Background
I designed and decorated my first interior when I was 9 years old. The kitchen was made from everyday objects: empty boxes, storage bins, and an upside down toy chest. It even had a dishwasher with a door that folded down courtesy of a wire bin with a hinged side. The living room only had two chairs, but they were grounded by a bathmat turned area rug. I was so excited!
Shortly after that my family toured a model home and I saw my first floor plan on paper. That was the spark; I started drawing my own floor plans and building them out of Legos. Not houses, just the floor plans… My design career started before I knew that being a designer was an actual job.
When I was 12 years old I actually got to decorate my room on my own. I chose grey walls with coordinated bedding in black, white, and red. My mother hated the grey walls. "So drab" she said. Peach was the reigning color in our house. She also thought my choice of desk a bit odd because of its size: a white drafting table. I drew a lot of floor plans on that drafting table.
Today, I am a bit more sophisticated in my choices, but I am still inspired by everyday objects. And it is my belief that how you feel is greatly influenced by the objects in your home. What will you fill your home with?
Philosophy
I believe your home should tell your story. It should communicate who you are, where you have been, and what you aspire to. I believe you should feel your best in your home, and your home should inspire you to be your best. Good design can do all this.
I believe contrast is the key to good design. Thoughtful use of contrasting colors (light versus dark), textures (smooth versus rough), and materials (natural versus man-made) highlight my interiors.
I believe in eschewing trends for the most part, but I do embrace new ideas and materials. To that extent, I design with consideration given to factors such as resale, functionality, design longevity, and durability of materials.
I believe beige is not the only neutral. I use a neutral color palette as the backdrop for all my interiors, including beige, but also comprising white, ivory, tan, brown, charcoal, black, pale gray, navy, dark green, and metallics... colors I consider neutral, but when used together, provide depth, warmth, and dimension to a space. I also embrace color in thoughtful ways and being bold isn’t something I shy away from in design.
Services & Business Model
Chris George Interiors provides interior and exterior design, decorating, and space planning for the Bay of Banderas / Pacific Coast region of Mexico. We work with local vendors and national suppliers to create unique living spaces that express the individuality of a client. Trade discounts given by vendors are passed along as we are a transparent business that operates on an hourly or flat fee basis per project requirements. Contractor labor used for any project are at cost with no mark-ups.
Experience Highlights
In-house interior designer for the 438 St. James Places development (2023-2025) in Lincoln Park, Chicago ($3.3M - $3.8M)
In-house interior designer and project consultant for the 2035 N. Orleans development (2017-2019) in Lincoln Park, Chicago ($1.6M - $3.7M)
Designer for interior restoration of an historic 1937 Streamline Modern home in Denver
Interior designer selected to remodel personal home of famed designer Gary Lee in order to sell
Interior design committee chair for renovation of common areas in The Montgomery condos (Chicago)
Member of Crate & Barrel interior designer feedback committee