Photo Credit: The Young Companies

Donté J. Young, founder and CEO of The Young Companies, shared how The Young Companies approaches Interior design.

Haute Design: What does your design firm do that no one else can imitate?

Donté J. Young: Two specific things come to mind. We're not just designers, we're design artists. I like to think we're the Picasso of designers. While I may not be known on that level (yet), my team and I are visionaries in a way that does not have us picking out multiple paints or floor samples for our clients. I envision it, then I bring it to life. Our design process is a bit unconventional but always memorable through the turnkey delivery. Matched with an infectious savant energy, it is something that cannot be duplicated or imitated.

HD: Describe The Young Companies' design philosophy in three words.

DJY: I'm not sure if I could do that in three words necessarily, but our mantra is, "Be bold, not basic."

Photo Credit: The Young Companies

HD: What has been the biggest lesson you learned since the launch of your design firm?

DJY: For me, the main thing has always been practical communication. There are so many layers to design - from architects, to general contractors, sub-contractors, vendors, employees, and the clients themselves, things can fall apart quickly if you do not have effective communication.

When my team and I went remote, we moved to a more robust project management system. It provided our clients with a real-time, 24-hour communication platform to ensure all lines of communication were effectively met. It has indeed been the foundation of our design-build firm.

HD: What is your favorite part of working in Chicago?

DJY: Chicago is somewhat of a full-circle moment for me as I lived here over a decade ago. It's an approachable city Mecca known worldwide for its beautiful architecture, world-class cuisine and phenomenal art scene. Combine all these things along with the beauty of the Midwest's people, and it makes for a fantastic place to call home as well as creating experiential home designs for many clients throughout the Chicagoland area. It is the foundation and birthplace of many greats; therefore, I am pleased to be based here amongst that inspiring energy.

Photo Credit: The Young Companies

HD: When did you realize you wanted to fully dive into the design industry? How was that?

DJY: My mother was an interior designer and art broker, so I was always around design from a young age. Initially, I studied structural engineering before shifting my studies to architecture. My career led me down many avenues - from being a real estate broker, resulting in a period within the world of marketing and public relations for various celebrities and entertainers. However, the one thing that remained constant was that I owned and designed luxury rental properties where people would ask who my designer was, not knowing it was me. After designing for friends 'just for fun' and getting burned out by the entertainment and public relations firm, I leaped full-time back into the development and design business, which has proven to be a fruitful and highly notable career path.

The post Donté J. Young Aims to be Bold, not Basic appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Lakesha Rose, Jim Rose

Photo Credit: Lakesha Rose

Haute Design recently discussed how Lakesha balances work life and private life on social media.

Haute Design: How big a role does social media play in your day-to-day business strategy?

Lakesha Rose: Honestly, it should play a larger role than it currently does. Often, I am in the moment of work and I forget to post progress or when I think I should post something, I just shrug my shoulders and say I will just feature the work when it is finished that is why often I am radio silent, but the truth is I am just working. My plan is to hire someone to keep me more present on social media. Secondly, I also really enjoy flying under the radar just living my wonderful life quietly.

HD: What is your thinking behind sharing both professional and personal posts on Instagram?

LR: I do it very carefully. I do not post vacations unless I visit a manufacturer or design store. In which case, I post that moment because it is related to work. My husband is the number one Sportscaster in Chicago and has been for over 40 years, so his life is public being on TV every day, so we enjoy fading away to vacation quietly together. I do post some photos of us from time to time and it is because I emotionally feel ok to post about it that day. Jim and I both have public jobs, so we enjoy going to our home in Michigan and not leaving the house all weekend and I cook, listen to French music, we create date nights inside of our home. Most of the time, the season determines what our cocktail of choice is and since it's winter we are drinking Whiskey Sours, using Japanese whiskey. I would best describe us as introvert/extrovert.  

HD: Have you noticed any specific patterns among clients or prospective clients regarding which posts are preferred between professional and personal?

LR: I would say they like both because it gives them a peek inside of my personality before meeting me but if I venture to guess they like what they see because they are hiring someone that understands exclusivity and will not talk about a well-known client. My page does not reveal a narcissist.

