ZEN HAVEN

The kitchen introduces deeper wood tones that bring a subtle sense of nostalgia to the home’s otherwise modern palette. Walnut cabinetry anchors the space, with cabinets and drawers that open to reveal a luxe walnut interior. Niaca stone countertops add dramatic movement and texture, while plaster elements carry over from the living room onto the custom kitchen hood to maintain architectural continuity. Just beyond, the breakfast nook was designed as a flexible gathering spot for family meals, homework, or working from home. A custom Lumix Quartzite table grounds the space, offering a beautiful yet highly durable surface that stands up to everyday spills and activity.

This family room forms an open-concept connection with the kitchen and breakfast nook across the entire back of the house. Integrated materials carry throughout the space, creating a warm and cohesive atmosphere that ties each area together. A dramatic double-height ceiling elevates the room, allowing oversized woven pendants to be suspended overhead and celebrate the vertical scale. The height and openness create a sense of airiness that is rarely seen in a Chicago single-family home.

In this home, the staircase becomes a true focal point. Designed to feel like a sculptural element, the white oak handrail curves in one continuous sweep from the third floor all the way down to the basement. Oak spindles keep the design simple and sophisticated, introducing warmth and texture while allowing the graceful form of the staircase to stand out.

The dining room opens to the staircase and foyer, welcoming guests with warm wood tones carried through the furniture and lighting. Oversized wooden pocket doors reveal a glass-enclosed floating wine display, adding a striking focal point to the space. The feature brings both beauty and function to the room, creating a natural moment of interest for gatherings and dinner parties.

The living room sets the tone for the home, designed as a welcoming space for both entertaining and everyday gathering. Ample seating, from the sectional to the built-in bench and accent chair, creates flexibility for hosting larger groups while still feeling comfortable for smaller ones. Furniture placement was thoughtfully arranged to make the large room feel more intimate and inviting. Plaster walls add a subtle richness, while a carved niche in the back wall features a cabinet and floating shelves set against a striking slab of Calacatta Turquoise stone, illuminated with integrated LED lighting within the arch.

The entry sets a strong first impression while remaining highly functional for everyday use. An oversized bench doubles as both seating and a console, offering a place for décor while also giving guests a spot to sit or set down belongings. A full-length mirror allows for a quick check on the way in or out, while alabaster sconces flanking the artwork establish the warm, refined material palette that carries throughout the rest of the home. Just beyond, the powder room builds on that language with a moodier interpretation. Darker plaster in a mushroom tone deepens the atmosphere, while an Iceberg Vintage stone vanity introduces rich merlot and rust-colored veining. Asymmetric pendants hang to the left of the countertop, complementing a sculptural Gessi faucet with subtle fluting and a jewelry-like finish, while under-counter lighting adds a soft glow that enhances the room’s elevated feel.

The primary bedroom was designed as a serene escape from the bustle of the city. Mushroom-brown plaster wraps the room in a soft, calming tone while deeper wood elements continue the rich material palette introduced on the first floor. A custom upholstered headboard extends up the wall to create a strong focal point behind the bed. Travertine pendants are suspended on either side, adding warmth and sculptural interest while maintaining the room’s quiet, restful atmosphere.

The primary bathroom continues the suite’s warm, layered palette with rich wood in the vanity and mushroom-toned plaster throughout. Taj Mahal stone encases the shower and extends onto the vanity countertop, bringing a soft natural elegance to the space. A custom-designed medicine cabinet was crafted to appear as a decorative mirror while discreetly providing ample storage, blending beauty and function seamlessly.

The secondary bedrooms were designed to feel timeless while still reflecting distinct personalities. In the guest suite, classic wall paneling adds a tailored backdrop for a dark green velvet bed, creating a refined yet welcoming space for visitors. The adjoining bathroom features a natural stone with soft greens and golds, paired with a wood vanity that carries the material language of the rest of the home and includes a tall storage tower for linens.

The daughter’s bedroom takes a similar foundation and introduces more playful elements while remaining intentionally gender-neutral so it can grow with her over time. Deep green paneled walls are paired with a starry wallpaper and blackout ripple-fold drapery, while furniture in cream and walnut continues the home’s cohesive palette. Her bathroom adds charming details like scalloped accents, fluting on the vanity, and a soft pillow tile on the shower wall. Subtle touches that bring personality while keeping the design classic.

The library is one of the standout spaces in the home, anchored by a large skylight that fills the room with natural light. Wrapped in rich elephant green paint, the built-in shelves blend seamlessly with the walls. This creates the feeling that they’re carved directly from the space. Slanted shelves offer a playful way to display books and objects, while a cozy seating area invites reading and relaxation. Just beyond, the top of the staircase opens to a sun-drenched landing, where a desk area provides a bright and functional homework or work-from-home spot.

ROLE

Interior Design

Architectural Consulting

Custom Built-ins

Furnishing and Accessorizing

Window Treatments

LOCATION

Chicago, IL