Another year down! Among the (overwhelmingly positive) chaos of the year, I kept coming back to our firm name, Centered by Design. Feeling “centered” by the design around me and making that happen for our clients is my why. In that spirit, I’m excited to reflect on the year and catalog these moments, big and small. What I really loved about 2024 was that it brought new opportunities to design outside of strictly client projects. Read: wallpaper collection, personal home renovation planning and new design studio. Without further adieu, let’s get into it!

After *years* of work on a few full home renovations, we got to shoot some incredible work. While the shoots are hard work, we had so much fun and captured the magic of these homes.

Funky in Raleigh

Our North Carolina Colonial project was driven by the client’s love of Santa Fe, earthiness and color. For the south, it’s unexpected and funky- in the best way!

Chicago Townhome AD Home Tour

One of the biggest milestones this year was our first ever feature in Architectural Digest Online! I’ll never forget receiving the news on my 40th birthday and an immediate full team hug. The East Coast Meets West Coast Townhouse project is so deserving of this coveted home tour. The client’s trust on this one made both the process and finished home one to remember.

Henry House Restoration

If you follow along on Instagram, the “Henry House” may ring a bell. We have only been posting about it for 3+ years! While we can’t share the finished photos just yet, we couldn’t leave it off this list. This Lincoln Park 1890s Restoration holds a special place in my heart. It’s the epitome of breathing new life into an old home and honoring the historical architecture.

For a sneak peak, watch our behind-the-scenes reel 48 hour photoshoot in 30 seconds.

Read more: What Really Goes Into an Interior Design Photoshoot
Read more: How to Honor Historic Architectural Details in Old & New Homes

Isidore Leroy Wallpaper Collection Launch

This year brought the launch of our first product collaboration and with heritage French company, Isidore Leroy, no less. When I say this is a dream come true, I mean it. For all the details about the inspiration, creative process and collection, read our journal post: Inside the Making of Our French Wallpaper Collection. We spent the first half of the year working through the designs and shooting the papers onsite in Bordeaux, officially launching in September and celebrating with a launch party hosted by Frederic Magazine. Just a couple of months later and both my studios are wrapped the paper serving as a constant reminder of the power of manifesting and hard work.

It’s been so fun to see the paper going into client projects, friends’ homes, and featured in Traditional Home Magazine.

Explore and shop the collection!

My Personal Home Renovation

2023: We moved into a beautiful 1920’s Mediterranean house on Chicago’s North Shore.

2024: We studied the house, how we used it, and dove into design plans.

2025: Construction will be underway!

While there have been moments that I feel like I’m pushing this project to the side, the time has allowed me to find clarity on decisions big and small. I shared the “Before Tour” documenting the house as it is today and gave a sneak peak into my inspiration. I can’t wait to be taking you behind the scenes next year!

Moments + Milestones

Adding to the year of milestones, I turned 40 in August AND my team surprised me with matching (clip-on) bangs. To celebrate, my family traveled to New Mexico for the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta which has long been on my bucket list. We also officially opened our second design studio, which we are calling the North Shore Design Annex. It’s located right in downtown Glencoe and I’m excited to become more ingrained in the community. If you’re local, follow us on Instagram and sign up for our newsletter to stay up to date on our pop-up event schedule. We also have in-person personalized style consultations available by appointment!

ICYMI: Best Interior Design Posts of the Year

• How to Honor Historic Architectural Details in Old & New Homes
• How to Create a Layered Home with Pattern Mixing
• Everything You Need to Know About Custom Cabinets
• How To Use Trellis For Interior Design
  

Now that I’ve properly reflected on this busy year, I’m ready to hit pause and snuggle up with my family before we hit the ground running in January. We are taking new clients in the new year, and we can’t wait to hear from you! We may be celebrating ten years of Centered by Design in 2025, but it’s just the beginning. Thank YOU for being on this wild ride with me!