Houzz Tour: Historical Modern Chicago Makeover
Unearthed 19th-century details enrich a home's contemporary new look
For a local family with four children, this 19th-century Queen Anne-style home in Chicago's popular Lincoln Park neighborhood was the perfect place to settle. A previous remodel had covered many of the original details with glitzy faux finishing, but the bones of the house were beautiful.
The clients hired Jean Dufresne and his team at SPACE Architects + Planners and interior designer Julia Edelmann of Buckingham Interiors to reveal historical detailing and give the home a sleek contemporary look. The result is a beautiful blend of traditional and contemporary styles that reflects the homeowners' family-centric lifestyle. "They never wanted to 'keep up' or impress anyone," says Dufresne. "It was all about family."
The clients hired Jean Dufresne and his team at SPACE Architects + Planners and interior designer Julia Edelmann of Buckingham Interiors to reveal historical detailing and give the home a sleek contemporary look. The result is a beautiful blend of traditional and contemporary styles that reflects the homeowners' family-centric lifestyle. "They never wanted to 'keep up' or impress anyone," says Dufresne. "It was all about family."
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The colors and materials were chosen in a calm palette that would feel sophisticated but modern. The colors are muted but still pop out from the crisp white trim to draw attention to the unique period details.
Artistic light fixtures and the clean lines of mid-century inspired furniture contrasts with the more traditional structure of the house for a unexpected and beautiful aesthetic. The unique chandelier is a vintage piece that Edelmann found from a demolished St. Louis Hotel.
Chairs: Vintage Italian, Sarlo
Table: Custom Design by Julia Edelmann, Buckingham ID
Artistic light fixtures and the clean lines of mid-century inspired furniture contrasts with the more traditional structure of the house for a unexpected and beautiful aesthetic. The unique chandelier is a vintage piece that Edelmann found from a demolished St. Louis Hotel.
Chairs: Vintage Italian, Sarlo
Table: Custom Design by Julia Edelmann, Buckingham ID
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This particular street in Lincoln Park has many older homes, similar to this one. Some have been restored and some have been divided up into apartments.
During the remodel, Dufresne and his team had to consider the home's neighbors and how close this house was to other buildings. Dufresne created privacy screens on the second floor deck, adding tall fencing on the east side. Netting installed in the fencing keeps the children's balls and toys from getting into neighbors' yards.
During the remodel, Dufresne and his team had to consider the home's neighbors and how close this house was to other buildings. Dufresne created privacy screens on the second floor deck, adding tall fencing on the east side. Netting installed in the fencing keeps the children's balls and toys from getting into neighbors' yards.
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Edelmann had worked for the couple before. "The homeowners like to keep things clean and sleek so that there's not a lot of fluff cluttering their home," she says.
They kept the beautiful original hardwood flooring — a white oak with an ebony and walnut stain. The unique light fixture in the entryway is made of molded corrugated cardboard.
Light fixture: Gray Pants in Seattle
Tile: Slate, Materials Marketing
They kept the beautiful original hardwood flooring — a white oak with an ebony and walnut stain. The unique light fixture in the entryway is made of molded corrugated cardboard.
Light fixture: Gray Pants in Seattle
Tile: Slate, Materials Marketing
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| The living room has enough seating for the entire family, including four vintage cherry-red leather chairs the clients owned and a small reupholstered sofa. A large bay window allows for a clear view and plenty of natural light. Sofa: upholstered in Zinc fabric |
| Durable fabrics in neutral colors and a sparse layout helps keep the space kid-friendly. "There are never too many pieces in each room, so there's play space. Those children really love to play together and have friends over all the time," says Edelmann. Gray sectional: Custom design Julia Edelmann, Buckingham ID Coffee table: Etsy Rug: Atelier Lapchi |
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The whitewashed cabinet in the kitchen is a favorite piece. This find has a soft, beachy feel which was perfect to display the clients' collection of sculpture and pottery. The more rustic look contrasts with the sleek and modern kitchen.
This breakfast nook is a well-used part of the home. It has space for the children to eat while morning light floods the room through large corner windows.
Chandelier: Robert Candelaria
Table: Crate & Barrel
Chairs: Lizz Chairs
Armoire: Jayson Home and Garden
Next: The kitchen before renovation
This breakfast nook is a well-used part of the home. It has space for the children to eat while morning light floods the room through large corner windows.
