Cate Ragan is the brilliant Chicago-based editorial and interiors stylist whose work can be found in the pages of Architectural Digest, Frederic Magazine, Elle Decor, Milieu, and Veranda, among others. As a classically trained ballerina, Cate developed a deep appreciation for proper form, proportion, and composition, which in turn shaped her knowledge around spatial awareness, and groomed her for launching her eponymous firm years later -not to mention her formative years working in fashion surrounded by photographers, art directors, and stylists, further informing her editorial eye. Describing her style as “equal parts masculine and feminine”, Cate’s design sensibility is rooted in timelessness with a hint of whimsy and romance, as illustrated by her work for Shelley Johnstone, Paloma Contreras, and Donna Mondi. Most recently, Cate styled the cover for Paloma Contreras’ new book; The New Classic Home (a favorite at Maison Carlyle), as well as several extraordinary spaces featured in the book.
We couldn’t be more delighted to sit down with one of our favorite stylists, whose wonderful editorial eye and unparalleled sense of space we adore, to chat about where she turns to for inspiration, what living beautifully means to her, and more!
Where did you grow up and how has your past shaped your design aesthetic?
I grew up splitting my time between my parents. My mom settled in Evanston, a sweet lakeside suburb of Chicago. She has always had a natural sense of style. Welcoming and warm and calm, just like her personality. And she was always rearranging the furniture. She passed that on to me. Things in my home are always moving, evolving, finding new places to live and be experienced. My dad had this great, old house in Lincoln Park (a neighborhood in the city of Chicago). It was built in the mid 1800s and was wonderfully old and handsome. When my dad sold his place I was able to bring some treasures with me to my current home. With the help of a skilled handyman we were able to remove the original plaster ceiling medallion, the original French antique chandelier and a few other small pieces. Splitting my time between city life and suburb life was great and I knew back then that I was lucky to have the best of both worlds. As beautiful as Chicago is (well, beautiful from May-November) I really experienced a love for design, architecture, and fashion while living abroad. As a college student I studied and lived in Lugano, Switzerland for two years and then lived in Stockholm, Sweden for four years post-college with my husband who is from there. Those years were my greatest education to date.
How would you describe your style?
I am drawn to looks that are equal parts masculine and feminine with timeless pieces. Clean lines, unfussy, and relaxed with just a hint of something romantic or whimsical. This is how I’d describe both my home and my wardrobe.
Who are some of your style icons?
Lauren Hutton, the 90s style of Kate Moss, Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy, Amalie and Cecilie Moosgaard Nielsen.
How did you start your company and what do you love most about what you do?
It’s a funny thing, I’m tempted to say I fell into this work and started my business completely by accident, but really there were many things that led me to it. I didn’t have any particular training or experience as a photo stylist, but looking back I had spent half my life training my eye. I danced ballet for 17 years and that is a practice that is rooted in form. It’s an education in lines, proportion, composition, and spatial awareness. In addition I got my masters in fashion studies, I worked in fashion and was surrounded by photographers, art directors, and wardrobe stylists who were always experimenting and playing and I observed them and participated whenever I could. So, when I had a last minute opportunity to be on set with a photographer shooting a home in Chicago I had all those tools in my toolbelt already. I got on set and naturally knew how to move things around a room, add, eliminate, etc. to achieve a balanced photo that told a story. And here we are! One styling gig turned into another and another. The business grew organically and I continue to learn something new everytime I’m on a photoshoot. And though the work can be exhausting, my favorite part of the job always remains the same: it’s the sizzling, frenetic energy you sometimes get on set, whether you’re chasing the light or creating a scene that makes you pause for a second and think “well, isn’t that just lovely”. To wonder at beauty is so gratifying, I’m just chasing that experience all the time.
Where do you turn to for inspiration when you begin a new project?
A walk in nature, books, magazines, movies, Pinterest, and Instagram. Also, I’m constantly taking photos of things that inspire me so I’ll often refer back to my own photos.
What would your dream project be?
I would really like to art direct and style one house in four different seasons for a book. I think there’s something really warm and inviting about that concept.
If you could hire any decorator and/or architect from the past to design your home, who would it/they be?
My first thought was Hubert de Givenchy even though he wasn’t actually an interior designer. I think we can all agree I’d be safe to trust him with the decorating.
If you could invite any three individuals from the past, who would they be and what would you serve for dinner?
John O’Donohue (an Irish poet and philosopher), Benjamin Franklin (I read his biography and it sounds like he was a hoot), and Katherine Hepburn (because who wouldn’t want Katherine around?). And for dinner I’d make fish en papillote and green beans almondine.
What are some of your indispensable items when entertaining and how do you ensure a memorable dinner party?
Candles are essential. There’s something about that romantic, flickering light that makes everyone feel cozy and at ease. And a solid guest list because when the chemistry at the table is off there is nothing more tedious.
