Author name: Jeff

On a recent flight, the person next to me started a conversation with the typical questions, including, “So, what do you do?” This woman was highly educated and had a fascinating job. I wanted to hear more. But when she heard what I did, a two-hour grand inquisition began!  “Oh, I bet your home is amazing!” Followed by, “So tell me, what are the latest trends in interior design?”   It was a perfect punch of an awkward assumption and a cringy question.  We’ll save the assumption for another time but the question about trends is a tough one for me.  Mostly, as anyone who knows me can verify, it’s because I don’t know. Of course, my team and I know the latest materials, finishes, techniques, and more. But as far as what is “on trend,” I couldn’t really tell you, and honestly, I don’t care. Sure, there is some degree of safety and validation knowing what you’re designing is liked by the masses, but trends are fickle at best.  In short, trends are not enduring, and certainly not personal. So, how do we create human-centric, personalized spaces that are functional, enduring, and elicit an emotional response? Imagine stepping into a home that responds to your needs and emotions, where every element is crafted to enhance your day-to-day life. This is the power of Experience Design (XD). What Is Experience Design? Experience Design focuses on creating spaces that deeply resonate with individuals on functional and emotional levels. That’s a heady definition, but it has a lot of merit. The concept was originally developed for commercial spaces and has begun influencing how we think about our personal spaces. In commercial settings, Experience Design shapes experience through physical layouts, digital interactions, sensory inputs like sound and smell, and the emotional connections they forge. This approach creates memorable experiences that encourage customer or employee loyalty and engagement. Retailers might use dynamic lighting and curated playlists to draw customers deeper into the store. In contrast, hotels use personalized digital check-ins and ambient room fragrances to make guests feel at home. Translating Commercial XD to Homes Applying what has been learned from Experience Design in commercial spaces to homes brings new opportunities for deeply personalized environments. Home is no longer just a place to rest your head but a dynamic environment that adapts to and enhances your lifestyle. Again, it’s a lot of rhetoric, but what could that look like? Dynamic and Adaptable Spaces Think about a home where physical and digital interactions merge seamlessly with smart home technology. Imagine a house that wakes up with you, raising blinds to soft morning light and queuing your favorite playlist to start your day. Or consider motion sensors that adjust lighting and temperature as you move through your home, ensuring comfort while optimizing energy use. Homes designed with Experience Design principles can foster better social interactions. Space plans are refined to create fluid, multipurpose spaces that accommodate lively gatherings with extended family and quiet personal moments. Customizable lighting and modular furniture easily transition space from a family movie night to an elegant dinner party with friends. Sensory Experiences Experience Design also uses sensory inputs to create a mood or atmosphere. Adjustable lighting can influence energy levels and mood, with cooler, brighter tones for morning activities and warmer, dimmer lights for evening relaxation. Visual art becomes not just décor, but conversation starters and sources of inspiration. Acoustic design minimizes external noise while enhancing the sounds you want, from the clarity of your home theater to the gentle ambiance of background music that seems to emanate from the walls. Obviously, the choice of materials and textures still plays a crucial role. Natural wood, stones, and fibers can bring an organic, grounding presence into the home, connecting indoor spaces with the natural world outside. Smell, often underestimated, can be subtly manipulated through integrated diffusers that can evoke seasons or memories, making a house truly feel like home. (smell-o-vision, anyone?) Creating an Experience Design Environment In short, it’s about creating environments to evoke a particular emotional response. What excites me is that these technologies, materials, and techniques are available now. Looking forward, consider the possibilities as the lines between the physical and digital worlds are poised to blur even further. OK, but what does this have to do with trends? Instead of trend-driven interior design, human-centric interior design involves understanding our environments’ role in our lives. It’s not just about how a home looks or functions but how it makes you feel; it’s not just about the objects within a space but about the space between those objects and what we can do within them. It’s a shift from creating spaces that are “on trend” to creating environments that prioritize our human needs and experiences in a deeply personal way. So it’s true, I’m not preoccupied with staying up with the latest trends. That is just mimicking what has already been done. By creating environments where every element is considered for its contribution to the quality of life of our clients, we can create spaces that aren’t just lived in, but live with them. These are exciting days in the design world, and integrating Experience Design into our homes can change the fabric of our homes.

Last month, we discussed why you need to allow your interior designer to do what they do best. Now the topic of budget is an integral part of the design conversation, even before the first line is drawn. We feel it’s our responsibility to steward our client’s budget well. We want to design and specify appropriately. If your expectations don’t match your budget, we also want to have an open and honest conversation about that. We aim to give you (our clients) a thoughtful design that is achievable within your budget.  At some point in the budget conversation, whether early in the design process or when the final proposal is presented, I get the question, “We love the design, the cost is in range, but does it make sense for us to put this much into our home?” This is a question of Return on Investment or ROI. If I were a high-pressure salesman, I would say “YES!” But that’s not always the answer. Let’s look at some factors that drive the answer to the question, “Should we?”  Financial Considerations When Redesigning Your Home The last thing we want for our clients is for the project cost to stretch beyond their financial limits. When you say yes, be sure there is plenty of headroom in the budget for contingencies and unknown issues. We usually recommend at least 10%. You will also want funds to personalize your new space with artwork or other decorative elements.  Clients’ biggest financial question is, “Will we recover our investment when we sell our home?”  Market conditions, location, or how long you stay in the home before you sell are some factors that drive that answer. However, if you look at a renovation project strictly as a financial decision, you will most likely be disappointed. Yes, most renovation projects will add value to your home but rarely is it 1 for 1.  Intrinsic Considerations When Redesigning Your Home These next items to consider when answering the question, “Should we?” are more intrinsic. But knowing what we just discussed about the financial equation, these factors should play a bigger role in helping you decide.  Our clients engage us because they have a problem to solve. Most of the time it is an issue with function. This can be anything from lighting to the kitchen layout to how the whole home functions for your family. Depending on your season of life, it can mean many different things. You might be adding or reconfiguring space for a nursery, a place for your teenagers to crash, a space for entertainment, or multigenerational setups. I think this is the biggest factor in answering this question. When your space functions well, living in your home gets much better!  Beyond function, a good design creates an environment dialed into your preferences. For many, a home is a place of refuge after a day at work or school. For others, it is a place to host and entertain. Whether you are raising a family or are empty nesters, you can use your home to provide an environment that speaks to you. Make your home uniquely yours.  Guiding You Through Your Options Yes, there have been times when we have recommended that a client not do a project, change the project scope, or even sell the home and do something different. It’s rare, but it has happened.  Don’t make design decisions based on what you think the next owner might want. I’ve seen this play out many times and the outcome falls flat and is never what the client really wants. If you’re going to spend the money, do it for you, not the next owner.   “Should We Redesign Our Home?” You can only answer the question of “Should we?” The mix of tangible and intangible factors can make the decision process complicated for some. Our job as your interior designer is to equip you with a compelling design, a meaningful budget, and the information you need to make your decision a no-brainer. Ready to get started? Fill out our design project form, and let’s chat.

