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My Houzz: Contemporary and Urban in Chicago
Custom-built home features clean lines and unique building materials
Houzz home tour contributor; Cynthia Lynn has been photographing places, spaces and all that's in them for as long as she can remember. Shooting hotels and travel for stock and personal clients for over the past four years. Cynthia has a keen eye for composition and a great feel for design. Bringing to life the lines that make up interiors and exteriors.
Houzz home tour contributor; Cynthia Lynn has been photographing places,... More »
As owner and operator of Fort Pitt Hotel Furniture, which specializes in the resale of fine hotel furniture, Scott Zawitz found that designing his new home came naturally. When he purchased the land for his home, he originally envisioned one large property. But after much consideration, he decided to design two separate homes and sell the second to his developer. Having developed prior homes in addition to being in the design industry, Zawitz found he was well suited to the project.
Houzz at a Glance
Who Lives Here: Scott Zawitz
Where: Humbolt Park neighborhood of Chicago
Size: 4,000-square-foot single-family home with 3 bedrooms, 5 baths, basement
Houzz at a Glance
Who Lives Here: Scott Zawitz
Where: Humbolt Park neighborhood of Chicago
Size: 4,000-square-foot single-family home with 3 bedrooms, 5 baths, basement
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| Zawitz pulls a great deal of his design inspiration from the various hotels he visits all around the world. The main color palette of his home is neutral, allowing him to add colors to the furniture without restriction. The backbone of the design is contemporary, but Zawitz chose to mix in some Asian influences with raw elements as well. Chairs: Raul Carrasco Onyx Console: Raul Carrasco |
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| The majority of the furniture pieces in his living room and mirrored great room are sourced from the company of a friend, Raul Carrasco. Knowing that Carrasco's taste matched his own, Zawitz purchased in bulk and was able to furnish most of his home for a lesser cost. Couch, coffee table: custom design by Raul Carrasco Storage cabinet: Henredon |
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The stem of Zawitz's home has some unique design elements. The walls are made out of lacquered subway bricks, and the center of the staircase is built of nonelectrified neon tubes, which light up internally by an additional set of bulbs. A painting by local artist Agnes Baran hangs on the landing of the staircase leading up the second floor.
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Zawitz designed the first-floor bathroom to work with a variety of homeowner needs, since he may sell his home one day. His home office is on the opposite side of the shower, but that space could potentially be used as a bedroom, given the flexibility to connect the bathroom with it.
Fixtures: Fantini
Stone: Ann Sacks
Fixtures: Fantini
Stone: Ann Sacks
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| Zawitz's dining room was designed to be slightly elevated from the living room. The dining room table, which is custom made and finished with Macassar ebony wood, sits on a raised platform, creating a sense of separation. The floors are a custom rhomboid design by Timeless Wood Floors and made out of spalted maple and ebony stained oak wood. Fun fact: When asked which four famous people (living or not) he would want to have over for dinner, Zawitz answered, "I would have Madonna, just because I'm a gay man and have always loved her and would just wanna hear a bit of the British accent, LOL! Oprah...who wouldn't? That's as close to God as most of us will get. Steve Jobs, because he would have brought great Apple swag as a housewarming gift. And probably Anderson Cooper, because he would keep the conversation educated and worldly." Table and chairs: Raul Carrasco Light fixture: Lightology Mirror: Baker Thomas Phesant |
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| Zawitz wanted the kitchen to have an element of surprise, "so that when people turn the corner, they walk into something unexpected," he says. The entire kitchen was purchased from the showroom floor of Clive Christian. Knowing that when he built his home, a Clive Christian kitchen was a must, he worked with the showroom to have that exact design in his kitchen. It was broken down piece by piece and reassembled in his home. |
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| A large marble island rests in the center of the room and serves as a communal area while he's entertaining. "When people come over," Zawitz says, "we all just hang around the kitchen and talk." A hidden hood rests over a Wolf double oven, and a small, cozy breakfast table sits near the windows. Table: Luminaire Chicago |
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Another addition to the communal area in the kitchen is a small couch for cozy seating near the window.
The floors are a custom design by Timeless Wood Floors and made from tumbled limestone and hand-scrapped walnut.
The floors are a custom design by Timeless Wood Floors and made from tumbled limestone and hand-scrapped walnut.
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| The master bedroom on the second floor was designed to have a completely unobstructed feel. Glass panels modestly separate the bathroom but maintain the open flow of the room. A small private patio opens adjacent to the bed. Bed: Meridiani Lamps: Luminaire Curtains: custom design by Basia Frossard Bathtub: Jason |
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| A custom-built closet was designed to have a seamless finish against the wall. Siding panel doors open to closet space, and custom mirroring closets were made to hide his washer and dryer, one for each. An additional washer and dryer are in the basement. |
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An almost seamless divide separates the bathroom from the rest of the master bedroom. Porcelain floors run throughout the bed and bathroom, and the shower floor is made from Ipe wood.
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Wrapping around to the other half of the second floor is an open hallway that looks onto the street and the foyer entry below. A fieldstone wall runs up from the first floor, all the way up to the exterior of the third-floor patio.
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| A second guest bedroom includes a warm color palette with Ralph Lauren Furniture. Similar to the master, this guest room opens up to its own private patio. |
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The main entrance of the house opens to a foyer with custom ceiling art done by local artist Agnes Baran. The skylights above the door provide additional lighting to the entryway and Zawitz's office. Lacquered subway brick lines one wall, while the other side marks the beginning of the fieldstone wall.
"My proudest homeowner moment is when people first come into my house and just sorta take it all in," Zawitz says, "and are usually blown away by the secret design skills they never knew I had!"
"My proudest homeowner moment is when people first come into my house and just sorta take it all in," Zawitz says, "and are usually blown away by the secret design skills they never knew I had!"
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| Zawitz's home sits on a corner, while the second one he sold to the developer sits just behind. Does he ever have regrets about selling? "My home is my haven," he says. "And my home is my passion. I love the process and the project!" As for advice to other homeowners: Zawitz offers this: "Be prepared for all the extra money you are going to need for upkeep and maintenance that you may not have expected, even in a new construction." He adds, "Don't be afraid to be a pioneer in a neighborhood or area that others are afraid to venture into." More: My Houzz: Modern Bucktown Beauty My Houzz: Classic and Elegant in Chicago Next: Browse hundreds of inspiring homes |
Comments
CAROLE MEYER I love the color palette in the living room. The black with the warm honey colors ....just wow.
15 months ago · Like
Mona Wow, this whole post is amazing. I love the use of the different colors of rock throughout and the colors are soooo warm and inviting. One of my favorites for sure.
15 months ago · Like
Renaissance Design As a designer, what I appreciate most about this house is the fearlessness involved. So many risk were taken, from the black ragged curtains in the master bedroom to the opulent kitchen cabinets and floor. Special things happen when home owners are willing to let go of rules and just create a space that feels right to them. Job well done!
15 months ago · Like
Stephanie Gehring Love the tv cabinet - where did u get?
15 months ago · Like
Ideabook updated on Feb. 14, 2012.
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