Lake Shore Living
Every inch of the space is lived in and loved, by both family and their two dogs. Functionality was as important as beauty. Swivel chairs in the living area allow for versatile conversation groupings, while the sectional and large TV create an inviting spot for movie nights, sleepovers, and casual hangouts. The home easily transitions from intimate family time to lively gatherings, hosting school events, fundraisers, and dinners with friends.
As with all of Deb’s projects, she layered in unexpected and memorable design moments: a floral mosaic floor in the powder room, a foosball table customized for extra dining seating, a mirrored kitchen backsplash reflecting a lenticular artwork,and a cocktail table filled with vivid pink pigment. Many of these gestures reflect the love of nature, from floral elements to antlers forming the base of a Rick Owens stool to a Gabriel Rico sculpture exploring the relationship between humanity and the natural world.Designing this home was a labor of love—a place that embodies Deb’s knowledge, taste, and values while evolving with the family’s life in the city. It is chic yet practical, timeless yet full of character, and above all, warm and welcoming.
Deb’s design work, both here and for clients nationwide, is rooted in creating homes that are bespoke and deeply personal. Each project balances classical influences with modern sensibilities, infused with art, layered details, and thoughtful functionality.
Deb believes a successful home is not just beautiful—it’s the best version of how you aspire to live. This residence is an expression of that philosophy: a space to live, love, and grow, where every detail tells a story and every room feels like home.
When this family decided to move from the suburbs into the city, the search for a new home was unexpectedly brief.
The very first condominium they toured immediately felt right. Its unique curved bay window in the dining area frames panoramic views of Lake Michigan and the surrounding neighborhood, flooding the home with natural light. As the designer, Deb knew the layout would work well for the clients’ children and two Golden Retrievers. Deb also recognized that the extensive renovations it required presented the opportunity to design a truly bespoke home for the client.
Set in the heart of the Gold Coast, the apartment offers the best of both worlds: steps away from the vibrant energy of restaurants and shops, yet once inside, it feels like a sanctuary. In place of the backyard with swing sets they left behind in the suburbs, they now have Lake Michigan as their front yard—where they swim, jet ski, and wake surf together. The ever-changing lake has become an extension of the living space, influencing the way Deb designed the home to feel connected to nature year-round. The interiors reflect both Deb’s personal sensibilities and my professional philosophy: eclectic, intentional, and deeply personal. She curated a collection of vintage Italian light sculptures, paired with furnishings sourced from France, England, Spain, Canada, and Italy. Contemporary American art anchors the home with freshness and vitality. She wanted the décor to be sophisticated yet approachable, exciting yet immediately comfortable.
Powder Room
A study in contrasts, this powder room pairs tradition with the unexpected. A black-and-white orchid mosaic floor makes a bold graphic statement, softened by mauve walls and anchored by a hand-carved stone sink. A Fontana Arte mirror, Lalique sconces, and a Laura Letinsky photograph complete the space with sculptural refinement and contemporary edge.
Bedroom Desk Corner
In this girl’s bedroom, we utilized timeless design elements, combined with a sprinkle of charm, to create a sophisticated space that will follow her as she grows. The vibrant accent colors complement the view and monochromatic background. Edgy art by Josephine Meckseper, as well as a throw pillow by Jean Paul Gaultier are the finishing touches that make this room as unique as our client.”
Primary Bedroom
A bedroom designed for quiet retreat, where subtle pattern and tone-on-tone textures invite lingering. A tufted headboard introduces tailored softness, complemented by a zebra-patterned carpet that adds just the right amount of drama. The curved lounge chair offers a cocoon of comfort, framed by cascading drapery that tempers the city beyond. An oasis of calm, grounded in modern sophistication.
Bedroom
This bedroom blends timeless design with the edge of cool city living. A graphic black-and-white palette anchors the space, from the custom upholstered bed to the bold geometric throw. Playful touches, like a skull pillow, sit comfortably alongside iconic design classics. An Eames lounge chair in vibrant fabric adds both comfort and statement, while a sculptural floor lamp by Alison Berger and a Maharam-upholstered window seat complete the mix. The result is a room that feels urban, modern, and distinctly personal.
Breakfast Nook
In the breakfast nook, a classic Saarinen tulip table and chairs introduce midcentury curves that soften the linear architecture, their white lacquer echoing the crisp cabinetry.
Den
A plush rose velvet sofa plays against the artistry of de Gournay’s hand-painted wallpaper, where flowering branches climb with subtle elegance. Iconic Gio Ponti tables introduce sharp geometry, while shearling textures underfoot ground the scene in softness.
Den 2
This sitting room is a dialogue between whimsy and refinement. Hand-painted blossoms climb across a soft green ground, a delicate counterpoint to the bold rose-colored velvet sofa. Sculptural tables and layered textures—from wood and mirror to shearling hides—add dimension, while a petite vintage French game table at the window extends the room’s purpose, inviting quiet play or intimate dining.
Foyer
This entryway is a curated passage into the main living space. A sculptural console anchors the corridor with sleek geometry, layered against bold contemporary art and a vintage Italian lamp.
Dining
The dining room exemplifies how different design styles can come together seamlessly. A sculptural black clay table bridges and grounds the space, linking the Beaux-Arts filigree on the exterior with the intricate and luminescent design above.
Kitchen
The kitchen's terrazzo floor is balanced by marble slabs which wrap the counters, backsplash, and walls, creating a seamless envelope of texture and light. A mirrored ceiling height backsplash above the sink reflects both architecture and art, expanding the room with subtle drama. Minimalist cabinetry sits flush beneath the stone, allowing the sculptural faucet and natural greenery to take center stage. Every detail is pared back yet intentional, balancing quiet luxury with everyday function.
Fireplace
The fireplace wall is a focal composition—layered with contemporary art and sculptural sconces.
Living Room
This expansive living room balances architectural grandeur with playful ease. The sculptural furnishings—the curved sofas, lilac swivel chairs, and shearling modernist lounges—are arranged for conversation and comfort. Pops of color, from a vivid pink cocktail table to contemporary art, are unexpected.
