For our special Gentlemen’s Issue, in-demand Chicago interior designer Leah Bolger takes a break from her packed schedule to share her favorite products for the manliest of pursuits (and points of view).
Séura Outdoor Shade and Full Sun TVs
From cozy movie nights to tailgate parties, Séura has outdoor viewing covered. “The Shade Series 2 is perfect for viewing areas set beneath pergolas or awnings,” says Bolger. “It’s fully weatherproof, handles extreme temps, and offers a sleek look with 4K UHD, HDR, and top-tier brightness.” For sunny spots, she recommends the Full Sun Series. “These TVs are built for vibrant color and intense sun, with Séura’s active heating and cooling system,” she says. “They’re ultra-bright, waterproof (IP55), and work from -40 to 140°F—ideal for full-sun viewing.”
Ice Bath by Kohler x Remedy Place
Cold plunging has gone from a post-workout trend to a mainstream wellness must, with claims of faster recovery, improved mood and cognitive function, and greater resilience. “There are endless makes and models on the market—from simple Nordic wooden tubs to high-tech innovations,” says Bolger. “But I’m especially excited about the upcoming Ice Bath by Kohler x Remedy Place.” The new collaboration brings together Kohler’s design pedigree with the wellness philosophy of Dr. Jonathan Leary, founder of Remedy Place social wellness clubs. “It’s an elegant, minimalist piece of equipment that delivers innovation and sophistication,” adds Bolger.
Custom Backyard Putting Greens
Outdoor putting greens are more than a backyard luxury—they’re a way to enhance your golf game, elevate your landscaping, and spend quality time outdoors. “On the North Shore, a lot of kids have a putter in their hands as soon as they can walk,” Bolger says with a laugh. “For a contemporary new construction project in Winnetka with a spacious backyard, I worked with Krevitz Golf Turf Solutions to integrate a sizable green just off the patio. It's a fun amenity for guys who want to work on their short game and a great excuse to spend time as a family during the warmer months.”
Graff RIVA Collection and Kohler Anthem Shower Systems
High-tech shower systems are changing the way men think about self-care. Case in point: Graff’s RIVA Collection—a bold reinvention of the luxury shower experience. “RIVA is all about immersion, control, and design,” says Bolger. “You can shift spray angles, adjust water modes, lighting, and temperature—it’s like creating your own personal spa environment.” Better still, this system is compatible with Graff’s full line of contemporary and traditional heads, making the RIVA system fully customizable. “From artisan finishes to elegant knurled textures, it’s a seamless fit for any style,” adds Bolger. For gents who want a truly bespoke shower experience with cutting-edge tech, she recommends the Anthem smart system by Kohler. “Anthem’s digital controls offer built-in, preconfigured hydrotherapy journeys that add new dimensions of wellness to your daily routine.”
Artifacts Gentleman’s Faucet by Kohler
The Kohler Artifacts collection reinvents vintage design for modern spaces. Inspired by old-school spigots and soda fountains, the Gentleman’s bar sink faucet adds instant charm. “Nine times out of 10, when I present a range of options, my male clients pick this faucet,” Bolger says. “And I love pairing it with the stainless steel Brinx sink [also by Kohler] because it’s deep and durable enough to double as an ice bucket. So whether you’re chilling wine or preparing garnishes with your guests nearby, it’s the ultimate bar setup.”
La Marzocco GB5 S Espresso Machine
With its iconic silhouette and unmatched engineering, the La Marzocco GB5 S is the Rolls-Royce of espresso machines. “The second generation of the GB5 is a masterclass in technical and stylistic evolution,” says Bolger, who recently designed a custom barista station for a client in Winnetka using a similar model (the GS3), even going so far as to customize the color distribution on the machine’s elements to vibe with the project. “The newer GB5 S combines luxury and tech: dimmable LED barista lights, pro app compatibility for temperature and dosage control, and USB firmware updates. If you take your morning coffee seriously, this machine is your soulmate,” she says.
Dramatic Natural Stone From Stone Boutique
Stone day is sacred in interior design—and Bolger is especially excited about a new player in the Chicago market. “Stone Boutique is opening their first showroom in the Chicagoland area and they’re redefining how people shop for stone,” says Bolger, who just completed the design of the showroom in Bensenville. “We created a lovely lobby with an adjacent sitting area, a fireplace and a presentation lounge with beautiful custom cabinetry featuring Calacatta marble counters and backsplashes, and work area, plus a private room to work one-on-one with clients.” For more masculine spaces, Bolger is drawn to dramatic natural stones with rich tones and bold veining. “If you’re leaning into a dark and moody aesthetic, a slab with drama, movement and fluting for dimension is the only way to go if you want to bring soul, texture and timeless elegance to a space.”