There is nothing like the moment a project is complete, and we can “hand the keys” over to our client. For us, the process is typically over a year or longer from our first visit, to the waitlist, to navigating the design phase to finally finishing construction. We’ve built quite a history of shared experiences with our clients by the time the final walk-through is complete and the last payment is made. If we’ve done our job well, we can say that we gave our client exactly what they wanted and executed their vision with excellence. Exactly What They Want Recently, I’ve been thinking about the benchmark of giving our clients “exactly what they want.” I don’t think it’s a wrong metric, but I’ve discovered that what our clients want is driven in part by how they utilize their interior designer. Here are three ways I see our clients perceive and utilize our services: Disrupter: In this role, clients ask us to push boundaries and bring fresh, innovative ideas to the table. This means introducing new concepts, materials, or layouts that clients may not have considered on their own. It requires a huge amount of trust and willingness to embrace change by the client. It also requires us to be exceptional listeners and creatives. This is still a highly collaborative process, but it gives the designer the greatest opportunity to freely interpret the client’s needs and provide a highly elevated and innovative solution. Validator: As a validator, we provide reassurance and confidence to clients by validating their ideas and preferences. This client usually has a pretty strong idea of the look or function (or both) they desire but needs help filling in the gaps and pulling it all together. They will often have multiple Pinterest boards they’ve curated over time that show elements of what they want. Our job is to listen attentively and be a trusted partner. We affirm their choices but challenge them when we see issues. We then take their choices and preferences and merge them into a cohesive design that reflects their personal needs and style. Order Taker: In this role, we fulfill the client’s specific requests and preferences, acting as a facilitator to bring their vision to life. This client has a highly specific vision and wants it executed with precision. We listen carefully to the client’s instructions and requirements, translating them into an actionable design and specification. There is little creativity involved but the result is truly personal. None of these ways to use an interior designer are necessarily wrong but what I see many clients do is underutilize the power of the interior design services they are paying for. It’s akin to having a world-class chef in your kitchen but insisting on cooking your meals using only basic ingredients and recipes you’re familiar with. While you might still create something decent, you’re missing out on the opportunity to experience culinary delights beyond your imagination. Or it’s like owning a sports car but never driving it out of your neighborhood. You’re not fully experiencing the thrill and exhilaration the vehicle can provide. Barriers to Unleashing The first design meetings are so exciting with endless possibilities. Almost all of our clients start out wanting us to be the disrupter. But as we listen, collaborate, and refine the design to meet our client’s preferences, we can end up with a freshened-up version of what they already have. How did we go from Disrupter to Order Taker? Here are two barriers I think prevent some clients from fully unleashing the power they have access to in their interior designer: Muscle Memory Allowing an interior designer to rethink how a space functions often requires clients to let go of their “muscle memory”— the ingrained habits and routines that dictate how they interact with their environment. Breaking old habits to embrace new possibilities can be both liberating and challenging. Letting go of muscle memory involves a willingness to explore alternative ways of using a space. It requires clients to be open-minded and willing to adapt to change for the sake of improvement. This can be difficult, especially in task-oriented spaces like kitchens. It is important to have open and honest conversations about this with your designer. Trust Hey, let’s face it, you are asking a stranger to mess with your personal space. But trust is the cornerstone of successful collaboration between a client and an interior designer. Trust allows clients to confidently share their vision, needs, and concerns with their designer. By establishing open communication and transparent dialogue, clients know that their designer will listen attentively and respect their input. Trust empowers clients to relinquish some control and embrace the expertise of their designer. It enables them to step out of their comfort zones, knowing that their designer has their best interests at heart and will guide them toward solutions that they may not have considered otherwise. When clients trust their designer’s judgment and expertise, they are more likely to be receptive to suggestions and recommendations, leading to a more harmonious and effective design process. Remember, we are on the same team! Unleash Your Interior Designer and Buckle Up! I think the most successful projects are when the vision is shared, when it’s exactly what you (the client) and I (the designer) want. That’s a challenge to me because it reminds me of the responsibilities both parties have in the process. We, as designers, need to be exceptional listeners, challengers, collaborators, vision casters, and creatives. You, as a client, are encouraged to unleash the full capabilities of your designer. When both parties do their part, BUCKLE UP! The results can be breathtaking! Ready to start? Let’s go!

