Celebrate Historic Architecture with Claire Staszak

Claire Staszak is a Chicago-based interior designer who’s “known for her holistic design process and expertise in designing and restoring older homes, infusing them with soul.” She created Centered by Design with these fundamental values in place, focusing on a love for historic architecture.

Centered by Design is a full-service residential interior design firm that does everything from comprehensive design and hands-on project management to architectural drawings, finish selections, and choosing furnishings. They explain that “by being selective with the number of projects and the tradespeople we recommend, we are able to give each client personalized attention and a supportive environment for creating an ideal home.”

We’ve partnered with Claire Staszak and the Centered by Design team to work on this computer-generated imagery (CGI) of a virtual kitchen makeover. We’ll break down the different design elements chosen for this space and how they come together to create such an effective and captivating space.

The Story Behind Centered by Design 

Claire Staszak studied interior design at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and holds a Certificate of Kitchen and Bath Design from Harper College. It’s no surprise that she “has a special affinity for crafting timeless and functional kitchens.”

Over the years, her work has been featured by the Chicago Tribune, Modern Luxury, HGTV, Domino, LUXE, Architectural Digest online and more. In 2017, the Centered by Design blog received an award for Best Design Writing by the Design Influencers Conference and Modern Luxury Interiors (2018), noted Staszak as ‘One to Watch’ in the interior design industry. 

The Signature Styles

At Centered by Design, the goal isn’t perfection. They excel at working on historic homes, designing timeless and functional kitchens showcasing high-end custom cabinetry. The goal is a good design that’s soulful and thoughtful. 

The Dream Project

Staszak and her team at Centered by Design dream of large, historic remodels. They get excited about “a family that values honoring the historic in an updated way.” Historic homes don’t have to be neutral. “We also love when there’s no fear of color and thoughtful use of pattern!”

The Centered by Design Process

Centered by Design focuses on how a room makes you feel. “Our aesthetic is light-hearted and healing. It’s vibrant, warm, and welcoming, with interesting use of color and pattern, elevated details, and found treasures.” The spaces they work on are “historic, transitional, European, and English-inspired.”

Sources of Design Inspiration

Design inspiration can come from so many different places. For Staszak and the rest of the team at Centered by Design, inspiration comes from history. For you, the design inspiration may come from somewhere else.

The Starting Point for Big Projects

Large projects can seem daunting, but Staszak has a great piece of advice on how to get started. “It’s typical for us to begin with one piece of design that sparks our joy – and then build everything around that.” What that item is really depends on the space and the client.

“This can be almost anything! Oftentimes it’s a great rug or fabric swatch, historic furniture piece, or artwork with a wonderful color palette.” When you’re looking for the piece that will start the design process in your room, make sure to choose something that makes you feel something.

When to Break the Rules

It’s long been believed that mixing materials and wood finishes can make a room feel disjointed. Staszak believes that “Mixing materials and finishes in a thoughtful way makes a room more interesting.” She goes on to explain that “almost all of our kitchen designs have a blend of different material finishes and wood tones to give it some punch!”

Trendy or Timeless?

Some trends come and go. Other looks are here for decades. One of the keys to creating a design that works is to know when to stick to the classics and when to bring today’s trends into the mix.

When to Save and When to Splurge

“We typically advise our clients to splurge on pieces that you’ll use every day for years and years. These are things like rugs, sofas, and cabinetry.” Staszak gives this advice because “if they aren’t a good quality from the beginning, you’ll really notice the wear quickly and regret not doing it right from the start.”

It’s easy to create room in your budget for these splurges when you save on other areas of the design, such as on “small accent pieces that are easily swapped out later when you want a change of pace. Think side tables, smaller casegood pieces, and cabinet hardware.” 

Favorite Trend

Because Centered by Design specializes in historic remodels, today’s trends aren’t their territory.

5 Elements for Every Design

With all the different designs Centered by Design has completed, there are five elements nearly all projects have in common. These are the five essential design elements they prioritize as they embark on a new project:

1.     Vintage Pieces

2.     Stunning Light Fixtures

3.     Natural Materials

4.     Performance Fabrics

5.     Custom Cabinetry

Working with Build with Ferguson

Staszak and the rest of her staff at Centered by Design understand the headache that managing orders from multiple vendors can be, so they value having the ability to get everything they need in one place. Not only do they love using Build with Ferguson, but they also suggest that “it’s a great resource for many homeowners trying to handle a renovation on their own with minimal headaches. The customer service has been prompt, informative, and helpful at every turn.”

Final Tips & Tricks of the Trade

When it comes to designing a home that’s not just beautiful, but functional for everyday life, Staszak suggests, “don’t skimp out on quality items for the areas you use frequently. A high-grade wool rug is essential for any main living space as it’s known for its easy cleanability and durability.” With so many high-performance fabrics available on the market, it’s easy to choose soft, comfortable fabrics that will hold up to everyday use. If you love the results of this design, check out the Shop by Look.