CREATIVITY AND COLOR ELEVATE A LIVELY HOME

“Don’t be afraid of weird.” It’s not a design request Amy Kartheiser hears often, but she immediately understood the assignment: go bold with color, pattern, art, and creative accessories that reflect the homeowners’ desire to make a statement. Call it dopamine design at its best.

Serene living room adorned in calming shades of blue with arched windows, white walls, tall drapes, and striking statement furniture pieces.

The Evanston home, originally built in the 1920s, already had a lot of personality. Inside arched doors and case openings add architectural interest; outside a large wooded lot, complete with a coach house, adds both natural beauty and privacy.

Curated living room by Amy Kartheiser Design featuring white walls and an ornate mantle, complemented by contrasting burnt orange armchairs with colorful cushions and bold accent decor. A photograph above the mantle showcases a family swimming underwater.

Colorful interior design: Stunning dining area featuring a light blue ceiling complemented by a contemporary tiered chandelier adorned with gold gilded accents and crystals. The walls are adorned with a floral-patterned wallpaper against a beige background, serving as a backdrop for a simple yet elegant wooden dining set

The homeowners wanted to incorporate their existing, much-loved dining set into the design. “I didn’t know how it was going to work since it is much more mid-century than the rest of the home,” Kartheiser says. “But once we put in the wallpaper, that lacquered ceiling, and the chandelier, the juxtaposition just worked.”

Vibrant and colorful powder room featuring a striking blue arched door and a maximalist floral wallpaper. The space is accentuated by a large round mirror, gold gilded hardware, hanging pendants, and a uniquely stained marble vanity top

In the show-stopping powder room, AKD added a custom arched door that mirrored those original to the house. “That marble top is gorgeous, and I love the wallpaper from House of Hackney,” Kartheiser says. “This room definitely goes with the theme — the bigger the better, the more the color the better … they were like ‘yes, yes, yes.’”

Living area corner featuring contemporary armless chairs set against large arched windows. Complemented by a sculptural side table, long aqua blue and white patterned drapes, and an electric blue guitar serving as an eye-catching accent

Maximalist reading room corner featuring a beige armchair with a purple cushion, set against light blue walls adorned with red and pink floral cafe curtains. A vibrant rug contrasts the armchair while harmonizing with the window hues. The composition is complemented by a dark wood bookshelf curated with colorful books and accent decor.

In the teal-toned office, custom millwork creates a bold backdrop for artwork, books, and personal treasures. Other living spaces reflect the homeowners’ love of music, reading, and creativity in general.

A simple yet elegant white stairway that celebrates the building's architectural elements. Dark wood handrails complement the white hues.

A bedroom vignette by Amy Kartheiser Design featuring a deep red headboard complementing the neutral bedding and accent decor in the space

In the primary bedroom’s seating area, AKD used color fearlessly. Custom furnishings, including a green sofa and blue chairs, sit in front of another teal moment with the custom bookshelves displaying the homeowners’ collection of pottery.

TEAM
General Contractor — Berliant Builders
Photography — Werner Straube Photography
Stylist — Darwin Fitz