A Look Back at 2020

As we look forward to 2021, we want to take a moment to reflect on what 2020 looked like here at JSDG! With the stay-at-home order mandated in the spring, both past and soon-to-be clients reached out to us knowing how their homes’ feel, flow, and function would become increasingly more important. We are grateful for staying busy during this time with bathroom renovations, kitchen renovations, and more. Check out some of our 2020 stats: 

  • 46 Bathroom Remodels
  • 19 New Living Rooms
  • 18 Family Rooms
  • 16 Dining Rooms
  • 10 Refreshed Outdoor Spaces
  • 2 Full-Scale New Construction Projects
  • 6 Redesigned Mudrooms
  • 37 Total Bedrooms
  • 14 In-Home Offices
  • 10 Foyer Designs
  • 31 Custom Closets
  • 13 Kitchen Remodels
  • 8 Unique Butler’s Pantries
  • 4 New Workout Rooms
  • 7 Lower Level/Basements
  • 3 Three Seasons Rooms

2020 presented us with a new set of priorities for our clients’ spaces: bringing home places like the gym and office, optimizing rooms for remote working and learning, and all the while infusing that timeless JSDG style. Here’s a look at how we executed each priority in different projects throughout the year: 

Bringing Home the Gym And Office 

In-home gyms and home offices are nothing new for us here at JSDG, but in 2020 we certainly saw an increase in the number of these new designs and/or remodels. Not knowing when daily spaces like offices, gyms, and coffee shops may reopen inspired our clients to create (or reinvigorate) such spaces within their own homes. Take a look at some of the projects where we did just that: 

1. Highland Park Home Office

In this Highland Park full-scale construction, we designed a multi-purpose in-home office to include an optimal workspace as well as a pull-out couch for more sleeping space. A Shagreen table, huge window for natural light, and unique LED light fixture harmonized the room’s flow and function.

2. Lower Level Gym in Transitional Family Pad 

Like every room or piece of furniture we design, multi-functionality is a must. This custom lower level gym doubles as a cozy man-cave, displaying this client’s collectibles. We created bespoke floating shelves to give every last memento and autograph its proper place! We also designed a one-of-a-kind, matching storage for the Peloton shoes and equipment, and added mirrored walls to maximize the space with a genuine gym feel. We know this home well after working on the first iteration of their lower level in 2019, and we’re looking forward to designing their new kitchen after the new year.

3. Custom Office in Mindful Glencoe Home

Here’s another iteration of an in-home office we designed this year. Knowing our client would spend more and more time in this room, we wanted it to be a true extension of their style and needs. From each hand-picked accessory, to the custom cabinets, an LED light fixture, and a gorgeous natural wood desk, we struck the perfect balance of useful and unique. 

The Social Room: A Quarantine Concept 

1. Homework Room in Glencoe 

This Glencoe family prioritized a space where their two young girls could focus up and get their homework done. It was important that we created a space that was comfortable yet would encourage concentration. With cozy bean bags for video calls or watching pre-recorded classes and a desk space for writing or reading, we love how this room crystallized. 

2. The Grove Social 

Here’s a look at the progress of another social room that we’re giving lots of love and intention. This family says it’s been an absolute life-saver for remote learning. Custom desks, custom countertops, and perfectly placed charging stations and lighting facilitate a more seamless at-home school day. Stay tuned for more photos of this special space— we’ll be uploading more after the New Year.

Creative Tile & Material Applications 

1. Tiled Fireplace Wall in Highland Park 

To achieve a modern farmhouse interior, we selected a sleek, clean tile for this fireplace wall in the family’s living room. We love how it adds depth and dimension to the space, and naturally compliments the furniture colorways. 

2. Highland Park Pool Bath Tile

Check out the tile detailing in this Highland Park home’s pool house bathroom. Upon entering the pool bath, this unique hexagonal tile adds subtle dimension and a little something extra for the eye. 

3. Highland Park Laundry Room Tile

This gorgeous tile selection also struck a perfectly sleek and clean look in our Highland Park family’s laundry room. Complete with custom cabinets, dark appliances, and a large sink— this room is as aesthetically pleasing as it is utilitarian.

4. Northbrook Distressed Wood Dining Room Bar

This Northbrook family’s dining room got a fully-custom JSDG in-home bar for crafting the perfect cocktails to enjoy on the couch. How cool is this rugged concrete countertop, distressed wood cabinet doors, and matching floating shelves? We loved designing this awesome bar!

Emphasis on Outside

1. Urban Coastal Outdoor 

We remodeled this entire home interior and then got the chance to pull that design into the backyard space. We went for an urban coastal feel for this client. We especially love the addition of an outdoor TV for a safe space to watch Sunday Football with a few guests.

2. Highland Park Outdoor Oasis

From the pool to the basketball hoop and plenty of spacious lounge seating, it was a joy to create this Highland Park family’s outdoor oasis. Receiving photos of their extended family safely gathered and socially distanced around the pool was very rewarding for us.

3. Outdoor Details

With this year’s emphasis on open air gathering, each outdoor surface is another space to create a pleasing and purposeful design with every detail. We loved hand-selecting these accessories for this family’s backyard sanctuary. Not only are these pieces gorgeous and unique, they’re made tough and durable to withstand the elements.

Looking Forward to the New Year

2020 presented us with a chance to get creative in new ways with social rooms, more outdoor spaces, and in-home gyms and offices. We are really looking forward to sharing with you the projects that are still in progress, to be finished after the turn of the new year. We’re heading to New Buffalo, MI to work on two new lake-life sanctuaries and more. 

Our talented team is here when you’re ready to reinvigorate your home interior! We love nothing more than helping clients breathe new life into a beloved home. We’d be honored to make your vision into your new reality. Contact us today about your interior design goals for 2021.