I’m often asked what makes an ideal client. I love that question and at Spectrum Design Group, it’s one we’ve given a lot of thought to. In fact, our team developed several profiles that reflect the characteristics of our ideal client. While obvious things like adequate budget or compatibility play a role, the root attribute of our ideal client is that they see the value of what we do. The response to my answer is usually, “OK, I can see that. So, what exactly do you do?” Everyone knows what a lawyer, accountant, doctor, or gardener does, but in the interior design field, the answers can be broad and varied.  So, as it relates to our firm, let’s talk about what we do and how it adds tremendous value to your investment. What Does an Interior Design Firm Do? At its core, a full-service interior design firm solves problems using process, communication, and the art of design. I list these items in that order because without process and communication, the “art” goes nowhere. Let’s take a minute to talk about what each of these components are. Process: A structured and systematic approach is essential for any interior design project. This involves understanding your needs, setting clear objectives, creating a timeline, establishing a budget, conducting research, developing concepts, and executing the design plan. Process ensures that each step is carefully planned and executed, leading to a successful outcome. Communication: Effective communication is key to the success of any project. It involves listening to your ideas, needs, and concerns, clarifying expectations, providing regular updates on progress, addressing any issues or changes promptly, and fostering collaboration among team members. Good communication ensures that everyone involved is on the same page and working towards the same goals. Art of Design: This refers to the creative aspect of interior design, where aesthetic principles, spatial awareness, color theory, material selection, and attention to detail come into play. The art of design is what transforms a space into a visually appealing and functional environment that meets your needs and reflects your style and personality. I emphasize the importance of process and communication as foundational elements that support the creative aspect of design. Without a clear process and effective communication, even the most artistic and innovative design ideas may fail to materialize or meet your expectations. Therefore, process and communication lay the groundwork for the successful application of the art of design in solving interior design problems. The Value of Good Interior Design Steve Jobs once said, “Design is not just what it looks like and feels like. Design is how it works.” While he was talking about the iPod at the time, the sentiment crosses over to the interior design world. The value of hiring a full-service interior designer is just that – they ensure a space is beautiful for sure, but they also ensure it works well. Living in a pretty space, but not being able to function well is like putting lipstick on a pig. You want to spend your time in a home that not only looks beautiful, but also works for the way you live. Make your space Function This is the most felt and least seen part of design. Through good listening and collaboration, an interior designer will plan your space to function effortlessly and be dialed into your personal needs. This is the starting point for everything and typically takes the most time to complete. Make your space Beautiful The material and fixture choices available are overwhelming. Unfortunately, when left to your own devices, that can lead to some absurd choices. Interior designers will curate options that work together to create a cohesive look that reflects your style. There is a quantum effect that happens when you have the right materials, finishes, and details working together. Make your space Happen While it’s great to have a beautiful plan and materials selected, how does it go from on paper to done? First, it must be affordable.  What good is a plan if it’s out of reach of your budget? Interior designers will discuss the budget throughout the process to be sure they are good stewards of your dollars. Good design extends the value of your investment. Next, your interior designer can create the necessary drawings and documentation necessary for the plan to be executed. This can also include contract administration. Finally, your interior designer is your advocate during the construction process. This is critical to be sure the design intent is not lost, address any quality issues, and help solve problems that may come up during construction. Bring it Together The process of moving from design concept to the actual construction can be highly emotional. It doesn’t matter if it is a new kitchen or new office space, these are spaces where a lot of life will happen so the stakes are high. Your interior designer understands that and is there to listen and communicate to all the stakeholders. Think of them as a communication hub between the client(you), tradespeople, and vendors. In short, they should make you feel heard. Ultimately, our interior design firm uses process, communication, and the art of design to create an experience. This experience is unique as it also leads to a tangible finished product that will have a lasting impact for years to come  All three components work together, are appreciated by our “ideal” client, and create the value of what we do.  

Exactly one week before Christmas! Are you ready? Today we celebrate the conclusion of our 12 Days of Christmas series that may help you last-minute shoppers out there (Not just me, right?). On the twelfth day of Christmas, we give you 12 Awesome Gadgets, 11 Colors for Millwork, 10 Books to Read, Nine “Smart” Home Technology Options, Eight Pieces in Which to Invest, Seven Interior Design Blogs to Read, Six Festive Cocktails, Five Holiday Wishes, Four Tips for a Successful Renovation, Three Blogs Not to Miss, Two New Traditions, and One Room to Refresh. If you’re reading this on day 12, we are officially in the holiday gift-giving red zone. Not to worry, I got you. Here are 12 useful and well-designed last-minute gift ideas for the person on your list who requires something, well, special. Nycruets Oil and Vinegar Dispenser I’m all for efficiency and decluttering. (Just don’t look at my desk.) Here’s a beautiful way to combine your vinegar and oil into one simple bottle. It’s fun to use, too! Swoe For you gardeners out there, this is a remarkably effective alternative to the traditional hoe. It tends to break up the soil without moving it around as much. My dad had one and used it all the time in his gardens. As his son, I got to spend a lot of time using it as well! Bron Coucke Sausage & Chorizo Guillotine Slicer The Guillotine is such a versatile instrument. It not only facilitates a revolution, but also slices sausage beautifully! This is a striking and functional piece to put out with your charcuterie board for freshly sliced meat and discussions about French history. Klein 7-n-1 Flip Socket Full disclosure, one of our sons works for Klein Tools. While he was home over Thanksgiving, he showed me this tool and I was hooked. It’s an innovative system and a great way to keep your drivers in one place. Every toolkit should have one. Ember Mug I was offered some coffee at a friend’s house this fall. He poured me a cup and the conversation ensued. Thirty minutes into it, I noticed my coffee was still warm! Folks, I give you the Ember mug. Perfect for nursing a cup of coffee or tea over an afternoon. (Not needed for mornings.) Clic Chair Super compact and surprisingly comfortable, these are perfect for camping, concerts in the park, or timber sport competitions. No more lugging six camp chairs to your parking spot a half mile away. Mag Sockies (Insert mic drop here.) Hövding 3 Airbag Helmet (Pick up the mic and drop it again.) Meater Bluetooth Meat Thermometer This Bluetooth meat thermometer eliminates the cumbersome wires and sends the temperature directly to your smartphone. Easy to clean and accurate, they are certain to up your grilling/smoking game. The Shocktato Looking for a fun, necessarily fast-paced game to play with your family & friends over the holidays? This one will energize any gathering. Nessie Tea Infuser Here’s a novel way to infuse your tea and infuse Scottish folklore into the conversation. All at the same time. PULIDIKI Car Cleaning Gel Kit This is perfect for cleaning up the science projects that grow in the hard-to-reach places in your car. Also good for cleaning the weird stuff that congregates on your laptop keyboard. It’s fun to use and surprisingly effective.   So, there you have it, 12 last-minute gift ideas that are sure to be a hit! If you decide to gift any of these or pick one up for yourself, be sure to let us know how it goes.

