Stores & Stories - bb Interiors

This is my first post of a new series called “Stores & Stories” where I will be featuring businesses that offer more than one would expect! Whether it be innovative, unique products or an inspiring history, I am officially on the hunt to find the most interesting home decor and design sources!

I am delighted to start this series with a local store in my new hometown, Geneva, IL. I was born and raised in Chicago and have always been a city girl until recently when my family and I moved to this charming town about an hour outside of Chicago. As soon as we visited, I fell in love with Geneva’s historic district and I am happy to share one of my favorite places that I’ve discovered here – bb Interiors.

This store is filled with home accessories, fabrics, furniture and more! The owner, Claudia Beebe, was kind enough to take the time and tell me more about her shop and the lovely services they have to offer. Claudia also shares tips on how this business keeps her young and her story on following her dream!

Store: bb Interiors – Retail Boutique and Interior Design showroom

Location: Geneva, IL (outside of Chicago)

Website: www.bbinteriordesigns.com

Unique items for sale:

One of two stores in the country to carry a beautiful fabric from France called Toiles de Mayenne
They also carry an exclusive line of Simon Pearce glassware
Paintings by a local artist, Loretta Hamilton

I asked Claudia what her inspiration was for starting her own design company and opening up a store. She explained that following interior design school, she worked for 5 years at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange in trading and then focused on raising her 2 children. When the kids were older, Claudia was ready to pursue her design career and enrolled for courses to catch up with the new world of design.

Claudia learned how to run a business while working at a local furniture store where she was a designer (but didn’t realize that 11 years later she would be doing the same thing!). After that store closed, Claudia needed a space for her clients and that was when she decided to open bb Interiors. Since then, it has evolved into a retail boutique with many unique and speciality items.

Plenty of unique and interesting finds!

Not only will you find amazing things for the home at bb Interiors, but this is also a great resource for designers too! They have thousands of beautiful fabrics to choose from. I could get lost in here!

Simon Pearce glassware (great for gifts!)

Another great gift idea, these pillows are customizable!

Annex: bb Interiors also has a clearance section called the Annex which has plenty of fun treasures at great prices.

Design services offered: Interior design consulting that include fabric and wallpaper selections, window treatments, reupholstery, color consultation, and floor coverings.

The interior design business can be challenging at times. What have been your biggest struggles as a designer? What do you enjoy most about the business?

Claudia: “Even though this is my dream job it does not come without its challenges – trying to wear 5 hats at once is difficult and I’m not doing what I really started out doing (designing beautiful spaces for my clients). I have hired a diverse group of gals that does set us apart, and this allows me to take on a few jobs a month. This business does keep you young in mind and spirit. I feel connected to the world and current events through design. One of my favorite magazines is The World of Interiors – reading it monthly truly inspires me.”

Here are a few breathtaking examples of their designs:

“My favorite client is someone who is not afraid to try unconventional forms of design.”

Thank you to Claudia Beebe and the wonderful team at bb Interiors!

I’m headed to the east coast next week and am on the look out for some great places to write about! Send me a note if you have any amazing tips or must see places in Nantucket or South Carolina!

XOXO,