--- title: "Gray & Walter, Ltd. — Interior Designers & Decorators | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designers-and-decorators/gray-and-walter-ltd-pfvwus-pf~92275389 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~92275389.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Gray & Walter, Ltd." category: ["Interior Designers & Decorators"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/eac30b300f859682_4025-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "159 West Kinzie Street, Chicago, Illinois 60610, United States" latitude: 41.9033 longitude: -87.6336 phone: "(312) 329-1007" website: http://www.kennethwalter.com rating: 5 review_count: 21 best_of_houzz_awards: 4 followers: 357 last_updated: 2026-09-02 --- # Gray & Walter, Ltd. Original Houzz profile: [Gray & Walter, Ltd.](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designers-and-decorators/gray-and-walter-ltd-pfvwus-pf~92275389) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Interior Designers & Decorators - **Location:** Chicago, IL - **Serves:** Chicago, Evanston, Schaumburg, Arlington Heights, Palatine, Skokie, Oak Park, Glenview, Northbrook, Niles, Wilmette, Lake Forest, Lincolnwood, Winnetka, River Forest, Riverside, Glencoe, Long Grove, Lake Bluff, Kenilworth, Bannockburn, California, Florida, Los Angeles, Miami, New York City, San Francisco, Texas - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (21 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 4 awards (2014–2018), for Design, Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - 5 Star Houzzer - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 10,000 Ideabook Saves Welcome, I'm Ken Walter, we create environments that are healing, soulful and handsome. We work with people who care deeply about their personal spaces. I truly believe great design is transformative and can make your life better than you've ever imagined. Do you know anyone who could benefit from our services? We look forward to talking to you! Partial List of Services: New Construction, Renovation, Redecoration projects ranging from Traditional, Contemporary and everything in-between, Historic Preservation, Aging in the home. Ken and his team compose spaces that are personal, stylish and suited for your lifestyle. Great design transforms our environment as well as our lives; our well edited eye allows each project to blend style and function. We assist every client with lifestyle evolution, adapting the interiors to fit our client's journey. The final outcome is stimulating, functional and customized for the client. We are available to serve our diverse clients wherever they may need us. Thank you for reading about us, I do hope you will give us a call. ### Services Provided - Interior Design - Kitchen Design - Bathroom Design - Living Room Design - Bedroom Design - Color Consulting - Space Planning - Furniture Selection - Kids Bedroom Design - Dining Room Design - Custom Cabinets - Custom Kitchen Cabinets - Lighting Design - Home Office Design & Construction - Custom Built-ins - Entry Design - Floor Plans - Project Management - Playroom Design - Custom Furniture - Custom Bathroom Vanities - Nursery Design - Custom Blinds & Shades - Custom Home Bars - Art Selection - Closet Design - Universal Design - 3D Rendering - Basement Design - Custom Bookcases - Custom Walk-in Closets - Sunroom Design & Construction - Custom Entertainment Centers - Custom Rugs - Custom Fireplace Mantels - Home Theater Design - Sustainable Design - Wine Cellar Design - Custom Shelving - Custom Pantries - Downsizing - Drafting - Green Building - Decluttering - Historic Building Conservation - Feng Shui Design - Custom Murphy Beds - Kitchen Remodeling - Aging In Place ### Areas Served - Chicago - Evanston - Schaumburg - Arlington Heights - Palatine - Skokie - Oak Park - Glenview - Northbrook - Niles - Wilmette - Lake Forest - Lincolnwood - Winnetka - River Forest - Riverside - Glencoe - Long Grove - Lake Bluff - Kenilworth - Bannockburn - California - Florida - Los Angeles - Miami - New York City - San Francisco - Texas ### Typical Job Cost $50,000 - 5 million Project fees and budgets vary as all of our clients are unique, just like you! A private consultation can be arranged to discuss your project and view more of our portfolio work. ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Gray & Walter, Ltd. | | Address | 159 West Kinzie Street, Chicago, Illinois 60610, United States | | Phone | (312) 329-1007 | | Website | http://www.kennethwalter.com | | License Number | 161.001796 | | Followers on Houzz | 357 | ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Gray & Walter, Ltd.](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designers-and-decorators/gray-and-walter-ltd-pfvwus-pf~92275389) - **Website:** http://www.kennethwalter.com - **Phone:** (312) 329-1007 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - Best of House 2018 - Franklin Report 2018 - Best of Houzz 2016 - Best of the Best 2015, Elle Decor - AD100 List 2014 - DreamHome Designer 2012 - **Best of Houzz:** 4 awards (2014–2018), for Design, Service. **Affiliations** - [American Society of Interior Designers](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/american-society-of-interior-designers-pfvwus-pf~1510192642) ## Reviews **Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 21 reviews** ### Reviews **★★★★★ — North Shore Kitchen & Bath, May 2020** > I had the