On the eighth day of Christmas, we give you: Eight Pieces in Which to Invest, Seven Interior Design Blogs to Read, Six Festive Cocktails, Five Holiday Wishes, Four Tips for a Successful Renovation, Three Blogs Not to Miss, Two New Traditions, and One Room to Refresh. While this makes the ultimate Christmas Gift Guide, this list is more of a personal bucket list of luxury items in which it may be worth investing. I have first-hand experience with nearly all of these suggestions and while none of them are the most expensive in their category, they stand out for their timeless design, enduring quality, and their ability to evoke an emotional response. That’s what you get when form, function, and quality are equally elevated. So here we go in no particular order: Nomos Metro Series Watch I discovered these German-made watches during our travels last summer. I was walking down the street to find an ATM so we could do some laundry. Casually looking at the storefronts along the way, I saw this watch in the window and it gave me pause. So much so, I walked in the shop to check it out. The lines are simple and classic. The precision machining of the exposed movement is fantastic. The weight is perfect.  While I’m drawn to the Metro, they have other models in their range worth checking out, too. I’d love to say I came back from the ATM with more than a few euros but…(Editor’s Note: Kaper kids – Christmas is 13 days away. Hint Hint) Breeo X Series Smokeless Fire Pit These are just fantastic firepits.  They’re made in Pennsylvania and built like a tank. I find the combination of Corten and stainless steel a design win. They produce a lot of heat and yes, once they get warmed up, they are smokeless. If you want to cook on them, they have a sear plate around the perimeter, or you can opt for their broad line of cooking accessories. Nothing beats smores and friends around the fire. Pro Tip: Go for the 24” or larger models so you can more easily see the fire. Jori Daydreamer Recliner Client: Hey Jeff, you must sit in one of my new recliners. Jeff: OK. Verdict: The-most-comfortable-recliner-ever! The shape and feel are like no other. It’s the perfect reading/watching the game/napping chair. It comes in three sizes and is fully customizable. (Sorry, cup holders are NOT an option.) I prefer the look of using a contrasting exterior upholstery. Again, thoughtful design and a luxe experience. Rega Planar 6 Turntable This is for you audiophiles out there. This middle of Rega’s range turntable comes with a dedicated remote power supply and your choice of cartridge. While the warm analog sound is perfectly imperfect, the design is, well, perfectly perfect. I grew up in the post-vinyl era, but my older brothers wisely held on to their record collections. Now my son Ethan has their collections plus his own to enjoy. What’s old is new! The Galley Workstation Sink The sink is arguably the most used appliance in the kitchen but selecting one is usually given the least amount of thought.  American-made, The Galley Workstation extends the function of the sink to allow multiple tasks to happen simultaneously including food prep, food serving, and cleanup.  And they do it artfully and thoughtfully. If you’re dreaming of a new kitchen, The Galley Workstation is an investment worth considering. Moccamaster Coffee Brewer We can debate the best method to brew coffee, but if you’re looking for a drip coffee brewer, a Moccamaster is worth the investment. Handmade in the Netherlands, they are as beautiful to look at as the coffee they brew. They offer both hot plate and thermal carafe models that you’ll be proud to set on your counter. Personalize yours with one of their striking color options. Best of all, it’s got ONE button! Le Pliage Original M Handbag This one is from my daughter Anna, a junior studying fashion design. Here is what she said: “It’s no surprise that Le Pliage by Longchamp is one of the world’s most worn bags. Every day I’m walking the streets of Florence, I see that signature tote bag hauling everything from groceries, to laptops, to weekend travel gear. In 1993, Longchamp released the Le Pliage (aka the folding) which took inspiration from Japanese origami to create an entirely foldable bag constructed with high-quality Russian leather as well as recycled canvas. The design is classic and functional, making it a desirable buy for either men or women. There are handbag and backpack options, but the tote bag is my go-to. It comes in a variety of colors including their signature navy and has options for personalization.” Pro tip: “If you’re going to invest in high quality or luxury fashion items, always go for the accessories because they will retain their value at a substantially better rate.” Hinkley Runabout 29 When I’m at the ocean or on the great lakes, I love to walk through the marinas to admire the beautiful yachts, fishing charters, and day cruisers. A few years ago on an unauthorized, self-guided marina tour, I saw this runabout and couldn’t take my eyes off it. Its graceful design captured my imagination. I had never seen one before and had no idea what it was. (Thank you, image search.) Fast forward to the following summer, I was walking across the LaSalle St. Bridge over the Chicago River and there was another one tied up on the north bank. Again, an absolute work of art! These runabouts were made in Maine by Hinkley Yachts and combine classic design with modern jet propulsion including a unique joystick control. They recently stopped making this model, but I, personally, think it is the most beautiful boat I’ve ever seen. So, there you have it, eight investment pieces that will age well and look good doing it. Which one do you want under your tree this year?

