Centered by Design

Photo credits: Aimée Mazzenga

Claire Staszak

Chicago-based designer Claire Staszak founded Centered by Design based on her passion for historical architecture. The full-service interior design firm specializes in crafting timeless spaces that range from new construction to restoration projects, with a focus on blending modern aesthetics with thoughtful preservation of a home’s past. Claire honed her well-trained eye for design while studying at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, and holds a Certificate of Kitchen and Bath Design from Harper College. Her distinguished work has been featured in publications such as Architectural Digest, House Beautiful, Domino, Chicago Tribune, HGTV, LUXE and more.

Chicago, IL

@centeredbydesign

Photo credits: Taylor Hall O’Brien (p8-9)

The French Connection

Centered by Design’s Chic Paris Café

Claire Staszak’s vision for her My Rowe Design was inspired by color and continental charm, with the ambiance of a chic bed and breakfast. “I imagine an innkeeper with dreams of moving to the south of France one day lives here,” explains the designer, “and loves entertaining her guests with delicious food from the local farmer’s market.” Her “French-inspired café filled with treillage” — complemented by lush garden scenes and a cozy striped awning — features plenty of seating designed for lingering over morning coffee and pastries. The space exudes warmth and hospitality, with eclectic objects and serving vessels tucked into every corner.

My Rowe Design is…

Parisian
Chic
Natural

“ The Madeline Sofas are the perfect namesake for this French-inspired room. Elegant, comfortable and transitional…they are so versatile!

Madeline 90″ Sofa
in VO105-63

Featured Products

Photo credits: Taylor Hall O’Brien (p8-9)

“ We wanted to move beyond the typical living room and [imagine] a bed and breakfast or historic inn.

A pair of velvet Madeline Sofas in a deep shade of spruce — which Claire loves for their timeless, European appeal — anchor the cafe-style seating, creating a perfect atmosphere for communal get-togethers. For cozier conversations, a pair of Desmond Chairs are angled more intimately together near the fireplace. The room’s rich palette draws inspiration from the striking wallpaper mural, depicting a French garden in soft greens and blues that echoes the trellis arch motif of the nearby bar. Natural accents of rattan and linen soften the aristocratic edges of this space, evoking a sense of pastoral elegance.

Top Five Design Rules

Trust your gut

Mix patterns fearlessly

Choose colors found in nature

Natural light can be your greatest resource

The best rooms are collected over time

Photo credits: Heather Talbert (p12)

Centered by Design’s Favorites

Room to Design

We love starting with the heart of the home and designing kitchens! Our kitchens are truly unique and feel lived-in and timeless.

Sources of Inspiration

European travel and Colonial Williamsburg for the historical references. I love fashion and art for color palettes and appreciation of craftsmanship and editing.

Music to Fuel Creativity

1970s Fleetwood Mac and Tom Petty really fuel my creative side!

“We are excited to use the Desmond Chair for the first time! We love the 1920s French Art Deco inspiration in the lines of the chair and the more modern form.