The Windy City is a haven of unmatched creativity and flair, boasting a multitude of top-tier interior designers. A mere mention of their names evokes awe, for they are the true visionaries anchoring Chicago’s artistic landscape.
As old-world charm seamlessly intertwines with cutting-edge design, these 9 Chicago interior design esxperts infuse the city with a distinct and captivating character that leaves us in awe.
- Summer Thornton
- Michael Del Piero
- Alexandra Kaehler
- Marshall Erb
- Nadia Gordon
- Eileen Plunkett Psenka
- Tiffany Brooks
- Donna Mondi
- Mia Rao
9 Top Interior Designers in Chicago
Summer Thornton
Summer’s exquisite interior designs have captured global recognition, earning her a spot among the top 50 interior design firms according to 1st Dibs.
Her impeccable work has graced the pages of prestigious publications such as House Beautiful, Traditional Home, Luxe Interiors+Design, Domino, Lonny, and Modern Luxury Interiors.
As the sizzling summer sun fades into a cozy glow, Traditional Home’s “New Trad” comes to life in the bustling city of Chicago.
Awarded the prestigious title of Best Transitional Designer by Modern Luxury and recognized as a “Rising Star” by the esteemed Fashion Group International, she reigns supreme in the world of interior design.
With a steadfast belief in the power of natural fabrics, she effortlessly infuses her signature daring flair into every space she touches, illuminating it with a daring brilliance that leaves all in awe.
As one of our top Chicago interior designers, she has a knack for letting the coffee table speak for the entire room. Her unique trait of infusing boldness and edginess into the coffee table design has earned her high praise from our team.
In fact, her work on the 2013 Lake Forest Show House perfectly showcased her ability to harmoniously combine fun, boldness, and traditional elements in one stunning space.
By fusing the elegance of traditional gardens with the whimsical charm of the 1960s, she has crafted a space that celebrates the iconic architecture of David Adler through the lens of Francis Adler Elkins.
Summer Thornton Lake Forest Show House
Michael Del Piero
In 2007, Michael Del Piero brought her vision to life with the establishment of Michael Del Piero Good Design, guided by three foundational principles: balance, timelessness, and approachability.
Through her mastery, this Chicago interior designer has woven together a tapestry of current and enduring elements, merging sophistication with approachability, and injecting unique beauty into every space. Let the stunning works of Michael Del Piero speak for themselves, affirming the unwavering truth behind her design philosophy.
With a portfolio that spans over 350 interior design blogs and a multitude of esteemed national and regional publications like Traditional Home, House Beautiful, The New York Times, and The Chicago Tribune, Michael’s work has become a well-renowned force in the design world.
Not to mention, her creations have been lauded by the prestigious 1st Dibs Introspective, who declared them as “truly, one of a kind.” And it doesn’t stop there – her designs have also graced the pages of popular interior design books such as House Beautiful’s Kitchens, the locally-celebrated Chicago Spaces, and even the internationally-acclaimed Visions of Design.
Lately, she has been delving deep into conceptual ventures, determined to push the boundaries of her creativity. Among her musings, she has crafted a farmhouse concept that seamlessly fuses traditional and contemporary elements, serving as a testament to her love for architectural typologies.
Drawing inspiration from notable homes, she adopts a clean and minimalistic approach, allowing the architecture to speak volumes.
Alexandra Kaehler
In 2015, Alexandra’s name lit up the pages of House Beautiful as she was deemed one of the 25 Next Wave Designers to Watch. And with her top-notch skills in interior design, it’s no surprise she’s also a beloved figure in the bustling city of Chicago.
Her portfolio has graced the glossy spreads of Vogue, Domino magazine, and House Beautiful, earning her recognition as a master of her craft. But her local admirers truly know her worth, with Chicago’s Modern Luxury magazine and Chicago Home and Garden consistently showcasing her stunning work.
With a fierce sense of individuality, she defines her style as nothing less than eclectic. The dynamic interplay of contrasting elements transforms the space into a mesmerizing symphony – the glossy meets the velvety, the angular meets the curvy, the delicate meets the bold. It is a visual feast that seamlessly harmonizes with other exceptional interior designers.