I’ve always been a person who predominantly looks ahead, but I find it important to regularly take a moment to look back to see where I’ve been. The story of SDG is special to me. Mostly because it’s not about me or anything I did. It is an amazing story of “divine intersections” of people and situations. The outcome is an incredible group of people working together, creating beautiful spaces, and establishing meaningful, long-lasting relationships with our clients and providers. Many of you know our story, but if you don’t, here is the full 2022 version including the latest chapter. The Great Recession In 2007, I accepted a position with an architectural firm to manage their new local office in Champaign. My family and I moved to the area knowing very little about it and even fewer people. Two years later, the great recession hit, the long-standing firm went bankrupt, and I was unemployed. Thankfully, I was able to take over the work in process so my clients could complete their projects and I could provide for my family. One afternoon, I met a client at Tile Specialists to select flooring for their office. Afterward, Karl Smith, the owner of TSI, walked in to introduce himself. Through our conversation, I conveyed my vision for making high-quality interior design approachable. He shared that he had started a company named “Spectrum” with the hopes to be able to offer integrated design services to its commercial clients and expand into the residential market. A week later, former colleague Kimberly Fletcher and I signed on and Spectrum Design Group was formed. We had a horribly slow start, but we worked hard, learned much, and slowly built the business. Nearly three years later, Spectrum Design Group began to sustain itself. As we grew, we knew we needed another designer but struggled for months to find the right person. In the spring of 2012, I attended a continuing education class and was seated next to Dawn Bane during lunch. Two weeks later, we welcomed Dawn as the newest member of SDG. The future looked amazing! When Companies Merge Six months after becoming a team of four, we were told that our parent company was merging with another firm and SDG was not included in the agreement. We quickly put together a business plan and our owner graciously created a standalone LLC for Spectrum Design Group. By January 2013, we were flying solo with four employees and the future looked a little foggy. By late spring, it was apparent that we were overstaffed, and our overhead was going to take us down quickly. I scheduled an afternoon team meeting to share these realities, but before the meeting could happen, my co-director walked into my office and told me that her husband had accepted a job out of state which meant they had to move. Then, in the middle of that conversation, our office administrator interrupted to let us know she was taking a job at the University of Illinois. I thought, “Wow, that’s not how I thought it would go, but the needed cuts were made without saying a word and everyone landed well.” Later, I shared the news with Dawn and asked if she was still on board to which she replied, “Yes, but I’m pregnant!” I call this the “Day of Attrition.” Less than a year later, I purchased the business, Dawn came back from maternity leave, and we worked hard to keep SDG growing. The future looked daunting. Moving On Up As a team of two, we needed to move out of the cavernous building we once occupied with our former parent company. The search had gone on for months to find a location that not only met our needs, but also one we could afford. Out of the blue, a long-time local designer called me to say she was retiring, and she wanted me to take over her space. The timing was down to the wire, and we had to do considerable work to make it our own, but the building couldn’t have been more perfect. We moved into our current location in an old Victorian on University Avenue in 2014. By late 2015, we had settled into our new home and were seeing the fruit of our efforts. It became clear we needed another designer. Again, we struggled to find the right fit. One morning, out of desperation, we decided to put a “We’re Hiring” tab on our website. Later that day, I had a meeting with one of our fabricators. When the meeting concluded, I asked the project manager if he would introduce me to the person on their staff who was a fellow alum of Taylor University. That person was Cory Rodeheaver. We exchanged contact info, figured out we knew some of the same people, and five minutes later I was on my way back to the office. When I returned, I opened my email to find a message from Cory saying he saw the “We’re Hiring” tab on our website. Cory joined our group in February 2016. Continuing to Grow Two years later, it once more became clear we needed to change our process to better care for our clients and make our projects run more smoothly. To make it work, we needed someone to help bring more structure to our creative environment, but the position had to be part-time. Again, we toiled for months trying to find somebody not only with the required skill set, but also someone who fit the culture we worked so hard to create. We had known Kara Vanskike for a couple of years, yet we understood she was in a season of life where a job outside the home wasn’t practical. Then one day she reached out to say she was ready to step back into the workplace, but only part-time. Kara joined the team in January 2019. That year we celebrated our 10th anniversary. It was a great year and the

When looking to hire an exceptional interior design firm, there are numerous considerations to balance: Talent, cost, creativity, efficiency, and portfolio, to name a few.   Beyond these considerations, I would like to introduce three questions to ask when choosing an interior design firm that you may not have considered asking, which provide beneficial insights.   Question #1: Do you “do” Cracker Barrel?   Perhaps the most significant characteristic to determine when choosing an interior design firm is their trustworthiness. Successful design projects do not happen in the absence of trust.   For the purpose at hand, trust is defined as the confidence you hold in a company’s character.   Trust is built over the life of the designer-client relationship, but never discount first impressions—especially unfavorable ones.   The first question takes a simple, no-investment phone call, and it goes something along these lines:   Interior Design Firm: Good morning, XYZ Interior Design, how may I help you today?   You: Hello XYZ Interior Design, I would like to know how much it would cost to design my living room to match the look of a Cracker Barrel.   The point of this call is to ask the company an odd yet plausible question. When asking these types of questions when choosing an interior design firm, how are you treated?   Listen closely. Is there dismissal on the other end of the phone? Do you feel pretense coming through? You were not just put on speakerphone for their entertainment, were you?   Did the voice provide thoughtful answers? Perhaps try to mentor you and help you along?   Call all your design finalists—you will be amazed at the differences. And let your gut do the rest.   All successful design starts with trust and a solid relationship. The individual who answered your call shared the tenor of the firm’s character, culture, and ultimately from a first-impression standpoint, trustworthiness.   Question #2: Do you believe the customer is always right?   There is a natural and healthy tension in design. You have a client who is investing. You have a design firm that is composed of purported design professionals. Two completely different perspectives come together to create something very specific and personal to the client.   