Interior Decorator Testimonials

Design & Consultation Testimonials

Monica Cook- Chicago IL My husband and I can't say enough about the quality of help that Candice provided to us. We purchased a townhouse that needed a fair bit of updating. The process was extremely overwhelming to us. We didn't know where to start, who to call, or how to achieve coordination in the very open floor plan. Candice came in and took the time to understand our sense of style. As importantly, she worked to understand our budget. She helped us select the projects that would make the most meaningful impact on the house, knowing we couldn't do everything at once. She recommended top quality contractors that were timely, professional, and affordable. Beyond this, we had some rooms that had an interesting layout. Candice was able to suggest creative furniture arrangements that really maximized the function and utility of the space. I have recommended Candice's services to all of my friends and will continue to use her services as we tackle future projects in our new home.

Jeff Schlotter- Gold Coast, Chicago IL Seduced by a great price and a great location, I purchased a condominium unit that needed a ton of work — far more than I had originally envisioned. Not knowing where to start, and feeling completely overwhelmed, I was struggling for a game plan. Candice turned out to be the answer, giving me a clear vision of the condo's potential, references to highly skilled and dependable craftsmen and vendors, and — perhaps most importantly — the confidence to tackle the project in the first place. In other words, she provided the complete package of services. Thanks, Candice, for the clarity, confidence, and resources I so desperately needed. I couldn't have done it without you!

Tom Blew- Museum Park, Chicago IL When my wife Caroline and I decided to renovate our Chicago townhome, we thought it would be fun to choose new paint colors, window treatments, tile and furniture. This was absolutely not the case. We were completely overwhelmed. Fortunately our kitchen designer directed us to Candice. Her passion, eye for detail, creativity, and good taste has made our home a place that is really special. Not only did she have to contend with the usual design challenges, she also had to overcome my reluctance to comfortably spend much money on this phase of the project. I did spend the money and we couldn't be happier with the finished project. Our place speaks for itself.

Chuck Detrie- Lincoln Park A few years ago, I purchased a home in need of an complete update which would require much renovation and design. I decided to undertake the renovation process myself, which consisted of contacting and calling various contractors, pointing to magazine pictures, and saying "do this." I ended up with contractor management headaches and an incompatible house.
So, I called Candice when I heard about her from a friend. Candice laid out a plan which took into account not only my tastes and my budget, but my time as well. Candice acted as project manager and designer, keeping the project on schedule, fielding all calls about details, meetings with subs or the contractor. I can say I'm extremely happy with the finished product – a design which is both unique and harmonious. Had I called Candice early on, I would have saved money, time, and trouble.

Robin Wheeler- Chicago, IL I was immediately impressed with Candice when she came to my home for a consultation. She thoughtfully sought to gain an understanding of my tastes and delivered wonderful ideas that will tremendously enhance both my enjoyment of and the value of my home. In addition to her design expertise, she is highly organized and accessible. Within a day of our initial consultation, she formulated a plan which prioritized the improvements to my home in a manner that is logical, efficient and "doable". Candice has been a pleasure to work with thus far and I look forward to working with her to greatly improve my home.

Josh & Kim Howie- Glenview, IL Candice came to our home for a consulation and she was fabulous! She had an immediate grasp of our tastes and style and jumped right in with great ideas. She addressed all of our concerns with obvious design expertise. Candice is highly organized and was very prompt in response to several follow up questions we had. Following her consultation, we have much more clarity on how to move forward with our home beautification projects. I wish we had found her sooner!

Jennifer G- Palos Park, IL Having built our home without the assistance of an interior designer, we learned the downfall of not having one from the get go the hard way. In 2005, when we were faced with tackling the only unfinished level of our home, we contacted Candice. The end result has been spectacular. Candice suggested and implemented ideas that my husband never dreamed of.
From the coffered ceiling in the family room to the luxury of our guest suite and bath, the stunning work Candice did on our lower level had left us to rethink several rooms throughout the main floors of our home. We've been working with Candice now for almost 2 years as projects have evolved, including 2 nurseries, finishing touches to our dining room and a complete overhaul of our main floor living room. Candice's eye for design has lent itself to cohesive spaces, mixed with beautiful custom furnishings and decorative details. Everyone that enters our home now is amazed. Of course, we're no exception. Thank you, Candice, for all that you have done to turn our house into a home.

Rona Seams- Chicago, IL I found Candice online, liked her ideas form our initial consultation, and have enjoyed working with her ever since. She has done a wonderful job of redesigning my Lincoln Park loft with exposed brick, cedar beam ceilings, and terribly outdated stairs, bathrooms, bedrooms, floorings, and window treatments. Candice has done a phenomenal job of understanding my tastes and of recommending changes, managing the change in process, and providing the nice final touches to finish off my various spaces. She is a perfectionist, demands a job well done, and is a fantastic project manager. I highly recommend Candice.

George Kase - Winnetka, IL "As an architect and also having taught design at the University level, I feel especially qualified to sing the praises of CMR's capabilities. (or...Candices Mather's unique vision)When faced with reconsidering all of the interiors of my own newly redesigned home I sought out CMR who quickly offered a sensitive and intelligent scheme that complimented the architecture and accommodated my personality. Thanks Candice!"

Robert C. Parker - Naperville, IL "On behalf of Cindy & myself,thank you very much for the nice work on our condo on LaSalle Street. Cindy & the kids have visited on several occasions and not a weekend goes by that Cindy doesn't stop to reflect on what a great job you did helping me get settled in Chicago. You were able to acquire comfortable furnishings in a timely manner that I would have never been able to accomplish on my own. I wish you the very best & would be happy to work with you again!"

Alyna Chien - Chicago, IL "For initial consultation services, we have found you prompt and responsive. We find you easy to talk to, like that you have your own ideas, but also appreciated that you asked enough questions to understand our lifestyle and decoration sensibilities. I especially liked the way you evaluated our home upon it's existing positives, as well as it negatives. Lastly, it was refreshing to find someone working Friday afternoon as our schedules are crazy themselves!"