Martha O'Hara Interiors, Interior Design & Photo Styling | Corey Gaffer, Photography | Fred Nordahl Construction Please Note: All “related,” “similar,” and “sponsored” products tagged or listed by Houzz are not actual products pictured. They have not been approved by Martha O’Hara Interiors nor any of the professionals credited. For information about our work, please contact design@oharainteriors.com.

Martha O'Hara Interiors, Interior Design & Photo Styling | Tait Moring & Associates, Landscape Architect | Piston Design, Photography Please Note: All “related,” “similar,” and “sponsored” products tagged or listed by Houzz are not actual products pictured. They have not been approved by Martha O’Hara Interiors nor any of the professionals credited. For information about our work, please contact design@oharainteriors.com.

Martha O'Hara Interiors, Interior Design & Photo Styling | Corey Gaffer, Photography
Example of a transitional carpeted bedroom design in Minneapolis with purple walls

Martha O'Hara Interiors, Interior Design & Photo Styling | Tait Moring & Associates, Landscape Architect | Piston Design, Photography Please Note: All “related,” “similar,” and “sponsored” products tagged or listed by Houzz are not actual products pictured. They have not been approved by Martha O’Hara Interiors nor any of the professionals credited. For information about our work, please contact design@oharainteriors.com.

Martha O'Hara Interiors, Interior Design & Photo Styling | Kyle Hunt & Partners, Builder | Corey Gaffer Photography Please Note: All “related,” “similar,” and “sponsored” products tagged or listed by Houzz are not actual products pictured. They have not been approved by Martha O’Hara Interiors nor any of the professionals credited. For information about our work, please contact design@oharainteriors.com.

Martha O'Hara Interiors, Interior Design & Photo Styling | Corey Gaffer Photography Please Note: All “related,” “similar,” and “sponsored” products tagged or listed by Houzz are not actual products pictured. They have not been approved by Martha O’Hara Interiors nor any of the professionals credited. For information about our work, please contact design@oharainteriors.com.

Martha O'Hara Interiors, Interior Design & Photo Styling | Troy Thies, Photography Please Note: All “related,” “similar,” and “sponsored” products tagged or listed by Houzz are not actual products pictured. They have not been approved by Martha O’Hara Interiors nor any of the professionals credited. For information about our work, please contact design@oharainteriors.com.

Martha O'Hara Interiors, Interior Design & Photo Styling | Corey Gaffer Photography Please Note: All “related,” “similar,” and “sponsored” products tagged or listed by Houzz are not actual products pictured. They have not been approved by Martha O’Hara Interiors nor any of the professionals credited. For information about our work, please contact design@oharainteriors.com.

Martha O'Hara Interiors, Interior Design & Photo Styling | Troy Thies, Photography | MDS Remodeling, Home Remodel | Please Note: All “related,” “similar,” and “sponsored” products tagged or listed by Houzz are not actual products pictured. They have not been approved by Martha O’Hara Interiors nor any of the professionals credited. For info about our work: design@oharainteriors.com

Martha O’Hara Interiors, Interior Design & Photo Styling | John Kraemer & Sons, Builder | Troy Thies, Photography | Ben Nelson, Designer | Please Note: All “related,” “similar,” and “sponsored” products tagged or listed by Houzz are not actual products pictured. They have not been approved by Martha O’Hara Interiors nor any of the professionals credited. For info about our work: design@oharainteriors.com

This Lakeview renovation takes place in a mid-rise building with sweeping views of Lake Michigan. Designed for a couple who loves to entertain, the kitchen was reimagined to maximize storage and counterspace without compromising its airy feel. Custom inserts were used to organize utensils and dinnerware, while pocket doors conceal small appliances—keeping the compact layout clean and clutter-free. The cabinetry is painted in a crisp white, anchored by a stained London Oak island that adds warmth and contrast. To maintain a light, open atmosphere, the design team opted for open shelving with Parisian detailing in lieu of upper cabinetry. Hardwired tabletop lamps were chosen over decorative pendants, reinforcing O’Brien Harris’s philosophy of blending the kitchen seamlessly into the living space. The design strikes a balance between contemporary and traditional. Polished metal-banded drawers bring a modern edge, while the shelving and lamps introduce classic character. A peninsula provides visual separation from the dining area—serving as both a prep surface and a buffet when entertaining. This tailored, multi-functional kitchen reflects O’Brien Harris’s signature approach: timeless design, refined detail, and thoughtful living. Location: Lakeview, Chicago, IL | Custom Cabinetry: O’Brien Harris | Interior Designer: James Thomas Interiors | Builder: Bill Wangler | Photography: Ryan McDonald | Kitchen & Dining Room Cabinetry: Painted finish with natural walnut interiors. Island is white oak in London Oak finish. Door style is Refectory | Butler’s Pantry Cabinetry: Painted in a vintage wine finish using the Refectory door style with natural walnut interiors Featured Article: Luxe Interiors + Design

