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.

Michael LaFido presents

An amazing 6 bedroom 7006 SF custom home on a 1.91-acre lot. The home has a large 36x21 pool, hot tub, and for the equestrian lover, a detached horse barn with 2 stalls and tack room...although the barn could be converted into endless possibilities!

Excellent Craftsmanship & Millwork throughout the home and some of the features include a sun-drenched 2 story foyer with a wrap-around staircase, a double story family room with a floor to ceiling stone fireplace, a formal living room with windows that overlook the pond with a fountain, a large dining room with AMAZING crown molding, a first-floor executive office with built-ins, and a huge kitchen with sitting area and fireplace. The gourmet kitchen with a huge island includes a double oven, 5 burner Kitchen Aid stove, & a stainless steel refrigerator.

There is an in-law wing to the house with a separate staircase that features the 5th bedroom, an additional family room, and a full bathroom. The 2nd floor features a large master suite with a full bath and 3 additional bedrooms. The 3rd floor features a large 36x21 great room, the 6th bedroom/study, and a full bathroom. There is also a huge unfinished basement with plenty of storage. This home sits across the street from a forest preserve with plenty of walking/biking/hiking trails and is close to Golf, I88, IL59 & Metra.

This home is truly a masterpiece!

Address: 1S760 Equestrian Cir, Winfield, IL 60190

Price: $1,595,000

For more information, please contact Michael LaFido at 630-674-3488 or mike@thelafidoteam.com

Michael LaFido is the exclusive agent representing the Chicagoland, IL real estate market as a member of the Haute Residence Real Estate Network. View all of his listings here.

The post Michael LaFido Presents A Stunning 6-Bedroom Home Near Chicago appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Michael LaFido presents

Architectural Digest has named this the most beautiful home for sale in Illinois. This home has also been the backdrop for Fox's Hit series "Empire" for the past 6 seasons known as the "Lyons Den". Elegant Estate located in prestigious Barrington Hills, sits privately on over 8 acres of beautifully manicured lawns, mature trees and 2 gorgeous lakes. Every detail was created from the finest materials to create the feel of luxury in each and every room. The main entry will have your jaw dropping as you step through the custom Walnut double doors into the massive formal entryway. Features like the floor to ceiling windows, barreled and coffered ceilings, custom detailed mill work, glass-sided turret and stunning porte cohere are just part of this lavish home's old world charm. The walk out lower level features a new home theater, a poker/billiards room, 6th bedroom/game room, catering kitchen, and full bar. Enjoy the views of the lakes (Keane Lake is 50.6 acres & Heather Lake is 6.9 acres) 365 days of the year.

Address: 45 Lakeview Ln, Barrington Hills, IL 60010

Price: $7,500,000

Photo Credit: Inside photos and pool at night: VHT, Aerial photos: Luke Mayer Drones

For more information, please contact Michael LaFido at 630-674-3488 or mike@thelafidoteam.com

Michael LaFido is the exclusive agent representing the Chicagoland, IL real estate market as a member of the Haute Residence Real Estate Network. View all of his listings here.

The post Michael LaFido Presents A Beautiful Home In Barrington Hills appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Photo Credit: Linly Designs

Linly Designs, one of Chicagoland’s most premier interior design firms, is putting the finishing touches on their Annual Christmas Open House on Thursday, November 7^th, 2019.

Known for their luxurious, high-end interiors, Linly Designs is transforming their 11,000 sq. ft. showroom overnight into a Winter Wonderland, inviting guests to shop their exclusive 2019 holiday collection while enjoying champagne, gourmet hors d'oeuvres & live classical music. The event will feature luxury Christmas decorations such as exquisitely-adorned trees, one-of-a-kind florals and garlands, embellished home décor, and much more.

Photo Credit: Linly Designs

Linly Designs’ Thursday evening celebration is the design firm’s official start to the Christmas season and a must-see event for their clients, as hundreds of decorations adorn the showroom floors, walls, and ceilings. Each furnished vignette displays unique and spectacular examples of ways to decorate: from grand dining table centerpieces, & festive staircase garlands to embroidered tree skirts and hand-painted Santas & elves, clients can bring their Christmas decoration ideas to life and create their own Winter Wonderland.

Photo Credit: Linly Designs

“We take such joy in creating our Winter Wonderland and seeing how happy it makes our clients. We all need some magic in our lives and this event aims to get people in the holiday spirit, ease their stress, and resurrect their sense of wonder and delight,” says Janet Linly, President of Linly Designs, “Every year, we are proud to showcase the very best in holiday décor – our designers are true artists and they put in countless extra hours to share their talent and skills with the public.”

The design firm & showroom has unique pieces of constantly changing décor that takes all of the guesswork out of holiday decorating. On display during their Open House event are luxury Christmas as door swags, custom dining table centerpieces, unique designer tree toppers, beaded and embroidered stockings, hand-made table runners, exquisitely-dressed Santas and elves, one-of-a-kind staircase and fireplace garlands, and so much more.

Photo Credit: Linly Designs

But the true showstoppers are Linly’s designer Christmas trees. Each one is designed to fit a particular theme and then elegantly dressed accordingly. Featuring bold and impressive tree toppers, the Linly Designs trees are a sight to behold and truly inspiring. Past tree toppers have featured elements of floral stems, peacock feathers, crystal branches, jeweled crowns, lavish bows, and so much more.

Photo Credit: Linly Designs

Linly Designs goes even further to offer clients the opportunity to have their homes professionally decorated for the holiday season. Complete with an in-home consultation, expert advice, and designer assistance, the Linly team has been helping home owners over the years transform from every day to holiday ready in as little as a few hours. Popular selections include custom-made staircase garlands, one-of-a-kind centerpieces and a personalized Christmas tree design, topped with an amazing tree topper display. What’s more, once the season is over, the team deconstructs and packs away all of the decorations for the next year’s use. During a season that is busy with shopping, social events, and hosting guests, this exclusive service eases the everyday stress and gets homeowners into the holiday spirit.

Photo Credit: Linly Designs

The Holiday Open House and Winter Wonderland reveal party is one of Linly’s most significant events of the year. It will be held on November 7 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at their Clarendon Hills, IL showroom at 445 E Ogden Ave.

Photo Credit: Linly Designs

Guests can RSVP to the event which will include access to the company’s exclusive 2019 holiday collection.

Photo Credit: Linly Designs

The post Linly Designs’ Annual Christmas Open House is the Event of the Season! appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.