“We like all different time periods and aesthetics, so mixing them is the perfect way to create a space in our eyes.”
Alexandra’s approach to creating space has captured our hearts. Her wise words on starting with walls as the foundation have enlightened us. The hue White Dove is a top pick for her, deemed a timeless and adaptable choice.
Alexandra herself describes it as a perfect balance of warmth and crispness, making it a staple in her many interior design projects. In fact, she has adorned entire homes with this heavenly shade countless times.
Alexandra states, “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.”
Marshall Erb
Marshall Erb, the sought-after interior designer of Chicagoland, expertly blends and melds diverse eras and references with effortless grace.
Chicago’s distinctive periods are flawlessly crafted by the skilled hands of Marshall, making him the ultimate connoisseur of this timeless city.
Marshall’s exceptional design skills have graced the pages of renowned publications such as Traditional Home, Luxe, and the Chicago Tribune, to name a few.
His impressive portfolio also includes features in CS Interiors, Décor, Renovation Style, and Sophisticated Living. And that’s not all – Decorilla has recognized him as one of Chicago’s top 10 designers, while Traditional Home has honored him as one of their “20 Young Designers to Watch.”
The prestigious Merchandise Mart has also included him in their coveted “Ones to Watch” list, solidifying his place on the esteemed LUXE Gold List.
With a keen understanding of architectural principles and an eye for design, he transforms ordinary spaces into extraordinary showcases through his custom furniture and millwork.
His creations transcend time and style, ensuring that every home exudes functionality and beauty, regardless of its location or era.
As someone who appreciates the element of surprise, he believes a space should gradually unfold before your eyes. “It’s like the allure of burlesque – the tantalizing reveal. If you lay everything bare at once, there is nothing left to unravel and delight in.”
Nadia Gordon
Hailing from Ukraine, Nadia Gordon is a firm believer in the power of understanding her client’s vision, unraveling their desires and requirements, and persistently guiding them until the project reaches its ultimate success.
Nadia’s insight reigns supreme: The gravest blunder a designer can commit is forcing their own vision onto their clients. Such a misstep may yield a stunning environment, yet one that feels unfamiliar to the customer.
As a result, Nadia prides herself on being a “design chameleon,” adept at metamorphosing to suit each client’s unique desires, taste, and flair.
As you step into her opulent rooms, a sense of weightlessness envelops you, as if you could effortlessly glide through the air. The delicate balance of boldness and earthy hues grounds you, creating a heavenly haven on Earth.
Eileen Plunkett Psenka
Growing up in a household where home decor was not just a business, but a way of life, Eileen Psenka’s passion for design was sparked at a tender age.
Fast forward to the present, as a highly sought-after interior designer and decorator in the bustling city of Chicago, she draws from her upbringing to curate one-of-a-kind design concepts that truly embody her clients’ individual tastes and identities.
After honing her skills for more than a quarter of a century, she has solidified her reputation as one of Chicago’s most coveted interior designers and decorators.
Her talent for fostering lasting connections with clients is evident in the multitude of accolades bestowed upon her, including the prestigious Houzz Interior Designers Chicago – Best Service award.
Eileen’s design aesthetic is a masterful fusion of timeless elements, daring shades, and captivating embellishments that effortlessly reflect the individuality and essence of her clients.
Her interior compositions exude an enchanting balance of sophistication, coziness, and charm, ultimately transforming ordinary rooms into extraordinary canvases.
Eileen’s fervor for design continues to bloom, capturing the attention of many with her unconventional and imaginative approach to interior adornment. However, what truly distinguishes Eileen from her peers is her enchanting touch that she weaves into every endeavor she takes on.
From metamorphosing a dreary living space into a warm and welcoming sanctuary to rejuvenating an entire office with a vivacious and dynamic ambience, Eileen possesses a remarkable gift for crafting atmospheres that mesmerize and ignite creativity.
Tiffany Brooks
Renowned and seasoned interior designer, Tiffany Brooks, hails from Chicago and boasts a rich 15-year career in the industry.
Her innate talent for turning ordinary spaces into awe-inspiring, functional masterpieces has earned her widespread acclaim, surpassing even the highest of client expectations.