pleasure of collaborating with Kenneth on a Master Bath project for one of his clients. Kenneth was wonderful to work with, friendly and professional. I look forward to working with him again in the future! **Comment from Gray & Walter, Ltd.:** > Thank you Diana, it was a joy to work with you and your team. I hope you’re staying safe and having a good week! **★★★★★ — Christine F, Jan. 2017** > Kenneth Walter is wonderful and a complete pro. We initially hired him after an unfortunate experience with another purported designer who left us with code violations, mismatched pieces, and half-finished rooms (as well as a depleted budget). Our project was not easy or typical. It required ingenuity, the ability to make the most of what we had, and to work within our limited remaining budget, among other things. To make things worse, we are both skeptical lawyers and question everything. What a refreshing change Gray Walter has been from other firms I've worked with! Kenneth is flexible and readily adapts his vision as he learns about clients' tastes and preferences--he doesn't just produce a formulaic look. He has years of experience; he can work within different budget ranges; he prioritizes; he has terrific sources (craftsmen, contractors, an amazing painter we would never have found). He asks detailed questions; his drawings are clear and specific. He gently but firmly insists when he knows something won't work.I should also note that our style is different from many projects on his website (contemporary with a touch of Bohemian, I guess you could say) but this did not phase him in the least. He patiently considered numerous items I found on my own and did not insist on sourcing everything himself. Our home is now almost finished and exceeds all of our expectations. In our experience, Kenneth does his absolute best to make every client happy and takes genuine pride in his work. He is an artist but still low maintenance, kind, and without annoying ego quirks. We could not recommend him more highly! **Comment from Gray & Walter, Ltd.:** > Thank you Christy!! The pleasure is all mine, you and Paul are a joy to work with!! **★★★★★ — Lapchi Rug Design Studio, Aug. 2016** > Gray & Walter is a longstanding, respected Lapchi Rug Design Studio client based in Chicago, IL. Ken's interiors, while elegant and crisp, are quite eclectic; an ideal approach for dreaming up expressive environments. > > We are continually impressed by his creative applications for our textile products. **★★★★★ — allan j grant and associates, architects, March 2016** > My architecture firm collaborated with Gray & Walter, Ltd. on a highly detailed luxury suburban new construction residence. The excellent coordination of architectural details with interior design elements allowed architect and interior designer to achieve a sophistication far beyond what either of our firms could have accomplished independently. Gray & Walter and Allan J Grant and Associates are both proud of the results of our collaboration on behalf of our client and look forward to further joint projects in the future. > Allan J Grant, A.I.A. **Comment from Gray & Walter, Ltd.:** > Thank you Allan, I really appreciate and admire your talents and professionalism. This project was a tremendous success because of our great teamwork. It is obvious how much we care about our clients and know we are both very proud of the outcome. I look forward to working with you again. > Ken **★★★★★ — jdwicksco, June 2015** > Working with Ken was a great experience. He worked hard to understand my vision while also adding ideas and options I wouldn't have thought of myself. He also utilized our time together well, which is important in this business. I'd recommend Ken to anyone who is looking to get sound advice and creativity with their home or business design. **★★★★★ — pattiri, Oct. 2014** > How thrilled I was that after a major renovation, my home was featured in the Chicago Tribune magazine showcasing the infusion of style and grandeur created by Mr. Kenneth Walter. With his passion, enthusiastic attitude, experience, and sense of style, my home became a showplace of understated elegance. The eclectic design that was created by Mr. Walter included Italian marble flooring, beautiful marble faux painting, eye-catching wallpaper, and exquisite window covering and draperies that helped showcase the antiques, oriental pieces, and the furniture selections that made this home a warm and inviting place to raise a family and entertain with style. > After twenty plus years, it was time to downsize! As new construction was well underway, I contacted Ken once again to help design the interior of my new home. This time I wanted a whole new look; Ken’s finesse helped create a striking European country look. Once again the window treatments, faux painting choices, wood and slate flooring brought the interior to life. The furniture selections with the beautiful wooden accents helped create a warm and inviting feel to once again entertain family and friends in style. **★★★★★ — Kravet Inc., June 2014** > As a vendor in the industry for 20 years, I can truly say that Ken Walter stands out among the rest. He is a true professional who is always respectful of others, a fantastic listener, and an extremely talented interior designer who pays close attention to detail. His skills and experience shine through time after time. It is always a great pleasure to work with Ken on