Andrea Goldman is an award-winning Chicago-based interior designer renowned for her ability to create modern residential spaces that embody both refined sophistication and effortless livability. Her work strikes a thoughtful balance between elegance and warmth, resulting in interiors that feel both polished and deeply personal. Andrea began her career in residential development, an experience that shaped her collaborative and service-driven approach to design. This early exposure gave her a unique perspective, enabling her to seamlessly collaborate with clients and industry partners on ground-up projects, guiding them from concept to completion. As her passion for design deepened, she developed a distinctive aesthetic characterized by meticulously interwoven elements with clean lines and a soft, neutral palette — hallmarks of her signature style. Andrea believes that every home should be a true reflection of its owners, and she takes joy in creating spaces that feel effortless, functional, and uniquely personal. See each homeowner’s personality reflected in some of Andrea’s designs in today’s Designer Friday.
Framed by floor-to-ceiling glass, the home’s muted palette and striking art pieces take on an almost gallery-like presence from the terrace.
Andrew Joseph: How do you approach a new design project?
Andrea Goldman: Getting to know the client is always key before you start tackling a new design project! I really focus on how a client lives now — and how they envision living in the future. Figuring out roadblocks like what works and what doesn’t only helps inform design choices moving forward. Ask questions. I try to find out as much as possible about the client without outright living with them!
AJ: What is the most important element in a successful interior design?
AG: Making sure a client’s needs are met is absolutely the most important element in each project. I put a lot of care and effort into making the design process as seamless as possible. Being a collaborative team player is just as important as fulfilling a particular aesthetic and design vision.
The television disappears into tailored paneling, reinforcing that this room is meant for gathering, lingering, and looking out to the greenery beyond.
AJ: How do you stay creative and inspired?
AG: Travel is definitely one of my favorite ways to stay inspired. Hotels are always so full of creativity and inspiration — I love to see how they are designed and what choices were made with certain design elements. Exploring different cities and historical sites really allows you to see the evolution of design as well. I stay up to date with shelter magazines and home design features — not to imitate a design, but to really see how another designer approaches their work. It inspires you as a designer to apply design elements and ideas in new ways.
AJ: What was the last book you read and how did it inspire you?
AG: I have been in a deep dive lately of entrepreneurial reads. 10x Is Easier Than 2x by Dan Sullivan and Dr. Benjamin Hardy is a recent favorite and source of inspiration. I love seeing how others approach new business ventures — my team has also been envisioning ways to grow not just our interior work, but our firm in general.
AJ: How do you approach designing for a specific location or cultural influence?
AG: I’ve worked in multiple locations across the U.S.; however, recently, I’ve had a lot of work in Cabo, Mexico. My team has found endless inspiration in Cabo’s natural and organic palette — vibrant greens, neutral sand tones, traditional weavings. It’s all there in the location itself!
The carved antique console grounds the vignette with history, echoing the rich textures and playful storytelling of the game-night photograph above it.
AJ: How do you incorporate art into your designs?
AG: Art is absolutely essential to my design work. It’s the finishing touch when completing a home, and art offers a personal layer that just furniture alone can’t provide. Personally, I’m an art collector and resonate with how art has to uniquely speak to each client. It’s a very personal and specific choice — finding art that speaks to you can be easy if you know where to look. I’m always happy to help our clients find that special piece of art for their home.
AJ: What’s your favorite cocktail?
AG: If I’m not reaching for a glass of Sancerre, it’s a very dirty, very cold vodka martini. Blue cheese-stuffed olives required!
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