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THE STUDIO

Summer Thornton Design is a nationally recognized Chicago interior design studio creating lively and colorful interiors. Led by award-winning designer Summer Thornton, the Elle Decor A-list design firm transforms spaces throughout the United States and Mexico with fearless creativity and a dash of whimsy.

Interiors

A dark blue dining room with a round table, six rattan chairs, and a wall mural of a lush forest scene. The table is set with decorative candles, plates, and vases with flowers. Large potted plants are around the room, and a chandelier hangs from the ceiling.
Interior of a house with a curved staircase, botanical wallpaper, a large hanging chandelier, a wooden table with bust sculptures, and decorative plants and wall art.
Interior room with a large open window view of a beachside with two palm trees, a swimming pool, lounge chairs, table with umbrellas, and tropical plants.
A blue sitting area with a round wooden table, blue cushions, and a vase of pink cherry blossoms. A blue lampshade and colorful artwork hang on the blue wall.
A bedroom with pink wallpaper, a large portrait of a woman with dark hair and red lipstick on the wall, pink curtains by a window, a bedside table with pink flowers, and a pink and white patterned rug.

Summer’s houses are designed to transport you from the mundane into a dreamy world all their own. Immerse yourself in a jewel-box Tudor high above the Presidio, where art and drama reign supreme. Wander through a storybook summer retreat layered with nostalgic block prints and antiques. Or escape to a sun-drenched tropical hideaway, where every room is kissed with golden hour warmth.

Join us for a journey into the worlds we create...

Designed Destinations

In 2024, Summer unveiled Casa Rosada—a design-lover’s retreat in Sayulita, Mexico, where bold interiors meet the ease of a private resort. More than a vacation home, it’s a chance to live inside her vision of color, pattern, and play. And with another luxury rental house already on the horizon, the adventure has only just begun.

FEATURED IN

Wonderland 

Adventures in Decorating

Summer Thornton’s first book invites readers into the most imaginative interiors. Published by Rizzoli in 2022, the book celebrates her fearless use of color and unapologetically glamorous rooms that feel equal parts dreamscape and reality. A runaway success upon release, it quickly became a best seller and a favorite among design lovers seeking inspiration that surprises at every turn. Find out why it’s one of everyone’s favorite coffee table books.

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