a remodeled bathroom
a classic style bedroom
a classic style bathroom project
a remodeled kitchen
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INTERIOR DESIGNER IN ST. CHARLES

From quick design guidance to full-home renovations, our interior design process is built around you.

Serving Chicagoland for 25+ Years with 5 Stars on Google!

Big projects or small questions? Start with expert guidance

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Rated 5.0 Average

Vanessa Gray
Patrice Boenzi
Melissa Elliot
Terry Dane
Conrad Newell
Deb Snow
Debbie Audette
Mirza Ubaidullah
Larry Graf
Vanessa Gray
Patrice Boenzi
melissa elliott
terry dane
conrad newell

As Featured in the Kane County Chronicle • 25+ Years Experience • NCIDQ Certified

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INTERIOR DESIGN 
PORTFOLIO

Drag the slider to watch each space come to life, thoughtfully designed each client's lifestyle. No project is too big or small.

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INTERIOR DESIGN REVIEWS

Hear from homeowners who stopped guessing and finally planned it out.

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Melissa E
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"Partnering with Alaric Designs, specifically Kristie Sandoval, was absolutely the best decision in our full kitchen renovation project. From our first meeting, we felt heard. Kristie produced incredible renderings, translating my pie in the sky vision onto paper. She was in tune with our design wants and needs while also bringing fantastic outside of the box ideas to the table. She introduced us to an amazing contractor who turned what was on paper into a reality for us. Kristie managed our kitchen transformation from beginning to end..."

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Donna S
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"We basically gutted our master bathroom area trying to create a larger shower and more storage. The space we had to work with is not that large but Kristie came up with a floor plan that gave us exactly what we were looking for. Between her ideas and ours, our bathroom now has a large shower, plenty of storage space and an updated design. She followed through with the project throughout the entire process and our final outcome is beautiful. We would recommend Kristie for any design project that you might need."

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Sharon G
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"Alaric Designs was used for a remodel of a condo purchased to rent to my twenty-something son. So grateful that I did not try to do this on my own. Kristie did an excellent job of listening to both mine and my son’s thoughts, needs and desires. Kristie had so many ideas that we would have never thought of. Her professional drawings really helped the contractor, electrician, plumber and the city building department for obtaining necessary permit. When the project was complete, my son and I were thrilled—it looked like a model home. See before and after pictures to see for yourself."

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Debbie A
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"Kristie did an A+ job in designing our kitchen remodel project. Kristie is ALWAYS prompt and always met our agreed upon timelines; without fail. Kristie actively listens and documents all requirements; she also was able to provide us with many great ideas which we used in our overall design. Kristie put together an "elevation" which detailed all the cabinets (and what would go in these cabinets). This was extremely useful in helping us visualize the design. I would highly recommend Kristie!!!!!!!!!"

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Laura G
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"Kristie is amazing to work with! She has helped me so much in my home. She helped with space arrangement in my family room, paint selection in my family room, kitchen, and bedroom. She helped me finally find a rug for my dining room after I had been searching endlessly for months! I highly recommend her services to everyone looking. She will help you organize all your ideas and make them work!"

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Don M
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"We worked with Kristie on the design and decoration of our family room. Kristie was very organized and worked closely with us on selecting our design and furnishings. She went the extra mile to ensure we were putting together a complete room. She was and helped guide us in our decisions. Kristie's pricing construct leaves a lot of various options for any given situation which I appreciated. I would and will work with Kristie again in the future."

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Conrad N
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"Kristie with Alaric Design was amazing to work with. She walked us through every step and every decision to renovate the first floor of our house. She was able to guide us through options for new layouts (taking out walls), color selections, materials selection, and even furniture. She also helped us select a great general contractor to do the work and made sure we knew what questions to ask and how to compare options. I would highly recommend working with her on any space, big or small."

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Carol H
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"Kristie was great to work with. She was very patient in guiding us through our kitchen/ dining room remodeling process. She had multiple design ideas to choose from to meet our needs and desires. She monitored the entire process and made it come together. We are very happy with the finished product."

