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Family Roots & Fresh Visions: Inside Studio41 with Caleigh Silver Gitlin
Join host Tina Guziec as she sits down with Caleigh Silver Gitlin, co-owner of Studio41, to discuss the rich family history and exciting future of this third-generation home design business. Caleigh shares personal stories of growing up in the showroom, how her unexpected career path shaped her passion for design, and offers practical tips on project planning, managing supply chain challenges, and finding the perfect materials for your space. From timeless advice to the latest design trends, discover how Studio41 continues to innovate while staying true to its family roots.
Auto-Generated Transcript:
You’re listening to Design U, sponsored by Studio41—your one-stop podcast for everything home design. I’m your host, Tina Guziec, and in each episode, we dive into the expertise of designers, contractors, and brand representatives who share their secrets behind beautifully crafted interiors. Join us as we explore the latest trends, find fresh inspiration, and help make your design projects a success—no matter how big or small.
TINA: I’m joined today by Caleigh Silver, co-owner of Studio41. Caleigh, thank you for joining us!
CALEIGH: Of course, happy to be here!
TINA: So, you recently took on this ownership role. Tell me a little about the transition happening at Studio41.
CALEIGH: Yeah, so recently, my oldest brother, E.J., officially became president of the company. My father handed over the reins, though he’s still heavily involved. My middle brother, Zach, is also very active in the business. Along with our cousin Roz, who’s rejoined the company, we’re officially a third-generation family business. We’re excited to bring new concepts and ideas to life and see where we can take things from here.
TINA: Third generation—so your grandfather started the business?
CALEIGH: Yeah, he started it over 45 years ago. Initially, it was an aluminum and window manufacturing company. My dad later developed the one-stop shop concept that became Studio41. We started in Highland Park, right on Route 41—hence the name. People often ask, “Why Studio41?” And I just point out the window—there’s Route 41!
It’s been a blessing to be part of the family business. Honestly, I didn’t think I’d end up here. When I was in college, I was pursuing dance. I later transferred to U of I and got my degree in psychology with a minor in social work.
TINA: I bet that comes in handy here.
CALEIGH: It really does! I never formally trained in sales. I just started on the showroom floor selling cabinet hardware and realized I loved helping people. I enjoy designing spaces—especially bathrooms and kitchens. And working with family has been such a gift.
TINA: You must have early memories of the showroom.
CALEIGH: Oh definitely! I remember visiting my bubbe and other family members working there. As I got older, I started doing behind-the-scenes work—answering phones, working reception. Even dinner conversations were about the business. It’s always been a part of me. I never thought I’d be selling toilets, but when you zoom out, it’s about helping people build their everyday spaces—homes, home offices, commercial spaces. That makes it meaningful.
TINA: In your current role, are you based at the Highland Park location? Who do you usually work with?
CALEIGH: Yes, I’m based in Highland Park and now work by appointment only. That allows me to really focus on full-scope projects—fixtures, hardware, countertops, cabinets, tile, lighting, mirrors… everything. I work with homeowners, designers, architects, and builders. I love becoming the go-to designer for clients who want someone to guide the whole process.
Of course, I also love collaborating with designers who bring in their own vision. It often feels like a family—you develop these deep connections with people, and it’s rarely a one-time visit.
TINA: Especially with big projects like kitchens or whole homes, right?
CALEIGH: Exactly. Some clients come to me with a mood board and I take it from there—help them choose materials, quote pricing, and move quickly if they’re on a tight timeline. Post-COVID, people tend to start projects only once they’ve received everything, which I actually recommend now.
Delays happen, and waiting on a single item—like cabinets—can stall the entire project and waste a contractor’s time. It’s just more efficient to begin when everything is in hand or at our warehouse.
TINA: People think supply chain issues are behind us, but we still see some hiccups.
CALEIGH: Absolutely. One delayed faucet can hold everything up. At Studio41, we do our best to help clients get what they want—even offering temporary solutions if needed. If someone loves a specific faucet with a five-month lead time, we’ll find a way to make it work until the real one arrives. I always say—if you loved it enough to buy it, it’s worth the wait.
TINA: What’s your favorite thing to sell?
CALEIGH: Lately, I’ve really been loving tile. There are so many stunning trends—porcelain that looks like natural stone, large format tiles—it all sets the tone for the space. I used to start with plumbing fixtures, but now I often start with tile. It guides the color palette, the feel, everything.
TINA: I do that too! Tile really helps clients visualize the space—even if they don’t realize it.
CALEIGH: Right? And many don’t even realize we carry tile. But we have a huge selection—Virginia Tile, Daltile, MSI, TileBar (which we call Soho), Bedrosians, and more. And we’re truly a one-stop shop. Clients can pick tile, cabinets, plumbing—physically see it all together, like a tactile mood board. That experience is so valuable.
We also offer countertops—quartz, quartzite, granite. Our fabricators have stock programs so clients can buy by the square foot—no need to commit to a full slab or figure out what to do with the leftovers. It gives them the freedom to mix colors in different spaces, like doing a different countertop in the powder room.
TINA: And it’s good stuff—not the “ugly colors in the crayon box.”
CALEIGH: Exactly! We stock Cambria, Caesarstone, MSI, Daltile, and more. Being able to see and touch everything together really helps clients make confident decisions. And I always recommend they take samples home—the lighting in the showroom is different from their space, and it can change how things look.
TINA: Do you have a favorite project you’ve worked on?
CALEIGH: I recently worked with a client in Riverwoods who remodeled almost her entire house—kitchen, powder room, primary bath, guest bath, laundry room. We even designed a fireplace using stocked quartz and acoustic wood plank from MSI. We used Omega cabinetry in the kitchen and Furniture Guild in the powder room. She was incredibly patient and understanding.
And I worked with one of my favorite contractors—Jared from Arctic Jam D Builders. They’re amazing. You’re only as good as the people on the job site. If they’re not aligned with your vision, it just won’t work.
TINA: Any exciting projects right now?
CALEIGH: Yes! I’m helping a client build a home in Hawaii. We’re providing plumbing, lighting, ceiling fans, and tile—though not countertops, due to shipping logistics. But I’m still helping them select surfaces. We chose a porcelain wood-look tile for the entire main floor and pool area—it’s beautiful and practical. We’re using durable PVD finishes and mostly porcelain to handle the climate and wear from rental use.
TINA: That sounds like a dream project!
CALEIGH: It really is. Designing for a different climate brings its own considerations—humidity, sand, kids running around—it’s fun to figure that out.
TINA: Now that you and your brothers and cousin are running Studio41, where do you see things going?
CALEIGH: My older brother has so many innovative ideas, and I’m excited to see where they go. One thing we’re testing is working with HOAs—offering a streamlined way for homeowners to get products that meet HOA guidelines. I live in Gurnee and we’re exploring how we can make it easier for people to know who to contact, what’s allowed, and how Studio41 can be that go-to resource.
We’re just looking for ways to connect better and reduce stress for homeowners—and we’re excited about what’s to come.
