Step inside the colorful, personality-driven interiors of North & Madison and discover how thoughtful color, layered textures, and intentional design can transform everyday spaces into inspiring homes. From playful wallpaper moments to collected details, explore how creative interiors bring warmth, character, and joy into modern living.
Creating Joyful, Personality-Filled Homes Through Bold Design
Interior design studio North & Madison was founded by Robin Flaherty and Jess Milburn seven years ago after meeting through Opportunity Knocks, a Chicago-based nonprofit supporting adults with disabilities.
Today, their work is centered around creating comfortable, joyful living spaces throughout Chicago and beyond — homes that feel personal, inspiring, and truly lived in. Their mission is simple: design spaces you feel proud of, that bring you joy, and that transform a house into a home.
Designing with Bold Color and Playful Patterns
North & Madison are known for pushing boundaries with bold color choices and playful patterns in every project they take on. Their inspiration often comes from their clients, the architecture of a space, and the surrounding environment.
They take these elements and stretch them beyond the expected, encouraging clients to step outside their comfort zones while always ensuring the final result feels comfortable, joyful, and livable.
Embracing Maximalist Interior Design
North & Madison love moving beyond neutral, minimal aesthetics toward spaces that feel colorful, expressive, and boldly layered. This approach has always been part of their design philosophy, long before maximalism became widely embraced.
Today, the growing appreciation for bold interiors makes it easier to encourage clients to take creative risks and embrace more personality in their homes.
Explore more of North & Madison’s colorful, personality-filled interiors at northandmadison.com, and follow along on Instagram @northandmadison for design inspiration, behind-the-scenes moments, and a closer look at the creative process behind their joyful spaces.
To dive deeper into their story, philosophy, and favorite projects, read the full feature in Issue 03 • Cultivating Creativity, where we explore how their bold approach to color and design continues to inspire homes that feel both beautiful and deeply personal.
