Seeking Someone with an Eye for Interior Design (Open to Non-professionals Too)

Hi D.,

I am a non-pro, but mother of 4 ranging from 19 to 2. I bought 2 really great leather wrapped benches from Overstock that open and hold toys/books. The big one doubles as my "coffee table in the familyroom" the small one holds the books and doubles as a side table and the top comes off and flips over for a solid surface for drinks,etc. It also keeps children from catching a sharp wood corner to the eye which happens often with regular tables in the family room. I've also worked very hard in the last few years on designing interior/exterior of 3 homes for myself. (the one I live in, our lake house, and one we are building now to move to. The last I have had a lot of architectural help though. If you'd like to see before and after pictures of the lake, I'd be glad to send to you. We are just at the last phases of the remodeling...laying the wood floors and getting ready for finish touches like paint!
Take care and hope I've been of some help.
J. L.

Hi D.
Try IKEA. They have good prices, a lot of fun colors for every room in the house, a lot of great accessories with storage options. Their catalog also has a lot of great ideas for decorating... You can find everything you need there..

Hi D.,
I completely understand what you're asking for. I shop for deals all the time. People never believe what I've paid for decorative accessories around my house. I've been told, I have an excellent eye for color. I've been in the interior design business for over 8 yrs., specializing in kitchens. I recently quit Expo Design Center because I became a realtor. Since I had a daughter I wanted something more flexible. I still get to have a creative outlet through home staging. Also, I still design on the side. Space planning has always been my favorite part of design since I was a little kid. I can definately help with all of the things you asked for. If you would like you can give me a call ###-###-#### or shoot me an e-mail & let me know if you're interested. I don't know where you live but I'm hoping it's not too far. I live in Berwyn. If you would like we can set up a meeting. It would probably be beneficial for you to interview a few people so you can see if that is someone you would like to work with & to compare fees & so on. I'd be more than happy to interview for the job. Hopefully we'll talk soon!
L. C (mom of a 2 yr.old girl, Antonia)

Hi D.,
I am a stay at home mom with 2 under 3 as well :)
What you are requesting is one of my passions. I have done organizational and informal design projects for many friends. I also have design experience from one of Chicago's premier furniture/design companies, and am currently creating my own business. I agree with your philosophy, as indeed, alot can be done with a smaller budget. I am in the western suburbs and would be happy to speak with you about your projects.

Feel free to contact me, C. D. at###-###-####.
Best Regards, C.

Hi! I would love to help. My husband and I renovate homes,and run a plumbing company (we do alot of bath remodels) and we have 4 children, so we have always decorated on a budget. I'm out of Lombard. I am not licensed, but I do have some schooling, and lots of experience under my belt as well. I only charge $25/hr. If you want more info, you can e-mail me ____@____.com Good luck!

Her name is Sue Burky and her company name is Redesign Express. She has two kids of her own and located in Arlington Heights. I have seen her home and it is beautiful. Her website is www.redesignexpress.com and her phone number is ###-###-####. You can mention K. Janowiak referred you to her. Good luck!