Design Edit | Amber Mitchell

THE ART OF THE TREND

Navigating Custom Builds & Renovations in Chicago

In the world of high-end Chicago interiors, the word trend can feel like a double-edged sword.

Many clients worry that embracing something current will date their home before the paint is even dry. But the most successful custom homes and large-scale renovations do not ignore trends. They understand how to place them with intention.

When done well, trend becomes a layer, not the foundation. It adds dimension, personality, and relevance to a space that is otherwise timeless.

Juxtaposing strong architectural bones with bold, modern elements creates a home that feels both curated and enduring.

A balance of classic Chicago architecture and modern layering sets the tone for a home that feels both timeless and current.

1. THE ARCHITECTURE IS YOUR ANCHOR

Before selecting a single tile or chair, start with the bones of your home. You can either honor the architecture faithfully or create a deliberate contrast. Both approaches are powerful when done with intention.

Think of the classic “modern furniture in a Parisian flat” aesthetic. Sleek, contemporary pieces layered against historic moldings do not compete. They elevate one another. The result feels curated, not conflicting.

Traditional architectural elements paired with a contemporary statement fixture illustrate how contrast, when used thoughtfully, enhances rather than competes.

2. HIGH TREND, LOW COMMITMENT

I always guide my clients to keep their foundational elements such as flooring, cabinetry, stone, and layout classic and enduring. These are the hardest and most expensive elements to change.

Instead, bring trends in through layers such as paint, textiles, lighting, and accessories. This allows your home to evolve gracefully as styles shift without requiring a full demolition.

Natural wood cabinetry creates a timeless base that allows trend-forward hardware and wall treatments to shine.

3. CREATE JEWEL BOX MOMENTS

Not every space needs to feel restrained. Trends thrive in smaller, contained spaces.

Smaller, transitional areas such as powder rooms, entryways, or butler’s pantries are the perfect “jewel box” moments to experiment with bold patterns or moody palettes.

These “jewel box” moments invite bold wallpaper, moody palettes or sculptural lighting. Because they are contained, they can handle a stronger design statement without overwhelming the home.

A bold entry moment transforms a transitional space into a “jewel box,” where pattern, color, and detail can take center stage.

4. DESIGN FOR THE LIFE CYCLE

Good design considers how a space will evolve.

Rooms like children’s bedrooms or secondary living spaces are ideal for embracing trends. These are spaces you expect to update over time, so it’s the perfect opportunity to embrace a fun, current look that serves the present moment beautifully.

Incorporating trend-forward elements here allows you to design for the present moment without long-term pressure.

5. THE FIVE-YEAR REALITY CHECK

Time should always influence design decisions.

If you plan to sell within five years, we focus on universally appealing, classic choices that ensure maximum market value.

But if this is your forever home, that is where the rules shift. If there is a look you truly love, it deserves a place in your home. Personal expression is what ultimately makes a space feel complete. Your forever home should be a reflection of you, not the next buyer.

6. SMALL TOUCHES, GRAND IMPACT

Sometimes the most effective way to capture a trend is through a light touch. Imagine a neutral, architecturally stunning home brought to life with art and accents in the "Color of the Year." These small, high-impact details keep your home feeling fresh and relevant without sacrificing its soul.

Layered textures, rich materials, and curated accessories bring depth and personality to a space without altering its foundation.

REFINE YOUR VISION

Designing a custom home or executing a large-scale renovation is about balancing personal expression with timeless design.

When approached thoughtfully, trends do not date a home. They elevate it.

If you are planning a custom home or large-scale renovation and want to approach it with clarity and confidence, let’s start the conversation.

Project Credits:

Builder: JAR Corp

Photographer: Ryan Hainey

Why The Best Time To Hire An Interior Designer Is Before Your Plans Are Drawn

Updated: Feb 28

When you are building a custom home, timing is everything. One of the smartest decisions you can make is bringing an interior designer into the process early, before architectural plans are finalized.

Most people assume interior design comes later. In reality, many of the most important decisions that affect how your home looks, functions, and feels are made at the very beginning.

Here is why early involvement matters more than most people realize.

Communication Is Key

At the start of a project, our role is to listen deeply. We take the time to understand how you live, what matters most to you, and where you want to invest.

From there, we help translate those priorities into clear, informed decisions as the project moves quickly. Acting as your advocate, we help you understand options, anticipate trade-offs, and stay aligned as you collaborate with your architect and builder.

With so many decisions and timelines moving at once, having a designer involved early provides clarity, continuity and thoughtful guidance. This allows the full team to work together efficiently toward a home that truly reflects you.

Design Decisions that Shape Architecture

Ceiling heights, window placement, wall thickness, built-ins, lighting plans, and electrical layouts are not decorative afterthoughts. These decisions directly affect how a home functions and how it feels to live in.

When a designer is involved early, the home is planned holistically. Architecture and interiors speak the same language from day one, rather than being layered on top of one another later.

This early coordination allows for better proportions, stronger visual flow, and fewer compromises as the design evolves.

Kitchen is the Heart of the Home

Kitchens are one of the most complex spaces in a custom home. I began my career specializing in kitchen design, and this experience informs how we approach planning today.

Appliance sizes, circulation, storage, lighting, and sightlines all need to be considered early. When these decisions are made after plans are complete, they often lead to difficult adjustments.

By addressing the kitchen during the planning phase, we ensure it functions beautifully and integrates seamlessly with the rest of the home.

Furniture, Art and How We Live

Another area where early planning makes a significant difference is how your home supports the pieces you love.

Clients and architects are often drawn to walls of windows, only to realize later there is little space for furniture placement or art. We help identify these nuances early, when changes are easier and more cost-effective to make.

This ensures your home supports your lifestyle, your collections, and the way you want to live day to day.

Fewer Costly Changes Later

Many budget surprises are not accidents. They are the result of decisions made too late.

Early involvement minimizes revisions, rushed selections, and rework. When design intent is clear from the beginning, the project moves forward with fewer disruptions, saving both time and money.

A Smoother Process and Less Stress

With Amber Mitchell guiding decisions from the start, the entire team, including architect, builder, and client, moves forward with clarity and confidence.

The result is a more enjoyable process and a home that feels intentional at every turn.

A truly beautiful home is not just built. It is considered. And the best time to hire an interior designer is before your plans are drawn.

Project credits:

Architect: Michael Abraham Architecture

Builder: Tiburon Homes

Photographer: Ryan Hainey