Elizabeth Drake. The Artist Behind the Design

With an artist’s perspective infused into traditional design, Elizabeth is renowned for her deep expertise and mastery of design theory, enabling her to authentically capture and interpret a range of historical styles.

Her portfolio includes legendary estates and legacy homes across Michigan, Illinois, and beyond, where she works with private clients who desire a fresh, creative approach to traditional design, blending art, pattern, and vibrant color in distinctive and imaginative ways.

"I thrive on seeing a client’s eyes light up when the design, colors, fabrics, and patterns truly resonate with them. It’s in those moments that the design speaks to their soul. While I’m practical and down to earth, I love weaving a sense of fantasy into my work. Fantasy is the fuel for inspiration, and I believe our homes should be anything but boring or predictable. Thinking outside the box comes naturally to me—in fact, I don’t really acknowledge the box at all. My imagination is always active, and conjuring up unique, creative ideas is where I find my greatest joy."

— Elizabeth Drake

  • Personal interest that shapes your design perspective?
    Floral arranging is a passion of mine. During my morning walks, I love observing blooming flowers and gathering inspiration from natural color palettes. I often create spontaneous floral arrangements, experimenting with different colors and textures.

    What do you do when not designing?
    I’ve been taking botanical drawing classes, and I enjoy spending time in my petite home studio, sketching and honing my artistic skills.

    Favorite place on Chicago’s North Shore?
    Wilmette Beach on Lake Michigan is a favorite, regardless of the season. I love taking coffee breaks there and spending Saturday afternoons swimming and reading in the sun.

    Favorite restaurant on Chicago’s North Shore?
    NaKorn in Winnetka, for its elevated and authentic Thai cuisine, is my go-to spot.

    How has your approach to design changed over the years?
    While my core design principles have remained consistent, my process has evolved over the past two decades. I’ve streamlined it to balance both the development of creative concepts and the collaborative nature of working with clients and partners.

    What are some of your favorite design elements to incorporate into a space?
    I love adding unusual, antique, or vintage pieces. They bring a curated, personal feel to a space and help avoid the cookie-cutter look.

    Favorite travel destination?
    Hawaii, where my granddaughters live. It’s the perfect spot for beach days and family time.

    Thoughts on design trends?
    Trends can be exciting, but they often limit the potential for truly unique and visionary designs.

    Dream project?
    Designing a property with distinctive architectural features that enhance and inspire the interior design process.

The Approach

For over two decades, Elizabeth Drake Interiors has been crafting bespoke, deeply personalized traditional homes, infusing each project with a touch of fantasy and a deep understanding of color.

  • The firm offers a full range of interior design services, including new builds, full renovations, and whole-home decoration. Their approach is rooted in thoughtful collaboration, creativity, and personalization, ensuring that each home reflects the unique style and vision of its owner while providing a seamless, stress-free experience.

    Considerate
    The firm understands the concern of having an external aesthetic imposed on a home. Their priority is to reflect the client’s personal style and preferences. By asking thoughtful questions and listening carefully, the team ensures each client's vision is brought to life in the most imaginative way possible.

    Collaborative
    With so many decisions involved, designing a home can feel overwhelming. The firm works in true partnership with clients, as well as their architects and contractors, to streamline the process. By offering a carefully curated selection of options, the team guides clients through each step, ensuring involvement without overwhelming them.

    Creative
    Not everyone has an innate artistic sensibility, and that’s where the firm shines. Elizabeth Drake Interiors excels at transforming clients' ideas into cohesive designs, adding elements of surprise and creativity that delight and inspire. Their mastery of color theory brings a sense of magic to each home, creating spaces that feel distinctly personal.

    Calm
    The firm's approach eliminates stress and second-guessing. By managing every detail—from planning to execution—the team ensures a smooth, stress-free experience, giving clients complete peace of mind and allowing them to enjoy the transformation of their home.

    Elizabeth Drake Interiors offers thoughtful, personalized design that transforms homes into unique reflections of their owners.

The Process

Elizabeth Drake Interiors follows a deliberate and streamlined process, ensuring each project feels effortless and enjoyable while delivering exceptional results.

To achieve cohesive and visually stunning designs, the firm typically takes on projects that encompass a minimum of three rooms or an entire floor.

  • Discovery
    Each project begins with getting to know the client through either a guided conversation or a detailed questionnaire, depending on personal preference. Some clients find it easier to express their ideas in writing, while others prefer a more conversational approach.

    Elizabeth Drake Interiors recommends clients reach out before engaging an architect or builder. This allows the design vision to be integrated from the outset, ensuring a cohesive and seamless process. Additionally, any existing furnishings the client wishes to keep will be reviewed to ensure the new design integrates smoothly with beloved pieces. This discovery phase sets the foundation for a truly personalized design by understanding the client’s style, needs, and overall vision.

    Conceptual Design
    This is where creativity begins to take shape. Elizabeth Drake Interiors translates the client's ideas into tangible plans, using mood boards and preliminary layout designs that illustrate how the space will function and reflect the client’s lifestyle. During this phase, clients receive:

    • Mood boards to guide the design process.

    • Furniture layout plans to show room flow and function.

    • Preliminary drawings for remodeling or construction.

    • Concept boards featuring foundational design elements and specific furnishings.

    • A preliminary furnishing investment estimate.

    Clients are kept updated with weekly reports on progress, order tracking, and scheduling.

    Detail Design
    This phase brings the design to life with personal touches that make the space truly unique. It focuses on finalizing every detail, from selecting colors and wallpapers to choosing fabrics and window treatments. During this stage, clients receive:

    • Final design concept boards that vividly illustrate the new space.

    • Detailed furniture layout plans showcasing the flow and placement of each piece.

    • Final remodeling, construction, or millwork designs.

    • Final design features and furnishing selections, from custom cabinetry to accessories.

    Throughout the process, clients stay informed with weekly progress reports. A final design proposal is presented, incorporating client feedback to ensure every element aligns with their vision.

    Ordering
    Once the design is approved, Elizabeth Drake Interiors manages all orders, tracks shipments, and resolves any issues that arise, offering peace of mind. All items are shipped to a receiving warehouse and held until the scheduled installation date.

    This thorough and thoughtful process ensures a seamless and stress-free experience, resulting in beautifully designed, highly personalized spaces.

Q&A with Elizabeth Drake

Elizabeth speaks candidly about her design inspirations, personal interests, and how her approach has evolved over the years. From her love of floral arranging to her favorite spots on Chicago’s North Shore, she offers insight into the passions and experiences that shape her creative process.

Artist Turned Designer - The Journey

Elizabeth’s path to interior design began with a strong foundation in classical art training. After earning a degree in Painting and Graphic Design from Michigan State University, she started her career as a freelance graphic designer. Her time at Crate & Barrel Furniture, however, was where she discovered her passion for interior design. She realized that it shared many of the same principles as graphic design, but with the added challenge and reward of creating functional, livable spaces.

With over two decades of experience designing bespoke traditional homes, Elizabeth has refined her unique approach to design, which remains deeply rooted in her artistic background. This blend of creativity and design expertise allows her to consistently create interiors that amaze and inspire her discerning clients.