“This home is a modern, airy new build nestled in the heart of Glencoe, Illinois,” says interior designer Alissa Johnson. “What we love most about Glencoe is its strong sense of community and the relaxed, intimate feel it offers.”
The North Shore community boasts scenic lakeside views, lush parks, and a close-knit neighborhood—an ideal environment for families looking for warmth and calm without sacrificing proximity to the city, making it the perfect backdrop for this thoughtfully designed home.
Alissa’s eponymous firm was tapped by a young family of five who had just relocated from Chicago. “They were looking to add warmth and character to their new build,” the designer explains. “Because they have two little boys and a newborn, they wanted durable, family- friendly selections without the design being taken over by the kids. The client was drawn to neutrals and lighter colors, with pops of earth tone colors here and there so we incorporated organic materials, soft textures, and earthy tones, reflecting the serene beauty of the area.”
The result embodies a modern organic aesthetic that Alissa Johnson Interiors is known for. In the foyer, the organic shapes of the console table, an oversized floor mirror, and sleek chandelier come together beautifully to set a bold yet inviting tone for the rest of the home. “The console’s natural contours bring a sense of warmth and flow, while the mirror’s soft, rounded edges add elegance and balance,” Alissa tells us. “The chandelier overhead enhances this look with its organic, tiered design that pulls the space together.”
In the office, the client envisioned a dark, moody atmosphere, Alissa coated the room in Millstone Gray by Benjamin Moore. “This hue perfectly established a masculine, grounded tone in the space,” she says. “To bring in contrast and maintain a visual balance, we chose furnishings in a lighter, neutral palette. A walnut desk anchors the room with its rich, natural grain, while a sheepskin upholstered desk chair adds texture. For added warmth, we layered in a chestnut-toned gridded rug, which brings a subtle pattern that ties the palette together.”
The living spaces follow a similar layered approach, with custom Mark Alexander drapery in the dining room and furnishing that bring the outdoors in in the family room. “We chose an oversized sectional upholstered in a textured linen fabric, selected to provide generous seating for both intimate family moments and lively social events,” Alissa explains. “The curved wooden coffee table and round fluted marble side table were intentionally chosen to enhance the room’s kid-friendly appeal, without compromising its refined style. Pops of green in the velvet chairs and a muted, multi-colored rug complement the earthy palette, grounding the space in warmth that subtly ties the palette together. We selected a chandelier that echoes the soft, neutral tones of the walls, creating a cohesive, unified look that feels blended and effortless.”
The project took around 11 months to complete. “When the clients first saw the finished space, their reaction was priceless,” the designer says with a big smile. “They were in awe of how we brought their vision to life. They said it felt like stepping into a dream home that perfectly reflected their style and needs. They particularly loved the warmth and character we incorporated into the space. Hearing them say, ‘This feels like us,’ was the best feeling!”
