Photo Credit: L Rose Interiors

Lakesha Rose, founder and principal at L Rose Interiors, explains how Chicago's inclement weather affects the interior design of a home.

Haute Design: How much should the interior design of a space change depending on the seasons?

Lakesha Rose: Very little because if the overall design has been thoughtfully curated, you won’t want to change much. That said, I would like to suggest, seasonal flowers, candles, seasonal pillows that were curated with the original design to be able to change during the season(s) of your choice. 

HD: Is there any climate for which it is more difficult to design?

LR: No, there are countless possibilities for designing in accordance with any and every season.

Photo Credit: L Rose Interiors

HD: What is the main criterion for a home in Chicago that is designed to endure the harsh winter months?

LR: Texture during the winter months provides a cozy home feel. I burn candles all the time and during dinner at home often dim the lights and light a candelabra at the dinner table during the winter. 

HD: What are three easy ways to warm up an interior?

LR: Cozy texture, candles and dim lighting.

Photo Credit: L Rose Interiors

The post Lakesha Rose Explains the Impact of Seasonal Change in Interior Design 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.

Lakesha Rose

Photo Credit: Katrina Wittkamp

L Rose Interiors is an allied ASID and IIDA member and a full-service interior design firm that manages projects throughout the country. They have a comprehensive understanding of custom furnishings, antiques, textiles, and fine art. L Rose Interiors specializes in high-end residential and commercial build-outs, sharing solid relationships with some of the industry’s most talented architects, contractors, and vendors.

Founder and Principal at L Rose Interiors, Lakesha Rose, recently sat down with Haute Design to share valuable design insights.

Haute Design: Did you always want to become an interior designer? What was you "aha" moment, when you knew this was the right path for you?

Lakesha Rose: When I was young, I was always creative and my outlets were, and still are, interior design, cooking and entertaining at home. My 'aha' moment came when I was working for developers in Chicago as the selection designer for the high-rise condominiums while simultaneously attending a local college for interior design courses. I was able to attend school and operate in the real world of design at the same time.

I am not sure the instructors always liked it because I normally had additional questions about what was being taught in class. That was back in 2002 and I have been going ever since.

HD: If possible, describe your interior design style in three words.

LR: Timeless, understated, elegant

Photo Credit: Katrina Wittkamp

HD: What is your favorite part of your career?

LR: The referrals. It tells me the truth about how I am doing.

HD: What is the best and worst aspect about designing in Chicago?

LR: The best part is that I am in a large city that has so many clients and the possibilities are endless. I do not have a worst aspect because I am grateful that people trust me to design their most personal spaces.

HD: What sets L Rose Interiors apart from the competition?

LR: I treat my clients like the concierge at their favorite hotel. I try to always remain a step ahead of their expectations.

HD: Where do you see L Rose Interiors in five years?

LR: Still operating successfully and continuing to expand.

The post L Rose Interiors Is Always A Step Ahead Of Clients appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.