To be a premiere Chicago interior design firm that supports creativity, positively contributes to the lives of our employees, and delivers outstanding service and customer care to our clients. As Chicago interior designers, our first task is to understand our client's vision and needs. For some clients, a particular room or a specific feature is essential - a baker's kitchen, a contemporary fireplace and bookcase built-in.
For others, the goal is the overall purpose of the space, such as designing the room to make entertaining easier. But beyond the basic goals, understanding how a client wants their space to feel is essential in creating custom interior designs that are both an aesthetically pleasing and an extension of the client's personality.
Aside from design goals, we try to understand our clients' expectations and working style. Some clients expect the interior designer to make all the decisions. Some are very hands-on and want limited assistance. By taking the time to understand our clients at the beginning, the interior design process is smoother, more productive, and enjoyable.
For others, the goal is the overall purpose of the space, such as designing the room to make entertaining easier. But beyond the basic goals, understanding how a client wants their space to feel is essential in creating custom interior designs that are both an aesthetically pleasing and an extension of the client's personality.
Aside from design goals, we try to understand our clients' expectations and working style. Some clients expect the interior designer to make all the decisions. Some are very hands-on and want limited assistance. By taking the time to understand our clients at the beginning, the interior design process is smoother, more productive, and enjoyable.
Services
From bathrooms to kitchens, fireplaces to built-ins, Habitar Design creates breathtaking interior design work that will help you achieve your home vision. Our work has been recognized and featured internationally in design magazines, but at heart, we're a small Chicago-based firm dedicated to customer satisfaction for both residential and commercial spaces.
We offer a full range of residential interior design, decorating, and remodeling services in Lincoln Park, Old Town, Lake View and the Chicago area. Whether your interior design needs require a luxury traditional kitchen design, a high-end contemporary bathroom design, or top-end furnishing design, we can help.
Kitchen remodeling is about capturing your needs, loves and passions and translating them into a design. Your kitchen should make you smile, make you feel enriched and fit you like a glove. Those objectives impact every decision from counter space to optimizing storage to choosing the perfect backsplash.
Bathroom Remodeling is about creating a space of tranquility for you. From the time of the Roman baths, bathroom rooms have been about rejuvenation, inhaling an atmosphere of comfort, and being ready for the next part of your day. The most important part of a bathroom design is YOU. It will carry your aesthetics, your desires to create an experience for guests and be sanctuary for yourself.
New furniture, a custom fireplace design, and wallpaper transformed this Chicago loft into an elegant, eclectic space blending warmth and functionality. A custom, EcoSmart fireplace in wood and porcelain warms the new dining room on one side and family room on the other. Hardwood flooring, custom built-ins, ceiling details, new furniture, and a playroom make this family's basement one of their favorite spaces.
Reviews (21)
Jc
Jan 25, 2021
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We have worked with Habitar Design and their sister company, Stratagem Construction, in multiple projects for our home over the past few years, including major remodeling of our kitchen, guest bathroom and master bathroom/walk-in closet. We have gone back to them project after project because they have always been easy to work with and receptive to take input from us during design and construction, and we were very satisfied with the professional quality of the work that they delivered. Furthermore, and most important to us, they stand 100% behind their work and have quickly taken care of issues
Benton F.
Oct 01, 2020
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When we first started shopping around for a small kitchen project, we weren't sure who to work with. It was our first home renovation project, and we did not know how to go about the process. We first went to a big chain hardware store to get some guidance, but found them to be unclear and Not personable.
But then we luckily found Habitar Design and Strategem Construction, and the difference was like night and day!
From the very beginning, Mitch and the Habitar's team really took the time to listen to us, and made us feel heard and understood. We actually began our project way back
But then we luckily found Habitar Design and Strategem Construction, and the difference was like night and day!
From the very beginning, Mitch and the Habitar's team really took the time to listen to us, and made us feel heard and understood. We actually began our project way back
Jennie Greenwood
Sep 07, 2020
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We worked with Habitar Design to create our beautiful media wall from design to construction. Our designer was MacKenzie and she took our input and came back with several options to discuss. We landed on a great design after scaling back a bit to meet our budget. The construction process was excellent- super professional, clean crew and very communicative along the way. We are thrilled with the end product and get compliments all the time.
