Searching for the perfect hostess gift? On the hunt for a fabulous home décor item? For the last 10 years, in-the-know shoppers have found just these items and more at Winnetka’s Maze Home. Founded by famed interior designer, Cindy Galvin, Maze Home continues to be the North Shore spot for everything from a new lamp and linens to a thoughtful holiday gift.

In 1980, after earning a degree in Interior Design from Northwestern University, Galvin started Bardes Interiors. One of her first jobs was customizing model homes’ interiors, with a timeline so tight that Galvin recalls having to “spend Thursday night in the home, sleeping in the bed, and using the shower,” all to ensure everything was ready for the first showing the next day at 5 p.m. Seeing these houses built from the ground up, Galvin gained invaluable first-hand knowledge of construction, plumbing, and electricity. This in-depth training, allows Galvin to manage her 2020 workload of simultaneously designing the interiors of eight new construction homes across the nation.

Her unique talent is not having homes “stamped by Cindy Galvin,” rather she educates her clients on what they want, helping them discover their unique vision, and then using her talents to bring it to life. Old school designers, like Elsie de Wolfe, have inspired Galvin throughout her career, and on any given day you can find her garnering inspiration from The Art Institute’s phenomenal Thorne Miniature Rooms.

She is ever evolving her career with a motto of “leave something better than you found it.” Around 2010 when multiple Winnetka home shops closed, Galvin decided to create a space where young moms could buy high-quality, unique items without having to trek to the city.  us, Maze Home was born as a North Shore destination where shoppers can procure items at all price points from home accessories and pillowcases to fun makeup bags and gorgeous beach cover-ups. Curated by Galvin’s far-flung travels, one can find vintage Ikat textiles from England, Nepal and beyond, to create one-of-a-kind upholstery or a tablecloth. Also, pop in to find items from Made Goods, Bungalow 5, and Ryan Studio pillows, among other gems. A testament to Galvin’s vision and knowing her customers’ needs and style, she skillfully secured for Maze Home the first exclusive license stateside—outside of New York—to sell the renowned D. Porthault linens and printed nightgowns. Galvin’s own signature gift of a boudoir pillow in a coveted, luxurious D. Porthault linen is a must-have item.

Crediting Maze’s amazing success to her collaboration with her remarkable staff, Galvin lauds their ability “to truly connect with the customer and pair them with the perfect item.” With their new monogramming machine capable of personalizing everything from blankets to leather goods, Maze continues to assist its customers in finding a unique and thoughtful gift for every occasion.

And what’s in store for Maze for the next 10 years? “I keep traveling and watching,” says Galvin. “Eyes are windows to the future, and I bring past and experience to the table.” With Galvin’s curiosity and talent and Maze’s “dream team” staff, it is no wonder Maze is still a hot spot for North Shore shoppers.

For more information, visit mazehome.com.