Designers' Notebook

Technology is a powerful force in the world of interior design. It’s revolutionizing how we live, work, and interact with our spaces. Technology is changing…

Having a kitchen that is just as functional as beautiful is key to a successfully designed kitchen. Investing in the right kitchen storage is an…

Updating your home can be one of the most rewarding yet overwhelming experiences, especially when it involves an interior design remodel. You may dream of…

This quarter’s recipe is inspired by our recent visit to Middleby Residential’s showroom in The Mart while exploring the Design Chicago show. Among an English-themed…

When it comes to home decor and design, trends tend to ebb and flow. One trend that has been pervasive in recent years is the…

A few years ago, my family and I rented a home in Tennessee over Spring Break. It was my first experience with AGA appliances, and…

Updating a vintage home is an exciting journey but can also feel daunting—especially when you’re determined to preserve the unique character that makes your home…

Transforming your bathroom doesn’t always mean tearing down walls and replacing tile; sometimes, a fresh coat of paint is all it takes to give the…

Storytelling through color is one of my favorite parts of design. The other day, a seminar hosted by Sherwin Williams reminded me how each year…

As the air turns crisp and the leaves begin to change, it’s the perfect time to refresh your home’s exterior. The vibrant hues of fall…

Beginning any remodeling project is an exciting endeavor that’s usually months, if not years, in the making. It’s a time when your Pinterest board, Instagram…

Last week, we took you on a tour of a 1920s kitchen renovation that mixed features from an older home with modern design. This fusion…

The heart of any home is undoubtedly the kitchen. It’s where culinary creations come to life, families gather, and memories are made. We are about…

Design trends have increasingly embraced elements transforming a modern bathroom into a personal sanctuary—transcending mere functionality. Today’s bathrooms are far from the useful rooms of…

Wallpaper. Some people love it, some people hate it, and some people want to love it, but they are afraid to because of the wallpapers…

A complete kitchen remodel typically involves a wide range of tasks, including designing, planning, and executing the renovation. Along with the tasks, countless decisions must…

One of the main reasons people contact us is for new kitchen cabinetry. We hear it time and time again, “Our cabinets are falling apart!…

During Spring Break one year, my family and I rented a house in the mountains in east Tenessee. I loved everything about the house (there…

Last week, we discussed everything you need to know about interior designers and how to interview them to find the right fit for you and your…

Working with an interior designer can transform your living space from functional to fabulous, but understanding what they do and how they differ from decorators…

Zellige tiles have recently emerged as a captivating choice for homeowners looking to add a touch of artisanal charm and timeless beauty to their spaces. …

When Sarah and I were dating in college, we made bold plans for our future together. These plans included traveling to “faraway places for adventure…

If you’re a parent, you’re probably all too familiar with the ‘I’m hungry! There’s nothing to eat!’ chorus that fills the house, especially during summer…

Finding ways to reconnect with nature within our living spaces is good for our homes, minds, and bodies. Incorporating elements that bring the outdoors in…

Welcome to another Ask Me Anything, where Cory Rodeheaver talks to Dawn Bane about timeless spaces versus trendy designs in our homes. In this video,…

It was serendipitous when I stumbled upon a video showcasing innovative kitchen storage ideas. One that caught my eye was a cleverly designed stool that…

As the weather warms and the days stretch longer, the allure of spending evenings under the open sky grows stronger. Transforming your backyard into a…

Once you’ve decided to renovate a part of your home that’s not working, you want to hit the ground running. We get it! Each day…

Home technology is advancing at an unprecedented rate, changing not only how we work but also how we live in our homes. There are many…

Our homes are becoming smarter and more luxurious than ever. Upgrading your bathroom with cutting-edge shower technology can be a game-changer in terms of comfort,…

One of the best parts about living in the Midwest is experiencing the seasons. Every season brings something special, but through all of them, there…

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…

In the digital age, where convenience often trumps all, the allure of online options and AI tools for interior design projects is undeniable. Yet, working…

In the realm of home renovations, bathrooms often take center stage. They are spaces of relaxation, rejuvenation, and practicality, all rolled into one. As the…

Last week, Jeff Kaper walked you through deciding if an interior design project is the right thing to do. Will it return the investment when…

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…

My family adopted two miniature poodles this spring. Meet Roux, the mild-mannered apricot-colored fluff ball who loves watching pet-focused reality TV, and Neko, his scrappy,…

