Core Interior Design & Boutique LLC - Downers Grove, Illinois

Eric Ruback

The entire Core Interior Designs team is incredible - and exactly the support we needed! Gretchen and her construction and execution team delivered top notch quality work products, pleasant to have in our home, excellent communication, and consistently did exactly what they committed to do exactly when they planned on it (if not earlier!). We’ve moved and remodeled a number of times and have never had a process go as smoothly as it did with Gretchen at the helm.

A little backdrop, we bought a newer home that is not our style and therefore didn’t *need* updates, but we wanted to make a few meaningful changes to make it our own. The house is modern farmhouse and we are more contemporary/scandinavian, and we were completely stuck at how to bring those together into something that both looks cohesive and makes us happy. Gretchen ‘got it’, supported some of the ideas/supplies we’d already committed to, and augmented around it with ideas, specialty resources (e.g., custom window treatments, stone, wallpaper), and the BEST CONSTRUCTION team we could have imagined.

Gretchen’s style is direct and genuine, and her ability to execute is second to none. It is clear she runs her business efficiently and balanced with her creative mind.

Susan Zidlicky

We can’t say enough about Gretchen and her team - the dream team! From her knowledge to her eye and design, top notch! We felt so comfortable with her listening to our ideas, but then making them even better with her expertise. Overall, we can’t recommend Gretchen enough to anyone looking for help with making their house a beautiful home!

Bexi Locke

I contacted Core Interiors for a color consultation and lighting design for my builder-grade home. I was hesitant because I have a different style than most people I know, and I thought I'd have to explain myself. I made a friend as soon as I met Gretchen! The entire procedure was excellent. I am very happy with the colors, wallpaper, and lighting. I love our warm and cozy space for entertaining. I'll create a new project only to spend more time with Gretchen!

Amanda Moorhead

Gretchen’s vision of a space is amazing. She can take a dated, boring house and turn it into something that showcases your taste — but elevated.
She listens to your needs and comes up with something beautiful and functional. She is a pleasure to work with. Highly recommend this business!

Amy Kochert

I had a project I had been putting off for a few years, re-doing a complicated stair case that the original owner had DIY'ed. I found Gretchen through Google search and thought "if anyone can fix this, it's her." She was so down for the challenge! Her recommendations on laborers were amazing - we had the staircase redone, hallway painted, and new carpet (that is sooooo perfect for humans and pets!). She is confident, up to date with trends, and knows just the right touches to update a house without losing its old 100 year old character.

Gretchen connects with clients and meets them where they are. I not only found my go-to designer, I found a friend. I wish I could start a new project like right now so that I could hang out with her more!

Bonnie Heinsohn

Working with Gretchen Dockendorff was, literally, a dream. I’d always wanted an opportunity to work with a professional interior designer and got the chance this year. Gretchen was a blessing, with an incredible eye and sense of style while also working around things we were keeping, our room sizes and flow, our budget, and me (newbie!!).

The main objectives for us were 1) to turn our unused dining room into a library with a built-in bookcase (with storage), and 2) to choose all new furniture and window treatments to work with a one-of-a-kind pewter and copper table bequeathed to me from my mom. We threw in 3) all-new furniture in our family room, too, because it worked in our budget and as empty-nesters, that old stuff was TIRED.

My photos* aren’t professional, but I hope you can appreciate the incredible finished rooms. Everything, from the new library to the living room to the family room (with bonus game table!) is incredible to me. Every day I’m so in love with it all, and peacefully at home. Thank you thank you thank you, Gretchen.

Karrie Grubich

I can't say enough about the amazing experience I had working with Core Interiors! My outdated kitchen was in desperate need of an update, and Gretchen and her team exceeded all my expectations. From the moment Gretchen walked into my kitchen, she had a clear vision and her execution was flawless. The project was completed quickly and the results were beyond anything I could have imagined.

One thing that truly impressed me was the professionalism and tidiness of the entire team. Every member who entered my home was respectful and made sure to keep everything clean and tidy throughout the process. It made the renovation so easy and painless.

Gretchen's creativity and expertise were evident in every aspect of the project. She brought so many incredible ideas to the table that I would have never thought of on my own. Her attention to detail and ability to transform spaces is truly remarkable.

I highly recommend Core Interiors to anyone in need of a kitchen renovation or any interior design services. The level of professionalism, expertise, and creativity they bring to the table is unparalleled.

Maddi Slavik

Gretchen made our kitchen remodel a wonderful experience. She is was respectful of our home and time without the kitchen, and her team got our project done in record time. Every step of the way she gave us her best work. I am looking forward to working with her again next year for our bathroom.