In this new construction home in Hinsdale, IL the design team at O’Brien Harris was brought in at the earliest stages of planning—allowing for seamless integration of cabinetry and architectural details. Early collaboration with the builder meant every functional need could be fully addressed, including custom framing for hidden lighting and other details that would have been difficult to retrofit. The kitchen features a unique layout that places the cook at the center of the space, facing the yard and natural light. This intentional orientation shaped the design from the start to create a layout that felt open, balanced, and multi-functional. Because the project was built from the ground up, O’Brien Harris was able to integrate downdraft ventilation systems that maintain sightlines allowing the range to face outward—achieving both form and function without compromise. Two kitchen islands define the space, though each serves a distinct purpose. The first island is centered around the cooktop and prep area, while the second acts more like a piece of freestanding furniture—with seating, storage, and a softer presence in the room. Four oversized pendant lanterns anchor the entire space, offering both visual weight and warm illumination. To support entertaining, a full back kitchen was added behind the main space, offering the same level of functionality with additional appliances and prep areas. A fully retractable pass-through window opens directly to the outdoor entertaining area, making the kitchen feel as expansive as the outdoors. O’Brien Harris also designed and fabricated the cabinetry in the primary bath.

Martha O'Hara Interiors, Interior Design & Photo Styling | John Kraemer & Sons, Remodel | Troy Thies, Photography Please Note: All “related,” “similar,” and “sponsored” products tagged or listed by Houzz are not actual products pictured. They have not been approved by Martha O’Hara Interiors nor any of the professionals credited. For information about our work, please contact design@oharainteriors.com.

Martha O'Hara Interiors, Interior Design & Photo Styling | John Kraemer & Sons, Builder | Charlie and Co Design, Architect | Corey Gaffer Photography Please Note: All “related,” “similar,” and “sponsored” products tagged or listed by Houzz are not actual products pictured. They have not been approved by Martha O’Hara Interiors nor any of the professionals credited. For information about our work, please contact design@oharainteriors.com.

Inspiration for a timeless l-shaped dark wood floor and brown floor kitchen pantry remodel in Chicago with recessed-panel cabinets, quartzite countertops, blue backsplash, wood backsplash, white countertops and gray cabinets

Martha O’Hara Interiors, Interior Design & Photo Styling | John Kraemer & Sons, Builder | Troy Thies, Photography | Ben Nelson, Designer
Example of a large trendy l-shaped light wood floor and brown floor open concept kitchen design in Minneapolis with white cabinets, marble countertops, white backsplash, subway tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island, a farmhouse sink and shaker cabinets

Martha O'Hara Interiors, Interior Design & Photo Styling | Troy Thies, Photography Please Note: All “related,” “similar,” and “sponsored” products tagged or listed by Houzz are not actual products pictured. They have not been approved by Martha O’Hara Interiors nor any of the professionals credited. For information about our work, please contact design@oharainteriors.com.

Photo: Aaron Leitz
Example of a mid-sized classic galley medium tone wood floor enclosed kitchen design in Seattle with a farmhouse sink, raised-panel cabinets, black cabinets, marble countertops, white backsplash, no island and marble backsplash

CASA 1O Contemporary on a Mid-century Scaffold. Largely unmodified since its design by Russell Forester and construction in 1957, the structure housed the original family until 2013. An intimate 1,910 square foot space, the house acquired a separate 600 square foot cottage in the 70’s designed by another architect. New owners purchased the house with the idea of keeping the original architect’s intent intact – the simple accommodation of everyday life with a focus on outdoor living only possible in Southern California. At the same time the house needed insulation, new electrical, plumbing, siding – everything but new studs and foundations. A single roof beam travels south from the north fireplace wall all the way to the bedrooms in the back. Functions occur to either side, with private access to exterior courtyards. How do we accentuate the uncomplicated while enhancing the qualities of the chosen materials? Contemporary applied to a mid-century scaffold. We focused on reduction, a few things performing many tasks. Each component, material or color performs more than one duty. Lighting is paramount, enhancing the design’s procession from front to back, north to south, public to private. Strip LED’s reinforce the beam’s linear presence and spot LED’s make punctuation points of the roof purlins. Hidden up and down-lights in the cabinets and elsewhere provide the rooms with a quiet glow. Exterior grass plantings give the only vertical dimension to the design, waving as the breeze moves them. All else is horizontal: caramelized bamboo siding, porcelain tile, roof line and ocean horizon. Architect: Heather Johnston Architect Landscaping: HJA Photography: Brady Architectural Photography