his various projects. I will continue to recommend Gray & Walter Ltd. without any hesitation. **★★★★★ — Jane Shawkey-Nye \| John R Wood Christie's, June 2014** > Ken has extremely good taste and is such an excellent listener. His approach to design is balanced well with what you might expect from someone with incredible talent, with an element of surprise. I've enjoyed learning from Ken in our many discussions and am so pleased with his interior design. **★★★★★ — rachelcbbroker, June 2014** > Ken is a wonderfully talented and creative designer that truly cares about his client relationships and will do everything possible to ensure they are happy. I have recommended him to clients in the past and will continue to do so. **★★★★★ — A. Gentry Interiors, June 2014** > I have not known Kenneth long but I have enjoyed every moment of working with him. His candor and creativity are both appreciated and anticipated. I never walk away from a conversation with him without learning something new. I have great respect for his discerning eye and his boundless talent and I welcome the opportunity to work with him whenever possible. **★★★★★ — valero design, May 2014** > Ken is a true professional who listens to his clients needs. I have had the pleasure of working with Ken for 15 years on many projects. He is a great visionary and always stays true to his design integrity. **★★★★ — bud75last, May 2014** > I am a vendor that has worked with Ken for over 10 years. He is a talented and professional designer that keeps the goals and objectives of his clients first and foremost. ## Selected projects - [Ritz-Carlton Residences](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/ritz-carlton-residences-pj-vj~453600) - Location: Chicago, IL - Photos: 22 - Description: This residence is a sophisticated city home in the heart of Chicago, located high above Michigan Avenue. We have created a sexy, modern ambience that is perfect for entertaining. We hope you enjoy taking a peek! - [Lake Forest Show House 2017](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/lake-forest-show-house-2017-pj-vj~2492867) - Location: Lake Forest, IL - Photos: 5 - Description: Problem: Dated looking formal mansion on the North Shore of Chicago. Solution: Create a fun family-friendly vibe for our Hall Passage & Sitting Area on the second floor. Highlights: Vladimir Kagan sofa, mid-century furniture, colorful area rugs, European lighting and striking artwork/accessories help enliven the space. - [California Hacienda](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/california-hacienda-pj-vj~68629) - Location: Rancho Santa Fe, CA - Photos: 13 - Description: This residence is a second home for one of our very special clients. This project is the newest rendition as our client has now remarried creating a larger blended family. The project featured has a large addition with additional areas including a new media room, pool house and additional bedrooms. The resulting effort is perfect for our client's larger family. Has your family dynamic changed? What can we do for you? - [TriBeCa Apartment](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/tribeca-apartment-pj-vj~1018187) - Location: New York, NY - Photos: 5 - Description: This apartment is located within a wonderful century old building in New York City. The young couple, who travel extensively, wanted a clean lined, yet elegant layout for their pied-a-terre. I am happy to report the client and designer are both delighted with the outcome. - [Paris Style Apartment](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/paris-style-apartment-pj-vj~1392323) - Location: Chicago, IL - Photos: 8 - Description: A French inspired apartment for a dynamic young couple with a modern twist. - [DreamHome 2012-13](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/dreamhome-2012-13-pj-vj~56453) - Location: Chicago, IL - Photos: 2 - Description: We were honored to design the very first Game Room for the DreamHome. The DreamHome, located in Chicago's Merchandise Mart is a beloved fixture providing inspiration to both consumers and professionals. I was very fortunate to have many wonderful vendors willing to provide fantastic furnishings and fixtures in our room. While there are too many items to talk about I welcome any questions you may have. Feel free to ask us anything. What's your favorite part of the Game Room? - [Park Avenue Apartment](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/park-avenue-apartment-pj-vj~755793) - Location: New York, NY - Photos: 7 - Description: This elegant collection of rooms is all about glamour. What style excites you? - [Clean & Modern](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/clean-and-modern-pj-vj~755780) - Location: New York, NY - Photos: 13 - Description: We have been having a lot of fun with our clients who enjoy a more streamlined approach to decorating. Many of these clients once had very traditional interiors that were fussy and difficult to maintain. It is our privilege and pleasure to help our clients make the pilgrimage to more contemporary interiors. What do you prefer? We love to create an environment that really speaks to our clients. - [Lake Shore Drive Historic Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/lake-shore-drive-historic-residence-pj-vj~142468) - Location: Chicago, IL - Photos: 8 - Description: This residence is one of the last seven historic mansions remaining on Chicago's