FROM THE GROUND UP

 GENEVA DESIGN HOUSE 210 W. State St., Geneva 630-232-7141 www.strawflowershop.com

from t he Ground up With Geneva Design House’s wide variety, one could transform an entire room in one stop By Louise Treeny | Photos provided by Geneva Design House

eneva Design House by Strawflower offers the ability for you to make a big impact on your home, whether you’re looking to upgrade on a small scale or in a big way. For example, a rug or custom silk flowers will change the look and feel of your home, making it feel customized to your personal tastes. Or you could theoretically build a new room from the ground up, all from Geneva Design House — a rug, furniture, home decor, lighting and more. “We really try to have everything a homeowner would need” to update their home’s look, says Mike Haas, who co-owns the longstanding store with his wife, Susan, and daughter Kelsey. Formerly Strawflower Shop & Rug Merchant, the team rebranded earlier this year to keep their name as updated as the store’s inventory. Geneva Design House boasts one of the largest rug collections in the western suburbs, including 60+ room-sized carpets that are ready to go home with you on the day you stop by. Haas suggests taking photos of the room you’re hoping to design around — the rug inventory runs the gamut of sizes, he says, so there’s something available whether you’re looking to elevate your entryway or a living room. The store carries three collections of low-profile rugs, which are synthetically produced versions of hand-knotted silk rugs. This trending design feels exactly like a silk rug, says Haas, and fits nicely into a master bedroom or other room of importance. Colors beyond gray, including browns and baby blues, are starting to crop up. “Kelsey and I can help customers find their niche,” Haas says. As for custom upholstery for your furniture, the showroom contains hundreds of fabric swatches to find the perfect match to a rug or your existing furniture. After Geneva Design House renovated its space during the pandemic, the furniture department is closer to the window, allowing for natural light to emphasize the fabrics. The store also offers sectionals, sofas and chairs to fit your space and family’s needs. Once you’ve established the bigger pieces in your room, finishing touches are what remain on the to-do list. Geneva Design House offers lamps, wall decor, artwork and custom floral arrangements. A floral arrangement “really warms it up and puts that client’s signature on their house,” says Haas. It’s just October, but the holidays are quickly approaching. The team is also available for Christmas decorating at your home. “Our clients love being able to cross decorating off their list and enjoy a magical wonderland with none of the work!” according to the website. For more about Geneva Design House, stop in to the store or call to schedule a consultation. You can’t go wrong at this store with a home upgrade, big or small.