full-service interior design for historic homes & complex renovations
Our full‑service design offering supports clients through every phase of a renovation or new build. From custom millwork and wall coverings to project management and senior‑level oversight, we create interiors that feel collected, grounded, and enduring. This is ideal for homeowners seeking a highly personalized, detail‑driven approach that ensures every design decision aligns with the architecture and long‑term vision of the home.
begin your Design Journey
At Terracotta Interior Designs, we offer tailored design services to transform your house into a home that perfectly reflects your lifestyle, preferences, and story. From concept to completion, our boutique approach ensures personalized attention and exceptional results. Whether you’re refreshing a single room or embarking on a full renovation, our process is designed to bring clarity, confidence, and cohesion to every stage of your project.
Paint Consultation
Transform your home with Terracotta Interior Designs' specialized paint consultation service. Color is one of the most impactful elements in interior design, setting the tone and creating atmosphere throughout your home. Our in-depth paint consultations go beyond simple color selection to create a cohesive color strategy that enhances your architecture, complements your furnishings, and reflects your personal style.
Our boutique paint consultation service includes:
In-Home Color Assessment - Evaluation of your space's natural light, architectural features, fixed elements, and existing furnishings
Personalized Color Strategy - Development of a cohesive color plan that flows logically throughout your home
Custom Color Palette Creation - Selection of harmonious paint colors tailored to your aesthetic preferences and functional needs
Finish Recommendations - Expert guidance on appropriate paint finishes for each space (matte, eggshell, satin, semi-gloss)
This service is perfect for homeowners who want designer‑level color clarity without committing to a full‑scale project.
Full Service Design
Our signature service encompasses every aspect of your interior transformation. We handle each phase of the design process, from initial concept development through final installation and styling. Perfect for whole-home designs, major renovations, or new construction projects, this comprehensive approach delivers cohesive, thoughtfully curated interiors that function beautifully for everyday living.
What's included:
In-depth discovery consultation
Custom design concept development
Detailed space planning and furniture layouts
Material, finish, and color scheme selection
Custom furniture design and procurement
Comprehensive project management
Contractor and vendor coordination
Final installation and styling
This turnkey service ensures that every detail—from architectural elements to final styling—is executed with precision and consistency.
Renovation +
New Build Services
From kitchen and bath renovations to ground-up new construction, we provide the design expertise necessary to create exceptional living environments. Working collaboratively with your architect and builder, we ensure every interior element enhances your home's architectural integrity while reflecting your personal style.
Our renovation and new build design services include:
Pre-Construction Planning - Design consultation before construction begins to optimize spatial flow, functionality, and aesthetic cohesion
Architectural Detail Selection - Expert guidance on selecting millwork, moldings, built-ins, and other architectural elements
Space Planning & Layout Optimization - Strategic planning to maximize functionality and create intuitive traffic patterns
Material & Finish Specification - Selection of flooring, tile, countertops, cabinetry, and other fixed elements
Lighting Design - Comprehensive lighting plans that balance ambient, task, and accent lighting
Custom Cabinetry Design - Detailed cabinet elevations and specifications for kitchens, bathrooms, and built-ins
Fixture & Hardware Selection - Curated plumbing fixtures, cabinet hardware, and decorative elements
Construction Document Review - Professional review of plans to ensure design intent is properly executed
Contractor Coordination - Regular communication with your construction team throughout the build process
Final Furnishing & Styling - Complete furnishing services to finalize your space once construction is complete
This service is ideal for homeowners who want a seamless, professionally guided experience from architectural planning through final furnishings.
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Your journey begins with a brief conversation to discuss your project goals, timeline, and budget. This initial call helps us determine if we're the right fit for your needs and allows you to ask any questions about our approach to luxury interior design in Chicago's western suburbs.
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We visit your space to understand its potential, challenges, and your vision firsthand. This valuable meeting allows us to connect personally—essential for what will become a collaborative partnership. Great design emerges from strong relationships, and we believe in getting to know our clients as individuals. Following this visit, we'll prepare a customized scope of work tailored to your specific project needs.