Chandelier: Robert Candelaria
Table: Crate & Barrel
Chairs: Lizz Chairs
Armoire: Jayson Home and Garden
Next: The kitchen before renovation
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| BEFORE: The original kitchen felt far too small, had no flow and didn't offer enough storage for the large family. Dufresne and his team opened up the space and expanded the island and countertop. The original home had numerous code violations, which the team had to go about fixing. A second exit was added to every level, and most bathrooms were reworked to get rid of awkward bumps and soffits |
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| AFTER: The dark materials in the modern kitchen help keep the space looking clean, even when leftover crumbs litter the island countertop. The smooth kitchen cabinetry is made out of wenge wood and charcoal gray acrylic. Pendants: Vintage from Uber Modern, Chicago Barstools: Design Within Reach Countertop: Marble Island countertop: Bitto Solid Surface |
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| Dufresne loved designing the built-ins — particularly the boys' bunk beds. "The oldest boy was not too pleased to find out that he would have to share a room with his little brother," Dufresne says. "But he told me it was all okay once he saw his new bunk bed! That made my day." Bedding: Custom design Julia Edelmann, Buckingham ID |
The master bedroom plays with the same gray tones in the rest of the home, but the grasscloth wallpaper adds a textural twist. The bedframe was repainted in glossy gray, updating its traditional style.
Wall Treatment: Phillip Jeffries Grasscloth
Paint on bed frame: Wall Street, C2 Paint
Wall Treatment: Phillip Jeffries Grasscloth
Paint on bed frame: Wall Street, C2 Paint
A small seating area at the end of the room is the perfect spot to sit with a cup of coffee and a good book on Sunday mornings. Dark wood shelving holds books and other collected bits and pieces for a built-in art display.
Chairs: Vladimir Kagan
Chandelier: Vintage, Lincoln Antiques Mall
Next: A shot of the master bath before the renovation
Chairs: Vladimir Kagan
Chandelier: Vintage, Lincoln Antiques Mall
Next: A shot of the master bath before the renovation
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| BEFORE. Dufresne estimates this house was redone at some point in the 1980s. When they first encountered this bathroom, it felt confined and dark. All traces of the home's original history had been eliminated. |
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| AFTER. The master bathroom is one of Dufresne's favorite rooms in the house. "I love the freestanding tub — it's such a sexy and soft shape," he says. "The whole room is sun-drenched and peaceful." The contrasting floor and ceiling tiles in the walk-in steam shower add dimension and depth to the otherwise all-white space. Floor tile: Calacatta Oro, Materials Marketing Inlet floor tile: Vintage Glass Winter Sky Luster, Walker Zanger Wall tile: Calacatta Oro Bathtub: Duravit |
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| BEFORE. Prior to renovation, the back side of the house still had a more traditional look, and didn't have quite enough outdoor space for the family. |
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AFTER. Dufrense and his team had a lot of fun refinishing the exterior and designing the rear addition of the house. The contrast between the more modern back and the historical front is the perfect example of the client's unique style. A garage on one side of the structure creates a barrier between the property and an alleyway, making a natural outdoor spot for the children to play.
Photography by Eric Hausman
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Photography by Eric Hausman
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Comments
momof2cuties Great design! Love Chicago architecture
16 months ago · Like
Melinda Haverland An Illinois girl loves me some Lincoln Park-- great house !!!
16 months ago · Like
near north interiors Wow! Wow! Wow!
16 months ago · Like
relaca66 Just absolutely gorgeous! What is the gray paint color/brand used in the dining room?
16 months ago · Like
Dream Windows & interiors Great job from both a design perspective and use of space.
16 months ago · Like
Evy I prefer mid-century modern houses but I've to admit that this house would suit me fine anytime. What a great reno ! The bathroom is absolutely gorgeous ! Wish I could redo mine with the same layout and materials. And the kitchen OMG. Once again, bravo ! ! !
16 months ago · Like
juliejules44 amazing. what vision and execution. Love it (and I am not a modern type girl!)
16 months ago · Like
Wendy Mesguich I like what they have done to the interior, but the exterior of the rear of the house with the addition - no way. I think it should have been kept, to some degree, in keeping with the original style.