Margarita Ham
Aug 07, 2020
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We worked with MacKenzie Cain from Habitar Design to renovate the kitchen. She transformed a dysfunctional 80’s kitchen to a contemporary relaxed elegant kitchen. She is a gifted designer who elevates your ideas to the next level. And yes, she thinks of the all the details that make it functional and beautiful. Construction was completed by the sister company Stratagem Construction. Communication between the teams was seamless. We are working with her on a bathroom. Habitar Design is great!
Zack R.
Jun 27, 2020
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My wife and I purchased a brand new condo in 2018. Though the layout was perfect, the sterile walls were a blank canvas waiting for an artist. We found that artist with MacKenzie at Habitar. The impetus for our whole-house project began with the fact that the original wall paint was not only drab, but held onto every scuff, scrape, and wipe. Once MacKenzie showed us some paint colors (utilizing obviously higher quality paint than what was already on the wall), she asked if there was anything else we were interested in. The fireplace! What can we do about our boring fireplace? Well, once she threw
Mitch Tobin
May 06, 2020
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I have hired both Habitar Design and its sister construction company for several projects over the past six years. I have been very pleased with the services provided. Both Habitar and its sister company provide high-quality work and have professionals who are committed to customer satisfaction. The companies stand behind their work and remedy any issues promptly. Most recently, in August 2018 I worked with an excellent Habitar designer I’ve worked with before – Hannah – to replace defective mirrors in both bathrooms of the condo to which my wife and I recently moved. The project was completed
Troy Siiter
May 05, 2020
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A fantastic experience with Habitar Design and their sister company on our large remodel project which included new flooring throughout, bathroom fixtures, and a total kitchen remodel. From the design work, to the detailed project management staff, to the craftsmanship of the final work products delivered. Also, the remodel project was in a condominium building; the firm demonstrated effortless experience in dealing with association rules/issues that arose and resolving them with the condo management company. These firms are highly recommended!
Jennifer M.
Mar 01, 2020
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Mitch is great! I had several conversations with him about a bathroom project for a potential condo purchase. He and I had several email exchanges and a phone call. Although his company was not going to be able to meet my aggressive timelines, Mitch offered a recommendation of another contractor and also gave a second opinion on a bid and scope of work I'd gotten from another company. Would definitely call Mitch again for help!!
Lauren J.
Oct 30, 2019
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We loved working with Habitar Design. We contacted them to help us plan for a big renovation that reconfigured our entire kitchen and dining floor plans and brought new life into our full main living space.
We were really pleased with the entire process. Our designer, Heather, did a great job figuring out what we were looking to have done and helped us narrow down exactly what we wanted. After the initial consultation she immediately "got" our aesthetic and all of her ideas and the options she gave us to choose from were great. She truly designed the kitchen of our dreams. And she did
We were really pleased with the entire process. Our designer, Heather, did a great job figuring out what we were looking to have done and helped us narrow down exactly what we wanted. After the initial consultation she immediately "got" our aesthetic and all of her ideas and the options she gave us to choose from were great. She truly designed the kitchen of our dreams. And she did
Jackie B.
Jul 27, 2019
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I worked with Habitar Design (as well as their sister construction company Stratagem) to update a wall mounted fireplace to become a flush mounted fireplace along with a custom mantle. I also wanted to update our family room's TV wall to include cabinetry, lighting and shelving.
Heather was my designer and she did a wonderful job. She listened to what I was looking for, took into account my budget and created a beautiful design. Lines of communication were always open which was very reassuring (as I tend to ask a lot questions). I felt very comfortable with her and the team. I would definitely
Heather was my designer and she did a wonderful job. She listened to what I was looking for, took into account my budget and created a beautiful design. Lines of communication were always open which was very reassuring (as I tend to ask a lot questions). I felt very comfortable with her and the team. I would definitely
Kelly D.
Jul 23, 2019
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We initially engaged Habitar Design to redesign our living room (fireplace, built-in cabinetry, built-in aquarium) and our family room (fireplace and built-in cabinetry). We provided some ideas of what we had in mind as well as our budget. MacKenzie's initial drawings were 99% on spec, and we only made one minor change to one of the cabinets when we finalized the drawings. When it came time to bid the work, Strategem (sister company to Habitar) provided us with one of the bids. We were impressed with with the incredibly detailed quote, which in the end, turned out to be exactly on spec. The
Henry Alder
Jul 06, 2019
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Jin Y.
May 30, 2019
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I had a really bad experience dealing with Habitar Design and was super disappointed with our home remodeling. I felt that my money was wasted, and if you can, stay away from them!
