A Victorian Home Reimagined
preserving character and embracing modern living. For this Victorian-era home in Evanston, we embarked on a journey that began with a basement renovation during the pandemic and evolved into a complete transformation of the first floor—all while carefully maintaining the home's historic charm.
A Tale of Two Renovations
The project unfolded in two distinct phases, each championed by different members of the family. The first phase focused on creating a sophisticated home office in the basement for Steven, a lawyer and aspiring council member. Working within the constraints of the existing foundation, we transformed what was once rough brick walls and exposed joists into an elegant workspace with industrial touches. Custom built-ins cleverly concealed necessary structural elements while providing functional storage. The exposed ceiling joists, painted a crisp white and fitted with thoughtful lighting, created an airy feel despite the basement setting.
Inspired by the success of the basement renovation, Allison took the helm for phase two: reimagining the first floor. What started as a simple request for a TV center blossomed into a comprehensive redesign encompassing the kitchen, family room, living room, butler's pantry, and powder room. The transformation required some architectural ingenuity—particularly in the kitchen, where removing two structural columns and implementing a steel lattice system in the ceiling opened up the space dramatically.
“The curved edge of the kitchen island was a deliberate choice to enhance gathering. It allows people to have more natural lines of sight, encouraging conversation and interaction. This subtle design element transforms the island from a mere functional element into a friendlier social hub.”
— Julie Tran, Principal Interior Designer
Thoughtful Design for Modern Family Life
The heart of this renovation was about creating spaces that work for how families live today. The kitchen features an expansive island with a gracefully curved edge that encourages gathering and conversation. It's topped with a single jumbo slab of stone, making a bold yet elegant statement. The adjacent living space, once a formal room used only for special occasions, was reimagined as a cozy family room that draws everyone together.
A particularly charming architectural moment emerged in the butler's pantry, where we incorporated a barrel-vaulted ceiling—a "hidden gem" that brings joy to daily life. The space seamlessly connects the kitchen to the dining room while providing practical storage and prep space. Nearby, a new reach-in pantry with floor-to-ceiling doors maximizes storage while keeping everything easily accessible.
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“Our approach was to create a seamless flow for the modern family. The open concept design allows for a natural flow between the kitchen, dining, and living areas. An elegant archway frames the transition between spaces, adding architectural interest while maintaining the home's cohesive feel. This thoughtful layout ensures that the family remains connected, whether preparing meals, doing homework, or relaxing together.”
— Mike Hauser, Principal Architect
Secret Rooms
Throughout the home, inviting nooks have been crafted for moments of tranquility. A window-side seating area, adorned with plush cushions and bathed in natural light, offers a perfect spot for morning coffee or quiet reading. The living room, anchored by a classic fireplace, balances comfort with sophistication, featuring built-in shelving that showcases family mementos and cherished books.
We had some salvaged leaded glass from windows that were sitting in the family garage. We repurposed these into custom leaded cabinet fronts in various areas of the home and the powder bathroom (below). By repurposing these elements, we preserved a piece of the home's history while creating unique, custom features that add character and personal meaning to the new design.
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Breathing New Life into Cherished Pieces: A Sustainable Approach to Home Renovation
We conducted a full inventory of their existing furniture, much of which was high-quality with good structure. We then re-planned the furniture layout and reupholstered several pieces to align with the new color scheme. This approach not only saved money but also preserved cherished pieces, giving them new life within the renovated space and maintaining a sense of continuity and personal history in the home
A Rejuvenating Oasis
The Lakeside residence renovation has successfully created a space that serves as both a functional family home and a rejuvenating oasis. By balancing open spaces with intimate corners, incorporating natural elements, and paying attention to every detail, this project exemplifies how modern design can enhance daily living while respecting the charm of a suburban setting.
This thoughtful renovation not only meets the practical needs of a busy family but also creates a warm, inviting atmosphere that will be cherished for years to come. The residence stands as a testament to the power of well-executed design in transforming a house into a true home.
Architectural and Design Features
The Social Hub: A Curved Kitchen Island
This expansive island features a subtle curve, inviting family and friends to gather round. Its clever design encourages face-to-face interaction, transforming meal prep into a shared experience and making the kitchen the true heart of the home.
Multifunctional Basement Office
Once an underutilized space, the basement now houses a sophisticated home office. With custom cabinetry, a conference area, and personalized artwork, it's a professional retreat that doesn't sacrifice comfort or style.
Archway Elegance
Defining Spaces with Grace through various archways elegantly separates the kitchen from the living area while maintaining an open feel. This architectural element adds visual interest, defines functional zones, and pays homage to the home's classic character.
Revitalized Furniture: Old Meets New
Existing high-quality furniture pieces were thoughtfully reupholstered and repositioned, seamlessly blending with new additions. This approach not only saved costs but also preserved cherished items, maintaining the home's personal history within its fresh aesthetic.