What tabletop items do you invest in, and which ones do you save on?
I tend to invest the most in vases and candlesticks. I think it’s because they seem the least likely to get ruined – they’re at the center of the table and not getting touched. I’m in a phase of life right now where there are typically a number of kids at the table so I’m less willing to invest in table linens and china knowing that there’s a high likelihood of the china breaking and linens getting stained.
What does living beautifully mean to you?
Living beautifully means living with joy and a sense of awe as often as I can and sharing it with those I love.
How do you make every day feel special in your home?
I don’t, there are days when our home is chaotic, messy, and feels too small. However, I find that some fresh flowers, lighting a scented candle, turning on a podcast, cleaning up and watching the light stream in through the windows on a freshly tidied space makes me feel centered and a renewed sense of appreciation and love for my home. Rinse and repeat.
What is your typical morning routine?
If I’m not on set that day I start the morning with a cappuccino in hand (freshly made by my husband – he makes the best cappuccinos) If it’s spring or summer I open the windows to hear the birds. If it’s fall or winter I light a few candles. Make breakfast for the kids, get them dressed and off to school. However if I have a photoshoot I’m often out the door by 5:30AM so I can get to the flower market when they open at 6:00AM and then off to the photoshoot location.
How do you like to unwind after a busy day?
I love a cozy evening at home so I like lighting a fire in the cooler months, a glass of wine and some yummy after-dinner snacks, a quality TV show or movie, listening to music or getting a little crafty with a small art project.
What do you love most about living in Chicago?
I think Chicago is such a beautiful city! Since I’m on the east side I’m walking distance to the lake and beautiful green parks. I’m particularly proud of what’s been happening with our gardens in the last 15 years. Many of the parks have reintroduced native trees, prairie grasses and flowers. It’s a more environmentally friendly way to landscape, not to mention it’s visually spectacular. The juxtaposition of our modern city skyline with vibrant purple Coneflower, Black-eyed Susan, Milkweed for the butterflies…it’s really inspiring. I believe this approach really began with renowned landscape architect Piet Oudolf after he completed his work at Chicago’s Lurie Garden in Millennium Park.
While traveling, are there any objects you enjoy collecting?
All sorts of vessels. I am a stylist after all.
What is at the top of your bucket list?
Mexico City, Marrakech, and the Cotswolds.
What are some of the greatest lessons you learned from your parents?
There is no such thing as perfect or normal nor should there be. Curiosity, forgiveness, and love make for a life well-lived.
What can we expect to see from your eponymous firm in the near future?
I’m tentatively scheduled to work on a second book in 2024 so that’s exciting!
Cate's Favorites
Favorite Travel Destination?
How am I supposed to pick one?! I guess I’d currently say Copenhagen or London.
Favorite historic house museum?
Sculptor Carl Eldh’s house and studio in Stockholm, Sweden. Or perhaps Drottningholm, a sort of country estate for the Swedish royal family.
Favorite interior of all time?
Again, how does one choose?! I’ll name three: Ett Hem (a hotel in Stockholm), Cy Twombly’s home in Rome, and Rose Uniake’s home in London, but I could go on and on. I have so many favorites and they span so many different styles. One minute I’ll be lusting after Bunny Mellon’s treillage adorned foyer and the next moment I’ll be head over heels for a Jean Royere apartment.
Favorite design era?
I can’t choose. For me, it’s all about mixing eras.
Favorite design book(s) you most often turn to for inspiration?
Rose Uniake at Work, Gil Schafer’s The Great American House, or Vogue Living: Houses, Gardens, People.
Favorite movie(s) every design lover should watch at least once?
I wouldn’t say these are my favorite movies but they are definitely aesthetically beautiful: Call Me By Your Name, It’s Complicated (any movie Nancy Meyers has been involved with really), The Danish Girl, The Beguiled, Sense and Sensibility.
Favorite home scent?
Maison Louis Marie No.04 Bois de Balincourt is a staple in our home.
Favorite hostess gift?
A small potted plant (typically something seasonal like daffodils in the spring, paperwhites in the winter etc.) in my favorite clay pots by Bergs Potter. I pot the flower, add some sheet moss, and tie a ticking stripe cotton ribbon around the pot. It’s such a happy gift.
Favorite tabletop shop?
I don’t think Chicago has many great tabletop shops but I’m hoping to change that someday….
Favorite family tradition?
My mother’s blueberry coffee cake on my birthday, and attending The Joffrey Ballet’s The Nutcracker with my children and my father.
Favorite piece of advice from your mother?
When you’re feeling overwhelmed by a situation you take it “bird by bird” or in other words, you take things one small step at a time. A reference to Anne Lamott’s book; Bird By Bird.
