Custom living room design with colorful artwork

Custom interiors, personalized spaces

Chicago Interior Designer Alice Benjamin

Alice Benjamin

Founder & Principal Designer

Alice is passionate about helping people discover how to use their space to its full potential. Uniquely gifted at understanding people, she empowers her clients to blend elements from their personal interests, their culture, and style.

Prior to founding her studio in 2002, Alice had senior roles in the banking and insurance sectors. This experience has proven quite complementary to her creative endeavors, providing a solid understanding of budget, project management, and process integration. Alice inspires confidence as well as excitement in her clients, partners, and fellow designers. She is an accomplished collaborator, a skillful listener, and a resourceful designer.

In 2019, Alice was recognized as Women Entrepreneur of the Year. She is a leading panelist at Design Chicago, and serves on the advisory board of luxury brand Middleby Residential. Her work has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, Architectural Digest, Luxe Magazine, and other interiors publications.

Alice is curious by nature and by extension, perpetually learning new things. She is fascinated by how things are made, and has detoured to visit artisans and craftspeople around the globe. Born in Paris and having lived in several large cities—Montreal, Toronto, and Chicago—Alice still feels fundamentally French. This shows up in her natural inclination to combine styles, colors, textures to create sophisticated, inviting homes.

FAQs

Get Personal With Alice

Get to know Alice Benjamin on a deeper level and understand the source and reasoning behind her psychology-based creative lens that digs deep to understand your sensibilities and what comfort means to you.

What are your favorite places in Paris to visit?

The neighborhood I grew up in, 6e arrondissement de Paris, was an incredible place. I absolutely loved going to the market to pick up fresh fruits and vegetables and walking through the park Clos des Blancs Manteaux.

Île Saint-Louis is a fun area to visit for beautiful views, entertainment, and sightseeing. For a sweet treat, Berthillon is a hidden gem ice cream shop with exquisite flavors.

For a true Parisian meal, Chez Dumonet is my go-to.

What are your favorite places in Chicago to visit?

I love to walk down Recreation drive along the beach - it's one of my favorite relaxing activities.

For a special meal, my favorite restaurants are Brindille or Shanghai Terrace.

For an incredible urban oasis escape, Chuan Spa at The Langham is my go-to.

When I'm looking for something a little more action packed you can find me playing pool at Surge or boxing with my trainer if I've a bad day.

What is your favorite part of the design process?

My favorite part is the moment when I develop the design concept that takes into consideration to learn about my client and the way they live and then shaping their environment. I have done my job, once finished, my client can't imagine living anywhere else.

What made you love designing kitchens?

French culture is very rooted in having fun in the kitchen - this has helped me to understand the functionality of spaces and it's not about it just looking beautiful. Because of that, from a young age, I developed a deep passion for kitchens and cooking. I recognize a well-designed kitchen as not only a gathering spot, but also a place of function, durability, and organization. I take great pleasure in creating an inviting dining area with comfortable chairs, where families and friends can indulge in long, delightful meals accompanied by good food and wine—serving as the foundation for building cherished memories within a home.

What are some questions that inform your process?

My process involves getting personal, so I have a list of questions that helps me get to know you on a deeper, more meaningful level. Here are just a handful of those questions:

  • What colors are your accessories such as glasses, jewelry, ties, and scarves?
  • Do you like to sit or lounge?
  • Do you watch TV or read a book?
  • What is your most comfortable space in the house and what makes it comfortable to you?
  • What is your favorite hotel room you've ever stayed in and what made it so special?
  • Do you like light or dark spaces to relax in, and is it different than your partner or children?

How does being French influence your design?

Growing up in a French household, informs the lens to which you see the world. I experienced and value craftsmanship and understand how to mix many different styles to create a harmonious and meaningful environment. I value art and creative objects that are sentimental and evoke emotions. I am very comfortable working with colors while keeping an environment sophisticated and timeless. I value mixing old and new in order to create an environment that is sensitive to one's unique history and cultural background. I am very comfortable and excited to learn about new periods, cultures, and origins—which creates a cozy, timeless environment that mixes generations seamlessly.

As seen in

Our stunning, innovative interiors have received recognition from the world’s most influential interior design magazines and publications.
Martha Stewart
Martha Stewart
Design Chicago 2023
Design Chicago 2023
Industry Insider
Industry Insider
Reinventing Tradition
Reinventing Tradition
Vibe Shift
Vibe Shift
Luxe Interiors Design Chicago
Luxe Interiors Design Chicago
Design Chicago Jewel box powder rooms
Design Chicago Jewel box powder rooms
Design Chicago Inspiring Outdoor rooms
Design Chicago Inspiring Outdoor rooms
Wall Street Journal
Wall Street Journal

Our happy clients

Each one of our clients feels personally understood and supported on their unique design journey. Here’s what they have to say about working with us.

"It was so incredible getting to work with Alice and her team! They really listen and bring such a collaborative spirit to the process. Can’t wait to work with them again!"

Daniel K.

