All posts in Featured Designers

September Designer of the Month: Interiors by Mary Susan – LaGrange, Hinsdale, Burr Ridge & More!

Each month, DeSitter chooses one of our very special designers to be our designer of the month. We introduce them to our customers with a little background information about them, some design tips/advice directly from the designer and some images that showcase their work. For the month of September, we are proud to honor Mary Susan from Interiors by Mary Susan!

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Interiors by Mary Susan began twenty five years ago this month.  It has been quite a journey.  I have designed homes from coast to coast including three in Hawaii and two in France.  I was involved with the Ronald McDonald home at Loyola as well as the Constance Morris Home in LaGrange.  In addition, I have designed candy and card shops, restaurants and private businesses.  My design journey has been an honor and a privilege.  I still get excited over remaking just one room.  Designing hundreds of kitchens and bathrooms has often brought me to a DeSitter showroom.

My relationship with DeSitter began over 15 years ago.  I was having carpet installed in a 10,000 sq ft home when, for personal reasons, the installer decided to quit that day.  The carpet was all cut up and my client’s home was in complete disarray.  I reached out to Steve DeSitter, one of the owners of DeSitter Flooring, located in the same town as my business.  DeSitter saved the day and that was the beginning of what has now become a long-term, professional relationship.

Steve and Tom have a reliable professional business that is supportive of both the community and designers.

Below you will see some examples of DeSitter flooring that I have incorporated in my design work over the years.

Mary Susan’s Top 10 Design Tips!

  1. Go big or go home.  Always error on a larger size with chandeliers, artwork and tile!  Also, fewer larger accessories that look important are better than a lot of clutter.
  2. There can be only so many divas in a room. Everything cannot be the star!
  3. Choose colors YOU love and not necessarily what is trending. I promise you it is all a cycle.
  4. Remember scale!  Scale is so important when selecting furnishings for a space.  Two 84” sofas can be completely different in scale because of style, yet the exact same size.
  5. Stick with live or simple faux plants. Orchid’s rock.
  6. Drapery mounted near a ceiling, when applicable, looks opulent and adds height to any room.
  7. Remember rooms need to breathe. Just like you! Do not feel you have to fill every corner.
  8. Bookcases and mantels need special attention. To me, there is nothing like thoughtfully placed books.
  9. Spend money on good lamps and fine art and less on upholstery to elevate the look of a room.
  10. The result of beautiful spaces that spill into one another is because they have just enough continuity to pull them together and just enough contrast to make them independently interesting.

 

 

Heading to College; The List…

It’s that time again…our children are heading off to college or even just starting school. For those parents that are a little unsure of what to expect for sending students off to dorms, one of our expert designers has come up with a perfect article for you…Enjoy!!

 

Dorm Room Basics
by DeSitter Design Partner – Vanessa Nunley Designs

The List…

Design Ideas from the Summer – Reminder from Roberta S.

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The long winter months have finally given way to spring and now on to summer! This is a time when we feel refreshed and renewed and want to air out our homes and lighten the look of the Décor.  Here are some easy changes that will transform your spaces for summer. Before you begin, use this sure fire method of assessing the areas that are cluttered and need change.  Take photos of your rooms including all the corners. We can evaluate our own spaces so much more effectively by looking at photographs.  The old rug or cluttered bookshelf are suddenly visible in your eye and mind!

Then consider the following:

  1. Purchase a few new sets of decorative pillows in a fun palette to reenergize your sofas and chairs. Add a throw in a coordinating color. This is such an easy fun transformation.
  2. Consider painting a focal point wall in a room with a new accent color. This isn’t an overwhelming project but can bring a whole new focus to your room.
  3. Purchase a new area rug or runner to give a hall or family room a new grounding. There are many reasonably priced choices. We often let our areas rugs get old and out of date. This change can give a “room lift” instantly.
  4. Empty bookshelves completely, edit and refill. Stack books horizontally and vertically using accessories to stage. Less is more for this project. Do you really need ALL of those books? Think of them as the main accessory and choose the right sizes for your staging. Give away or store any excess. Purchase some new accessories for this project. Bring home 2 or 3 times more than you need so you can experiment and do returns afterwards. Sometimes it helps to bring your room photos to refer to when shopping.
  5. If your budget allows consider some new window treatments. With spring comes a whole new array of beautiful fabrics to choose from.
  6. A kitchen or bath make over is a larger project but if it is in your budget spring is the perfect time for that transformation.