16 months ago · Like
svanb There's not a single thing that I didn't love about this house and reno! Beautiful. I want it!
16 months ago · Like
Lemont Kitchen and Bath Wow !!! Great Job
16 months ago · Like
David Chiarella Totally Awesome...top-to-bottom...inside out.
16 months ago · Like
Frederick + Frederick Architects Great job, Jean!
16 months ago · Like
Ellen T. Love, love this house! The interior design and finishes are perfection and I especially appreciate the sparceness; so refreshing especially for a family.
16 months ago · Like
PaintColorHelp.com Dallas This is a lovely home, but I too would have preferred more of a period feel on the addition and in the bath. Otherwise the change between old and new is too obvious and jarring. If you give a nod to the original era in the reno, it will never look dated or out of place.
16 months ago · Like
vivianbe Love the updates. I only thing I don't like is the tub...looks like a coffin;)
16 months ago · Like
kelly57 A perfect blend of styles. I love this home.
16 months ago · Like
dianacp Love everything about this house! What paint color/brand is the living room?
16 months ago · Like
11th street productions the artists who made the original artwork pictured are not credited. they should be.......always!
16 months ago · Like
Midcentury Minx I agree with Juli - Its a lovely home and a beautiful remodel, but I would have preferred a more period feel in the kitchen & back.
16 months ago · Like
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Mary & Hank Prekop Love the details, the bunk beds, the kitchen... as always SPACE has demonstrated great Chicago design.
16 months ago · Like
Fresh Eyes For Your Home The details are incredible in this house, love it all-from the design to the decorating. Just fantastic, totally creative!
16 months ago · Like
rgirn Beautiful. Saved lots of pics to my ideabooks!
16 months ago · Like
jgoldfein007 I knew the owner of this house quite well during the 1980's...I sent her the link, wonder what she'll have to say about all the changes.
16 months ago · Like
melsplace1 True that the design on the interior is terrific, but, as someone that has worked for 35 yrs in historic preservation, and is no way a purest, I do think this application obliterated the historic character of the house. If you want a modern house, there's lots to choose from. To strip the essence of this house's history is to erase her story. I do advocate that historic projects should keep in mind modern aspects - who wants an outhouse or cooking on a hearth, but, modern sensibilities can be articulated sensitively in a grand old dame like this QA. Just my 2cents!
16 months ago · Like
kestral Great house, but am I the only one who is really sick of seeing subway tiles everywhere?
16 months ago · Like
Beth I personally like the before kitchen!!
16 months ago · Like
Samantha Jayne Love it... All!
16 months ago · Like
lyndieyes So beautiful! Love the mix of styles!
16 months ago · Like
janban I agree with Wendy.
16 months ago · Like
jodyj Beautiful! But WOW!! Talking about having money to burn!?!? The before pictures were very nice too.... Esp the kitchen..
16 months ago · Like
mmsalg I just love these pictures. I'm drawn to the light fixtures in the rooms. It's amazing how one piece can often change the entire space completely. Just because, look at this amazing lighting http://www.custommade.com/by/illuminata-customglass/projects/ 
16 months ago · Like
ronbeeguy Finally - some "before" photos! Thanks for including them.
16 months ago · Like
jazzmine74 simply marvelous!!! I love the cross of traditional with the modern. Great use of space.
16 months ago · Like
yvesun It's a beautiful renovation both in and out! Well done!
16 months ago · Like
etherial Really? I think it looks institutional. Well, to each his own.
16 months ago · Like
wolfgang80 I love the front exterior elevation and staircase. Everything else could be anywhere and doesn't do anything to highlight the house's bones. Grey is a nice colour in spots, but the whole interior seems like a dreary, overcast day. The addition makes me appreciate historic preservation committees.
16 months ago · Like
Looking Glass Drapery Co. I really love this home, although I have to agree with some in the sense of retaining it's history. The modern kitchen addition is beautiful, however there was really nothing wrong with the kitchen before. It looked to me like it already had been remodeled not too long ago, and to suit the period of the house.
16 months ago · Like
hjohnstone Love everything except the bathroom.... WAY to many mirrors. Perfect for the people who love to look at them self. :)
16 months ago · Like
Ideabook updated on Jan. 30, 2012.
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