Lake Shore Drive. This particular project had many requirements mandated by the client due to their very specific needs and lifestyle. Historic homes require special love and attention. We love to work on historic preservation projects, these homes are not for everyone, a true labor of love. - [Transformation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/transformation-pj-vj~634642) - Location: Chicago, IL - Photos: 62 - Description: These images are representative of projects that are currently in process. These clients are making the transformation from very traditional rooms to more contemporary interior design. Change is part of life, it is inevitable and can be very exciting. What have you changed about your personal style? - [South Shore Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/south-shore-residence-pj-vj~115890) - Location: Flossmoor, IL - Photos: 2 - Description: This project represents a modern shingle style residence that was very dated and tired looking when first purchased by our client. It was our responsibility to bring this home up to date for a young family with five children. The client sought modern style meshed with timeless elements, antiques and lots of superb artwork curated by our office. - [The Bedroom Haven](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/the-bedroom-haven-pj-vj~572763) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 10 - Description: All weary souls need a place of respite at day's end. Here is an assortment of bedrooms we have worked on. A bedroom must be a haven, the place to recharge. What is your favorite? - [Storage Solutions](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/storage-solutions-pj-vj~685842) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 45 - Description: This is all about my continuing fascination with solving storage problems. Sometimes storage solutions are very obvious, other times we must think out of the box to solve the issue. What storage issues do you have? - [Bedroom & Dressing Room](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/bedroom-and-dressing-room-pj-vj~68628) - Location: Chicago, IL - Photos: 3 - Description: This project was designed as a vignette for The Chicago Antique Show. Although the project is not for a "real patron", we imagined this client to be a very sophisticated and worldly soul who wanted a mix of old and new juxtaposed in a modern space with many thoughtful touches. The result is a relaxed and polished dressing room. What do you think of it? - [English Manor House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/english-manor-house-pj-vj~571718) - Location: Glencoe, IL - Photos: 5 - Description: This stately residence was a true labor of love. It was conceived by an intense interest in English Architecture by our wonderful clients, the fantastically talented architect and our love of English design and gardens. We are delighted with the outcome. What do you like? - [Modern Cabin](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/modern-cabin-pj-vj~827559) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 23 - [Traditional Interior Details](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/traditional-interior-details-pj-vj~536229) - Location: Palos Heights, IL - Photos: 7 - Description: These photographs represent a new home designed for an old client. After her 30 year marriage ended, she began a new adventure by falling in love with her new husband and getting remarried. I never expected her taste to change from modern to traditional, what a surprise! Her previous home was very contemporary and full of modern artwork. This project is new construction, the details channel the old world. I have noticed many shelter magazines are featuring more traditional projects lately. What… - [Los Angeles Mid-Century](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/los-angeles-mid-century-pj-vj~633291) - Location: Los Angeles, CA - Photos: 21 - Description: This project is all about artwork. We had the pleasure to curate and secure a wonderful collection for our very discerning client. Artwork is very personal. It is crucial to hire professionals who understand your taste and provide you with an array of artwork that is a complement to your environment. Our surroundings nurture us. What can we do for you? - [Comfy And Cozy](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/comfy-and-cozy-pj-vj~752458) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 1 - Description: October is here, the chill is beginning to set in. Are cooler nights better for sleep? Many say they are. I have been focused on getting my home ready for the cooler weather and the holidays right around the corner. We are here to help you get ready. It is definitely not too late to make changes. Here are a few suggestions. Check out our latest blog post: http://kennethwalterblog.com/2014/10/ - [White Out](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/white-out-pj-vj~449833) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 2 - Description: Who says white isn't a color? One of our recent blog posts was a story all about white. What do you think about white; do you like a lot or just a little? Our website is full of blog posts on many different subjects, we invite you to take a look at your leisure, hope you enjoy the photos and our views. [See all 26 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designers-and-decorators/gray-and-walter-ltd-pfvwus-pf~92275389) ## Ideabooks - [Wish List](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/120384068/list/wish-list) — 1 idea - [\#ImpactOfDesign](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/55158651/list/impactofdesign) — 24 ideas - [Gray & Walter, Ltd. M Residence](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/51302909/list/gray-walter-ltd-m-residence) — 13 ideas - [Gray & Walter, Ltd. Storage](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/34834609/list/gray-walter-ltd-storage) — 6 ideas - [Gray & Walter, Ltd.](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/28302926/list/gray-walter-ltd) — 6 ideas - [Bedroom 101](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/23559760/list/bedroom-101) — 14 ideas - [White Out](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/23559803/list/white-out) — 2 ideas - [Gray & Walter, Ltd.](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/2141450/list/gray-walter-ltd) — 8 ideas - [Gray & Walter, Ltd.](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/2810946/list/gray-walter-ltd) — 2 ideas - [Gray & Walter, Ltd.](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/7403458/list/gray-walter-ltd) — 8 ideas - [Gray & Walter, Ltd.](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/2141385/list/gray-walter-ltd) — 11 ideas - [Gray & Walter, Ltd.](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/2645025/list/gray-walter-ltd) — 8 ideas [See all 12 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/kennethwalter) ## Community Q&A **Q: Is the vanity custom?** *(in Photo Questions)* If it isn’t, who is the manufacturer ? A: Thanks for your question. Yes, it is custom. Where are you located? Perhaps someone in your area can make it for you. **Q: advice on ottoman and it’s colour** *(in Polls)* Hi guys just got an ottoman to complement The space . It is not the same colour and texture but very similar as you can see . Have posted pics before and after the ottoman . Please advise what do you think . Also important I will be putting some colourful wall art on the opposite wall Additional pics A: Where's the ottoman? **Q: Plumbing question related to kitchen remodel** *(in Plumbing)* We are remodeling our house including the kitchen and excited to be replacing our outdated cabinets with Conestoga cabinets. One of the changes we'd like to make is to tear down the drywall in front of the sink and fill the 4" space by simply punching out the base cabinet. The new cabinet front will allow access to the blind corner and create a more custom look. The issue is whether doing so will require moving the plumbing and incurring huge cost for a small design change? My designer needs me to tell her what do and I'm unsure. Any advice is greatly appreciated. Thank you. A: I can't imagine that this change could cost that much money. Move forward if this is what you really want. If it were me I would leave it alone unless you have extra funds to pay for the additional work that may be required. Good luck and hope it all comes out the way you want! **Q: any suggestions for a countertop/ backsplash?** *(in Design Dilemma)* Interested in something white with light grey or beige veining A: I would consider Calacata porcelain countertops. Good luck to you and hope it all comes out the way you want! **Q: sectional or loveseat** *(in Furniture)* Not sure if I should ditch the sectional or get a smaller one? Maybe I should do a loveseat and two accent chairs... thoughts? Im redoing my living room and painting to a light grey color. A: I would get a new tailored sectional as the space looks a little cramped unless the photograph is deceiving. I would get a new ceiling fan without lights unless you like the look you have. The two lamps need to be separated a little more from the painting, please lower the painting a bit. Good luck to you, hope your project turns out exactly the way you want it to! **Q: Stumped. Bathroom that works with formal cherry library / study?** *(in Design Dilemma)* Hello, My wife and I just bought a house that has a nice dark cherry library / office / study (I don't have a photo but similar to the classic version you'd see on Houzz, Google or Pinterest of this type). There's a small 5' x 8' bathroom adjoining the study and I've been looking for examples of bathrooms that might work with this formal office. It has a very "library," "museum" and "university" -type of feel. Given the size, I was thinking either a pedestal sink or 24-inch vanity with marble, something Restoration Hardware in style (not necessarily RH). Or potentially going with some traditional mosaic tile on the wall or floors. Paint in either gray, black or navy, or maybe even some formal but simple (striped, etc.) wallpaper. All that being said, this still seems to elude me -- if anyone has visual suggestions of what kind of powder room / bathroom might work for that, I'd love recommendations as I haven't quite found it yet. Thank you! A: This powder room could go either way. I personally like the idea of creating some woodwork with mouldings that are painted a rich dark color, maybe even lacquered which could be quite handsome. I'm not a lover of wallpaper but agree a "book/library" motif could be fun. You could also take a bunch of pages from old books and decopage them on the walls in lieu of wallpaper. Good luck and enjoy the ride! --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-02.*