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Mary Ann D
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"Kristie at Alaric Designs is who you need to plan out your next Reno project ! She was attentive to our needs, worked well with the contractor and subcontractors and helped us pick the colors and deigns we wanted. She also helped us utilize the space we had and give us extra storage options. Give Alaric a call to help you with your next project, they are definitely worth it."

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Vicky M
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"Having Kristie’s input and knowledge of our basement renovations was invaluable. She really knows how to work with the contractors and make recommendations to the home owners. It was a real pleasure to work with her."

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Susan K
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"Kristie has been amazing, and very patient. I loved her attention to detail, and she was really right on the money when it came to scale and picking out different furniture pieces, pictures, curtains, couch etc. this is the first time we’ve ever worked with a decorator, and we chose a great one!"

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Terry D
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"Kristi pays very close attention to detail. She listened to what we wanted, showed lots of samples and the final product was amazing. We remodeled our LR, DR, MBR, and Master Bathroom. Reupholstered 3 chairs that look like new. 2 were 30 years old and one was probably 50, final result was awesome. She uses the highest quality vendors. We highly recomend that if your looking to remodel, use Alaric Designs..The Danes"

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Vanessa G
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"Kristi expertly directed me in the decorating my new home - kitchen, living room, sunroom, patio. She located very special finishes I would not have found on my own. She will provide end to end decorating or guide you from the sidelines. She lets you do you. She is professional and quick to respond. Highly recommend Kristi."

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Patrice B
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"Kristi is very talented. She listened to my goals and made wonderful suggestions on how to accomplish them. She has a great eye for color and has a great eye for design. A++++++"

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Carl M
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"Kristie Sandoval is a great interior designer that listens to you as a client and does not come with a grouping of standard ideas. She really takes the time to understand what you are looking for in the space and then goes to work. She does a lot of work finding the solution that works for you and does not look to standard off the shelf ideas...."

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Divya S
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"Kristie helped us come up with a cohesive color palate for the entire house. She also helped design a new layout for the powder room and other decorative accents. She is very responsive and supervised various contractors with installation and painting.."

WHY HOMEOWNERS CHOOSE OUR INTERIOR DESIGN 
SERVICES

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TRANSPRENT PRICING. ALWAYS

Many designers charge only hourly, which can create unpredictable costs. Here, you also have fixed pricing options so you’re not worried about draining your budget.
3 stars, representing a strong reputation

INDUSTRY CERTIFIED DESIGNERS

NCIDQ-certified (National Council for Interior Design Qualification) and registered with Illinois DFPR, so you can verify our credentials.
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300+ FINISHED PROJECTS

From finding the best place to hang picture frames to renovating home movie theaters, each interior design project is special to us.
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Design with you in mind

For our older clients, we specialize in aging in place, designing every detail to support your needs overtime without sacrificing looks.
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OUR INTERIOR DESIGN PROCESS

For those who want a fully guided, start-to-finish experience, here’s how we handle full-service projects.

01. PLAN WITH CLARITY
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We start with a consultation to get clear on your goals, budget, and next steps, so you can move forward without second-guessing.

Afterward, you’ll receive a clear project process sheet outlining exactly what a project like yours needs, along with a tailored quote.

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02. DESIGN & FINALIZE DETAILS
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We measure your space, identify what will and won’t work, and build a design that fits how you live & what you desire, refining it until everything feels right.

Then we walk you through every finish, fixture, and material so every decision is clear and nothing gets missed.

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03. CONTRACTOR + DESIGN SUPPORT
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If you’re working with a contractor, we walk them through the design so nothing gets misunderstood. If you’re still choosing one, we help review bids with you so you know exactly what you’re getting and not overpaying.

From there, we help you move into the build phase with the option for ongoing oversight, so everything stays on track and true to the design.

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Meet Your St. Charles Interior Designer

With 25+ years of experience, NCIDQ certification, and Registered Interior Designer status, lead designer Kristie Sandoval turns your needs into beautiful, functional spaces and guides you through every detail with confidence and care.

INTERIOR DESIGN SERVICES IN ST. CHARLES IL

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Full-Service Design & Management

Your dream space, fully handled from start to finish, without the stress of managing contractors, orders, or costly mistakes.

Design investment typically starts at a flate rate of $2700, depending on scope.

