SerpApi.Org
Modernized and stripped of nearly every original detail is how Kate Sweeney’s 1896 Victorian looked when she and her husband bought it in 2019. A design enthusiast long before founding her namesake studio in 2026, Sweeney immediately recognized the Chicago home’s good bones. Initially, she reached out to Claire Staszak of Centered by Design, drawn to the firm’s appreciation for historic homes and eclectic interiors, but ultimately chose to tackle the second floor and basement herself. When it came time to renovate the first floor and primary bath in 2024, Sweeney and her husband were juggling two young children and demanding careers, making a DIY approach unrealistic. So she enlisted Staszak to finish the renovation.
“Our main priority was focusing on how to maximize the floor plan and create defined spaces with purpose, without creating unnecessary costs,” Staszak says. Hoping to restore the 3,600-square-foot home to its former glory, Staszak developed the broader architectural strategy, while Sweeney researched details like millwork, window styles, door profiles, and hardware.
—Claire Staszak
That balance between historic character and expressive design is one of Staszak’s signature moves. In the kitchen, white contrast molding frames the green cabinet fronts, while the adjacent scullery uses rich wood tones throughout. “It’s a bit unusual to have two spaces that close together in totally different cabinet finishes, but I loved the idea of them feeling distinctive,” Staszak says. Wrapping the cooking space in a bucolic wallpaper Sweeney loves was the cherry on top. “The home feels rooted in its story and setting,” Sweeney explains, “with details that look like they’ve always belonged.”
FAST FACTS
Designer: Claire Staszak of Centered by Design
Stylist: Anthony Amiano
Location: Bucktown neighborhood in Chicago, Illinois
The Space: A restored 1890s Victorian with 5 bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms.
LIVING ROOM
A custom lilac marble fireplace was a worthy splurge.
Sourcing from her own collection, Staszak filled this room with vintage wares. The bookcase, mirror, chandelier, and chairs are all found items.
SITTING ROOM & BAR
Moodier colors create a cozy lounge.
Staszak went with a darker color palette for thus snug sitting room, contrasting the lightness and brightness found in the rest of the home.
Just off the sitting room is this small bar and mini butler’s pantry, which Staszak crowned with a beautiful Isidore Leroy wallpaper. The many cabinets—which were inspired by the designer’s Lake Forest Showhouse bar—provide enough storage to make entertaining easy.
KITCHEN
A long-desired wallpaper finally found its place.
In order to avoid visual disruptions of the floral Antoinette Poisson wallpaper and stone backsplash, Staszak recessed outlets in the upper cabinetry and hid paper towels in custom drawers with built-in dowels.
Staszak recognizes that it’s a bit unusual to have two spaces with such different cabinet finishes so close together, but it created beautiful separation between the main kitchen space and the scullery.
Inside, appliances are hidden and there’s more counter space to prep for meals. The skirted cabinetry was a detail Sweeney knew she wanted to incorporate, and this provided the perfect opportunity to do so. “It breaks up the walnut cabinets and keeps the design feeling stylistically cohesive with the rest of the home,” the homeowner says.
PANTRY
Cambria quartz countertops from the kitchen make another appearance.
Open shelving and woven baskets from The Container Store make rummaging for snacks easy for little ones, while the bold red backdrop creates a striking moment for guests passing by.
DINING ROOM
Don’t miss the dreamy dual window treatments.
In lieu of a traditional dining area, Sweeney wanted more living space, so the family’s main spot for meals adjoins the kitchen. “Everyone fights over the banquette, which is always the best seat in the house,” Sweeney says.
DAUGHTER’S ROOM
Yellow paint gives the space a sun-drenched feel.
With tranquil walls and vintage-inspired artwork, the bedroom of Sweeney’s daughter, Nelly, is charming but not overly sweet. Twin beds from Crate & Kids—Nelly’s choice for easy sleepovers—add a nostalgic touch to the room.
PRIMARY BATH
The small size made creating a refreshed layout tricky.
“We jumped on the delft tile trend here, but tried to do it in a timeless and bit more contemporary way,” Staszak says. To balance out the expensive delft, they went with a more basic—but not less beautiful—aubergine subway tile for the rest of the walls. It’s small but perfectly functional.
About the Designer
After studying interior design at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Claire Staszak started Centered by Design. Staszak and the firm, which is based out of Chicago, specialize in creating custom, personality-filled interiors with a respect towards the architecture of the homes. They collaborate with their clients to design homes that are beautiful and tailored to the homeowners’ desires and lifestyles.
