Core Interior Design & Boutique LLC stands out as an interior design firm serving Downers Grove and surrounding areas with a 4.9★ rating and 69 reviews behind them. Services span kitchen remodeling and bathroom remodeling. One reviewer writes: "Gretchen helped with our kitchen and it came out absolutely phenomenal beyond my dreams." As one client put it: "attention to detail is exceptional". Reviewers credit Gretchen with strong communication — fast replies and no surprises. Praised for a strong design sensibility that elevates each project. Multiple reviewers note good pricing alongside strong craftsmanship.
Project Pricing Insight
Price range:Budget$
Interior Design projects typically cost $5K – $50K in Chicagoland
Excellent communicationHigh-quality workmanshipProfessional and trustworthyGreat design eyeStrong project management
Specialties
Kitchen remodeling
Bathroom remodeling
Service Areas
Downers Grove
What Clients Are Saying
Clients liked
“I highly recommend anyone looking for design Assistance to work with her.”
“Gretchen’s project management and construction background give her a unique and invaluable edge in design—she understands exactly what can be accomplished within your budget and how to bring it to life realistically and beautifully.”
“Gretchen does a great job of sharing her knowledge and expertise while also honoring your own individual style choices.”
Clean record
No recurring concerns found across reviews. This contractor maintains a consistently positive reputation.
“Working with Gretchen and her team was truly one of the best decisions I’ve made for my home.”
Working with Gretchen and her team was truly one of the best decisions I’ve made for my home. From the very beginning, they were punctual, attentive, and genuinely listened to what I was trying to express as I redesigned my entire interior living space. Gretchen’s project management and construction background give her a unique and invaluable edge in design—she understands exactly what can be accomplished within your budget and how to bring it to life realistically and beautifully.
Her experience and educational background in design and color are extraordinary, and her talent is evident in every detail. She has an incredible ability to translate ideas and feelings into a cohesive, thoughtful space. She works comfortably within your budget, designs around your existing furniture, or happily shops alongside you to find new pieces when needed.
What truly sets Gretchen apart is her patience, energy, and authenticity. She is nonstop, yet never overwhelming, and she never pushes her own style. Having worked with other designers in the past, I’ve often felt they repeated the same look without personalizing the space. Gretchen is the complete opposite—she designs with intention and creates spaces that genuinely reflect the people living in them.
From start to finish, her entire team was professional, kind, and an absolute joy to work with. There was never any pressure to purchase or select anything, but when something was needed, Gretchen always found exactly the right piece. The entire experience felt supportive, creative, and genuinely enjoyable.
A real class act in every sense. I couldn’t be more grateful—or happier—with the outcome.
Dawn Gordon
Jan 2026
“Gretchen helped with our kitchen and it came out absolutely phenomenal beyond my dreams.”
Gretchen helped with our kitchen and it came out absolutely phenomenal beyond my dreams. I highly recommend anyone looking for design Assistance to work with her. 10/10 would work with again
Latha Jayakumar
Jan 2026
“Working with Gretchen was exactly what we needed.”
Working with Gretchen was exactly what we needed. I know what I like but I always have a problem pulling the trigger. I would fall down a rabbit hole of design only to never make a decision. Gretchen incorporated my desire for a classic/timeless look, with her unique style and ability that added a WOW factor to our office, powder room and full kitchen remodel! Definitely choices I loved but I would have never made on my own…and so glad that I did! Every member of her team and outside contractor/service provider was a dream to work with. Never a detail spared and never a thought overlooked!
Liz Suchomel
Oct 2025
“Worked with Gretchen for our kitchen remodel, laundry room floor and vanity makeover and powder...”
Worked with Gretchen for our kitchen remodel, laundry room floor and vanity makeover and powder room wallpaper and board and batten project! Gretchen is a pleasure to work with and listens to all of your wants and needs! Her team was amazing to work with and can’t wait to use her for future projects!
Tamara Trajcevski
Oct 2025
“I cannot say enough great things about Gretchen.”
I cannot say enough great things about Gretchen. We were looking to make some updates to our kitchen/living room area. Gretchen does a great job of sharing her knowledge and expertise while also honoring your own individual style choices. Our house renovations would not be the same without her! She is timely, professional and has given us great ideas for the present and the future. We will definitely continue to utilize Gretchen as we are able to continue to upgrade our home down the line. I highly recommend her!
Jillian Mallen
Sep 2025
“Had a wonderful experience working with Gretchen and Core Interior Design.”
Had a wonderful experience working with Gretchen and Core Interior Design. I just needed a fresh set of eyes on my place and she definitely provided great ideas and made a huge difference right from the get-go! She jumped right in to hanging things on the wall, moving furniture and putting furniture together. With her help I was able to bring back to life a print that was my mother's favorite but had been damaged over time. It now hangs proudly and beautifully in my home. I am so grateful for her help and advice! I would definitely recommend her to any and all!
Debbi White
Jul 2025
“We had an incredible experience working with Gretchen at Core Design on our new build modern farmhouse.”
We had an incredible experience working with Gretchen at Core Design on our new build modern farmhouse. She helped with design aspects for majority of the home. From the very beginning, she helped guide us through every step—design, layout, and sourcing the best pieces to fit our budget. She was very responsive, flexible, and always brought fresh, innovative ideas to the table. Gretchen’s eye for detail and ability to balance style with function made a huge difference. Her flair and taste makes our home stand out. We couldn’t be happier with how everything turned out! I would definitely work with her again.
Katie Carlevato
Jun 2025
“Gretchen has been a client of ours for several years and we can't say enough good things about her!”
Gretchen has been a client of ours for several years and we can't say enough good things about her!! She is such a lovely person & her passion for design is unmatched. We highly recommend!
Wastebox
Feb 2025
“Gretchen has such a keen artistic sense and her attention to detail is exceptional.”
Gretchen has such a keen artistic sense and her attention to detail is exceptional! She created a stylish space while highlighting some of my personal possessions. I would highly recommend her!!
Kristi Shaw
Feb 2025
“Gretchen is the best.”
Gretchen is the best. Hard working, knowlegeable and a talented designer. We've worked with her on large and small jobs and is always a pleasure to work with. She gets it done!
Matt Fey
Feb 2025
“Gretchen is Amazing, her work is top notch.”
Gretchen is Amazing, her work is top notch. She is intuitive, creative and highly talented. You must contact her she is experienced, dedicated and full of passion, her work is one of a kind. She has the power to transform your home, business, or any type of project relating to interior or exterior design. A Miracle worker for sure! ❤️
Michael Whitcomb
Jan 2025
“We can’t say enough about Gretchen and her team - the dream team.”
We can’t say enough about Gretchen and her team - the dream team! From her knowledge to her eye and design, top notch! We felt so comfortable with her listening to our ideas, but then making them even better with her expertise. Overall, we can’t recommend Gretchen enough to anyone looking for help with making their house a beautiful home!