Now that spring is here, our thoughts turn to light, flavorful dishes that celebrate the season. Deviled eggs are a Midwest favorite. Perfect for holidays,…

The art that adorns your walls can transform your living space, infuse it with personality, and tell a story unique to you. But shopping for…

A dream kitchen isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about creating a space where functionality meets style, and memories are made around the table. Turning their…

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…

In today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape, smart appliances have emerged as a game-changer in the world of home improvement. Anyone else who grew up watching…

When it comes to home improvement and renovation, there are certain areas where you should never compromise on quality. These are the fixtures with which…

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…

As we embrace a new year, it’s time to give your home a fresh and stylish makeover. In 2024, color trends are set to bring…

In the world of interior design, the pendulum swings between various styles and aesthetics. While minimalism has long been celebrated for its “less is more”…

The world of interior design is often associated with glossy magazines, Pinterest boards, and Instagram-worthy spaces. However, the journey of an interior designer goes far…

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…

It’s the second to last day of our 12 Days of Christmas series for 2023. That means we’re one day closer to Christmas! You have…

Holy Cow! It’s December 14th. How is Christmas only 11 days away?! If you’re still struggling with your shopping list, be sure to check out…

We are thrilled to have our first-ever guest author today! Jonathan DeNeal is a Central Illinois native who loves all things audio-visual and home technology-related.…

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…

On the seventh day of Christmas, we give you: Seven Interior Design Blogs to Read, Six Festive Cocktails, Five Holiday Wishes, Four Tips for a Successful…

This is the day we’ve all been looking forward to. On the sixth day of Christmas, we give you: Six Festive Cocktails, Five Holiday Wishes,…

On the fifth day of Christmas, we give you: Five Holiday Wishes, Four Tips for a Successful Renovation, Three Blogs Not to Miss, Two New Traditions, and One…

On the fourth day of Christmas, we give you: Four Tips for a Successful Renovation, Three Blogs Not to Miss, Two New Traditions, and One Room…

On the third day of Christmas, we give you: Three Blogs Not to Miss, Two New Traditions, and One Room to Refresh. 2023 has been…

On the Second Day of Christmas, Spectrum Design Group gives you: Two New Traditions and One Room to Refresh in a pear tree. In a…

Ready or not, December is here! We presented our last 12 Days of Christmas series several years ago, and we’re excited to bring it back.…

It’s that time of year. The leaves are green, flowers are blooming, and we want to soak up as much sun and fresh air as…

If you’re reading this it likely means one of two things: You’re looking at areas in your home that you want to change and improve,…

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…

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.…

I love watching the color trends shift as we go into different seasons, not just physically but also emotionally. The changing of the seasons signals…

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,…

What’s In and What’s Out If you spend much time at all on the internet, you’re sure to see articles touting what interior design elements…

A few weeks ago, I received a call from someone who inquired about furniture arranging. She asked, “You’re an interior design firm; is that something…

On the Twelfth Day of Christmas, Spectrum Design Group Gives You: 12 Must-Watch Holiday Movies, 11 Podcasts, 10 Games, Nine Gifts, Eight Colors for 2021,…

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…

On the Tenth Day of Christmas, Spectrum Design Group Gives You: Ten Games, Nine Gifts, Eight Colors for 2021, Seven Holiday Movies (that should be…

On the Ninth Day of Christmas, Spectrum Design Group Gives You: Nine Gotta Have it Gifts, Eight Colors for 2021, Seven Holiday Movies (that should…

On the Eighth Day of Christmas, Spectrum Design Group Gives You: Eight Colors for 2021, Seven Holiday Movies (that should be made), Six Holiday Activities,…

On the Seventh Day of Christmas, Spectrum Design Group Gives You: Seven Holiday Movies (that should be made), Six Holiday Activities, Five Completed Projects, Four…

On the Sixth Day of Christmas, Spectrum Design Group gives you: Six Holiday Activities, Five Before & Afters, Four Holiday Dishes, Three Holiday Cocktails, Two…

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…

On the Fourth Day of Christmas, Spectrum Design Group gives you: Four Holiday Dishes, Three Holiday Cocktails, Two Resolutions, and One Website in a pear…

On the third day of Christmas, Spectrum Design Group gives you: Three Holiday Cocktails, Two Resolutions, and a New Website in a pear tree. Welcome…

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…

Last year, at our annual holiday open house, we revealed our redesigned logo and revised mission statement. This year, we took that a few steps…

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…