HD: Are there any other social media platforms you like to use? Is Instagram your favorite?

LR: The other one I use is Facebook, but for creativity I use Instagram.  

The post See how Lakesha Rose Mixes Deadline Day and Date Night on Instagram appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Lakesha Rose

Photo Credit: L Rose Interiors

Lakesha Rose, founder and Principal at L Rose Interiors, recently appeared on Daytime Chicago's TV program to share some helpful holiday hacks for seasonal decor. Haute Design decided to get some of her input from the television appearance and jot down some holiday decor inspiration while we were at it.

Haute Design: How did the opportunity to appear on Daytime Chicago come about? How often do you make TV appearances?

Lakesha Rose: I was asked to come on the show by the show's producer and co-host. They know of my work as an interior designer in Chicago. Pre-pandemic, I would often make appearances on television programs. I would cover topics such as interior design, cooking and home entertaining.

HD: What is your go-to advice for holiday decoration? 

LR: You do not always have to use the traditional red and green, if that does not agree with the decor of your home. I like to use winter whites, golds and silvers, along with white lights and holiday greenery. This creates a wonderful warm and festive feel and these colors will fit into any home color palette.

HD: What are three easy ways to refresh the concept of holiday decor?

LR: Even though I am a designer, I do not have a lot of time to decorate my own home. So, my easy go-to is using inexpensive items that make a large statement. I buy lots of holiday greenery and put it in a medium or large vase and place it on my kitchen island and console table. Because it is all one color, using a lot of it will make a large holiday statement. I also get holiday red berries in bulk and separate them into three small low vases and add them to the dining room table. The red berries are also beautiful around the home, in my guest rooms and in bathrooms. 

Photo Credit: Shutterstock

HD: Do you have a not-so-secret design hack for holiday decorating? 

LR: Yes! Get holiday pots. If you are not good at it, hire someone who is, like my wonderful flower guys, who plant my front outdoor pots each season. My holiday pots are some of the prettiest on the block because I was smart enough to hire a professional.

HD: Could any of these design concepts apply to New Year's Eve? 

LR: Of course! Especially the warm winter whites, silver, gold and holiday greenery palette.

The post Easy And Affordable Holiday Decoration Hacks Courtesy of L Rose Interiors appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Centaur Interiors is a boutique firm specializing in turn-key bespoke solutions for residential interior renovation and construction. With meticulous attention to detail, the dynamic team at Centaur Interiors, under the leadership of founder Michael Miller, has rapidly transformed the landscape in the residential design/build market in Chicago.

This particular riverfront residence makes an excellent argument for Centaur Interiors' commitment to delivering innovation, precise execution, extraordinary design and superior customer service to each and every client. The riverfront project developed from an existing relationship from a client who had entrusted Centaur Interiors to create a full vision for his new condominium residence. Situated high along the river, the client's initial desire was to update the powder room and fireplace and TV wall in the living room. However, the initial wish rapidly blossomed into a full renovation as the owner's trust in the team, as well as their excitement for the project, took over. The concept was to create a warm, modern space that did not feel too stark. Comfortable furnishings were a key element which were also durable for entertaining and everyday use.

Photo Credit: Centaur Interiors

You are initially drawn into the home by a feature wall incorporating translucent quartzite stone, floating in bronze channels at the fireplace. Both of which are backlit with a LED flat light to thread the custom mahogany bookshelf into the fireplace as one cohesive feature. The original flooring was replaced with darker, wide planked, hand scraped oak, which ties the space together.

Photo Credit: Centaur Interiors

The goal for the kitchen remodel was to lighten and modernize the space, while still meeting the client's desire for a transitional, warm, livable area. The Centaur team used mahogany millwork as an accent and feature throughout the home. The island cabinetry is wrapped by a dual waterfall of Taj Mahal which incorporates a floating custom dining table on a uniquely-shaped bronze base. The light satin lacquered cabinets and quartzite stone brighten the space up for a perfect blend in the kitchen.

