We take care of problems. Even if it’s not our problem, we stand by our customers.
— Natalie Spiniolas
founder and owner
Tailored Spaces
Our origins and mission – We can’t wait to get to know you
Nestled in Harvard, Illinois, Tailored Spaces is a boutique architectural interior design firm led by three dedicated women – Natalie, Stephanie, and Karissa. Since starting in 2020, they’ve focused on creating spaces seamlessly blending functionality and beauty.
Extending beyond the kitchen and bath design niche, Tailored Spaces specializes in creating seamless spaces that shape the interior surfaces of homes. Working in new construction and renovation, they help clients navigate choices to find the floors, walls, countertops, cabinets, wallpaper, lighting, and plumbing they choose for their homes.
After opening their showroom in 2022, Tailored Spaces has continued to welcome a growing list of clientele.
Challenges and triumphs – Learning on our feet
During their nascent months of starting their kitchen design business, Stephanie and Natalie ran the business out of their homes. Many of their early kitchen designs were for clients with second homes around Lake Geneva who did not see the results of their work in person until after it was completed.
Despite a steep learning curve, those early days taught Tailored Spaces invaluable lessons about adaptability and efficiency. They juggled designing kitchens and baths for the wave of inflowing projects and choosing which cabinet manufacturers to source. The babel of their first two years led to experiences that shaped the resourceful team Tailored Spaces is today.
Three lessons that shaped us
- Communication is key – Listening to clients, builders, and vendors is vital to designers making thoughtful, informed decisions.
- Establish a budget range – Identifying a budget range during the consultation to support a smooth process that avoids surprises.
- Identify the decision-makers – Deliver smoother, accurate service to clients by knowing who all of the decision-makers are at the start of the consultation.
The collaborative spark
Early on, a homeowner reached out to the team with a design she had discussed with five other firms. Though she found aesthetic merit in the design, she was looking for a way to improve it.
Natalie reimagined the design before meeting with the homeowner, balancing functionality with aesthetic flow. The homeowner was thrilled by the care and thoughtfulness Tailored Spaces had put into her new design. Seeing her design transformed into something she loved brought her on board as a client, and her project became an early highlight for the team.
The dynamics of our business – Balancing intuition and responsibilities
Trust is formed at the foundation of a successful business relationship. Natalie and Karissa are family, and Stephanie and Natalie feel like sisters after working together for years. Their closeness shines through to their clients, who often comment on how comfortable it feels to work with them.
Since many of their clients aren’t local during their projects, Tailored Spaces relies on distance communication and meticulous project documentation to ensure clarity and accountability. Decisions and adjustments are carefully logged, allowing the team to provide updates whenever questions arise.
Tailored Spaces has found that keeping thorough documentation, combined with their client’s trust in their process, allows them the freedom to deliver exceptional results and meet their clients’ needs.
Playing to our strengths
Tailored Spaces invests in their customers with enthusiasm equal to their customers’ investments in their homes.
Each member of the team brings her unique skills to the table.
Karissa heads up marketing and client communications, ensuring the team keeps in touch with their audience through Instagram and Pinterest.
Stephanie is a detail-oriented powerhouse. She manages everything from procuring products from cabinet manufacturers to scheduling with precision and care.
Natalie visualizes the possibilities of a space, reimagining layouts and finishes to create balance, flow, and beauty in kitchen and bath design.
Supporting and growing together
Joining the SEN Design Group was a pivotal moment for us. Thanks to the support of Vince Hodshire of Exclusive Cabinet Agents, we’ve attended SEN University and connected with peers who share our passion for excellence. SEN’s roundtables and conferences have been incredible for learning and networking, giving us tools to streamline our processes and enhance client experiences.
—Natalie Spiniolas
Tailored Spaces has attended three SEN University courses and two of SEN’s kitchen and bath designer conferences, joining the buying group in April 2023.
While many of their projects are for second homes, Tailored Spaces aims to enhance their communication by introducing face-to-face clarity meetings at the start of each project. These meetings will help set expectations and walk clients through the steps from design to installation, ensuring they feel confident and excited throughout the kitchen and bath design process. Their cozy showroom reflects who they are – warm, welcoming, and passionate about design.
—The SEN Design Group
Follow Tailored Spaces on IG.
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