Valerie Steward

I was born in Hampton, Virginia but grew up in Chicago’s Englewood neighborhood. I grew up during a time there was a strong sense of community and we knew every family on our block. We had a small but very close knit family, of which I am the oldest of two girls, and as a student, attended Chicago Vocation High School and Olive Harvey College. My very first job right after high school was working in retail at Carson Pirie Scott & Co. There I worked as a “floater” and was assigned to work in various departments. My favorite though, was the furniture department where I was enamored with the beautiful and sleek furniture displays and daydreamed about what my home would look like one day. So I guess... I had an early love for home design. Later, I worked at the Social Security Administration for many years holding several positions starting as a file clerk and ending my career as a Junior Executive. I truly enjoyed my years of public service, which gave me an opportunity to make a difference, each and every day. I also carry with me so many fond memories of wonderful co-workers and friends. Since retirement I've been able to spend more time with family. My husband and I enjoy traveling... anywhere we can take long walks on the beach!

We purchased our first home back in 1994 and like a lot of people I was an avid HGTV fan. I was hooked on the design shows like “Room by Room”, “Design on a Dime” and my all time favorite “Divine Design with Candice Olson!” Now, this daydreamer from the furniture department would have her chance! I loved creating a design flow throughout my home and discovering just the right accents that say “I belong here!” Fast forward, I’ve learned so much from my own home renovations and my work with Alluring Designs Chicago.

I've encouraged my daughter, April, from a little girl that she could accomplish anything with hard work and believing in herself. She and I are very close and I am so proud she has included me on this journey. It is literally a dream come true. Working with April and Jennifer, we each bring a different perspective that blends easily to enhance the final outcome. We give each project our all and truly enjoy what we do. I look forward to continuing this new chapter as Lead Designer with Alluring Designs Chicago. It’s one thing to encourage your daughter to follow her dreams...but when you get to go along for the ride, it’s truly a blessing.