These ideas should help refresh and reenergize your home. Have fun with it!

R S INTERIORS INC.
Roberta Sauter (Bobbie)
1984 Somerset Lane
Wheaton, Il 60189
rsdecor@aol.com
phone & fax: 630-690-0016

 

July’s Designer of the Month – Stephanie Donnelly from Studio IX Design

Each month, we look forward to sharing with our customers one of our favorite designers to work with and help showcase their work so that you can see how they can help you with your design projects.

For July, we’ve chosen Stephanie Donnelly from Studio IX Design!

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Hi, I’m Stephanie, founder of Studio IX. My design philosophy begins with the idea that your home should be relaxing and inviting, a place you enjoy spending time after a hectic day. To achieve a room’s true potential, I begin by analyzing the space and understanding your functional requirements, budget, and aesthetic preferences, even if you’re not sure what they are! After gaining this insight, I form a concept, make preliminary selections and create a drawing. This is the most important step throughout the process; it is the visual representation that gives a base to work from and ensures the space comes together cohesively and with purpose. A renovation that includes tearing down walls, replacing cabinets, and changing flooring may seem daunting but with a design in place, the project stays on budget and on track.

Hopefully, I’ve told you enough that you believe I can help you build an awesome living room, kitchen, man cave, etc., but if you need some credentials, I received my Bachelor of Science in Interior Design and have worked with a high-end designer as well as in the construction industry. What I really want to leave you with more than anything is that you will have a great experience using Studio IX for your home design services.

 

Insights from a Designer
#1 – Unity
By repeating elements in color palette, style of furniture and flooring throughout the home, a cohesive feeling is created. Your home will feel more spacious too.

#2 – Functionality
It’s not just about looking good. Furniture and surfaces needs to fit the room’s function. For example, you also wouldn’t place a white sofa in a child’s play area.

#3 – Timeless
Beyond functional requirements, another consideration may be resale value. If you sell the house, design choices that appeal to a wide arrange of tastes will bring the most value. Something neutral but aesthetically pleasing will do the trick.

#4 – Durability
Invest in quality materials and well constructed pieces that you’ll keep for at least a decade. Higher quality items cost more up front but have better resale value and longevity. Selecting lower grade finishes usually results in visible wear in a year or two and requires early replacement. Flooring is an especially bad place to skimp due the the labor involved in changing it out later.

 

Glen Ellyn New Carpet Installation

Looking for New Carpet Installation in Glen Ellyn? PERFECT!! DeSitter Flooring opened our newest showroom at 444 Roosevelt Road, where we are now Bigger. Bolder. Better.

If you’re in the market for new carpet installation in Glen Ellyn, Illinois, you’ve come to the right place! DeSitter Flooring is the expert in the carpet business. We’ve helped countless individuals and property owners—just like yourself—to install high quality carpet at affordable prices.

Why choose us? That’s an easy one to answer: You don’t want to leave your carpet installation to a shady business that flies under the radar. You want dedicated, reliable professionals with many years of experience and a good eye for design, colors, and craftsmanship. In other words, you want a company like us.

There is no time to waste. Get started today by scheduling your FREE in-home or showroom appointment with our friendly customer service specialists. contact us on the phone or online. We’re truly looking forward to working together to make your carpet installation experience affordable, stress-free, and professional. Let’s get started today!

April Designer of the Month – Carol Stream, Glen Ellyn, Wheaton, Geneva, St. Charles & More

It’s that time of the month again! Time to feature a fabulous designer partnered with DeSitter Flooring!

It’s no April Fool’s joke that PB Kitchen Design has some spectacular designers and we’d love to introduce you to Debbie Larson, a design specialist.

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“Kitchen design is a natural fit for someone as detail-oriented as Debbie Larsen of PB Kitchen Design in Geneva, Illinois.  Debbie is vigilant in her effort to get kitchen design right for each of her clients, and while she acknowledges that PB Kitchen’s projects are complex, she sees more and more homeowners making a concerted effort to research and be more purposeful in their planning to create simple, timeless spaces. Debbie is a multiple award winning designer and was recently featured in Kitchen & Bath Business magazine for her collaboration in a Sugar Grove, Illinois project with her colleague, Dave McFadden.”