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Clear Drawings So Nothing Gets Misbuilt

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Picking Selections That Fit Your Style, Not Ours

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Everything Ordered, Tracked, and Handled

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We Can Manage Contractors So You Don’t Have To

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Plans & Drawings

Perfect if you want a clear plan before hiring contractors, but are comfortable managing the project yourself afterward.

Crystal clear drawings starting at $1000. Catch layout issues, budget risks, and design mistakes before they become expensive to fix.

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Floor Plans & Layouts

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Elevations & Sections

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Electrical & Basic Construction Plans

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Accurate Measurements & Documentation

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Design Strategy & Guidance

Best for smaller decisions only.

Flexible hourly support at $200/hr, ideal if you only need help with specific decisions.

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Fixing Layout Problems

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Checking Design Choices

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Selection Help

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Product Research

BOOK MY CONSULTATION
OR CALL US AT (224) 558-6789

BOOK YOUR INTERIOR DESIGN CONSULTATION

Wherever place you are with your project, every project should start with a talk with an experienced designer.

We help you get clear on what to do and when, avoid costly mistakes, and leave with a clear quote for your project.

After our in-home consultation, you'll walk away with a clear vision, defined scope, and a simple process sheet to move forward confidently including:

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Correct order of renovation decisions

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When to hire a designer & contractor

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Top mistakes homeowners make during each step of the rennovation process

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Key decisions to be made before construction begins

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Timeline for planning vs construction

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Clear next steps after your consultation

Click below to get started. Spring is when projects start, and schedules fill fast. Starting now gives you time to plan it right, while waiting often means rushing decisions or finishing later than you wanted.

BOOK MY CONSULTATION

Start with clarity. No pressure.

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Trying to find the best interior designer near you? Visit our design studio in St. Charles, Illinois via appointment!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
HOW DO I CHOOSE THE RIGHT DESIGNER FOR MY INTERIOR REMODEL?
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The right interior designer should match your project goals, communication style, budget, and level of remodeling support needed. Look for experience with similar homes, a clear process, and strong client reviews.

  • Review past kitchen, bathroom, or full-home remodel projects
  • Ask how the designer handles layouts, materials, and contractor coordination
  • Look for transparent pricing and planning expectations
  • Choose someone familiar with Chicagoland homes and remodeling challenges
  • Prioritize designers who focus on long-term functionality, not just appearance

Many homeowners searching for an interior designer near Chicago want help making confident remodeling decisions. A designer with planning experience can help avoid layout mistakes, improve flow, and create a home that works better for everyday living.

WHAT'S INCLUDED IN FULL-SERVICE DESIGN?
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Full-service interior design typically includes space planning, finish selections, furniture guidance, project coordination, and design support from concept through installation.

  • Layout and functionality planning
  • Kitchen and bathroom material selections
  • Lighting, paint, flooring, and fixture coordination
  • Furniture and décor recommendations
  • Collaboration with contractors and trades
  • Ongoing project guidance during remodeling

Many Chicagoland homeowners choose full-service interior design to simplify the remodeling process and reduce decision fatigue. A structured process also helps keep projects organized and aligned with long-term goals.

CAN AN INTERIOR DESIGNER HELP WITH KITCHEN AND BATHROOM REMODEL PLANNING?
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Yes. Interior designers help plan kitchens and bathrooms for better layout, storage, functionality, and overall flow before construction begins.

  • Improve traffic flow and workspace functionality
  • Optimize cabinet and storage layouts
  • Coordinate finishes, fixtures, and lighting
  • Help prevent costly design changes during construction
  • Plan for accessibility and aging-in-place needs when needed

Kitchen and bathroom remodels involve hundreds of decisions. Professional planning helps homeowners create spaces that are practical, comfortable, and easier to use long-term.

WHAT AREAS DO YOU SERVE IN THE CHICAGOLAND REGION?
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We work with homeowners throughout Kane and DuPage County, including but not limited to:

  • St. Charles, IL
  • Geneva, IL
  • Batavia, IL
  • Naperville, IL
  • Elgin, IL

Many homeowners searching for an interior designer near them want someone familiar with local homes, remodeling trends, and contractor coordination in the western suburbs. Working with a designer who understands the Chicagoland area can help streamline communication, planning, and long-term functionality throughout the remodeling process.

