A collaboration between Christina Samatas and Renee DiSanto, Park & Oak is an Illinois-based studio and showroom rooted in timeless design. Driven by “the belief that design can create comfort and happiness,” they’ve applied this approach to residential projects, their shop, and even a proprietary cocktail lounge in Glen Elyn known as The Parlour. Read on to find inspiration in their eclectic spaces and shop their Chairish favorites.
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What made you passionate about interior design? How did you get your start?
When we began our journey, we were both young mothers seeking a creative outlet – which we discovered within interior design. With Christina’s expertise in business and marketing, alongside Renee’s experience in blogging and photography, we formed a strong yin and yang connection and combined our talents to establish Park and Oak.
It’s amazing to think back on us sitting on a park bench together, watching our children play, imagining and ideating what has become something beyond our wildest dreams. We feel so grateful to do the work we do with such an amazing team.
What do you find most compelling about Chairish?
We love that Chairish has such a range of unique and vintage pieces that work for a variety of clients and needs. We’re always looking for pieces with a story – something to add depth and character to a space. So whether we are looking for a piece that feels straight from the French countryside or a classic mid-century modern piece, we can likely find a stand-out piece at Chairish!
Shop Park & Oak's Chairish Favorites
How does sustainability factor into your design choices and love of vintage?
There is so much design power in sourcing vintage pieces – not only to add character and charm to our projects, but also to promote sustainability. We meticulously curate the perfect vintage finds to blend seamlessly with other modern elements so the end result feels authentic, layered and lasting.
Favorite way to create a statement-making moment in a room?
Often, it’s the small elements that create statement-making moments within a space. To achieve that sought-after look of understated luxury, it is all in the details and the subtle styling choices. Whether that’s choosing just the right paint color to perfectly ground the room, or selecting a wood tone that adds just the right amount of warmth to the space, these are the details that make homes feel timeless and storied.
Shop Park & Oak's Chairish Favorites
Do you have any go to color palettes and color combos?
Our color palettes often lean very natural and inviting – prioritizing warmth, comfort and livability. We find ourselves using lots of rich, dark greens, warm rust tones, and ranges of neutrals. (And we’ll never turn down a beautiful wallpaper to add some playfulness and depth.)
What advice do you have for first-time clients to make their space truly personal?
When we work with clients, we want to learn everything about them – so never be afraid of oversharing. Infusing our clients’ lives into their spaces is so important throughout our design process. For us, it’s all about honoring the spirit and traditions of the homeowner to make their home truly feel like them.
We’ll use clients’ most treasured items, their travel experiences, inspirations and ways of living to build a meaningful and personalized design foundation. After all, our job is to create a beautiful backdrop for their lives.
Lead Image: Interior Design by Park & Oak, Photography by Renee DiSanto.
