Creating North Shore homes that feel as good as they look
At JC Licht, we believe the most memorable spaces aren’t just beautifully designed — they feel deeply personal.
That’s exactly what Margaret Spaan, Principal of Restore North Shore, brings to every project. As an experienced Chicago interior designer specializing in North Shore design-build, Margaret is known for creating homes that don’t just function well — they reflect the people living in them.
Her philosophy is simple, but powerful:
Every home should “house your soul.”
From Real Estate to Design-Build in Chicago
Margaret’s journey into interior design and home remodeling in Chicago began with a career in real estate, where she spent over a decade helping clients see the potential in their homes.
Her ability to reimagine spaces — paired with renovating two of her own homes — naturally led her into the world of design-build in the North Shore.
What started as a single client taking a leap of faith during the 2010 real estate downturn quickly evolved into a full-service business. Today, Margaret leads a collaborative team that guides clients from concept through construction — bringing clarity to what can often feel like an overwhelming process.
Designing Homes Where Spaces “Talk” to Each Other
A hallmark of Margaret’s work — and a key differentiator in Chicago home renovation projects — is her approach to space planning.
Rather than simply opening up walls, she focuses on creating connectionwith intention:
“Each space should talk to one another… like a family. No member is the same, but they still belong together.”
In many North Shore homes, this means redefining layouts to improve flow, while still maintaining distinct, purposeful spaces. The result is a home that feels cohesive, balanced, and easy to live in.
A Seamless North Shore Design-Build Experience
As a full-service North Shore design-build firm, Restore North Shore offers a more cohesive and collaborative experience than traditional design models.
Margaret and her team manage every phase — from early planning through the final punch list — helping clients navigate one of life’s most stressful experiences with confidence.
She’s candid about the reality:
“Remodeling is one of the most stressful life events — right up there with the big ones. Establishing trust is imperative.”
That trust, combined with long-standing relationships with trades and suppliers, allows her team to anticipate challenges, streamline decisions, and ultimately deliver better outcomes.
Kitchen Design in Chicago: The Heartbeat of the Home
If there’s one space Margaret returns to again and again, it’s the kitchen.
A self-proclaimed former aspiring chef, she sees kitchen design in Chicago homes as more than just functional — it’s foundational.
“This is where everyone gathers. The energy emanates from here.”
Whether working on a full North Shore kitchen renovation or a larger whole-home remodel, the kitchen often becomes the anchor — setting the tone for the rest of the space.
A Refined Approach to Colour, Layering & Detail
Margaret’s approach to colour is rooted in livability — a signature of timeless Chicago interior design.
She often starts with warm, soft neutrals — favouring shades likeWhite Dove andSea Pearl — and builds dimension through texture, textiles, and layered materials.
From there, she introduces personality in intentional ways:
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Pops of colour inside built-ins
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Statement wallpaper in smaller spaces
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Accent tones in rugs, pillows, and furniture
One recent project brought this philosophy to life: a powder room just off the main living space, where raspberry-toned walls and wallpaper transformed the room into a bold, memorable moment.
“Pops of color in an otherwise neutral space can make all the difference — and give clients flexibility to evolve the space over time.”
She’s even exploring new territory — incorporating unexpected touches of pink into her work — proving that even the most neutral-loving designers continue to evolve.
The Details That Make a Home Feel Complete
For Margaret, great design lives in the details — what she calls the“jewelry of the home.”
From hardware to plumbing fixtures, these finishing touches elevate a space and bring cohesion to the overall design.
At the same time, she maintains a disciplined approach:
“If it feels like too much, it is. Less is definitely more.”
It’s this balance — between layering and restraint — that defines her work across North Shore home remodeling projects.
Design Rooted in Relationships
What truly sets Margaret apart as a Chicago and North Shore interior designer is her ability to connect with her clients.
She takes the time to understand how they live — how they gather, what they value, and what “home” means to them. Often, that process starts with simple tools like tear sheets and conversations, but evolves into something much deeper.
“The joy is in the relationship. When you understand your clients, you can create a space that truly reflects them.”
It’s this collaborative, human-centered approach that allows her to design homes that feel authentic — not just styled.
Inspired by Nature, Designed for Real Life
When it comes to inspiration, Margaret looks to nature — and to the environment surrounding each home.
Whether designing a mountain retreat or a coastal property, she draws from those surroundings to inform colour palettes and material choices — ensuring each space feels grounded and connected.
Bringing Your Vision to Life
Whether you’re planning a kitchen renovation in Chicago, a full North Shore design-build project, or simply refreshing your home with colour, thoughtful design makes all the difference.
Visit your local JC Licht store for expert advice, premium paints, and designer-approved colour palettes to help bring your vision to life.
Explore Margaret’s Signature Colour Palette
Margaret’s thoughtful approach to colour is a defining element of her work — from soft, timeless neutrals to carefully placed pops of personality that bring each space to life. Her selections are rooted in balance, warmth, and livability, reflecting the same philosophy she brings to every design: creating homes that feel both elevated and deeply personal.
To explore the colours that inspire her work, discover Benjamin Moore shades hand-selected by Margaret Spaan — including some of her favourite go-to neutrals and unexpected accent tones.
