Leslie Bowman, Design Director of The Design Bar in Burr Ridge, upended an established career in real estate development and transitioned from CFO to interior designer almost overnight. As the head of The Design Bar, an award-winning 7,000-square-foot showroom and design firm catering to clients seeking to curate one-of-a-kind spaces, Bowman’s penchant for disrupting the design process runs much deeper than a desire to simply do things differently. For her, the impetus for change has always been to make a difference in others’ lives through design.

What sets you apart from your competition? I am able to process space differently because I look at it from not only from an aesthetic point of view, but also look at functionality and budget.

Best thing about 2020 was? It allowed me to pivot the business so that we can offer different services. It also allowed me to reconsider how the retail end of the business operates focusing on not only full customized design packages but by also offering mini décor packages for those who do not need a whole house design.

Past trends you’d like to see return? Art Deco is one of my favorites as it is such a big part of Chicago’s architectural legacy. The glamorous aesthetic in my personal design style is attributed to this long-lost trend.

Trends on the horizon? I think that the essence of “home” has changed over the last year. People are spending a lot more time at home, and therefore, they want their space to be beautiful and functional.

The Design Bar is located in the Burr Ridge Village Center. For more information, call 630-734-0000 or visit thedesignbars.com.