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Once you're ready to proceed, we formalize our partnership with a signed agreement and retainer. We'll establish our communication protocols, set up regular meeting schedules, and provide access to our client portal where you can track your project's progress. This structured approach ensures your project launches with clear expectations and momentum.
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During this in-depth session, we explore your lifestyle, preferences, and aspirations through our comprehensive questionnaire and review of your inspiration images. We'll document your space with detailed measurements and photographs, creating the foundation for your design plan.
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We reveal the creative direction for your space through mood boards, preliminary space plans, and material direction. This meeting allows us to refine the overall "feel" of your design and confirm that spatial arrangements will enhance your daily living experience before moving into specific selections.
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Experience your new space through detailed presentations of furnishings, materials, finishes, and decorative elements. Once approved, we handle all ordering logistics, allowing you to simply anticipate the transformation without the stress of managing countless details.
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Our team manages every aspect of your order processing, tracking, and quality control. We coordinate with vendors, troubleshoot any challenges, and keep you informed throughout the process, ensuring everything arrives as expected for a seamless installation.
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The most exciting day arrives when our installation team transforms your space, placing every piece with precision. We handle all delivery coordination, furniture placement, art installation, and styling of decorative elements. You'll return to a completely finished space that exceeds your expectations—a true design reveal moment.
At Terracotta Interior Designs, we believe that exceptional spaces emerge from a thoughtful, structured approach. Our refined design process ensures every project—from paint consultations to full-home transformations—receives the attention to detail and creative vision it deserves.
We've developed this eight-step journey to guide our Chicago western suburban clients from initial concept through flawless execution. Each phase is purposefully designed to eliminate uncertainty, streamline communication, and transform your vision into beautifully livable spaces that reflect your unique lifestyle and aesthetic preferences.
This proven framework keeps your project organized, transparent, and moving forward with confidence at every stage.
What our process looks like.
These eight steps ensure a seamless, enjoyable experience—from your first conversation with us to the moment your fully realized space is revealed.
FAQs
What’s included in your full‑service interior design process?
Our full‑service design offering covers every phase of your project, including concept development, space planning, material and finish selection, custom millwork design, furnishings, lighting, procurement, installation, and final styling. We manage the details and absorb the mental load so you can move through the process with clarity and confidence. Our approach is intentionally slow and thoughtful — good decisions need time to mature — resulting in warm, layered, material‑rich interiors that feel collected rather than rushed.
Do you work with contractors, builders, and historic or older homes?
Yes. We collaborate closely with your contractor or builder to ensure the design intent is executed beautifully. Many of our projects involve historic remodels and character‑rich homes in Chicago and the western suburbs, including Hinsdale, Oak Brook, Elmhurst, Western Springs, and Lincoln Park. We balance modern functionality with respect for the home’s architectural story, providing detailed selections, drawings, and guidance throughout construction to keep the project cohesive and aligned with the overall vision.
What types of projects and clients are the best fit for your studio?
We specialize in historic home remodels, complex renovations, character‑driven new builds, and multi‑room furnishing projects. Our ideal clients value a collaborative partnership, appreciate a slower, more intentional design process, and want a home that feels warm, layered, and deeply personal. We are not the right fit for styling‑only, single‑room, investor‑focused, or fast‑turnaround projects where speed is prioritized over thoughtful design.
Do you help with material selections, custom details, and furnishings?
Yes. Materiality is a core part of our design philosophy. We guide all selections — cabinetry, tile, countertops, lighting, hardware, wall coverings, custom furniture, and more. For furnishing and styling projects, we curate pieces that balance comfort, scale, and visual harmony. We can incorporate select existing items if they support the overall design direction, but our goal is always a cohesive, elevated result that reflects the way you live.
Client Testimonial
“Andrea at Terracotta interiors is amazing! She has an incredible gift for helping you create your vision and then execute it in a way that is more than you ever imagined. Her design work in my personal home as well as my private practice office has made both spaces, feel warm, homey, calming and elegant using timeless and transitional design. 100% recommend.”