After more than ten years working as a residential interior designer in the Chicago area, I’ve learned that being an interior designer in Winnetka, Illinois comes with a very specific set of expectations. Winnetka homes aren’t just large or well-built—they often carry decades of architectural intent that clients want respected, not overwritten. Designing here requires patience, judgment, and a willingness to work with what’s already there.

One of the first Winnetka projects I worked on involved a home that had been renovated several times since the mid-20th century. On paper, the layout seemed cohesive. In reality, ceiling heights shifted subtly from room to room, original trim had been partially replaced over the years, and nothing lined up quite as cleanly as it appeared in drawings. I remember spending multiple site visits adjusting cabinet reveals and molding proportions by small increments so the finished space felt balanced. Those are the kinds of decisions that never show up in a mood board but define the final result.

I’m NCIDQ-certified and have worked extensively with high-end residential clients, but Winnetka taught me quickly that restraint matters more than novelty. I once consulted on a project where the initial design direction leaned heavily toward ornate finishes layered onto an already strong architectural shell. It felt forced. We pulled back, restored some original elements, and simplified the palette. The home immediately felt more cohesive, and the client ended up spending less while getting a better outcome. In neighborhoods like this, knowing when not to add something is just as important as knowing what to add.

Another mistake I see often is designing for appearance instead of use. Many Winnetka clients entertain frequently but also live very active daily lives. I worked with a family who initially wanted delicate upholstery and polished stone throughout their main level. Based on past experience, I pushed for materials that could handle constant use without showing wear too quickly. Months later, after countless gatherings and everyday traffic, the home still looked composed. That wasn’t luck—it was planning for how the space would actually be lived in.

What separates a strong interior designer here is attention to detail and an understanding of long-term consequences. Clients notice alignments, transitions, and whether new work feels authentic to the home. I’ve seen projects lose momentum simply because a designer didn’t take the time to understand the house before proposing changes.

Winnetka doesn’t reward trend-driven design. It rewards designers who listen closely, think holistically, and are comfortable advising against ideas that don’t serve the home. The best work here feels calm, intentional, and enduring—because it’s built on experience rather than impulse.