Be a part of the GRCC community! GRCC members get access to expert marketing support, networking opportunities & resources, members-only discounts, and more. 
Special Service Area #31 – Servicing areas on Clark, Damen, Lawrence, Montrose, Wilson and along the Ravenswood corridor. 
What makes a space feel like home? Conventional wisdom tells us that a home is something you own — hence, “homeowner” — but renters increasingly dominate Chicago housing, comprising roughly 54% of the market share as of 2024.
Renters, have you ever felt less entitled to a space that feels like home? Does your place ever feel more like a temporary shelter than a true living space?
Lindsay Marcus, the interior designer behind Finally Home, is here to challenge dated ideas about what makes a home. The way she sees it, renters deserve the dignity and quality of life that comes with creating a space that feels like their very own. That’s why Finally Home works with renters in small spaces to create homes that feel intentional, personal, and truly welcoming at a price point that makes sense.
What are the primary services and/or products that you offer? What are you most known for?
I design homes for renters because I believe your space should feel genuinely like yours, whether you own it or not. I offer five service packages: full home or by-room styling where you can choose whether I install everything or source the pieces for you, plus a virtual package for people outside the state where you get the same design expertise entirely remote.
What I think people know me for, or what I’m building toward, is that I actually care about the people side of this. I spent a year and a half working with Humble Design in San Diego, furnishing homes for people transitioning out of homelessness, and that completely shaped how I approach styling. It’s not about making spaces look magazine-perfect. It’s about understanding how someone actually lives and creating something that feels like home to them. That empathy piece is what matters to me, and I think it’s what sets me apart.
I’m pretty new and still building momentum, but that’s the heart of what I do!
“It’s not about making spaces look magazine-perfect. It’s about understanding how someone actually lives and creating something that feels like home to them.“
Lindsay Marcus, Finally Home
What inspired you to start your own business?
Honestly, it came from my time at Humble Design in San Diego. I was doing graphic design and marketing work remotely before that, and it was fine, but something was missing. When I started volunteering and then working at Humble Design, I felt it. That direct, physical work with people. Seeing someone walk into a space that was designed specifically for them and watching it land. That matters in a way that screen work just doesn’t.
But here’s the thing: I realized I didn’t want to volunteer forever. I wanted to build something sustainable where I could keep doing that kind of transformative work. And I noticed that while nonprofits like Humble Design focus on people facing housing insecurity, renters in general just get left behind by the design industry. There’s this weird assumption that you shouldn’t invest in a space you don’t own, or that you can’t make meaningful changes in a rental. I don’t buy that.
So I decided to start Finally Home. I get to bring that empathy and that focus on actual human impact, but I’m also building a business that works for me. I’m doing hands-on work with people who want to feel at home in their spaces, and I’m doing it on my own terms. After all those years in corporate design, that feels like exactly what I needed.
What about your business are you most proud of?
Honestly, I’m most proud of the clarity of my mission. I know exactly who I’m serving and why. I’m focused on renters who feel overlooked by the design industry, and I’m bringing empathy and real transformation to that work. I’ve got systems in place, everything is built to actually serve people, not just look good on paper. After fifteen years in corporate design, building something from scratch that’s entirely mine and aligned with my values? That’s what I’m proud of. It’s real, it’s solid, and it matters.
What do you love most about having a business in Ravenswood?
Ravenswood is just such a friendly, neighborly community. Everyone has been so nice and helpful, and that matters so much when you’re starting a business. It’s the kind of place where people actually talk to their neighbors, where there’s a real sense of community. I’ve gotten recommendations, support, word-of-mouth help just from being part of the neighborhood. People here care about the places they live and the people around them, and that energy is contagious.
What’s something people find surprising to learn about your business?
I think people are surprised that I work exclusively with renters. There’s this assumption that interior design is for people who own their homes, that you shouldn’t invest in a space you’re renting. But I’m specifically focused on renters because I think they’re totally underserved. You deserve to feel at home in your space whether you own it or you’re leasing it. That shift in perspective surprises people, but it also resonates with them once they hear it. A lot of potential clients light up when they realize there’s someone out there who actually gets that renters matter too.
Are there any fun facts about you that you can share with us?
Cars have always had my heart. Between the movies and a crew of friends who actually worked on them, I developed a genuine appreciation for design, mechanics, and the culture around it. Don’t be surprised if I geek out a little!
What’s the best thing about living in Chicago?
The people and the community feel. I’ve lived in a lot of places—grew up in Boston for twenty-three years, spent a couple months in Atlanta, moved back to Boston, then lived in San Diego for nine and a half years. I’ve experienced different climates, different rhythms, different vibes. But Chicago has stolen my heart.
There’s something about this city and the people in it that just grounds me. You get neighborhoods like Ravenswood where people actually know each other and genuinely show up for one another. That’s rare, and I don’t take it for granted. Plus, there’s an incredible creative community here, which matters given my background in design. But honestly, it’s the people that keep me here. Chicago’s got heart.
What is your favorite thing about being a GRCC member?
My favorite thing about being a Greater Ravenswood Chamber Commerce member is the opportunity to connect with other business owners in the neighborhood. I’m new to Chicago and new to running my own business, so having a built-in community of people who get what it’s like to be building something in this area is huge.
It’s not just about networking for networking’s sake—it’s about meeting like-minded people who care about Ravenswood and the community here. There’s real potential for partnerships, collaboration, and learning from each other. Plus, the events and opportunities to get more visibility as a business owner matter, especially when I’m still so early on. Being part of the Chamber feels like I’m becoming more rooted in this neighborhood and building relationships that could actually turn into real business growth.
Finally Home
Chicago, IL 60625
finallyhome.space / IG: @finallyhomestyling
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.