"Alice Benjamin Interiors is an exquisite Design Firm whose attention to detail is remarkable. They have a great eye for color, texture and proportion that they combine into visually stunning spaces. I highly recommend them!"

Zandy O.

"Alice and her team helped us redo our kitchen and living room space. They really took the time to understand what we wanted out of the space and then were able to translate that to a wonderful new look that fits our life. They were patient and organized and took care of all the details so we didn't have to. They were great!"

Cindy Z.

"Alice and team helped us update our living and dining rooms to be modern yet functional for our growing family. The team was patient, communicative, and transparent. We are so happy with how our space turned out - definitely recommend."

Jihane B.

"We really enjoyed working with the team at Alice Benjamin Interiors. The design met our needs. We really enjoy spending our time with our family or with friends in the space they designed for us. The attention to detail, the functionality and the follow through made it that we would hire them again if having a need. Thank you to the team and to Sheri for the beautiful work."

Ankeet K.

"Alice and her team put together a plan for my home that really reflected my tastes and desires. Alice was great about communicating with me and giving me honest feedback. Alice was honest and upfront about costs and I never felt surprised or pressured to go a route that I was not comfortable with. I highly recommend Alice if you want a beautiful and functional space to call your home."

Nanette M.

"We had an apartment fire in our art deco pre-war high-rise last year that caused some damage to our apartment. We have a classic European Continental decor and we respected Alice's understanding of classic high-end interior design. She did an outstanding restoration and updating of the part of our apartment needing renovation. Her taste, skill, understanding of our taste, and ability to integrate all that with her talent, creativity, innovation and new touches was impeccable and left us extremely pleased with the result. She was very responsive throughout the process to meet our design needs, stayed within budget and was a delight to work with. Our apartment entry is AD-worthy and her renovation of our bedroom surprisingly and very happily reminded us of our favorite hotel room in the world. I would definitely ask her to do any renovation we might have in mind in the future. Our highest recommendation!"

Hans S.

"Alice is an absolute star in the world on interior design. She takes the time to understand her clients needs and visions and works her magic to make your vision a reality. She has the connections and know-how to make a challenging project work. I’ve worked with other designers on other projects, and Alice was the most able to represent what I wanted, only better!"

Ren M.

"Compared to other interior design companies that I have worked with, Alice is definitely a step above the rest. I originally hired Alice Benjamin Interiors for my home space and was so happy with the work that was performed, that they were also hired to help renovate my office space. Alice was extremely attentive and took the time to understand my vision and end goal and made sure the home and office projects came to life in a way that I could have never imagined. My home is warm and comfortable and my office is modern and timeless. Alice has amazing style and impeccable taste and her professionalism and attention to detail is unparalleled. I will continue to work with Alice on all future design projects!"

NIMA Skin Institute

"Alice Benjamin was a pleasure to work with, as was her staff. They had wonderful ideas, superb contractors, lots of creative suggestions, and were always available to discuss options or answer questions. I learned so much from them and appreciate all their support in setting up my new apartment."

Ro Ro

"We were referred to Alice through the designers service at the Mart when we planned to renovate two bathrooms. We met her and it was a perfect match. She understood our aesthetics and needs and combined with her perfect eye, talent, business and organizational skills, and exceptional aesthetic sense we put together two bathrooms that are both gorgeous and functional. Everyone raves about them and some friends have asked for designer and contractor info as they think about their own renovations. I recommend Alice unequivocally."

Bernard S.

"Alice is a fantastic interior designer. At Alice Benjamin interiors you get someone who is clearly passionate about her work and making the experience positive for all her clients. She truly listens to your needs and helps to come up with a space that truly reflects you!! If you're looking for someone who is willing to collaborate and also give ideas, Alice is the one for you!"

Dena G.

"I really enjoyed working with Alice and her team and I love the outcome! Alice is an exceptional interior designer who is passionate and extremely knowledgeable about her work. She is energetic, knowledgeable, professional, and extremely helpful. Her knowledge of color and talent to visualize it in spaces is truly exceptional. The trade team she works with is very skilled. She designed and delivered a few custom pieces for our home including, a dining table and primary bed frame. They are truly one-of-a-kind pieces and perfect for the spaces."

Elizabeth W.

"Alice Benjamin Interiors is by far the best interior decorator firm I have worked with. In my experience, what distinguishes Alice from others is that she spent the time to really understand my taste and exactly what I wanted and needed in my space. She then designed in a way that reflects my personal aesthetic but elevates it with a flair and vision that comes from years of experience and her own incredible style. I love that Alice is always mindful of ensuring that spaces she creates serve a practical purpose - exploring a variety of options to best maximize the physical space and suggesting innovative ideas to help enhance the utility of the design. The finished products were more than I could have hoped for! The process of working with Alice Benjamin Interiors was seamless, even though she was designing for a space in Toronto and she is based in Chicago. I cannot wait to work with Alice and her team on my next project!"

Shelley S.

