After more than a decade working as an interior designer on Chicago-area residential projects, I’ve learned that collaborating with interior designers in Winnetka, IL requires a very specific kind of experience. Winnetka homes tend to be substantial, often historic, and owned by clients who care deeply about both legacy and livability. You can’t approach these projects the same way you would a downtown condo or a newer suburban build.
One of the first Winnetka projects I worked on was a large home near the lake that had been updated multiple times over the decades. On the surface, it looked cohesive. Once we started opening walls, it became clear that nothing aligned quite the way the drawings suggested. Ceiling heights varied subtly from room to room, original millwork had been patched rather than replaced, and the floors had settled just enough to throw off cabinetry lines. I remember spending hours on site with a carpenter adjusting proportions by fractions so the finished work felt intentional rather than forced. That kind of problem-solving doesn’t happen behind a desk.
I’m NCIDQ-certified and have worked extensively with high-end residential clients, but Winnetka taught me the value of restraint. I once consulted on a project where a designer pushed overly ornate finishes into a home that already had strong architectural bones. The result felt heavy and disjointed. We ended up simplifying the palette, restoring rather than replacing certain elements, and letting the house breathe. The cost savings were meaningful, but more importantly, the home felt right again. In neighborhoods like this, adding more isn’t always the answer.
Another common mistake I see is underestimating how these homes are actually used. Many Winnetka clients entertain frequently but also live very full, very active daily lives. I worked with a family who initially wanted delicate fabrics and polished stone throughout their main level. Based on past experience, I steered them toward durable upholstery and finishes that could handle constant use without looking tired. A year later, the house still looked composed, even after countless gatherings and busy weekends. That’s not luck—that’s planning for reality.
There’s also a level of expectation in Winnetka that designers need to be prepared for. Clients notice details. They care about transitions, alignments, and whether new work respects the home’s original intent. I’ve seen projects stall simply because a designer didn’t take the time to understand the architectural language of the house before proposing changes.
The designers who do their best work here are the ones who listen closely, think long-term, and aren’t afraid to advise against ideas that don’t serve the home. Winnetka doesn’t reward trend-chasing. It rewards judgment, craftsmanship, and a quiet confidence that comes from having solved these problems before.