ADDITION, RENOVATION, INTERIOR DESIGN

From Familiar to Timeless: A Home’s Thoughtful Evolution

Tucked into the quiet streets of Chicago’s North Shore, this once-unassuming residence has been thoughtfully transformed into a refined and livable family home. Through a balance of architectural clarity and design warmth, the renovation reimagines everyday spaces into environments that support connection, ease, and a deep sense of comfort. Each detail reflects a commitment to both beauty and functionality—from the welcoming flow of the layout to the tactile quality of materials chosen to age gracefully with time.

At the heart of the home is a luminous kitchen centered around a generous island—an anchor for gathering, conversation, and daily life. With custom cabinetry, subtle finishes, and chef-grade appliances, the space offers both sophistication and practicality for the rhythm of family living.

“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

“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

Reimagining the Familiar

A complete inventory of existing furnishings revealed several well-crafted pieces with strong bones and sentimental value. Rather than replacing them, the layout was thoughtfully reimagined, and select items were reupholstered to complement the updated color palette. This sustainable approach preserved meaningful elements while integrating them seamlessly into the renovated interiors—maintaining both continuity and a deeply personal connection to the home.

Work Meets Home

An underutilized basement was reimagined as a refined home office suite, combining comfort, function, and visual identity. Custom millwork and tailored lighting define the workspace, which includes a private conference area and display wall for a personal art collection that inspired the room’s muted, sophisticated palette. Lowering the floor and exposing the joists allowed for increased ceiling height and introduced an industrial-chic aesthetic. The result is a multi-purpose retreat—equally suited for focused work, client meetings, and creative thinking.
The Everyday Entrance

A custom mudroom was integrated adjacent to the kitchen and breakfast area, offering a functional yet elegant transition from the garage into the home. Built-in cabinetry provides concealed storage for coats, shoes, and everyday items, supporting a clutter-free environment. This practical addition enhances the home’s organization and flow, offering a seamless connection between outdoor life and interior living.
Heritage Glass, Reframed

Salvaged leaded glass, once stored in the family garage, was thoughtfully repurposed into custom cabinet fronts throughout the home and in the powder room. These intricate panels preserve a tangible connection to the home’s history while introducing bespoke details that enrich the interiors with character, texture, and personal significance.

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.

A Tudor Home, Reimagined for Family Life