An Exclusive Look Into How Harken Interiors Designed The Saint Grand Apartments: From Luxury Furniture Stores in Chicago to Bold Artistic Design Elements

In a city like Chicago, it can be hard to stand out, especially for luxury apartment buildings. After all, the Windy City is known for its glamorous art deco architecture, buildings teeming with historical charm, and some of the most premier shopping destinations in the country. Yet, in the midst of all this elegance and vibrant sophistication, The Saint Grand does stand out—and it’s all thanks to the team that designed it.

Located only a few blocks away from Lake Michigan The Saint Grand offers the perfect blend of luxury and leisure to those who are lucky enough to call it home. It’s a mixed-use development that brings boutique living to the vibrant Streeterville neighborhood with 248 meticulously designed units, a beautiful spa-like lobby, and much more. 

At Luxury Living, we sat down with some of the designers at Harken Interiors responsible for The Saint Grand, to find out what goes into creating such an upscale building, from the right lighting to curating a collection from luxury furniture stores in Chicago.

Who is Harken Interiors?

Harken Interiors is a Chicago-based design firm with a background in hospitality design. After years of crafting the perfect relaxing environments for upscale hotels and spas, they branched out into multi-residential projects like The Saint Grand. Today, their impressive portfolio includes resorts, restaurants, recreation spaces, and workplaces.

And that was exactly why they were brought on to design the public and residential spaces for The Saint Grand. Spearheading the project was Allie Drwiega, a senior designer at Harken who has been in the industry for a decade. Her incredible team included Archit Sawhney, the Studio Design Lead, and Nichole Hughes, a junior designer with Harken. 

A much larger team was, of course, involved in bringing the vision to life. This team included Jaclyn Moser and Chris Sommers, the partners of Harken who guided the process with extensive insight, and Elyse Kamps and Emily Timm, the designers who headed up the amenity space procurement and installation of collections from luxury furniture stores in Chicago and nationwide.

The Saint Grand Project

The Initial Concept

Tasked with designing the lobby, amenities, and residential areas, Drwiega and her team set out to create a wellness-focused environment that would stand out in Streeterville.

Drwiega’s approach began with extensive research into other apartment buildings in the area. Recognizing a gap in the market, she and her team envisioned The Saint Grand as an “energized retreat,” providing a serene escape from the bustling city life. This concept guided the overall design philosophy.

The initial design elements were carefully chosen to evoke a sense of tranquility and luxury. Soft color palettes, earthy tones, warm woods, and ambient lighting were selected to create a relaxing atmosphere. To capture the lively spirit of Streeterville, these elements were paired with bold and playful art, giving The Saint Grand its unique and dynamic personality. An eclectic blend of pieces from luxury furniture stores in Chicago and larger brand names completed the vision.

With such a massive project, a few challenges are bound to crop up. The tight timeline, for instance, required the team to make quick decisions and adapt as they progressed, adding an element of excitement and challenge to the project. Through their dedication and innovative approach, The Saint Grand emerged as a standout development, offering residents a perfect blend of luxury and leisure amidst the vibrancy of Streeterville.

Bringing the Vision to Life

The design team of The Saint Grand focused on anticipating and meeting the needs of its residents. This led to thoughtful details like an ice-maker and a food prep station with a refrigerator near the pool, enhancing convenience and luxury.

Another key amenity was the co-working space. To create an environment conducive to focus and creativity, the space was designed with ample natural light and frosted banding on the windows. Practical considerations for modern work habits were also addressed, such as adding a neutral wall covering, artwork, and suitable lighting for Zoom calls.

Art played a significant role in the overall design; the Harken team worked closely with local artists to select pieces that matched the desired vibe. Standout artworks include a unique piece in the shared kitchen and several cherished pieces in the co-working space and lobby. These elements added personality and a sense of place, making The Saint Grand a truly distinctive development.

Design Tips from the Experts: Explore Luxury Furniture Stores in Chicago, and More

We asked Allie Drwiega, senior designer of The Saint Grand, for tips on how to bring a luxurious feel into a living space. Her first piece of advice is to make the space your own and let your personality shine through your design choices. She emphasizes that art is a great way to achieve this, as it can be curated over time from local markets or travels, adding a unique and personal touch to your home.

Drwiega also underscores the importance of lighting, noting that it plays a critical role in creating the desired ambiance. For a warm, comforting atmosphere, she suggests avoiding direct lighting and opting for softer, indirect light sources. Additionally, she highlights the impact of accessories like rugs, pillows, and drapery, which allow for further personalization.

Luxury Furniture Stores in Chicago

Regarding furniture, Drwiega explains that The Saint Grand used a mix of well-known brands and local vendors to create a curated and eclectic look. Notable contributors included Chicago Art Source, Jayson Home, Lightology, Arteriors, and Lumens.

For those looking to shop at luxury furniture stores in Chicago on a budget, Drwiega advises setting an overall budget and staying flexible. She mentions that the model studio apartment at the Saint Grand was furnished with a $10,000 budget. By being open to adjustments and not rigidly sticking to an itemized budget, you can achieve a harmonious and luxurious home environment without unnecessary frustration.

Final Thoughts on Designing The Saint Grand?

We asked Allie Drwiega for her final thoughts on The Saint Grand project and what she is most proud of. She immediately praised her team, expressing gratitude for the incredible collaboration that made the project possible.

When it comes to the spaces within The Saint Grand, Drwiega singled out the private lounge as her favorite. Described as the crown jewel of the development, the lounge features an emerald green backdrop, a black plaster ceiling, and a recessed cove. This striking design element is even visible from the street, offering passersby a glimpse of the luxurious interior.

Drwiega also highlighted the unique design details in the lobby, particularly a feature wall where light subtly peeks through the tile. This innovative and one-of-a-kind detail adds to the distinctive character of The Saint Grand, showcasing the thoughtful and creative design that defines the entire project.

Interested in The Saint Grand? Luxury Living is Here to Help

Do you dream of living in the luxury and high-end comfort of a place like The Saint Grand? At Luxury Living Chicago, we’re all about helping you find the perfect apartment for your lifestyle. We’re a team of brokerage professionals dedicated to simplifying the apartment search experience for all of our customers.

From the initial search and curating a list to facilitating tours and walking you through the application process, we’re here to be your guide and your advocate every step of the way. 

We work with people from all walks of life. So whether you’re relocating to the city, looking to downsize, or you want to get into your first luxury apartment, reach out to our team today — we can’t wait to match you with your ideal Chicago luxury apartment.