With an artist’s eye and a designer’s flair, Tiffany Brooks unleashes her bold palette of color, texture, and pattern, infusing each project with an electric energy and playful vibrancy.
Across eras and styles, she effortlessly melds her distinct touch, crafting timeless and contemporary spaces that exude a harmonious fusion.
Not only does Tiffany Brooks possess impeccable technical prowess and an eye for design, but she is also exceptionally attuned to the desires and tastes of her clients.
Collaborating closely with each individual, she delves into their unique visions, aspirations, and way of life, channeling these intimate understandings into exquisite and functional design solutions.
Tiffany Brooks has been showered with accolades and recognition throughout her illustrious career, earning countless awards and honors for her remarkable talents.
Among them, the prestigious HGTV Designer of the Year Award of 2016 stands as a testament to her exceptional skills and unwavering dedication to the world of design.
Donna Mondi
Donna Mondi is a visionary in the world of interior design, hailed as one of Chicago’s most prestigious and sought-after professionals. Her innate talent for crafting exquisite environments that exude elegance, grace, and timeless sophistication has solidified her as a trailblazer in the industry.
With an unwavering commitment to excellence and an unwavering eye for detail, she has become a true icon in the art of creating exceptional spaces that stand the test of time.
Donna Mondi’s portfolio is a dazzling display of her impeccable taste, meticulous attention to detail, and unparalleled skill in seamlessly fusing classic and contemporary elements to produce one-of-a-kind, timeless designs.
Her extraordinary talents have not gone unnoticed, as she has secured a coveted spot on the illustrious “Top 100 Designers in the World” list and garnered acclaim from prestigious publications like Architectural Digest and House Beautiful.
Her design ideology stems from the conviction that each space should exude the essence of its inhabitants. She delves into their distinct requirements and tastes through close collaboration with her clients, crafting tailor-made creations that seamlessly embody their desired aesthetic.
Donna Mondi’s unrivaled talent for harmoniously melding various styles, textures, and hues distinguishes her as a true trailblazer among designers and has garnered her a devoted following.
Imbued with a fervent commitment to sustainability and conscious design, Donna Mondi’s masterful creations not only exude aesthetic allure but also embody environmental responsibility.
Celebrated for her ingenious vision and skillful execution, Donna Mondi has been honored with prestigious awards and praised by prestigious publications like Architectural Digest, Elle Decor, and House Beautiful throughout her illustrious career.
Mia Rao
Mia Rao, visionary extraordinaire and mastermind behind the prestigious Mia Rao Design firm in Chicago is a trailblazing interior designer whose unrivaled talent for crafting exquisite and enduring designs has captivated the hearts of many.
From conceptualization to execution, Mia’s fervent devotion to crafting one-of-a-kind and enduring spaces has solidified her status as a true artist in the world of interior design
Mia’s ultimate aspiration is to join forces with her clients, blending their unique personalities and lifestyles, to fashion truly one-of-a-kind spaces.
She believes that exceptional design must strike a harmonious balance between beauty and function. Her unwavering mission is to guarantee that every nook and cranny of her clients’ new abodes evokes sheer adoration.
Mia’s design aesthetic is a beautiful fusion of her French and Italian roots, gracefully entwining opulent textures, sumptuous fabrics, and refined touches.
With a masterful attention to detail, she effortlessly marries traditional and contemporary elements to curate a flawless and cohesive vision.
Mia and her talented team have lent their expertise to an array of captivating projects, ranging from cozy homes to grand commercial establishments such as exquisite hotels and chic restaurants.
Their impressive work has graced the pages of esteemed publications like Traditional Home, Chicago Magazine, and Luxe Interiors + Design.
With a keen eye for quality and an unwavering commitment to surpassing their clients’ desires, Mia Rao Design has established itself as a pinnacle of excellence among Chicago interior designers.
Conclusion
Chicago boasts a pulsating energy that sets it apart as one of the most dynamic cities in the world. It’s no wonder this bustling metropolis also houses a community of visionary interior design professionals who continuously push the boundaries of creativity and innovation.
Within this vibrant hub, the top 9 interior designers reign supreme, seamlessly merging form and function to craft truly awe-inspiring spaces that cater to all tastes, from the contemporary to the classical, the daring to the understated.
