Amy Lenahan, an interior stylist, has established design i interiors to cater to "design-conscious yet budget-savvy homeowners" (and renters!).
Bringing what the site describes as "a fresh, accessible and affordable approach to interior design" is her goal. The photos on the site are very good - worth a look for inspiration and ideas.
Amy works on a flat fee scale. Different pricing options are available depending on the scope and scale of the job, from consultations ($300/up to 2 hours) to full room makeovers (starts at $950/room).
In an email to AT, Amy described her business: "My cost model is such that I don't earn my fees as many designers do, which is through markup on items purchased for the client. Instead, I charge flat fees, depending on the service desired, and even help my clients cut costs by allowing them to implement my 'plan' on their own. 
Thanks for bringing us another great idea. I like the concept of a flat fee for interior design. This way I know the designer is working on my project solely and not sharing my time with another client and billing us both for the same hour of research/shopping/surfing. Amy's project pictures make her work look like something I'd go for if I were in the market.
I wish Amy were in DC, I'd hire her for color help! If you see this Amy, what are the beautiful blue paints that you used for the Lakeview Condo bathroom (pic #5) and the Bucktown loft living room (pic #1)? Vivienne
I can't thank you enough for introducing AT readers to Amy. I never once considered hiring an interior designer because I assumed it would be way out of my price range. When my husband and I buy a condo in a year, Amy will be the first person we call for design help.
We love Amy Lenahan and design-i. We used her to re-do our bedroom, and what was a disfunctional space is now tranquil, peaceful, and happy, while being clean-lined, modern, and contemporary. My wife and I are thrilled with the process and the end result. We're now using design-i for our dining room.
And to the poster (Vivienne) who noted that she wished that Amy were in DC - we live in the DC area and had Amy fly out to do our bedroom. For the $150 or so it cost us for an airplane flight, it was totally worth it.
Does anyone know of other designers in Chicago with a similiar style and with varying fee scales for levels of need such as Amy Lenahan? We just moved to large Chicago home from a small Virginia home and need help pulling it together and haven't been able to get Amy to return our calls/emails. Thanks for any recommendations.
view Terra's profile
Oops, nevermind. Just got her. Thanks!
view Terra's profile
Note the FLOR like carpet, Cost Plus like bench, and Ikea like everything else.
Not that any of that is a bad thing. But very much a DIY.
view kmswann's profile
I would love to hire Amy, but she is on maternity leave until January. I lost most of my furniture in the recent Chicago monsoon, and am starting over from scratch in a new place. Can anyone recommend an apartment designer/decorator with a style similar to Amy's, who works within clients' budgets? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
view ChiJenniferH's profile
If you live in SW FL, I've just started a similar business!
http://designablespace.com
view designablespace's profile
Amy gave me a great consultation for my new condo last year - ideas on what kinds of furniture and accessories to buy to pull the place together. Definitely a DIY so although I loved her ideas I may wait until I can afford to have someone execute on them for me too next time.
view chicagojess's profile