Madeline Gelis: Smart Serenity

Here is the latest interview from All the Best blogger, Ronda Carman.

Madeline Gelis is not one to dictate or impose her style on others, although she certainly has great taste and design knowledge in spades. “My primary goal is to is to help clients define their own style.”  Such quite confidence is a trait that comes from experience and a loyal client following.

Madeline has been designing distinctly serene and gracious interiors throughout Chicago, Lake Forest, Winnetka and Glencoe, as well as residences in California, Montana, New York, New Jersey, North Carolina and Tennessee for more than 30 years.

Inspired by a “smart” use of space and blending textures and subtle colors, she has built a design firm that is dedicated to sophisticated, comfortable interiors. No matter the size of a job, Madeline is on every project. “The firm is large enough to handle many projects, yet small enough for me to be involved in every one.”

A lifelong Chicago resident, Madeline serves on the Board of Directors of Landmarks Illinois, the state’s leading voice for historic preservation and is a former member of the Board of Governors of Harrington College of Design, her alma mater. It was during college that she became passionate about preserving architectural and historic treasures.  “My architectural drafting instructor took students to various endangered buildings and instilled in us the importance of preservation,” she fondly remembers.

A few of the significant buildings that Landmarks Illinois have saved are Mies Van der Rohe’s Farnsworth House, Lake Shore Athletic Club, The Michigan Avenue Street Wall District, The Marquette Building (now home of the MacArthur Foundation) and The Chicago Theatre.

Name three manufacturer brands on Decorati that you use in your design?

While we have worked with many of the manufacturers listed on Decorati, a few of my favorites are Place Textiles, Ironies and Chelsea Textiles.

What is the only other occupation you would consider?

An academic at a major university

Who would you most like to collaborate with on a project?

Collaborating with the late David Adler on a project would be a dream

Past or present what designers have influenced you most?

Billy Baldwin, the architect Mies van der Rohe and Holly Hunt

How would you describe your personal style?

Warm and inviting with an earthy elegance

What is your favorite luxury in life?

Spending time with friends

What is your most prized possession?

Of all the great pieces in my home, my most prized possession is the vintage Art Deco dresser in my bedroom.

Who are your style icons?

Yves Saint Laurent, Coco Chanel and Armani

What is the one thing in life you can’t live without?

My son

How do you see the Internet changing interior design?

The Internet gives both the professional designer and the public access to countless sources, yet the “know how” is still left to the professionals.

The interior of this apartment combines a peaceful coexistence between Mies van der Rohe, Asian, vintage Art Deco, antiques and contemporary pieces.

Clean lines highlight the 1920’s apartment with its raised moldings and cove ceiling details.  The limited color palette is more about texture than color.  Interest is achieved through materials such as silk, leather and horsehair.

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