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Award-Winning Interior Design Services in Chicago
Summer Thornton Design is an internationally recognized interior design studio renowned for creating vibrant, imaginative interiors that blend timeless elegance with modern creativity. Founded by award-winning designer Summer Thornton, our Chicago-based firm transforms spaces across the United States and Mexico with a signature approach that combines fearless use of color, pattern, and texture with deep respect for architectural heritage. Our multidisciplinary team of 20 professionals delivers full-service design solutions, from architectural detailing and custom millwork to furniture sourcing and art curation, ensuring every project reflects the unique personality of its occupants.Recognized in prestigious publications like Architectural Digest and Elle Decor, we have established ourselves as leaders in the industry through our innovative designs and commitment to creating spaces that tell compelling stories. Our work extends beyond residential projects to include hospitality design, exemplified by Casa Rosada in Sayulita, Mexicoa luxury vacation retreat that embodies our design philosophy. With accolades from institutions such as the AIA and Sotheby's, we maintain a reputation for excellence while staying true to our core values of creativity, craftsmanship, and client-centric service.
Services
Interior Design
Architectural Design
Custom Furniture
Vacation Home Design
Book Publishing
Design Consultation
Project Management
Art Curation
Luxury Retreat Design
Design Workshops
Highlights and features
- Award-winning team with 15+ years of experience in luxury residential and hospitality design
- Personalized approach ensuring no two projects ever look alike
- Comprehensive services covering architecture, interiors, and custom furniture design
- Recognized in top industry publications including Architectural Digest and Elle Decor
- Proven track record with 200+ completed projects across North America
Associations and certifications
- Elle Decor A-List
- 1stDibs 50
- Sotheby's Top 20 Designers to Watch
What people say
Award-winning designs
Fearless use of color
Personalized approach
Exceptional attention to detail
Seamless project execution
Services
Interior Design
Our full-service interior design transforms residential and hospitality spaces into vibrant, personalized environments. We blend classical design principles with modern creativity, focusing on color theory, pattern layering, and custom detailing. Clients receive tailored solutions that reflect their unique personalities while maintaining architectural integrity. Our process includes space planning, material selection, and comprehensive styling.
Architectural Design
We provide architectural design services for new constructions and renovations, creating cohesive visions that integrate with interior spaces. Our team produces technical drawings for millwork, cabinetry, and structural elements while collaborating with local architects for permitting. This service ensures seamless execution of design concepts from foundation to finish.
Custom Furniture
Our custom furniture design service creates bespoke pieces that perfectly complement each space. We source unique materials and collaborate with artisans to produce one-of-a-kind furnishings that enhance the interior's character. This service includes custom upholstery, cabinetry, and specialty items tailored to specific spatial requirements.
Vacation Home Design
Specializing in luxury vacation properties, we create spaces that balance permanence with playful design elements. Our approach emphasizes connection to local environments while maintaining high-end functionality. The service includes full-scale project management for hospitality properties like our award-winning Casa Rosada retreat in Mexico.
Design Consultation
We offer expert design guidance for clients seeking specific recommendations or partial project involvement. This service covers color schemes, material selections, and spatial planning. Our consultation process ensures access to professional expertise while maintaining creative flexibility for clients.
People
Summer Thornton
Principal & Creative Director
Award-winning interior designer known for bold, colorful spaces featured in Architectural Digest and Elle Decor. Recognized as a Sotheby's Top 20 Designer, she brings 15+ years of experience creating personalized luxury environments.
Whitney Mersman
President & Creative Director
Leads creative direction with expertise in blending classic design principles with modern aesthetics. Manages firm operations while maintaining hands-on involvement in high-profile projects across North America.
Tony Filippo
Senior Designer
Experienced designer specializing in luxury residential projects with a focus on architectural detailing and custom furniture creation. Brings technical expertise to complex new construction and renovation projects.
Samantha Statz
Designer
Key team member with expertise in material selection and space planning. Contributes to both residential and hospitality projects, ensuring cohesive design execution from concept to completion.
Carol Middough
Designer
Talented designer specializing in client relations and project coordination. Brings Midwestern practicality to luxury design, ensuring smooth project execution while maintaining creative vision.
Questions
What geographic areas do you serve?
We work on projects throughout North America, including major cities like Chicago, New York, Miami, Los Angeles, and Mexico destinations such as Sayulita.
What types of projects do you specialize in?
We focus on full-house interior design and architectural projects, including luxury residences, new constructions, historical renovations, and hospitality properties like Casa Rosada.
How are design fees determined?
Fees vary based on project size, scope, and complexity. We provide customized estimates after initial consultations to ensure transparent budgeting.
What is your design process timeline?
Project timelines typically range from 2-5 years depending on scope, with coordination of architectural, interior, and landscaping elements ensuring comprehensive execution.
Is Summer Thornton directly involved in projects?
Summer personally oversees every project, ensuring her signature style and attention to detail are maintained throughout the design process.
How can I experience your design work?
Explore our published projects in design books and magazines, visit Casa Rosada in Mexico, or follow our Instagram for behind-the-scenes content.
