The floor plan was still being developed for this new construction home in Chicago when Carly Zuba of CM Studio Interiors was tapped by the homeowners—a young family of five—to help create a home that felt anything but builder-basic.  

“That timing allowed us to collaborate closely with the builder and homeowners to make some thoughtful adjustments before construction was finalized,” she recalls. “Many new construction homes in Chicago, especially on standard city lots, tend to follow very similar floor plans, so it was exciting to have the opportunity to tweak a few key elements to better suit how this family lives.”

Because they live in the city and love hosting family and friends, the homeowners’ biggest priority was creating a space that felt warm, welcoming, and comfortable for gathering. “They wanted spaces that felt elevated but still practical for everyday life with young kids,” Carly explains. “Durability and livability were important, but they also wanted the home to feel thoughtfully designed and special—a place where entertaining would feel natural and easy. Creating spaces that could seamlessly transition from busy family mornings to relaxed evenings with friends was central to our design approach.”

CM Studio Interiors had a comprehensive scope of work. “We handled all interior design elements, including finish selections, interior elevations, cabinetry details, plumbing and lighting selections, and ultimately the full furnishing and styling of the home,” Carly says, noting that the overall look is a warm transitional style. “Throughout the home, we focused on natural materials, warm wood tones, layered neutrals, and subtle contrast to create a timeless look that still feels fresh and relaxed.”

From initial design through completion, the project took about 16 months. “Being involved from the beginning allowed us to ensure everything felt cohesive from the architectural details all the way through to the final accessories,” Carly shares. “But one of the biggest challenges was working within a relatively tight budget.” 

Since it was originally planned as a developer spec home, there were fairly aggressive allowances for many of the finishes. Fortunately, the homeowners purchased the property early enough in the process that they were able to customize many elements. 

“Our goal became finding thoughtful ways to stretch the budget while still creating a home that felt unique and elevated,” Carly tells us. “Seeing everything come together at the end is always incredibly rewarding, and the clients were absolutely thrilled with how the home turned out. Their biggest reaction was how much the space truly felt like them—warm, inviting, and perfectly suited for their family and the way they love to live and entertain.”