Photo Credit: Centaur Interiors

The master bedroom boasts a full custom bed with mahogany wood framing and leather-wrapped panels. The fireplace surround was designed with new limestone, custom mahogany millwork panels, along with a place for both art display and the TV. The tones and colors used in the room were intentional to create a mood and lean more toward a masculine feel. The Centaur design team worked closely with the client to curate art for the home. The client's never-ending collection completes the residence and makes for the perfect home to live in day to day.

Photo Credit: Centaur Interiors

For more information on Centaur Interiors and Michael Miller's design work, CLICK HERE.

The post Centaur Interiors Creates A Modern Home While Maintaining Warmth appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

When Centaur Interiors was approached for this project in the Millenium Park area of Chicago, the client made it clear that the ideal outdoor area was an absolute must-have.

Located in the Loop community area of Chicago, this residence is a stone's throw away to some of the city's best museums, cultural attractions, restaurants and bars. So while access to breath-taking views would not necessarily be a problem, project manager and Principal at Centaur Interiors Michael Miller and Design Director Jennifer Aubry still had a few challenges ahead. Since this is a landmark building, approvals had to go through the building and the city as well. This translated to many of the custom pieces found throughout the stunning home to be fabricated on-site.

Photo Credit: Centaur Interiors

While rooftop terraces are a rarity in Chicago, the opportunity to create one allowed for the Centaur team to utilize core skills related to designing, building and furnishing.

Keeping in mind that the vast majority of the world has been reeling from a global pandemic which kept us all indoors for the past year or more, any and every outdoor spaces were welcomed by client and designer alike.

One of the aforementioned key pieces that had to be fabricated onsite was the floating steel trellis which integrates lighting, heating, water misters, as well as a motorized retractable awning. Which means this would be the ideal terrace to entertain and spend time at, year-round.

Photo Credit: Centaur Interiors

The terrace also includes a custom outdoor kitchen which incorporates concealed appliances for entertaining. Multiple flooring materials of wood, tile, and turf flawlessly integrate and also incorporate lighting features. Apart from floors, the planters, walls and trellis all have lighting, which creates a lovely atmosphere throughout the evening. All of these aspects including exterior grade TVs and speakers are harmoniously controlled with smart home technology.

Smart Home Technology allows for the option of entertaining for intimate and larger-scale functions alike. The robust one-touch controls give the client the option to entertain not only in a variety of social settings but throughout various climate conditions as well.

While the rooftop may be something of an oasis, the interior of this home is nothing short of spectacular either.

Photo Credit: Centaur Interiors

The image above displays a motorized TV that seamlessly vanishes, dividing a gorgeous millwork wine feature.

A distressed leather wrapped floating credenza and millwork wall panels showcase a beautiful piece of custom art which anchors the living room seating grouping. All interior furnishings and decor were implemented by the Centaur Interiors design team.

Photo Credit: Centaur Interiors

This Millenium Park Residence displays the turnkey service Centaur Interiors provides, regardless of the environment or situation. The lovely outdoor oasis will surely be the party destination no matter what conditions the Windy City has planned.

To learn more about Centaur Interiors and book them for an upcoming project, CLICK HERE and discover the art of building.

The post Centaur Interiors Creates Unique Outdoor Oasis For Millenium Park Residence appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Suzanne Lovell is an Architect, Interior Designer and Principal/CEO of Suzanne Lovell, Inc., an interior architecture firm with offices in Chicago and New York. She is also the the author of Artistic Interiors:  Designing with Fine Art Collections.

An innovator practicing at the intersection of architecture and interiors, design and art, Suzanne Lovell is known for her unique approach toward designing couture environments for extraordinary living.

Suzanne Lovell, Inc. consistently delivers gracious interiors through the intelligent integration of architecture, sophisticated materials, custom furnishings and textiles, antiques and fine art collections.  The result is a sophisticated, elegant and approachable interior that expresses a passion for home and reflects the distinct personal style of each Client.

Every author needs a big stainless steel Sharpie – it dries instantly!

My board is my favorite place to harbor inspirations.  Every year I fill it, and every year I start again.

Beautiful things and people I love inspire my every day…And one always needs a lucky parrot!

Lance is my constant companion, my shadow, and my ever-present reminder that there are no sofa emergencies.

The post Whats On Designer and Author Suzanne Lovell’s Desk? appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.