Centered by Design

Centered by Design Interior Design Studio & Award Winning Blog. Your personal sanctuary is closer to home than you think. Let's find it together!

We are a full-service residential interior design studio, known for soulful restorations of historical homes and our expertise in crafting sophisticated and timeless kitchens. Claire's creative energy comes from her unique perspective on the world as both a trained interior designer, and a passionate yoga teacher.

It’s my birthday 🎂 and it always feels a little silly announcing this, but it’s been such a FULL year and there is so mu...
08/28/2026

It’s my birthday 🎂 and it always feels a little silly announcing this, but it’s been such a FULL year and there is so much to share! Here’s a look at life lately ♥️.

AND as fun coincidence, I also got the news that my The Interior Collective: Podcast & Editorial Community podcast episode was moved up and launches today! Spend my birthday with me and listen 🎧.

1. A portrait I like! With cherries and lemons and a beautiful MI project that will be in our book I’m working hard on. Photo by my love: Taylor Hall O’Brien

2. LTaylor Hall O’Brientting for Luke Staszak his incrediblLuke Staszakriving business. I’m so proud of him!

3. The house is still moving along! Floors are looking incredibly good with Apex Wood Floors (lots morApex Wood Floorse!)

4. We continue to have the opportunity to work on the most charming homes. I am obsessed with this one in my own neighborhood. I can’t wait to work on this one!

5. Never enough stone. Our girls CALIA STONE are always makCALIA STONE good.

6. Our senior designer Sara is getting married!! I found the perfect vintage dress for the wedding.

7. Jude is as sick of apartment living as we are. He asked for his own space. 😂

8. My beautiful Willa always making me smile.

9. Summer nights!!

10. Baby Luke and Claire had no idea what was coming!!

If you are new here, thank you for following our work and my life and inspiration. Life is not perfect or easy, but it’s full and beautiful.

Every moment in this project feels a little dreamy! Here are a few more angles you might not have seen. I love to design...
08/20/2026

Every moment in this project feels a little dreamy! Here are a few more angles you might not have seen. I love to design in a way that is simple and classic, but with a twist you can’t put your finger on. ✨

photos: Taylor Hall O’Brien
styling: Anthony

08/18/2026

Gold Coast elegance, redefined 🍸 Behind the scenes from our photoshoot at this historic two-bedroom pied-a-terre.

I love the story behind this one! Our clients live a rural life, but have always kept this city getaway to enjoy. In fact, they’ve let every one of their kids live here over the years. And now it’s their turn to give their beloved condo a whole new life filled with rich color, daring patterns, and a high-gloss finish that shines.

This shoot wraps up a series of photoshoots for my forthcoming book that will be filled with stories and historic homes. I cannot to share it with you!

A special trip for us every summer is to Elk Rapids, MI. I just love Northern Michigan and our family cottage. My parent...
08/14/2026

A special trip for us every summer is to Elk Rapids, MI. I just love Northern Michigan and our family cottage. My parents have been up every summer for 40 years! We are always keeping track of the new restaurants, shops, favorite experiences, stays and more.

Comment Up North and I will DM you my list!

08/08/2026

Window treatments are often thought of as functional, an afterthought. Not here! We often start with a window treatment and layer that anchor fabric into a beautiful full room design.

You can see how dressing your windows can completely transform a space, whether dramatic, whimsical, graphic or soft they can really do so much!

Which room in our historic Chicago townhome do you think has the most dramatic impact from drapery? LMK! ⬇️

As seen in House Beautiful
Photographer: Taylor Hall O’Brien
Stylist: Anthony

historic homes are kinda my thing
08/07/2026

historic homes are kinda my thing

Let’s talk about floor plans!Here is a detailed look at how we took an open, modern layout and reimagined it into a clas...
08/04/2026

Let’s talk about floor plans!

Here is a detailed look at how we took an open, modern layout and reimagined it into a classic floor plan with defined spaces. Aside from the powder room, virtually every square foot was rethought. We created a formal entry, added a new central hall, created an open staircase, and carved out distinct, functional rooms.

Want more? Head to The Journal to read more about our approach to floor plans.

A look into a small but serene primary bathroom, rich in jewel tones, located just off the bedroom. Elevating a bathroom...
07/28/2026

A look into a small but serene primary bathroom, rich in jewel tones, located just off the bedroom.

Elevating a bathroom is all about the art of mixing tile. Look closely and you’ll spot four distinct varieties working together seamlessly:

• a ceramic square subway tile
• marble pencil trim
• delft decorative tile
• coordinating ceramic quarter round trim

The marble baseboard with profile is the perfect finishing touch. 🍒

As seen in House Beautiful

Photographer: Taylor Hall O’Brien
Stylist: Anthony

06/02/2026

*Save for architectural brands I trust in my own home (and our clients’) - PART TWO!

A collection of some of my go-to partners for quality and design excellence especially when it comes to historic homes!

I’m thrilled to be working with these brands on my own project and will continue sharing as there are so many sources used in a large home renovation.

Historic details we love and are worth saving in so many homes! Upon first touring our Lincoln Park renovation, we sough...
04/28/2026

Historic details we love and are worth saving in so many homes!

Upon first touring our Lincoln Park renovation, we sought out the historic elements of the property that made sense to keep or replicate. From original stained glass, to detailed crown moldings and gorgeous fireplaces, there was a lot to save or replicate to honor the home’s long history.

Scroll through to see our favorite details.


historic homes | interior design | home renovation

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