HOW MUCH DOES AN INTERIOR DESIGN PROJECT COST FOR A REMODEL?
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Interior design costs vary based on project size, level of support, and remodeling complexity. Many homeowners prefer flat-rate pricing because it creates clearer expectations upfront.

  • Costs depend on room size, scope, and selections
  • Kitchen and bathroom remodels usually require more planning
  • Flat-rate pricing helps reduce surprise hourly billing
  • Design consultation services are often available for smaller projects
  • Early planning can help reduce expensive changes later

Homeowners planning a remodel often want pricing clarity before construction starts. A structured design process and transparent pricing model can make budgeting easier and reduce uncertainty throughout the project.

WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AN INTERIOR DESIGNER AND INTERIOR DECORATOR?
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Interior designers focus on both functionality and aesthetics, while decorators primarily focus on furnishings and visual styling.

  • Interior designers assist with layouts and remodel planning
  • Designers often coordinate with contractors and trades
  • Decorators mainly work with furniture, colors, and accessories
  • Designers can improve flow, storage, and usability
  • Remodeling projects usually benefit from design planning expertise

Many Chicagoland homeowners use the terms interchangeably, but remodeling projects often require more than decorating alone. Functional planning is especially important for kitchens, bathrooms, and aging-in-place design.

CAN INTERIOR DESIGNER IMPROVE THE LAYOUT AND FUNCTIONALITY OF A HOME?
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Yes. Interior designers help improve how a home functions by rethinking layouts, storage, lighting, and room flow.

  • Create better traffic flow between spaces
  • Improve storage and organization
  • Make kitchens and bathrooms more efficient
  • Increase comfort and usability for long-term living
  • Support aging-in-place and accessibility goals

Many homeowners contact an interior designer because their home no longer works well for daily life and finally get around to looking for a better design because of something as simple as a broken appliance. Thoughtful design planning can make spaces feel larger, more comfortable, and easier to navigate.

WHAT INTERIOR DESIGN STYLES DO YOU SPECIALIZE IN?
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We don’t design around one specific style. Instead, we help homeowners take the ideas, inspiration, and feelings they already have and turn them into a home that feels personal, functional, and uniquely theirs.

  • Your home is designed around how you live, not around a trending style
  • We help clarify ideas that may feel difficult to explain or visualize
  • The final design often feels familiar and deeply personal from the beginning
  • Flexibility allows us to blend styles naturally instead of forcing one look
  • Every project is tailored to the homeowner’s goals, lifestyle, and personality

Many homeowners come in with inspiration photos, saved ideas, or simply a feeling they want their home to have. Our process helps organize and refine those thoughts into a clear design direction that feels authentic to the people living in the space.

IS HIRING AN INTERIOR DESIGNER WORTH THE INVESTMENT?
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Hiring an interior designer can help homeowners avoid costly mistakes, improve functionality, and create a more organized remodeling process. For instance, we can:

  • Reduce expensive layout or material errors
  • Help clarify ideas that may feel difficult to explain or visualize
  • Simplify product and finish selections
  • Create a clearer remodeling plan before construction
  • Help projects stay aligned with budget and goals

Many homeowners hiring an interior designer are looking for guidance, efficiency, and confidence during a remodel. Professional planning often saves time, improves decision-making, and leads to better long-term results.

WHAT SHOULD HOMEOWNERS PREPARE BEFORE STARTING AN INTERIOR DESIGN PROJECT?
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Before starting a design project, homeowners should think about their goals, budget, priorities, and how they want the space to function long-term. A professional in-home consultation can also help organize ideas, clarify next steps, and create a realistic plan before remodeling begins.

Many homeowners feel overwhelmed at the beginning of a remodeling project because they are unsure where to start or what order decisions should happen in. Our 1-hour in-home consultation helps simplify the process by turning scattered ideas into a clearer direction. Homeowners leave with practical guidance, professional insight, and a printed process sheet that explains what to expect throughout the project timeline. Book your consultation today!

BOOK MY CONSULTATION