Here's my experience:
I contacted Habitar design early enough in order to be able to finish the project before a certain deadline. The designer (her name is MacKenzie) canceled our meeting several times due to personal reasons, which caused the project to start late. In addition, we were promised by the designer that we can have all the changes we want before the desired deadline we specified very early in the
Here's my experience:
I contacted Habitar design early enough in order to be able to finish the project before a certain deadline. The designer (her name is MacKenzie) canceled our meeting several times due to personal reasons, which caused the project to start late. In addition, we were promised by the designer that we can have all the changes we want before the desired deadline we specified very early in the
Nate Galer
May 16, 2019
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Habitar was great and helping with our design in our remodel. While they did more minor things (which were still important) like picking out paint colors and light fixtures, where they really shined was in the remodel of two of our bathrooms and our fireplace surround. We constantly are getting compliments on the design!
Cynthia M.
Feb 05, 2018
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We worked with Habitar / Stratagem on our kitchen remodel, and we are delighted with the design and construction results. Hannah at Habitar was our designer and she did a fantastic job of listening to our initial ideas and assessing our space, and then designed a space that exceeded our expectations in both function and aesthetics. Hannah figured out how to take our fairly small kitchen and create much more space within the footprint, and also turn an overly large adjacent bathroom into a powder room, leaving room for a separate walk-in pantry. Hannah also had really great ideas for finishes and
Donald M.
Jan 30, 2018
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I engaged Habitar to assist with the design and install of a built-in set of cabinets and countertop in my home - a very substantial set of cabinets for a large blank wall. I was very pleased with the design and contracting/outcome of the piece, and although there were some hiccups along the way (note: I have never NOT observed hiccups on any construction project), they were handled smoothly and professionally. I am utilizing them again on a few additional projects (a small bar and an updated laundry room). They were by far the most cost-effective option and the final piece is handsome and really
Debra G.
Dec 27, 2017
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So far I have given my deposit and we are in the design and planning stages to the new condo that I purchased. I think it is critical to use a design service for furniture selection and placement as I find it so easy to get things that are too large for the room space. I am working with Hannah who seems to be good at reigning in my ideas to something more realistic. This process is expensive as you are charged for phone contact and email contact with the designer, in addition to travel time to stores and the project site. These expenses can eat up your retainer fairly quickly at $150.00 per hour
Robyn E.
Oct 17, 2017
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We used Habitar Design for bathroom renovations after we had seen our neighbor's kitchen renovation and we couldn't be happier with the final result. Kapan was our designer and she was wonderful. She really guided us through the design process, listened to what we wanted and designed a gorgeous, full guest bathroom and part of our master bathroom. Not only is it gorgeous, but it is incredibly practical for what we need. (Also, we regularly receive compliments on our floor tile!) She stuck within our budget as well. Habitar was open, receptive and responsive to all of my questions
Melissa S.
Apr 25, 2017
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I used Habitar Design to help with decorating my new home. I already had most of the "big pieces" of furniture but needed help with accents, seating and colors to bring it all together.
I worked with Hannah on 2 projects and she was amazing.
I had a boring fireplace wall that they tiled and later came back and painted. I met with her a few times (at my house and her office) and shared a few pictures I liked. The colors and wallpaper she selected were exactly what I was looking for .... She also picked out some amazing accent pieces that I absolutely love.
Not only was the look everything
I worked with Hannah on 2 projects and she was amazing.
I had a boring fireplace wall that they tiled and later came back and painted. I met with her a few times (at my house and her office) and shared a few pictures I liked. The colors and wallpaper she selected were exactly what I was looking for .... She also picked out some amazing accent pieces that I absolutely love.
Not only was the look everything
Marty F.
Apr 20, 2016
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We used Habitar/Strategem to create a lofted area in our second bedroom, and to makeover the kitchen. The designs were creative and satisfied our requests. The whole crew was responsive to our needs and did a good job troubleshooting or correcting any issues that arose. We are happy with the finished product.
Rachel W.
Feb 13, 2016
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I hired Habitar to help me do a design overhaul of a newly purchased condo - new paint, new kitchen back splash, light fixtures and furniture. I worked with them at my old place, too, and they are excellent. Very responsive they are careful to follow the budget you set (mine wasn't huge, so I appreciated that). They also have a partnership with a construction company so once they've helped you pick out things like paint and tile they can also arrange to have everything professionally done, which eases the burden of telling a contractor what items to order and how much.
