Hoyne House
Hoyne House
Bucktown, Chicago — boutique short-term rental
Challenge: Convert a former corner convenience store into a serene, design-forward rental that feels like a restful retreat after a day in the city, while also giving guests a memorable, colorful sense of place.
Approach: I led the full process: managed contractors, oversaw a complete bathroom gut and rebuild, sourced paint, tiles, fixtures and furnishings, lime-washed walls myself, and redesigned the rooftop deck into a cozy sunset oasis. To tie the space to its roots, I commissioned a local street artist to create a mural blending two memories of the block — the melting ice cream kids once bought at the store and the dreamy sunsets visible from the roof. Every choice was made with the guest in mind — luxury touches, clear everyday function, and playful color that ties back to the neighborhood.
Result: The house became a calming, practical retreat with joyful moments of color and art. Guests highlighted the rooftop and mural as standout features, creating a sense of occasion and local connection that elevated stays beyond a typical listing. This was a full end-to-end exercise in designing for atmosphere and guest experience. Hoyne House has earned consistent 5-star reviews and Superhost status on Airbnb, recognized as a top choice for travelers seeking a stylish, well-considered home base in Chicago.
End-to-end project lead: contractor management, vendor sourcing, scope and materials decisions.
Designed and furnished the full interior, from fixtures to furniture
Hands-on execution: lime wash finish, bathroom gut and rebuild, deck remodel, and curated materials
Creative Direction: commissioned local artist, curated color story to reflect neighborhood memory @thejoemiller
Outcome: A guest-first, design-led stay that balances luxury, comfort, and local character. Airbnb Superhost, consistent 5-star reviews, “renters’ choice” home
First Light
West Loop, Chicago — rooftop community project
Challenge: In the uncertainty of 2020, when gathering spaces were limited, I wanted to create a safe and inspiring environment for connection. Living near Chicago’s West Loop restaurant scene, the goal was to turn a bare rooftop into a welcoming oasis for friends and neighbors to share moments of comfort, creativity, and joy.
Approach: I transformed the rooftop into an urban jungle by layering plants that grew wild throughout the summer. I refinished weathered furniture, incorporated Moroccan-inspired design elements, and styled the space in a Bedouin-inspired aesthetic that invited relaxation and conversation. Every detail was guided by the idea of nature, warmth, and discovery.
Result: First Light became a gathering place where community thrived at a time when connection was rare. Guests remember sunsets and stargazing, piano serenades, laughter, and dancing — moments that felt both intimate and expansive against the backdrop of the city. The project reflected my own process of rediscovery and became a living example of how design can transform not just a space, but how people feel within it.
Designed a rooftop “urban jungle” with Moroccan and Bedouin influences
Refurbished existing furniture and layered natural textures for warmth
Created a safe, uplifting space for gathering during the uncertainty of 2020
Inspired countless nights of connection — from sunset views to piano serenades
A personal rediscovery project that reinforced my belief in design as a catalyst for community
First Light