Family-Centered Modern Living

How Amy Storm designs homes that grow with family life

Modern design often prioritizes aesthetics, but Amy Storm approaches it differently: she designs for life. Her interiors are thoughtful, intentional, and most importantly, centered around family. In the Downers Grove residence, this philosophy is evident in every material, every layout decision, and every subtle detail. The home doesn’t simply look beautiful; it accommodates living, evolving alongside its occupants without compromising style.

Storm begins each project by understanding the rhythms of daily life. Kitchens become more than cooking spaces—they are social hubs where meals, homework, and conversation converge. The family room, anchored by the striking Oceana quartzite fireplace, offers a tactile, durable backdrop for play, gatherings, and quiet evenings alike. Open layouts and sightlines are designed with both connection and supervision in mind, allowing parents to engage with children while maintaining the home’s compositional clarity.

Durability and practicality never come at the expense of elegance. Curved corners, high-performance fabrics, and strategically placed storage solutions ensure that everyday wear and tear doesn’t disrupt the home’s visual harmony. Even during extended timelines, as in Downers Grove, Storm’s comprehensive “design DNA” methodology maintains coherence, guiding choices so that additions—like a new child’s room or upgraded furnishings—integrate seamlessly with the original vision.

Vertical and horizontal circulation is also crafted with family life in mind. The sculptural catwalk linking primary and secondary bedrooms introduces a sense of spatial drama while creating natural zoning between private and shared areas. Outdoor living spaces, including the covered front porch and landscaped pathways, extend family interactions into nature, encouraging active, yet tranquil engagement with the surroundings.

Amy Storm’s approach emphasizes longevity—not just in materials, but in relationships. Each home grows alongside its residents, evolving gracefully as needs shift, from early parenthood to mature family life. Her work demonstrates that modern design can be elegant and sophisticated while remaining functional, safe, and deeply personal.

Ultimately, family-centered modern living is about balance. By blending spatial intelligence, material integrity, and warmth, Storm creates homes that celebrate everyday moments without sacrificing refinement. In her hands, family life and modern design coexist effortlessly, resulting in spaces that are as beautiful to live in as they are to behold.