Designer Profile: Angela Murphy of MAKS Design Studio
At JC Licht, we’re inspired by designers who create spaces that feel as good as they look—spaces that are personal, purposeful, and deeply connected to the people who live in them.
This week, we’re featuringAngela Murphy, founder of MAKS Design Studio, a boutique interior design firm serving residential and commercial clients across Chicago’s North Shore and surrounding suburbs.
With nearly two decades of experience, Angela brings a unique blend of artistic intuition and construction knowledge to every project—resulting in spaces that are not only beautiful, but thoughtfully designed from the ground up.
A Thoughtful Approach to Design
Angela’s journey into design started with a foundation in art, eventually leading her to earn a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Interior Design from Harrington College of Design. But it was her hands-on experience working alongside her husband, a general contractor, that truly shaped her process.
Today, that dual perspective is one of her greatest strengths.
Her “superpower”? Space planning.
Angela describes it as a puzzle—one where every detail matters. By understanding how a spaceshould function before focusing on how it looks, she creates interiors that feel natural, intuitive, and cohesive.
“For me, the programming phase is like uncovering the story of how a space should function. My role is to connect those dots and let the story lead.”
Designing for Real Life
At the heart of Angela’s work is a deep commitment to her clients. Every project begins with understanding how they live, what matters to them, and how they want to feel in their space.
This collaborative approach allows her to translate personal insights into meaningful design decisions—from layout and materials to color and texture.
“The space should be a true reflection of the people who live or work in it.”
Her full-service offerings—from concept development to project management—are especially valuable for busy homeowners navigating renovations or new builds.
With experience on both the design and construction sides, Angela brings clarity to complex projects, helping clients move forward with confidence while keeping the overall vision intact.
Inspired by Nature
A defining thread throughout Angela’s work is her connection to nature.
She gravitates toward organic lines, layered textures, and colors that feel grounded and timeless—often drawing from what she describes as nature’s “perfectly imperfect” beauty.
This philosophy shows up not only in her material selections, but also in her love ofbiophilic design—bringing natural elements into the home to support well-being and create a sense of calm.
It’s no surprise that green is one of her favourite colors to work with.
“Green can act as either a bold statement or a soft neutral. It brings a natural sense of calm and balance into a space.”
She’s also drawn to warm, earthy combinations—like green paired with terracotta—reflecting a broader shift toward interiors that feel collected, layered, and lived-in.
Designing Beyond Aesthetics
For Angela, great design goes beyond how a space looks—it’s about how it supports everyday life.
Her work with Special Spaces, a nonprofit that creates dream bedrooms for children with cancer, has reinforced this belief in a profound way.
In these one-day transformations, Angela works closely with each family to design and manage the makeover, creating spaces that offer comfort, joy, and a sense of escape. On installation day, volunteers from company sponsors bring the vision to life—painting, assembling furniture, and preparing the space—playing an invaluable role in the final transformation.
“These rooms become safe, comforting environments where children can simply be kids again… It’s a reminder of how powerful our environments can be in supporting emotional well-being, healing, and hope.”
This experience continues to shape her approach, grounding her work in empathy, intention, and the belief that design has the power to truly uplift.
A Fresh Perspective on Color
Angela’s approach to color is both intuitive and intentional.
She looks to architecture, natural light, and personal elements—like artwork and meaningful objects—to guide her palette. The result is a layered, balanced look that feels both cohesive and deeply personal.
One “rule” she loves to challenge?
That small spaces must always be light.
“Darker colors can create intimacy, warmth, and a sense of intention… especially in spaces like bedrooms or powder rooms.”
She also encourages homeowners to think beyond the walls—bringing color onto ceilings or incorporating bold artwork to add depth and personality without overwhelming a space.
Designing with Purpose
Whether she’s solving a challenging layout, managing a full-scale remodel, or styling the finishing touches, Angela approaches every project with the same goal: to create spaces that feel meaningful, functional, and uniquely personal.
It’s this balance of creativity, strategy, and heart that defines MAKS Design Studio—and makes Angela a standout voice in the design community.
About MAKS Design Studio
MAKS Design Studio is a boutique interior design firm serving Chicago’s North Shore and surrounding suburbs with full-service interior design, project management, and tailored design solutions for both residential and commercial spaces. Angela Murphy specializes in creating spaces that are thoughtful, functional, and deeply personal — designed to reflect the people who live and work in them.
Explore Angela’s Favourite Benjamin Moore Colors
Angela’s love of color is inspired by nature and intentional layering. From soothing greens to warm terracotta tones, she selects shades that bring calm, balance, and personality into every space.
Discover Angela’s curated Benjamin Moore color collection and bring her signature style into your home.