So, who is the ultimate arbiter in a good faith difference of opinion?   It often depends on the answer to the question, “Is the client always right?”   When asked, I imagine myriad designers would readily answer, “The client is always right.” But do they genuinely believe that?   As a paying client, is that the answer you would like to hear?   As a designer, I would answer the question this way, “No, the client is not always right.”   But before you hang up the phone or politely show me the door, I would explain, “Our clients will always get what they ask for, but they may not always be right. And it is our firm’s responsibility as a trusted partner to let you know our professional opinion respectfully.”   This answer illustrates that a design firm has your best interests at heart and a strong foundational design philosophy. Just like a good friendship, honest and open exchange is critical to the success of a project.   Question #3: How do you measure project success?   A happy client? On-time? In-budget? A glowing reference? A portfolio piece? A magazine feature?   Note how the first answer, “a happy client,” is the only one client-focused. And how is one to precisely measure happiness anyway? Nonetheless, this is a common and valid measurement of success.   I also consider the happiness of our clients a metric of success, but it’s not our sole measurement.   We prioritize two other success measures. 1. Did we solve your problem? 2. Did we minimize your effort while doing so? It seems like if we can get these two right, the happiness tends to follow.   Interior design is really a problem-solving process. Designers are hired to solve a problem through both form and function. From the beginning of the design process, your designer will collaborate with you to identify the problem(s) or pain points of the space. Once those points are defined, the design work is focused on solving those high-level issues. This measurement of success is assessed with a straight yes/no answer.   Another of our success criteria is considering the effort it took you to interact with us throughout the project life cycle.   Process is so important. Clients are busy and have no time for inconsistent communication, lack of clarity, poor listening, broken schedules, and missed budgets. The right combination of organization, communication, and creativity can make your experience positive, smooth, and as low-effort as possible.   In a Harvard Business Review article named Stop Trying to Delight Your Customers, a study was published that puts its finger on what customers (across industries) crave. The article evaluates conventional thinking: Customers are loyal to companies that exceed their expectations through, say, customer service, a free product/service, or a rebate.   But the article’s summary concludes that what creates customer loyalty is helping customers solve their problems quickly and easily. Choosing the right designer can make or break this metric.   The above Questions to Ask When Choosing an Interior Design Firm are meant to supplement the more common questions and I would encourage you to ask a lot of them. These questions simply provide different angles to help you determine to whom you want to entrust your design project. When you have the right combination of trust, talent, and process, your design project is sure to provide a wonderful experience and outcome. Problem solved!

After 2020, I never suspected we would return to “normal,” but I couldn’t have imagined a year like we’ve had. Despite what you may read, watch, or listen to, 2021 has been a remarkable, transformative year. As the story of Spectrum Design Group continues to be written, I look back and marvel at how the firm has grown and evolved, especially over the past three years. This year required a lot of pivots, especially with labor shortages and supply chain issues. However, the biggest challenge was to find a way to scale up to meet the unprecedented demand, maintain our level of creativity, and improve the client experience, all at the same time. We’ve worked hard to refine our processes, improve communication, and manage ever-shifting expectations. Kara has worked diligently behind the scenes to help make these things happen. I’m so proud of our body of work this year. While it takes much longer to get things done right now, the designs and execution have really been spectacular. Both Dawn and Cory have produced fantastic designs and made great friends in the process (we work with the best clients). We can’t wait to share photos over the coming months of the work we have in process. Looking toward our future, I’m pleased to announce we’ve hired a new project manager, Renee Beere. In the month and a half she has been with us, she has jumped in already elevating our game. What a terrific addition to our SDG family! I’m humbled to be surrounded by such an amazing team. They’ve poured their hearts into SDG every bit as much as I have. I’m also grateful for our clients who entrust us with their homes, offices, and properties. We want to be good stewards of your trust and give you our absolute best. We have many wonderful new clients who are patiently waiting, too, and I promise to make it worth the wait. Walking through the unexpected disruptions of 2021 has positioned us for an amazing 2022. (Spoiler alert: 2022 marks Dawn’s 10th year at SDG!) As always, I’m looking forward with great expectation for the days ahead. Thanks for being a part of our story. Cheers to 2022! ~Jeff

On the Eleventh Day of Christmas, Spectrum Design Group Gives You: 11 Podcasts, 10 Games, Nine Gifts, Eight Colors for 2021, Seven Holiday Movies (that should be made), Six Holiday Activities, Five Completed Projects, Four Recipes, Three Holiday Cocktails, Two Resolutions, and One New Website in a pear tree. Most of us will be home for the holidays. Unfortunately, that takes on a different meaning in a pandemic. Whether you are driving three hours to Grandma’s house for a drive-by holiday party or spending even more quality time with your immediate family at home, this gift can help pass the time. So here is our gift to you: 11 podcasts worth a listen. 1. Joe Rogan Experience This is the low hanging fruit of the list. Perfect for road trips through, Kansas. Not always appropriate for young ears. 2. The Chicago Way – John Kass If you are new to Illinois, this is a great primer on how things work in our state. If you are a native, it’s a fascinating look at Illinois politics from a fairly conservative perspective. No matter which way you lean, it’s a good listen. 3. SmartLess Some good (and funny) friends hanging out with a special guest. I highly recommend the episode with Conan O’Brien 4. That’s the way I Heard it – Mike Rowe It’s a little like “The Rest of the Story with Paul Harvey.” It’s true short stories that are well told. Family-friendly, too. 5. Going To The Show With A Regular Guy Short two-minute movie reviews from a regular guy. This long-running WXRT feature is also on podcast. 6. The Tobolowsky Files Fantastic storytelling from a character actor who has been in, well, everything! 7. Spycast Just like it sounds, interviews with ex-spies and intelligence people. Not for people with insomnia issues. 8. Crime Junkie My kids love this one. I can’t stand the ones where you listen for an hour only to find out they haven’t solved it! 9. Every Little Thing This one answers your obscure and random questions that keep you up at night. 10. The Urban Farm What? We live in downstate Illinois, so I had to throw in a little agriculture. It may not resonate with everyone but interesting, nonetheless. 11. The Portal – Eric Weinstein Great interviews with interesting people about fascinating topics.

