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Studio Gild

Chicago/ LA/ NY, US

Drawing inspiration from clean architecture, Melissa Benham, Jennie Bishop, and Kristen Ekeland create spaces that radiate subtle beauty. The trio's design approach fosters unique artisan and client relationships while embracing thoughtful detailing.

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a living room filled with furniture and a fire place
a kitchen with wooden cabinets and a marble counter top
a bedroom with blue walls and a canopy bed
a marble sink in a bathroom with a mirror above it
a living room filled with furniture and a white couch
a kitchen with a marble island and black stools
a bedroom with a large bed and a blue headboard
a dining room with a long wooden table and chairs
a bedroom with a large bed and a large window
a bathroom with a marble sink and a mirror
a dining room with a table and chairs
a room with a couch and a painting on the wall
a kitchen with two chairs and a counter
a white bath tub sitting under a window in a bathroom

About

Established in 2014 by co-founders Melissa Benham, Jennie Bishop, and Kristen Ekeland, Studio Gild draws inspiration from the principals’ shared love of clean architecture and subtle beauty. Their combined experience in commercial, retail, and residential design allows the collective to deliver refined interiors with enduring style.

Having fine-tuned a collaborative eye that Architectural Digest deemed versatile and sophisticated, the trio’s design approach fosters unique artisan and client relationships while embracing an emphasis on thoughtful detailing. It is the meticulous gilding of each project that serves as a reflection of the firm’s trademark aesthetic and namesake. The resulting environments are curated, provocative, and timeless.

Studio Gild has been featured in Architectural Digest, Elle Décor, Domino, Dwell, Harper’s Bazaar, and The New York Times. With offices located in Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York, the design firm currently accepts projects from coast to coast.

Studio Gild

can advise on
Furniture and home decor selection and placement
Floor plan layout
Stores and brands to consider
Styling (surfaces, sofas, beds, walls etc.)
Paint/wall treatments and drapery/window treatments
Cabinetry and built-ins
Fixtures, finishes and trims
Exterior design
Career advice for aspiring designers
Guidance / second opinion for professional designers

Why a 1:1 Consultation?

Whether your project is a gut renovation or a room in need of a refresh, Studio Gild can guide you in creating a fully-realized space that you'll love living in.

You can show your space over video, put together a presentation with photos and/or links to walk through over screen-share, or simply chat and take notes. The time is yours to use however is most helpful for you.

The countless decisions of home design tend to be time-consuming and costly. Booking an Expert consultation makes the process easier – and more fun!

Client Testimonials

"This was one of the most productive and fun hours I have ever had. Melissa was incredibly helpful to me. I was stuck and she provided ideas and insights that gave me a new outlook on my room. Her ideas were concrete and specific and I didn't have to take notes because she did, and she captured everything and included specific links and recommendations afterward. I will be making another appointment to follow up with questions and look at other rooms in my house. I am so happy. Thank you."
Lauren L.
1:1 Video Consultation- with Melissa, Kristen and Jennie, Principals
Verified by The Expert
"If you come prepared, you can get a lot done in an hour. Kristen gave me direction where I needed it, ideas that I had not thought of as well as confirming if the ideas/choices I made were correct based on the style of house I was trying to create. I will definitely be working with her again! "
Carrie T.
1:1 Video Consultation- with Melissa, Kristen and Jennie, Principals
Verified by The Expert
"Great experience!! Melissa took my design ideas room by room and helped me achieve a cohesive whole house design. She also inspired me to take a few risks. I can't believe how much we got done in one hour. It flowed effortlessly and I felt like I had a close friend assisting me. I am so excited to implement some of the choices that I would have never thought of trying like texture with plaster, wallpaper and color selections. I am so excited and grateful. Thank you!!"
Carrie W.
1:1 Video Consultation- with Melissa, Kristen and Jennie, Principals
Verified by The Expert
"I had a great meeting with Kristen. We were able to cover everything I needed in the hour time slot. She was personable, professional and lovely to talk with. She had a good sense of what I am looking for and I am excited to see her recommendations. I would work with her again on other projects. "
Donna F.
1:1 Video Consultation- with Kristen Ekeland
Verified by The Expert
"Incredible session and overall experience with Kristen! She was incredibly patient and tried to really understand the dimensions and angles of my space via video. Her advice transformed my space; she was clear, creative, efficient and decisive which are incredibly important when trying to optimize on a limited consultation. Her recap and proposed purchase pieces were brilliant. Highly highly recommend; in fact, hoping to schedule another session! "
Sharon D.
1:1 Video Consultation- with Melissa, Kristen and Jennie, Principals
Verified by The Expert

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How to participate

Book a Consultation

Select a time/date and book your consultation. You'll be asked to summarize what you'd like to discuss with your Expert.

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