Our first Designer Spotlight features the lovely work of Chicago area designer Lj Savarie. After years on the publishing side of the business at Traditional Home and Southern Living Magazines, Lj realized her true passion for interior design. What began as helping friends and family with their design projects quickly grew into a successful business, and in 2013 Savarie Interiors was born. Lj was recently a featured designer for the 2020 Lake Forest Showhouse & Gardens benefitting the Infant Welfare Society of Chicago. She partnered with Michele Frigon to create a cheery, family-friendly mudroom. Featured in Elle Decor Magazine, the mudroom has a neutral canvas with pops of grass green, slate blue, and bright pink. A large upholstered ottoman, wallpapered ceiling and charging station are among the many details that make the room both beautiful and functional.
I’m a Midwesterner that loves Southern style. In general, my aesthetic is traditional, but I love to add a bit of surprise and something unexpected in the details. I really appreciate the comfort and warm feeling in Southern homes. All of my clients have families, so I want their homes to be beautiful, of course, but also feel thoughtful and practical.
-Lj Savarie in Sheridan Road Magazine
I love how Lj’s designs are a fresh twist on traditional and tailored but not too fussy or formal. Here are a few of my favorite rooms designed by Savarie Interiors.
Fresh and practical with a touch of preppy –
Lake Forest Showhouse mudroom
Beautiful green and blue sunroom
Love this wallpaper!
The navy leather stools really pop in this beautiful white kitchen
Blue Butlers Panty, yes please!
This library has the perfect layout for cocktails and conversation
Lovely neutral bedroom
Layered neutrals and monogrammed throws elevate this home theatre
I love the rattan furniture in this sunroom
Gorgeous roman shades in this spa-like bathroom
Quick Q & A
With Lj Savarie
Describe your design style in 3 words or less:
New Traditional, Tailored, Livable Luxury- sorry 5 words
Who are your Design Icons:
Billy Baldwin and Albert Hadley- both believed in classic design with an amazing flair
What are a few key décor elements that can elevate any space:
Well-made upholstery, custom millwork and beautiful lighting
When remodeling a kitchen, which design elements do you think are worth a splurge, and where can you save:
Kitchens are the central part of any home. We want them to provide functionality and beautiful design features that cater to our clients’ needs. In general, kitchens are worth the splurge for the amount of time we all spend in them and enjoy our family & friend gatherings. Key aspects for any kitchen are always stone selections for islands/ countertops, beautiful and functional lighting, and comfortable and durable seating!
With recent events causing us to spend more time at home, have you noticed a change in your client’s design needs:
More quiet space. Clients are looking for multifunctional rooms to provide ideal studying areas, conference calls, or a place to read a great book!
What is your favorite part of your job:
To be honest, I love so many parts of my job, I feel so fortunate. I love to learn new things and I’m constantly learning from my talented team of artisans. I’m so thankful for their amazing skills and creativity.
The design process is very detailed and takes time. During that process I really get to know my clients and their families. One of the highlights is installation day. The excitement and joy clients feel make every detail worth it!
My favorite…..
Hostess gift to give:
Orchids or something personalized
Go to paint colors:
Farrow & Ball Wimborne White and BM Revere Pewter
Source for decor accessories:
Atlanta Gift Show
Place to travel:
Montana
Chicago-area restaurant:
Le Colonial
To work with Lj Savarie or see more of her work, visit Savarieinteriors.com and follower her Instagram @savarieinteriors.
