WINDY CITY WINE OASIS

This decadent home in Chicago’s Lincoln Park neighborhood needed an upgrade to support the entertaining needs of the homeowners. After moving to Chicago from Boston, this large, contemporary home didn’t reflect our client’s personal aesthetic. Blending their style with the existing architecture and creating myriad entertaining spaces, this home features a custom wine cellar that houses 1,500+ bottles, a coffee lounge/library, a cozy family room perfect for game day, and an elevated living room perfect for entertaining with espresso martinis.

With a penchant for hosting, this home features many spaces for different types of entertaining. Here, the family room off the kitchen features an oversized sectional with custom wood armrests and additional lounge chairs. The ribbed/fluting texture in the throw pillows is used as a throughline visually through the house. Whether there’s a crowd coming over for game day or a cozy family gathering, this space is ideal for guests to be close to the kitchen.

In the kitchen, we upgraded the island, pendants, and decor to add excitement to the existing space and balance the family room.

The formal living room is elegant and moody, clad in natural textures & materials. Perfect for more sophisticated and elevated gatherings than the family room, the living room sets the tone for the home without being stuffy or sterile. Note the continuation of fluted detail in the leather sofas here.

Suspended as a true centerpiece, the stairwell chandelier stretches an impressive 39 feet, cascading through every level of the home and effortlessly tying each space together. More than just lighting, it reads as a sculptural installation, drawing the eye upward and creating a continuous visual moment from floor to floor.

The landing at the middle level of the stairwell was an otherwise unused space, so we created a luxurious library lounge, perfect for curling up with a book and fresh cup of coffee. Or, turning on the integrated LED lighting in the built-ins creates an intimate mood for happy hour and beyond.

We focused on sports/movie watching and game nights in the lower level. A projector and hidden screen allow big-screen viewing near the redesigned wet bar. Located next to the wine cellar, grabbing a glass and pouring some wine is easy.

The basement bathroom was reworked with functionality at the forefront, introducing a new entry vestibule. Just beyond, the sauna becomes the defining feature of the space, designed as a true wellness moment with integrated lighting and a surround-sound Bluetooth speaker that enhances the overall experience.

Carrying through the home’s cohesive design language, the bathroom incorporates a substantial stone vanity paired with soft under-cabinet lighting that adds depth and dimension. Every detail was thoughtfully considered, from the warm glow of brushed bronze fixtures to the moody presence of smoky glass pendants, creating a space that feels both grounded and elevated.

An open floorplan from the primary bedroom and bathroom meant drawing inspiration from five-star hotels. Renovating the fireplace separating the spaces makes the bedroom feel open and airy. An abundance of natural textures and materials invites relaxation and rest. We continued the integrated LED lighting in the channel around and above the bed, enveloping the room in a warm, cozy glow.

The primary bathroom was thoughtfully reimagined to enhance both function and flow. By closing off the previous double openings to the bedroom, the layout now features a single, more intentional entry that adds a sense of privacy. Within the space, a separate water closet was introduced, while a custom double vanity offers generous storage, integrated plug-ins, and layered accent lighting. Stone extends from the countertop to the ceiling behind the mirrors, where sconces on either side create a balanced, elevated look. One end of the vanity transitions into a dedicated makeup area, complete with additional lighting and mirror space.

While the tub remains positioned beside the fireplace, the walk-in shower takes center stage. Its glass enclosure is partially obscured by an illuminated Cristallo stone slab, adding both drama and a sense of privacy. Floor-to-ceiling stone tile throughout the space ties every element together, creating a clean, cohesive environment that feels both refined and indulgent.

This home office features ample storage. The open shelving features integrated LED to highlight display items and create a relaxing atmosphere while conducting business. Notice more fluted detail in the office statement wall above and continued below in the primary bedroom headboard wall.

Each secondary bathroom in the home was approached with its own distinct perspective, while still tying back to the overall material story. In the office bathroom, the design was meant to feel like a natural extension of the workspace, blending warm wood tones with darker, moodier elements. A former tub was replaced with a walk-in shower wrapped in smoky grey tile, while light oak fluted panels frame the mirror above a floating vanity with a bold, chunky stone top. Matte black fixtures and offset lighting complete the space, creating an elevated atmosphere just steps from the office.

In the hallway bathroom near the nursery, the existing layout remained, but every finish was thoughtfully refreshed to introduce a sense of playfulness. A high-contrast stone wraps the tub and niche, paired with terrazzo tile that adds a subtle layer of pattern. Matte black accents and a toe kick beneath the vanity bring in both function and a touch of modern edge, striking a balance between fun and refined.

The guest bathroom leans into a more streamlined, contemporary feel. A floating vanity with integrated storage and soft accent lighting anchors the space, while a former tub was replaced with a clean-lined shower wrapped in neutral tile. A wall-mounted faucet enhances the modern profile, and a mix of brushed bronze, silver, and black finishes ties the design back to the cohesive material palette carried throughout the home.

The guest room has an interesting architectural quirk: off-centered windows on the bed wall, which we hid with a double-stack drapery wall to trick the eye into thinking the window was symmetrical in the room. A sheer textural curtain in the front allows light, but a blackout drape behind ensures guests rest well. Drawing each drape from opposite walls allows the user to reset the centerline in the room or lean into the asymmetrical character.

PROJECT DETAILS