The interior design team at Linly Designs offer to work their magic in your home using their holiday inventory, yours, or a combination of the two.
“We take all the guesswork out of decorating,” says Jennifer Sterna, Linly’s general manager. “We have a whole holiday package, and we tailor it to your needs and budget.”
For those unfamiliar with Linly’s style, which is best classified as Old World Tuscan European, the showrooms are turned into a winter wonderlands starting in November. Their Holiday Open House is on November 7 from 4 to 8 p.m. in Clarendon Hills and November 14 from 4 to 8 p.m. in downtown Highland Park. Straying from the traditional red and green, Linly prefers to work with bronze, gold, and champagne colors for a classic and rich feel. Whether one comes in for a single ornament as a gift or walks out with an appointment for Linly to consult on decorating your home for the holidays—the showrooms are sure to inspire elegant ideas.
“Our trees garner the most attention,” explains Jennifer, who says it’s not uncommon for a client to come and buy an entirely decorated one. “We’ll take it apart and reassemble it at their home—eliminating all of the headaches of trying to recreate it on their own.” While Linly uses only artificial trees and garlands in their decorating, the materials are all of the highest quality and aesthetic—sure to make them traditional fixtures in your home year after year.
When Linly is contracted to help with seasonal design, it typically takes two appointments—one for a designer to see your home and look at the decorations you already have, and another for the installation. “Depending on the size of the project, it may take two to three hours to complete, or closer to seven or eight. But either way, we do our best to have it all finished in one day,” Jennifer says.
From a single accessory to a whole house makeover, Linly Designs is a full-service firm. Offerings include kitchen and bathroom remodeling, flooring, painting, custom furniture and cabinetry, custom window treatments, lighting, and accessory call—the latter being an at-home consultation for accessories such as lamps, frames, and pillows.
“We attract a client base that is interested in pieces that have a more timeless appeal,” says Jennifer, noting that while their traditional Old-World style is often emulated, Linly also has contemporary design abilities. “We don’t get a lot of clients who are looking for trendy that will go out next season; they are looking for longevity.”
The exclusive products are handpicked from all over the world and from manufacturers that are not easily found in department stores. Linly is the only retailer in the country to carry Guerlain’s line of candles from Paris. It is also one of the largest Marge Carson showrooms in the Chicago suburbs with many in-stock pieces. The bestselling accessories are Lampe Berger oil diffuser lamps from Paris. They come in various gorgeous bottles and fragrant scents and make either a perfect gift or home addition.
Many products are made in North Carolina, and most have an authentically Tuscan feel. In the downtown Highland Park showroom, for example, one can find paintings of idyllic Italian countrysides, vintage-looking chests, and even a mahogany and metal dog bowl stand fit for a royal pet. Little trinkets lie inside glass cases, and plush pillows adorn a luxurious sofa.
“Not only do we offer the best of the best, but we also have the knowledge and expertise behind that,” says Jennifer. “You may find the pieces elsewhere, but you won’t get our expert advice.”
Clients are often so astounded at the beautiful results of one project, it ultimately leads to many more.
“We had a client come in looking to redo a master bathroom. They wanted us to do a face-lift, like new lighting. We ended up doing a full-blown makeover…and then we ended up doing every other room in the house,” Jennifer says.
Even after a room—or home—is done, clients pop into the store from time to time to pick out a gift, check out seasonal décor, or just to say hi.
“We create lifelong relationships.”
For more information about what Linly Designs can do for you, call their Clarendon Hills showroom at 630-769-5099, or visit their website at linlydesigns.com. Linly Designs is located at 445 W. Ogden Avenue in Clarendon Hills and 1766 Second Street in downtown Highland Park.
—Angelika Labno // Photographs courtesy of Linly Designs
