Debi Reinhart of Design Odyssey

We are living, as Deborah Reinhart, owner of Design Odyssey, Ltd.,  puts it, in the RE moment.

A time for redesigning, rediscovering, recycling, renewing, renovating, retrofitting, reinventing, rebranding, rehabbing, reorienting, redefining.

I couldn’t agree more. You, too, I’m sure.

New project: The criteria for this Lake Shore Drive condo was to showcase the Indian roots of this international couple with two maturing college-age daughters

Authenticity: “Antiques were used extensively to provide comfort –visual and physical – for the family and their international guests,” Deb says.

Value/quality pieces: Furnishings that are dynamically designed — not branded with excessive costs — were chosen.

Assimilation: Middle Eeastern design concepts seamlessly co-exist with contemporary furnishings.

Starting point: “The core of this design is the owner’s passion for Odegard Rugs; all roads start from Odegard for this client,” Deb says.

Sources:

• Antiques from Primitive in Chicago
• Chandelier made by a California artisan
• Tile in various rooms from Ann Sacks

Deb’s Axioms:

• The leg [or the lack] of it defines the room
• Color is your best friend
• Design, taste, grow: Embrace new ideas. Expect to change your mind. Encourage yourself to stretch beyond comfort.

Budget-saving advice: “A lot of designer firms have ‘tiered’ design programs for clients [as does Design Odyssey]. Most have junior designers who have degrees but need experience,” Deb says. “With the evolution—our economic changes—the opportunity to hire a design firm has never been better. Hiring a firm to provide a plan is possible. Having a designer as an advocate for remodeling—definitely a plus.

“Also many online vendors will have design computer programs—House Beautiful will have a section each month showing how to put together a special room.”

Contact: 847- 877-9510 or deb@designodyssey.com; www.designodyssey.com