"Alice was an amazing collaborator and friend in a gut renovation project that transformed 2 bathrooms and a bedroom. She conjured new spaces we could create out of the available footprints; quickly sized up our tastes in materials, colors, and finishes; then brought spot-on combinations that created contemporary clean and tasteful spaces. She managed the project with a light touch and all within budget and on time. Highly recommended!"

Michael

"We cannot say enough good things about our experience with Alice Benjamin Interiors. Alice and her team were professional, flexible, and stood apart from other design firms in their attentiveness to tailoring the decor to our needs. We are thrilled with the outcome and can't wait to work with Alice again on our next project!"

Gillian

"My husband and I were working on a home remodel and although we were having some luck finding some pieces for the new rooms on our own, I asked our construction team for a referral for someone to help us find pieces for a library/sitting room. They wholeheartedly recommended Alice. A few months have gone by, and as we are towards the end of our original phase 1 project together, my thoughts are as follows: Alice came into my home as a professional Chicago designer and through this process has become my colleague/confidante, a true partner, an ally when product was late or did not fit, and most importantly, she was able to make my home feel warm, and comfortable. My home is somewhere I truly want to go each evening after a long day at work. If hiring a designer is a first time experience for you as it was for us, I will say with utmost confidence, that Alice really makes this whole process easy and transparent. Her demeanor is warm and inviting, she listens and really gets to know you in this journey and when able, will work miracles for you to get things done. She is always on time, careful with your design dollars and for me, what was most appealing is that she can synthesize what is probably 100’s if not 1000’s of choices to just a few relevant ones that always matched my style and comfort. As with many projects, this one got bigger as we became more and more comfortable with Alice. My biggest regret, was not asking about her earlier in our process, and as she helps me “adjust” some early design decisions we made, she does it with care, and with grace, as I get excited about her finding the perfect finishing touch to other rooms in the house. She has a wonderful style about her and I am so glad we have gotten to know her. Lastly, a special call out to her team who have been wonderful to work with, timely in email requests and always on top of every single shipment we received. Alice Benjamin Interiors was a game changing decision."

Kathleen B.

"Working with Alice Benjamin as my interior designer for the renovation of my primary suite was an exceptional experience from start to finish. Alice possesses an extraordinary talent for divining and understanding her clients’ visions and translating them into stunning realities. From our initial consultation to the final reveal, Alice’s professionalism, creativity, and attention to detail were truly remarkable. She listened attentively to my ideas, preferences, and lifestyle needs, translated them into actual design features, and then seamlessly integrated them into her design concepts. One of the big design elements we discussed was a fireplace. I remember having many conversations with Alice about a fireplace and where to put it; my fireplace is now one of my favorite features of my bedroom.

Alice’s ability to blend functionality with aesthetic appeal is truly commendable. Her expertise in space planning, color coordination, and selection of materials transformed my primary suite into a space that not only reflects my personality but also exceeds my expectations. Throughout the project, Alice demonstrated impeccable communication skills, keeping me informed and involved every step of the way. She made many visits to my house, not only to help me design my primary suite but also to check on the progress of construction. Alice’s dedication to excellence and her passion for design shine through in every aspect of her work. I am thrilled with the results and would highly recommend Alice Benjamin to anyone seeking a talented and professional interior designer. Thank you, Alice, for making my bedroom and bathroom suite a reality!"

Daniel M.

"We could not be happier with the gorgeous design of our new kitchen and family room. Alice has incredible taste and takes into account a family's lifestyle and needs. For our kitchen,  we wanted it be timeless, stunning, and functional. Alice took the time to understand how we live our lives and use our space, showed us the possibilities, and designed something we never could have imagined on our own. Alice's attention to detail is fantastic, recognizing that small touches can make a good project great. As for interior decorating, Alice has incredible taste and vision.

She transformed our family room from tired and dated to beautiful and timeless, while also ensuring that the pieces we chose could withstand heavy family use and a heavy entertainment schedule. Both our kitchen and family room look like show pieces, but are designed to be lived in and used regularly. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, Alice stands by her work, overseeing a project from beginning to end and demanding nothing less than excellence from all her vendors. I highly recommend Alice and her team."

Cortney C.

"I couldn't be happier with our new office, powder room and master bedroom. Alice is always careful to include options at multiple price points, and finds beautiful fabrics and hardware. I am sure that her talents for seeing proportions and synthesizing images have saved me a good deal of money in prevented mistakes. I look forward to working with Alice on our next project!"

Stacy R.

"I hired Alice to help me come up with a plan that would make my historic Victorian house feel livable and welcoming to my kids as well as feel modernized and make into a home I could enjoy. Alice took the time to get to know how I wanted to "live" and then we collaborated on every aspect of the design together which, I feel, turned out great.

Alice sourced amazing furniture, fabrics, picked color, and many other design elements to give a cohesive look to the space. We used both custom and "off the shelf" furniture to complete the look on time and more importantly on budget! She always presented me with numerous options and was a joy to work with. I recommend her very highly!"

David C.

Alice Benjamin in custom kitchen

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