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A World of Alluring Designs in Chicago
In this edition of Love Happens’ Design Questionnaire, join us for a peek into the creative mind of interior designer April Grandy. Growing up in the inner city of Chicago, April beat the odds stacked against her, becoming a first-generation college graduate with a Master’s in Education, a proud Air Force reserve veteran, and a business owner. After buying her first home April found her passion for design. And in 2017, alongside her mother, Valerie Steward, and close family friend, Jennifer Anderson, she started Alluring Designs Chicago.
Today the Alluring Designs team offers stunning full-service luxury residential and commercial interior design services locally in Chicago and anywhere else their clients want them! Beyond her current work and accomplishments, April’s mission includes founding a community development organization dedicated to building beautiful homes in the inner city. “The vision is to make communities beautiful one home at a time,” says April.
Meet April Grandy of Alluring Designs Chicago in The Lh Design Questionnaire
What is your idea of perfect happiness?
Perfect happiness for me is a life filled with unforgettable experiences and unconditional love. Having the chance to live life with people who love me (and I them) and be fulfilled in what I do for a living is such a blessing. I am lucky enough to have both.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
I consider my greatest achievement to be the life I’ve created for my family. Growing up in the inner city of Chicago, every odd was stacked against me to succeed. I was a first-generation college graduate and business owner. I am so proud of the lifestyle I’ve been able to provide my children and the business I’ve built.
What profession does your alter ego have?
My alter ego is the head of the FBI! I actually pursued a career in law enforcement before I found my passion in design and have a BA in Criminology. I went through the process to become an FBI agent, but I couldn’t relocate, so I had to withdraw from the process. My alter ego has made it to the top of the ranks, I am sure!
The project you will never forget.
I will never forget my very first project. It was my friend’s first home, and he allowed me to have my way with the entire first floor. It was so amazing that he believed in me that much. I’m always reminded of how far I’ve come in my craft when I look at photos from my first project.
Your favorite business tool or resource.
My assistant! I literally don’t know what I would do without her!
The most timeless design.
The most timeless design is usually the easiest design for me to execute. I naturally gravitate to simple and sophisticated design elements. Subway tile, marble, neutral color palettes, vintage pieces… I always want to include these elements in my designs. I love providing clients with spaces that will bring value to their homes and stand the test of time. Designing a space that is fully immersed in trends is never something I want to do (unless that’s what the client wants). Investing in your home can become expensive very quickly, so I always encourage my clients to spend in a way that will eventually pay them back.
The biggest design faux pas.
Incorrectly installed curtain panels! I hate that the average person doesn’t consider that there are way more lengths than the 84-inch curtain panels sold in stores. I also hate that most brick-and-mortar stores only sell 84-inch curtain panels. It’s a vicious cycle!
Your design motto.
I don’t do basic.
Our publisher KOKET makes statement décor; if you were to design a room around one KOKET piece, which would it be, and why?
The Vamp Sofa! This sofa offers interest in so many different ways. I love the detailing along the bottom, I love the fabric details, and I love the shape! I feel this piece is truly unique, and wherever it lives must be fabulous!
Love Happens when…
When the time is right.
Explore more by April Gandy & Alluring Designs Chicago at alluringdesignschicago.com.
Feature Image: Interior by Alluring Designs Chicago, Photo by Llove Studios Photography
