The Client Challenge:

When our clients moved from their charming Glen Ellyn residence to a new construction home in Oak Brook, they found themselves surrounded by pristine but impersonal spaces. Despite the new home's impressive square footage and clean lines, it lacked the warmth and character they had cherished in their previous home.

"The builder-grade finishes felt cold and unwelcoming," our client explained during our initial consultation. "We wanted our new house to feel like home—with the same inviting atmosphere we had created in Glen Ellyn, but updated for this new chapter."

After struggling for nearly a year to warm up the space on their own, they reached out to Terracotta Interior Designs to transform their beautiful but sterile new build into a residence with soul and personality.

Our Approach:

Our design strategy focused on introducing architectural character, textural elements, and thoughtful details that would soften the home's modern edges while respecting its clean aesthetic.

Rather than implementing dramatic structural changes, we identified strategic opportunities to add warmth and dimension through:

• Custom millwork with enhanced profiles and proportions

• Luxurious wall treatments including Venetian plaster and paneling

• Carefully curated lighting that would transform the mood of each space

• Thoughtful color selections that would create both cohesion and interest

  The Results:

  Through thoughtful interventions rather than complete renovation, we successfully brought warmth, character, and a sense of history to this new construction home. The transformation blended the best of both worlds—the clean lines and modern amenities of new construction with the soul and personality of a more established home.

  Most importantly, our clients now feel truly at home in their Oak Brook residence. The spaces feel collected and curated rather than recently built, allowing them to enjoy their new chapter with the warmth and character they had been missing.