On the Fifth Day of Christmas, Spectrum Design Group Gives You: Five Completed Projects, Four Recipes, Three Holiday Cocktails, Two Resolutions, and One New Website in a pear tree. There are many hours of unglamorous, unseen, hard work that get poured into every project. We sweat the details, sometimes waking up in the middle of the night with an idea or a caution. But our labor of love comes with tangible results that are both marked and enduring. It is such a joy to see a completed project that not only reflects our client’s aesthetic but also helps their lives function better through excellent design. In spite of our challenging environment this year, we were able to complete several projects. Today, we share with you five of those projects. So, for your viewing pleasure, in no particular order, five before and after shots for 2020:   Residential Bathroom Lead designer: Dawn Loft Apartment Renovation Lead designer: Cory Residential Kitchen Lead designer: Jeff   Residential Bathroom Renovation Lead designer Cory Custom light fixture and atrium build-out Lead designer: Cory

On the second day of Christmas, Spectrum Design Group gives you: Two Resolutions and One New Website in a pear tree. Great! Just what you need; somebody pushing idyllic and unrealistic goals on you, especially after this year I’ve thought about this a lot over the past few months and have come up with a couple of resolutions that I think are achievable, sustainable, and beneficial to all of us. Before you click delete, hear me out. Resolution #1: Rest There have been plenty of books written on this concerning increased productivity, creativity, improved physical health, and stronger relationships. Maybe I should read them. I can tell you that as a husband, father, son to elderly parents, and a small business owner, life comes at you in multiple streams. I’m sure most of you can relate. To be honest, I thrive on that pace. There is a certain rush that comes with rising to meet the demands in front of me. When we had to shelter in place this spring, I suddenly had to press pause. Initially, it sort of freaked me out. But after a few days of flailing, I realized the whole world was doing the same thing. Because of that collective pause, I felt I could take a cleansing breath, step back, be still, and…wait for it…rest. I was able to be quiet and I did a lot of reading and listening. I went for mid-day runs, binge-watched Netflix (pretty sure all of it) with my family, and went to bed at a decent time. It was amazing! I simply felt renewed. Although I may never have a scenario like our spring again, I felt the benefits and want to continue the discipline. For me, it means simple things like: Stopping to eat lunch and not eat it at my desk. Pausing my messaging apps during certain hours. Syncing my downtime with my wife and kids. Scheduling and pacing my workdays. (At least try.) Taking a full day each week to not work on work. Making regular time to read, pause, and listen. Going on more adventures Taking more naps! This is certainly not the definitive list, but attainable things I can do to “rest.” What simple adjustments would you make? Resolution #2: Reboot the 80’s power Lunch I don’t know about you, but I sure miss being with people. I feel like I’ve allowed our external conditions and the busyness of life to keep me from nurturing friendships and growing new ones. So here’s my idea: Each month, go to breakfast/lunch/coffee with someone I either haven’t talked to in a while or want to know better. 12 months, 12 people, 12 stories! I’m not sure how this will look in our current environment, but please humor me if you get the call. I promise not to wear my red power tie. Well there you have it; two resolutions for 2021. Be sure to ask how I’m doing in mid-March. Happy Holidays!

One of the main reasons people reach out to us is for new cabinetry. We hear time and time again, “Our cabinets are falling apart! We need to do something.” It’s often when the kids are older when it finally makes sense to invest in cabinetry with proper storage solutions and it’s nice to entertain and not be embarrassed by the chipped paint caused by enthusiastic Hot Wheels races and Nerf gun battles. Oh, and that frustrating wobbly drawer can finally be replaced! Like most things, there are varying degrees of quality (and price) in kitchen cabinetry. That is a good thing because needs and budgets vary. For each project, we thoughtfully specify the best cabinetry suited for the project to maximize value and ensure the materials endure the tests of use and time. We passionately believe the aesthetics of the cabinetry should fit the architecture of the home which we can help determine and, with the kitchen being the heart of most homes, we understand that functionality is of utmost importance. Custom cabinetry is designed exclusively for each client – the way they live. It is highly personalized and is just one of the many characteristics that set custom cabinetry apart from stock. While I am happy to geek out about the technical aspects of cabinetry construction, let us instead discuss the visual qualities that separate true luxury from the pedestrian. Once you know what you are looking for, these characteristics will be apparent the moment you enter the room.  Materials First, let us talk about the grading of the wood. This aspect is visually apparent, especially with stained finishes. Higher-quality cabinetry shops select and sort hardwoods for grain, clarity, and color consistency. A true mark of luxury is that it is not just the individual board, but the hardwoods and panels are selected for consistency across the project. Wood grains can also be sequence-matched across multiple doors and drawers for a truly upscale look. (Sequence matching is where the color and grain of the chosen wood are laid out to ensure an even and consistent look across the cabinets.) Cabinet interiors can also speak to quality; just because it is behind closed doors does not mean there is a drop in quality. Some cabinetry will have easy-to-clean vinyl interiors. There are also fabulous linen patterned laminates for a modern European look. Wood interiors made from white oak, walnut, or maple veneers enhance a luxurious appearance. Superbly finished drawers made of stainless steel, contrasting woods, or even two-toned finishes are small details that separate the mediocre from the sublime. Then there are wood species to consider. There are some beautiful, responsibly harvested hardwoods available to create that special look such as rare exotics from Africa and the Middle East, or even reclaimed wood from a southern tobacco farm. The availability of these woods allows homeowners to incorporate materials they have loved from their travels around the world. Imagine walking into the kitchen each morning for that first cup of coffee and being reminded of the villa in which you stayed in Italy. Materials such as back-painted glass, metal, and solid surfacing used in the right context, can be breathtaking and used to evoke vivid memories as well. Proportions Many of today’s popular cabinet door styles can be found in some form at any price point. However, it is the proportions of the frame widths, the recess depth of the center panels, and even the thickness of the doors and drawers that work together to create a luxurious visual. One-inch-thick doors and drawer fronts create a unique dimensional look. Extra narrow, extra wide, or unequal stile and rails work together to create door and drawer styles that are set apart from the rest. Admittedly, to the untrained eye, proportions are harder to distinguish unless they are side-by-side, but when presented, cabinetry properly proportioned simply feels better. Custom cabinets offer a sense of beauty that catches and holds the eye. It is similar to fine art; you just know when it feels right and that’s usually because the proportions are correct. Finish This is a big one. I have seen many beautifully specified and crafted cabinets miss the mark because of poor finish quality. Superior finishes take time to complete the multiple steps involved to make it right.  