If you’re new to our blog, I’m Shelley Johnstone Paschke – an interior designer, tastemaker, co-author of A Loving Table, daughter, sister, friend, wife and mother. I’m incredibly grateful to my parents who taught me that with kindness, honesty and hard work, you can turn your creative passion into a professional business.
SJD is a boutique interior design business based out of our studio and showroom in Lake Forest, IL. Our primary focus is fine residential projects, but we have also completed a few very special commercial spaces. “Polished”, “layered” and with “an eye for bespoke details” are among the ways others have described a Shelley Johnstone Design interior. Our ethos is to create beautiful, timeless spaces to be lived in and enjoyed.

My first post features a place that continuously inspires me and has for the past 30 years: Capri, Italy. Arriving by boat to Capri truly takes your breath away with its crystal blue waters and dramatic cliffs dotted with bright white villas. On the island, you are greeted by friendly locals, the smells of jasmine and lemon, and hot pink bougainvillea-covered storefronts. Such a captivating setting and beautiful ease to entertaining and enjoying everyday life are all too tempting to make your own, and as a result I have brought many of these elements into my own home and designs.