space.
Mia’s artistic creations are a beautiful reflection of her French and Italian ancestry, exquisitely showcasing her flair for incorporating sumptuous textures, opulent fabrics, and refined finishes.
Her impeccable attention to detail and skillful fusion of classic and contemporary elements result in a strikingly cohesive and graceful aesthetic.
Mia and her team have curated a portfolio of exceptional projects, ranging from stunning residential homes to innovative commercial spaces, including prestigious hotels and acclaimed restaurants.
Their impeccable work has graced the pages of top publications, such as Traditional Home, Chicago Magazine, and Luxe Interiors + Design.
With a steadfast commitment to exquisite craftsmanship, meticulous attention to detail, and a relentless drive to surpass their clients’ visions, Mia Rao Design has rightfully earned its reputation as one of the finest interior design firms in Chicago.
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.