It is things like clarity, evenness (see wood selection), appropriate sheen, and depth of color that set quality cabinetry apart. Run your hand over your cabinets. What do you feel? Is it perfectly smooth or does it feel uneven or rough? On the other hand, I have also seen installations from some of our finer cabinet shops that were installed in the 1960s where the finish still looks like new – no chipped paint or fading. Unique finish techniques such as cerused or fumed finishes are labor-intensive but create a luxurious visual well worth the extra time and budget. Options Luxurious options abound such as interior lighting, the motorization of doors and drawers, and custom interior storage options – “a place for everything and everything in its place.” That crock of utensils can finally have a home out of sight. The refrigerator can now blend in with the cabinets rather than sticking out awkwardly. And those unused space fillers? They are a thing of the past. Custom marquetry and inlays, appliance integration, and coplanar doors just scratch the surface of what is available. Only the imagination (and of course physics) limits what can be created with custom cabinetry. So What? From a purely utilitarian perspective, most cabinetry available today all does the same thing – it stores your stuff out of sight, but within reach. Investing in premium cabinetry is similar to purchasing a Mercedes over, say, a Chevrolet. Both vehicles will get you where you need to go, but the comfort, feel, and emotion of the luxury vehicle makes the drive much more enjoyable. It is the finer details that make a huge impact. Custom design is unparalleled in giving your

Last year, 2019, was our 10th anniversary. As we launch our redesigned website and introduce our new blog, The Designers’ Notebook, I thought I would take the opportunity to tell you a bit about our history and share some of the highlights of the past 11 years. For those of you who were subscribed to our newsletter last December, some of this will be familiar, but for our new friends, here is our story… The Great Recession In 2007, I took a position with an architectural firm to manage their new local office in Champaign. My family and I moved to the area not knowing anyone and very little about the area. Two years later, the great recession hit, the firm went bankrupt, and I was unemployed. I took over the work in process to help my clients complete their projects and provide for my family. One day, I was meeting a client at Tile Specialists to select flooring for their office. Afterward, Karl Smith, the owner of TSI, walked in to introduce himself and we began to talk. I shared my vision for how to make high-quality interior design approachable. He shared that he had started a company named “Spectrum” with the hopes of being able to offer integrated design services to they’re commercial clients and expand into the residential market. A week later, former colleague Kimberly Fletcher and I signed up and Spectrum Design Group was formed. We had a horribly slow start. But we worked hard, learned a lot, and slowly built the business. Nearly three years later, it began to sustain itself. We knew we needed another designer but struggled for months to find the right person. In the spring of 2012, I attended a continuing education class and happened to be seated with Dawn Bane during lunch. Two weeks later, Dawn joined SDG. The future looked amazing! When Companies Merge Six months later, we were informed that our parent company would merge with another company and SDG was not going to be a part of it. We quickly put together a business plan and the owner graciously set us up as a standalone LLC. By January 2013, we were flying solo with four employees and the future looked a little foggy. By late spring, it was clear that we were overstaffed, and the overhead was going to take us down quickly. I planned an afternoon team meeting to share these realities. That morning, my co-director shared with me that her husband accepted a job out of state, and she was leaving. In the middle of that meeting, our office administrator walked in to share that she had been offered a job with the University. I thought, “Wow, that’s not how I thought it would go, but we made the cuts that were needed, and everyone landed well.” I shared this news with Dawn to make sure she was still on board to which she replied, “Yes, but I’m pregnant!” This is called the “Day of Attrition.” Shortly thereafter, I purchased the business, Dawn came back from maternity leave, and we worked hard to keep SDG growing. The future looked daunting. Changing Locations We moved to our current location in an old Victorian on University Avenue in 2014. We had searched for months to find a location that not only met our needs, but also we could afford. Then, out of the blue, a long-time local designer called me to say she was retiring, and she wanted me to have her space. The timing was down to the wire and we had to do considerable work to make it our own, but the building couldn’t have been more perfect. By late 2015, we were settled into our space and we were seeing the fruit of our efforts. It became clear we needed another designer. Again, we struggled for some time to find the right fit. One morning, out of desperation, we decided to put a “We’re Hiring” tab on our website. Later that day, I had a meeting with one of our fabricators. At the end of the meeting, I asked the project manager if he could introduce me to the person on their staff who was a fellow alum of Taylor University. That person was Cory Rodeheaver. We exchanged contact info, figured out we knew some of the same people, and five minutes later I was on my way back to the office. Once I returned, I opened my email to see a message from Cory saying he saw the “We’re Hiring” tab on our website. Cory joined our group in February 2016. Growing Again Two years later, it once more became clear we needed to change our process to better care for our clients and make our projects run more smoothly. To make it work, we needed someone to help bring more structure to our creative environment – and it would have to be part-time. We, again, struggled for months to find somebody with the required skill set, let alone fit the culture we worked so hard to create. We had known Kara Vanskike for a couple of years, yet we understood she was in a season of life where a job wasn’t practical. Then one day she reached out to say she was ready to step back into the workplace, but only part-time. Kara joined the team in January 2019. 2019 was our 10th year in business. It was a great year and the momentum continued into 2020. The first quarter of 2020 was full of big internal plans, including the launch of a new website, and exciting external projects. 2020: The Year of the Rat We were just weeks away from Q2 when the world crashed. Thankfully, working remotely was an option for us, and our services were considered “essential.” We did what we could to find the silver lining in the “new normal” in which we found ourselves like living at a slower pace and having more time with our