Susan Maxwell never dreamed that one day she would own her own design firm, not to mention being considered Chicago’s interior design darling. Balancing the socialite sophistication of Plum Sykes with the impeccable style instincts of Jackie O herself, Susan is re-defining the rules of the interior design industry thanks to her distinct design philosophy, innovative business model, and ability to transform spaces into real estate gold.
Her love affair with interior design began at the early age of 8, when she presented her mother with the many décor improvements made to “Barbie’s townhouse on the upper East Side.”
Now, with over 17 years of diverse design experience, she launched Suz Maxwell LLC. The interior design co-op works with both residential and commercial clients with varying budgets and styles. Finding inspiration mostly in fashion, Susan Maxwell is as fluent in décor as she is with Philip Lim’s must-have dress for the season. Relishing in the latest prints, color combos, layering effects, and palettes seen on runways, Susan translates fashion seen in ink and on the catwalk into workable, livable, and luxurious style for interior design.
What’s your must-have item in your makeup bag?
YSL Teint Parfait. It is a light tinted complexion enhancer which works miracles. During the day, I don’t wear foundation, so this evens out my skin tone and I don’t feel like I have makeup on.
Same question, but for your airline Ziploc? 
YSL Teint Parfait and Kiehl’s Lip Balm #1
And, evening clutch?
L’Oreal Infallible Lip gloss and NARS black eyeliner pencil.
What brands are we most likely to find in your vanity?
Kiehl’s, NARS and YSL
I feel prettiest when…
Fresh from the salon when I’ve just had my hair highlighted and a really great blow-out.
If I were a magazine, I would be…
ELLE DÉCOR… Fashion meets home interiors!
I am always searching for…
The perfect mascara. Volume and length, without clumps!
My favorite place to shop is…
Paris! Between seeing all the latest collections in the Champs d’Elysee flagship stores, the left bank vintage boutiques and the flea markets, it is the BEST!
The best beauty tip I ever received was…
From my Mom… Drink a lot of water and get a lot of sleep!
My favorite beauty product from my past was…
Bonne Bell lip gloss….you know, those huge gloss sticks from the 80’s in yummy flavors (mine was bubblegum)!
My most embarrassing beauty moment was…
On the way to a party, my high school boyfriend was insistent on driving with his convertible top down in less than great weather. I had no cap, scarf or ponytail holder and my hair was a mess by the time we arrived. Imagine my shock when it turned out to be a surprise birthday party for me!
The first thing I do when I wake up is…
1) drink a glass of water, 2) brush my teeth and 3) make a pot of green tea.
The last thing I do before I go to bed is…
1) wash, exfoliate & moisturize my face, 2) brush my teeth and 3) drink a glass of water.
I could never live without…
Rusk W8Less Hairspray…when traveling, I’ll check my bag, just to bring this!
I could definitely live without…
Wall-Mounted hair driers! To save space in the suitcase for those great heels, I don’t travel with my own hair drier! So when a nice hotel in Paris disappoints me with a wall-mounted version, it means a “hair-up” day!
I will splurge on…
L’Artisan Perfume, shoes and handbags!
I won’t spend more than $10 on…
Shampoo and Conditioner. I use Garnier Moisture Works and it is amazing!
If I wasn't an: Interior Designer, I would be a…
Lifestyle Editor. I love to write and inspire others to use their creative talents!