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“When Debbie first entered the old kitchen of this Chicagoland home, she saw the opportunity to open up the kitchen to a lake view. “They wanted an organic feel, to bring the outdoors in,” explains Debbie. “The client has a large family that often had extended family and friends over, so they wanted an inviting space where everyone could gather and be a part of the food prep process. We took down the dining room wall so that space now reveals views of the lake through the kitchen as well.” 

to-do-listCheck out some helpful ‘Pro’ suggestions from Debbie!

 

#1 – Do your homework before your initial sit down meeting with a designer. Look at photos of kitchens online and make an idea book of what you like, but also, what you don’t want in your new kitchen. Houzz and Pinterest are fantastic resources for variety and inspiration. 

#2 – Make sure you and the designer have good chemistry at that first meeting. For the most part, the cost of quality customcabinetry is not going to vary too much from showroom to showroom. Look for a design team that asks you questions and listens to your likes and dislikes rather than one that acts as though they have all the answers before they get to know you. When there’s good communication you increase the chances the designer can pull valuable content from your conversation and create a space that defines your unique personality. It’s all about connection

#3 – Get inspired. I went to school for interior design, but I get my inspiration from my clients, previous projects, other designers in the industry, architects, and furniture design. Again, online kitchen portfolios and sites like Houzz make for a great starting point in deciding what kind of kitchen you want to create. 

#4 – Let your designer conquer the beast! A good designer is a fantastic listener. I love the depth of finding out about my how my clients use their kitchens in their daily lives and what defines them as a working family. It’s my job to draw those practical needs out of them, be precise in solving their spatial concerns, and ultimately creating a beautiful space they never want to leave. 

#5 – If being innovative and unconventional excites you, tell your designer. I do enjoy a client who will break out of the proverbial kitchen design box. Currently, we are working on an “Organic Industrial” type of kitchen remodel which combines distressed finishes and clean lines. Woven into this design is a contemporary vibe with a sprinkling of natural stone, iron and steel elements. Don’t be afraid to be yourself and let your designer “see” your personality and quirks – the outcome can be marvelously you! 

 

Designer of the Month – KJR Interiors – LaGrange, Hinsdale, Western Springs, Lisle & More!

Each month, DeSitter recognizes one of our partnered designers for their beautiful work and talent in design.

This March, we have chosen to feature Karen Renzi from KJR Interiors in Hinsdale.

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Below, you will find some pictures of her work and words of advice from Karen Renzi herself.

“Think Spring. The promise of spring brings thoughts of sunshine, warmth and everything new.  Spring is the perfect time to renew and refresh your home.  Maybe it’s just a couple of new throw pillows, a lighting update, area rug, a fresh coat of paint…or perhaps spring will inspire you to tackle the redecorating or remodeling project you’ve been dreaming about.

Karen Renzi, of KJR Interiors can take your vision, infuse it with design creativity, and turn it into a beautiful reality.  Karen has a Bachelor’s degree in Interior Design. She has expertise and extensive experience in residential, commercial and retail design. No matter what your budget or size of your project, KJR Interiors will work with you to come up with innovative design solutions that express your lifestyle and evoke your personality.”

 

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February’s Designer of the Month – On Cloud Desi9n – LaGrange, Hinsdale, Western Springs, Lisle & More

Each month, DeSitter recognizes a different interior designer to be their Designer of the Month. These designers have shown amazing talent in their work and have the ability to work very well with customers to help them choose the best interior design for their homes. Most of our designers do not only focus on flooring but a variety of different aspects of one’s home decor.

This month, we have chosen to recognize Bonnie Gonsior from On Cloud Desi9n! Bonnie’s motto is “The heart of my design philosophy is to create an uplifting environment that will leave you on “Cloud 9!” 

A message from Bonnie:

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“Hi there, I’m Bonnie! I’m the designer behind On Cloud Desi9n. I have a B.F.A. in Interior Design from Harrington in Chicago and have gained experience in both residential and hospitality design.

On Cloud Desi9n offers the full-scale of interior design services from affordable to high-end; from targeted uplifts to complex remodels. With an innate ability to pull together a multitude of varied details into one harmonious final result, I believe in working hand-in-hand with each client to create a space that is truly their own. “

 

While we have some of the best sales associates and craftsmen for our installations, we cannot give full interior design service as we don’t specialize in things other than flooring. Of course, we can help you select products that will work with your design tastes and with the design items that you show us. However, when our customers need a full service design company, we recommend our designers, often the ones featured as our designers  of the month!

