CHIC SPACES

A graduate of Harrington College of Design, Michelle Linn designed showroom spaces in the Chicago Merchandise Mart before launching her own business. With more than 15 years of experience, Linn is still passionate about creating beautiful and sophisticated spaces. Her style embraces traditional profiles and infuses them with modern touches and organic elements to create spaces that are layered, textured, and fresh. This trend-setting tastemaker currently lives in Hinsdale with her husband and two children.

What trends are you currently seeing in the home design industry, and how do you anticipate these trends evolving over the next year?
Color and pattern drenching are having a moment right now in design. I see taking one color and using it everywhere—on moldings, cabinets, walls, and ceilings. When you color drench and play with shade variations, you can really make a bold and inspired statement. I am seeing a similar play with fabric, where taking one pattern and applying it to the windows, furniture, and bedding—letting it be a showstopper. The concept has been around for a while, but it is being revived with a distinctly new and fresh approach.

How do you tailor your designs or services to meet the unique needs of luxury homeowners?
You must tailor each project differently because, for as much as projects are similar, no two clients are the same. Everyone’s needs, tastes and functionality requirements differ, and how these elements are considered against the background of that client’s home is a fresh challenge every time— that’s part of the joy. I have worked with one family on multiple homes and even though I know them very well, what they are trying to achieve and feel is different from space to space. We adapt to help bring the client’s vision to life and create beautiful but unique environments.

What’s your process for selecting materials or finishes (e.g., tile, flooring, window treatments) for a luxury project?
When selecting material that will be used in a project there are many things to consider, but coming up with a cohesive design throughout the home is key. You want the finishes you select to relate to each other—or to “talk” to each other—collectively telling a story as you journey through the home. That is really the ultimate goal with all the selections, whether it’s tile, stone, wood, fabric, or a chair silhouette.

For more information, visit michellelinndesign.com.