Hi, cuties! Today I'm absolutely thrilled to introduce you to Claire Staszak of Centered by Design, a Chicago-based design studio celebrated for creating storied interiors that feel both timeless and soulful. Her approach to interior design beautifully balances the past with the present, mixing vintage lighting and European furniture with thoughtful patterns and colors to craft spaces that feel collected, elevated, and genuinely lived-in.
"Claire's work embodies that elusive quality we all seek in our homes: a sense of character and warmth that transcends any single era or trend."
We're especially excited to be carrying Claire's "Mediterranean Reverie" wallpaper collection with the historic French brand Isidore Leroy at Kathy Kuo Home! Inspired by forgotten chateaus, lush European gardens, and the fragile beauty of historical architecture, this collection brings a fresh, modern perspective to old-world romance.In today’s post, Claire shares her design philosophy, the inspiration behind "Mediterranean Reverie," and her expert tips on everything from mixing patterns to incorporating wallpaper in unexpected ways. Read on for all of Claire’s insights on creating timeless, story-filled spaces that truly feel like home!
A Conversation with Claire Staszak of Centered by Design
The homes you’ve designed feel uniquely soulful and storied while maintaining a timeless sensibility. How would you describe your design style?
Claire:Our design studio is known for storied interiors and our expertise in crafting timeless spaces. From new-builds to restorations, we reinvent and preserve, ushering homes into a modern age, thoughtfully linked to the past. We love the homes and rooms we create to feel grounded and comfortable, yet elevated and chic. We do this through thoughtful attention to a mix of pattern and colors, along with neutral moments to let the house breathe. A large dose of vintage lighting and European furniture often helps the spaces feel more collected and harder to place in a time period. If you walked into one of our homes, I’d love for you to feel the soul of the home and the spirit of the person and family who live there.
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What drew you to collaborating with the historic French wallpaper brand, Isidore Leroy?
Claire: Paris, France and wallpaper… What more is there to say!? Joking aside, this relationship blossomed like all good ones, through a mutual friendship and introduction and a synergy in love for design and wallpaper.
We’re thrilled to be carrying your “Mediterranean Reverie” collection with Isidore Leroy at Kathy Kuo Home! Can you tell us how the palettes and patterns in this collection came to life?
Claire: “Mediterranean Reverie” became a manifestation of my appreciation for European design, historical architecture, and the fragile beauty that it exudes. I sought to infuse a fresh perspective, reimagining this rich tapestry through a modern lens. Forgotten chateaus and lush grounds stirred a sense of wonder, evoking visions of their lost opulence that reminded me of an agelong love for Great Expectations, set in the backdrop of a secret, whimsical garden and forgotten palace. The collection traces back to the idyllic interiors of European homes from Venice to Antibes.
Shop Isidore Leroy x Centered by Design Wallpaper
Treillis in Brown
Stripe Cameo in Green
Stripe Cameo in Blue
Stripe Grands Lacs in Blue
Marbe de Venise in Butter Yellow
Marbre de Venise in Green
What qualities do you think wallpaper brings to the overall design of a space?
Claire: Wallpaper has the power to transport you, more than anything else in the interior because it can be so immersive. It also brings up so many memories for people, because it’s a backdrop for our lives! I think it can really help you tell a story of what you love and want to look at again and again living in your space.
Beyond the walls, are there any unique ways you like to incorporate wallpaper into your designs?
Claire: We love a wallpapered ceiling! And using it on cabinet or closet fronts. Using borders around trim is lots of fun as well.
From wallpaper to artwork to textiles, there are so many ways to infuse patterns into a home. How do you approach mixing patterns in a way that feels both balanced and visually compelling?
Claire: This is a great question! I don’t think there is a formula but here are a few options to think about:
Mixing scales: Using patterns in different scales—large, medium, and small—helps a lot when combining patterns throughout a space. Start with three or four patterns max.
Pattern drenching:Use one pattern like a beautiful floral print head to toe. Try wallpaper and matching window treatments!
Patterns that never fail: When in doubt, go with a classic pattern like a stripe, plaid, or floral and pair with neutrals and textures.
How does a home’s history and architecture inform your interior design process?
Claire: It’s a foundational principle of our design philosophy. We believe in designing from the outside in, meaning the architecture, materials, and style on the outside of the house should certainly influence the interior architecture and design. This is not to say you can’t upgrade and improve your exterior too, but referencing and reinvigorating the past lives of older homes (or giving new homes a sense of character) is what we love to do!
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What makes a home feel timeless versus trendy?
Claire: I think using antiques, family items, or heirlooms and a mix of classic fabrics helps create a timeless quality and makes new items feel less “new.” We love mixing new and old, high and low, items collected over time. Also, decorating for the style and architecture of your home helps too. Even just a few nods to the era or style of architecture can go a long way for a classic and authentic feeling.
Where do you find creative inspiration as a designer?
Claire: I find inspiration everywhere, but particularly through other passionate creatives. Whether it’s a clothing designer, a graphic designer, a hotelier, a knitter, a basket weaver, or a mom creating a beautiful craft for her child, I am continually inspired by the human spirit and drive to create beauty, often out of not much at all!
Kathy Kuo Studio
Need design help? Kathy Kuo Studio is a full-service design firm working with clients in the United States and abroad. From warm, timeless interiors to serene outdoor retreats, our talented team of accredited designers creates spaces that feel like home, designed around how you live and what you love.
Treillis in Brown
Stripe Cameo in Green
Stripe Cameo in Blue
Stripe Grands Lacs in Blue
Marbe de Venise in Butter Yellow
Marbre de Venise in Green
