Top Interior Designers in Chicago – Chicago is home to some of the most talented and innovative interior designers in the United States, each known for blending modern sophistication with timeless style. Leading firms like Studio Gild, Kaufman Segal Design, and PROjECT. Interiors have become synonymous with creative excellence, offering designs that balance functionality with aesthetic allure. These designers are celebrated for their ability to transform both residential and commercial spaces through bold textures, unique color palettes, and refined architectural details. JamesThomas Interiors, for instance, is known for creating elegant, livable spaces that reflect each client’s personality, while Morgante Wilson Architects seamlessly integrates architecture and interior design to produce cohesive, luxurious environments.
From sleek downtown lofts to grand suburban homes, Chicago’s top interior designers have mastered the art of capturing the city’s vibrant spirit — merging contemporary urban chic with classic Midwestern warmth. Their portfolios often feature a mix of bespoke furniture, artistic lighting, and high-end materials, creating interiors that are not only visually stunning but deeply personalized.
Top Interior Designers in Chicago
Summer Thornton
Credit@summerthorntondesign
Summer Thornton’s Chicago–based studio is known for bold, layered, and joy‐filled interiors. Her aesthetic blends playful pattern, strong colour, and a mix of traditional architectural elements with whimsical touches. She describes her design approach as “romantic, fearless and joyful”. Olive Well+2Houzz+2 Each project is individual, often dramatic yet still refined, making it perfect for someone who wants a home with personality rather than a safe, cookie-cutter look. The firm works nationally but remains anchored in Chicago. SUMMER THORNTON
Anthony Michael
Credit@anthonymichaelinteriors
With over 35 years of experience, Anthony Michael is a fixture in Chicago’s luxury interior design world. He and his team combine classic, contemporary and eclectic influences, delivering visually rich yet liveable spaces. anthonymichaelinteriordesign.com+1 His signature lies in strong usage of colour, texture and custom detailing, with an emphasis on delivering both elegance and comfortable living. For clients looking for high-end residences or dramatic transforms, his firm is a strong choice.
Suzanne Lovell
Credit@suzannelovellinc
Suzanne Lovell brings an architect’s sensibility to interior design. Based in Chicago since 1985, her firm focuses on residential interiors that reflect an integrated architectural and decorative experience. Suzanne Lovell Inc.+1 Lovell’s work is especially suited to clients who have a fine-art collection, custom furnishings, or are working with architecture (e.g., historic properties or bespoke homes). The detailing, proportion and materiality in her projects are particularly refined.
Alessandra Branca
Credit@chairishco
Originally from Rome and with a studio in Chicago since 1981, Alessandra Branca is celebrated for her vibrant use of colour and energy. covethouse.eu+1 Her portfolio spans luxury homes globally, but the Chicago office anchors her work in bold interiors that balance dramatic flair with livability. Ideal if you want an international design feel with a strong colour story.
Anne Coyle
Credit@annecoyleinteriors
With a practice dating back to 1997 in Chicago, Anne Coyle has designed everything from vintage apartments to modern beach houses. Boca do Lobo+1 Her approach caters to both updated historic homes and fresh new builds, making her suitable if you are working in a heritage setting or want classic design with contemporary sensibility.
Alexandra Kaehler
Credit@alexkaehlerdesign
A native Chicagoan, Alexandra Kaehler has become a widely published interior designer whose work appears in major design magazines. Jetsetty+1 Her style emphasises eclectic combinations: mixing finishes, blending time‐periods and anchoring rooms with a versatile palette (she notes white walls as a common base). Great for a client who values curated layering across styles.
Rae Duncan
Credit@millenniummagazine
Rae Duncan founded RDID to deliver interiors which reflect her clients’ personalities rather than impose a single designer’s stamp. BRABBU – Design Forces Her work is bold, eclectic and high‐end residentially focused. If you’re drawn to design that leans into personality and uniqueness rather than strict minimalism, she’s worth considering.
Marshall Erb
Credit@marshallerb
Marshall Erb has a background in architecture (Illinois Institute of Technology) and began making his mark in Chicago in 1998. BRABBU – Design Forces+1 His designs tend to reference both history and modernity, bridging architectural context with current utilities. Ideal if you have a home that is architecturally significant or you’re interested in a design with structure and form.
Edyta Czajkowska
Credit@edytaandco
Though often less widely known outside design-circles, Edyta Czajkowska has been doing luxurious residential and commercial interiors, both in Chicago and abroad, blending classic foundations with fresh modern twists. BRABBU – Design Forces For a client who wants elegance with a touch of modernity and global influence, her name comes up in lists of top Chicago designers.
Victoria Pearson (or similar rising firms)
Credit@traditionalhome
While many established firms dominate lists, designers like Victoria Pearson – though perhaps less well-publicised – represent the newer wave in Chicago interior design: thoughtful, modern, sustainable, and personal. For example publications identify newer “Stylemakers” in the design world based in Chicago who emphasise wellness, materials and client-centric design. Better Homes & Gardens If your budget is moderate or you want a designer who’s up-and-coming and more nimble, such options are worth exploring.