ANATOMY OF
AN INTERIOR
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At The Design Coach, we believe that great design is as much about the process as it is about the final product. Anatomy of an Interior is our ongoing series of case studies created to educate, inspire, and celebrate the art of collaboration that defines every project we undertake.
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Here, we open the doors to our work—showcasing projects from concept to completion. Each feature highlights the design intent behind the vision, the resources and craftsmanship that shape the outcome, and the partners who help bring it all to life. Our mission is both educational and creative: to share insights into the strategies, details, and decisions that elevate interiors from ordinary to extraordinary, while honoring the collective effort it takes to achieve them.
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As new projects unfold, we’ll continue to add to this page—offering fresh perspectives and a deeper appreciation for the creativity, care, and collaboration that sit at the heart of The Design Coach.
THE STATEMENT
CELLAR
This spectacular wine cellar showcases how intimate spaces can achieve a striking visual impact through the thoughtful balance of bold materials and refined detailing. Inspired by the worldly travels of the clients, the room evokes a sense of discovery and sophistication, blending exotic jewel tones with natural finishes to create a truly immersive environment. Rich walnut cabinetry provides a warm and grounding framework, while Sub-Zero and Wolf appliances integrate seamlessly to elevate both form and function. Every element has been curated to maximize aesthetic richness within a compact footprint, demonstrating that smaller spaces can serve as powerful statements of personality and style. Designed as both a display and a destination, the cellar becomes a luxurious reflection of the clients’ global perspective and passion for curated living.
THE GILDED LADY
The design intent of the second floor lofted living room and entertainment space is to create a sophisticated yet versatile environment that celebrates both heritage and modern living. Anchored by finely detailed millwork and a custom “boat bar” patterned after the historic Geneva Lake tour boats of the late 1800s, the space blends timeless craftsmanship with contemporary function. A key feature of the plan is the introduction of an auxiliary bar, strategically positioned to allow guests to serve themselves—minimizing congestion behind the primary bar and ensuring a more functional, host-friendly layout. Outfitted with Sub-Zero and Wolf appliances, the space is perfectly equipped for seamless entertaining, flexing effortlessly between intimate gatherings and larger celebrations. Display walls and curated niches provide a distinguished home for the owner’s collections of vintage objects, art, and memorabilia, transforming the space into both a gallery and a gathering place. Expansive lofted views frame year-round vistas of Geneva Lake, enriching the atmosphere with a constant connection to the water and its storied history.
LAKESIDE LINKS
GOLF CENTER
What was once a detached garage has been reimagined into a private lakeside links golf center, blending the intimacy of home with the storied traditions of the game. At the heart of the design stands a custom mahogany bar, patterned after the client’s classic wooden boat—a gesture that anchors the space in both personal history and timeless craftsmanship.
The interior aesthetic draws from the great clubhouses of Scotland, Ireland, and England, where tradition, camaraderie, and heritage infuse every detail. Rich leathers, plaid wall coverings, and classic menswear prints establish a palette that is both refined and familiar, echoing the textures and tones of centuries-old links culture. Layered, tactile materials lend warmth and character, while archival images from the PGA complete the story with a nostalgic tribute to golf’s golden age.
Balancing heritage with innovation, the golf center integrates state-of-the-art technology in partnership with Trackman Golf. This professional-grade system transforms the space into a year-round training and entertainment destination, allowing the client and their guests to practice, play, and perfect their game with the most advanced tools available in the sport today.
The result is an eclectic interior where legacy and leisure meet—an environment equally suited to a quiet evening at the bar or an immersive round on world-class courses. A sanctuary of tradition enhanced by technology, the Lakeside Links Golf Center celebrates both the timeless spirit and the future of the game.
THE AVIARY
Smaller interiors, particularly those with generous ceiling height, offer a rare opportunity to create unforgettable statement spaces. The Aviary was envisioned as just that—a jewel box of bold color, subtle pattern, and intimate art collections designed to be experienced up close.
In this powder room, symmetry becomes both anchor and showcase. The arrangement of art pieces, thoughtfully grouped, finds further amplification in the reflection of the mirror, expanding the collection’s presence and creating a layered visual dialogue. The eye is drawn not only to the pieces themselves but also to the rhythm of their mirrored repetition, reinforcing the sense of balance within the space.
Burnished gold plumbing and lighting fixtures lend warmth and refinement, their glow complementing the rich tones of the room while adding a timeless elegance. To temper the boldness, mercury glass bathroom accessories provide shimmer and lightness, introducing an airy counterpoint to the darker, more saturated design features.
Ultimately, The Aviary embodies the perfect blend of intimacy and impact. It is a space where color, pattern, and art converge, where every detail invites closer exploration, and where design transforms a functional room into a memorable experience.
THE ELEVATED
CULINARY ATELIER
This Lake House Kitchen was conceived as both the heart of the home and a timeless expression of style, blending current and traditional elements in perfect balance. Every detail was considered to create an interior that is as elegant as it is functional, offering beauty without compromise to performance.
Counter-to-ceiling tile work, sourced from Bella Tile & Stone and Ann Sacks, defines the vertical surfaces with texture and refinement, while Subzero and Wolf appliances anchor the space with professional-grade capability. These finishes and fixtures, carefully selected, ensure that the kitchen functions as seamlessly as it inspires.
The triangular nature of the room, paired with an expansive center island, creates an intuitive flow that accommodates both intimate family meals and large gatherings with ease. At its center, a show-stopping metal range hood provides a grounding focal point—an architectural gesture that celebrates both form and function.
Classic stripes, woven textures, and floral prints subtly layer the space with warmth and character, softening the crispness of the cabinetry and tilework while adding depth to the overall composition. The result is a white kitchen that proves itself anything but ordinary—an enduring, livable, and welcoming space that will feel as fresh in the decades to come as it does today.
THE JOURNEY TO
DEFINING YOUR STYLE
STARTS HERE.
HISTORIC STARLINE FACTORY BUILDING
300 West Front Street, Units A/B & I
Harvard, IL 60033
