Susan Hawthorne + Co.

I was thrilled to meet Susan Hawthorne today, talented interior designer and proprietor of Romancing the Home, Ltd. When I asked her exactly what her title was she said, "owner, proprietor, dishwasher...", and I believe it, she does it all. She and her colleague Gail Smith, who's Lake Forest home that was once a horse stable is shown above and below, scour the country from Atlanta antique markets to San Francisco design shops to provide a one-of-a-kind highly edited interior.

Hawthorne and her team, including Smith as well as expert painter Laurell Banner really nail the high-end eclectic look that seamlessly intertwines chic with antique, new with old. When on the north shore of Chicago do check out Hawthorne's store in Deerfield, Romancing the Home, Ltd. for everything from champagne coupes to antique-inspired trophies. And if you need your home to look fabulous you know who to call and where to go: 849 N. Waukegan Rd. Deerfield, IL; (847) 914-0900.