Please feel free to contact Bonnie for any design needs that you may have and let her know DeSitter sent you!

On Cloud Desi9n Inc

708-341-1984

bonnie@onclouddesi9n.com

www.onclouddesi9n.com

 

See some of her work here:

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December’s Designer of the Month – Glen Ellyn, Carol Stream, Wheaton, Lombard & MORE

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Interior design is not for everyone and that’s okay! That doesn’t mean you don’t want your home to look beautiful or have a brilliant sense of style and balance, it just means that you may have a little difficulty arranging the contents and selecting styles and colors for fabric, furniture and flooring so that they all flow wonderfully with one another. There’s no shame in that and there’s usually a relatively easy fix as long as you’re willing to put a little trust in someone else and can try and help them understand your personal preference on style and design ideas. Work with a designer!! Interior designers are amazing individuals who work long and hard to help you make your home beautiful and a reflection of your style choices. What may come as a difficult process for you is usually done effortlessly by them because it’s simply what they do!

This December, DeSitter recognizes Deb Diver as our Designer of the Month! Read below to get a quick feel for what Deb does and how she can help you! Please feel free to contact her office to set up a design consultation and see how she can help you Unleash the Beauty Within…

“Hi, I’m Deb of Deb Diver Interior Design.  I bring my enthusiasm for beautiful design elements and infuse it in my clients’ homes, making them stylish, warm, and inviting. By working with you and understanding your lifestyle and visions, I create a customized design concept that reveals a whole new beauty inside your home that you never knew was possible. My designs are more than just ordinary- I can offer fabulous ideas for your project and will show you how to perfectly blend textures, colors, and style to make our concept come to life.

Whether you’re looking for a small transformation with a new piece of furniture or draperies or you want  a complete overhaul of your master suite, kitchen, or even entire home, I’ll provide you with an extraordinary, individualized plan, no matter the size.

Give a little love back to your home and get ready to unleash the beauty ​within.”

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November’s Designer of the Month – Interiors by Maribeth in LaGrange, IL

Whether you live in a house, condo, townhome, apartment, etc., you want to feel comfortable where you live. The space should feel like it is yours and should reflect your design and personality tastes. While this sounds great, it is not always easy to do and people often need help figuring out how to design their interior spaces. Not only does DeSitter have a large variety of flooring products to choose from, as well as the best installers around to install it, we also have sales people who are great with designing rooms and we have business relationships with some of the best interior designers too!

Each month, DeSitter takes time to recognize an interior designer that we’ve built a solid business relationship with and this month, it’s Maribeth Marinich from Interiors by Maribeth in LaGrange!

A personal message from Maribeth Marinich:

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Congratulations! You are thinking about updating your flooring from subtle to statement! As you know, choosing the right flooring may be a bit overwhelming when designing your new space. Using a designer will take the stress right off your shoulders. They will help you determine what factors you should look for when picking out perfect material, color, texture, and style for your space. 

When working with the existing décor, a designer will help determine whether your room needs a splash of color, a contrast of texture or the addition of a print. DeSitter offers a wide variety of high quality options in each of these categories.

Many questions arise when choosing new wood flooring- what tone and size planking would you like? Do you want an inlaid pattern on the floor or just a classic installation? A designer will help you choose the correct wood flooring with answering all your questions in mind. DeSitter offers a large variety of prefinished and finished planking to accomplish all your design needs.

DeSitter has many diverse vendors who offer pre-made rugs with a mixture of sizes. The use of a designer can help the selection of prints and colors that are appropriate for your room.

Whether you are remodeling a kitchen, bathroom or bar, tile selection can be an overwhelming experience. A knowledgeable designer will assist with picking the right material, pattern, function, and focal points needed for your space.

I have been transforming spaces and working with my clients on the most cost effective methods of space planning for over 30 years. I believe that no project is too big or too small. I prefer to work hand-in-hand with my clients to create a space that reflects their personality and style.

Interested in setting up an appointment with Maribeth? Check out her contact information below:

Interiors by Maribeth

639 S. LaGrange Road

LaGrange, IL 60525

708-352-6080

http://interiorsbymaribeth.com/

maribeth@maribethinteriors.com

Check her out on Facebook too!: https://www.facebook.com/InteriorsbyMaribeth/?fref=ts