Houzz Tour: A Soothing Retreat in the Heart of Chicago
A former office space is renovated into a luxurious second home for an Illinois family
This relaxing urban haven was designed for a suburban family whose main residence is just north of Chicago. The husband had a demanding job in the city, so the family decided to get an apartment there so they could enjoy and learn more about Chicago.
Located just off Michigan Avenue in the heart of the Magnificent Mile, this apartment is in a multi-use building where office spaces were converted into residences. Interior designer Jessica Lagrange worked with the family to make this 3-bedroom, 3,300-square-foot space feel like home with soothing neutrals, luxurious textiles, and a minimal and clean decor.
Located just off Michigan Avenue in the heart of the Magnificent Mile, this apartment is in a multi-use building where office spaces were converted into residences. Interior designer Jessica Lagrange worked with the family to make this 3-bedroom, 3,300-square-foot space feel like home with soothing neutrals, luxurious textiles, and a minimal and clean decor.
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| The entire home has a very contemporary and very minimal style, similar to the clients' main residence. Decor was kept to a minimum — the chandelier in the dining room is one of the few pieces of decorative lighting in the house. Table: UFO Oval Table by Emmemobili Dining Chairs: Saarinen Executive Arm Chair by Knoll Chandelier: Bocci 14 Pendant Chandelier |
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| The living room is Lagrange's favorite space in this house. "There's very little color used, but the mixing and matching of textures and finishes really came together," she says. Stainless steel, glass, lacquer, and a contrast of sharp edges and curvy shapes create a visually interesting space, even without a lot of color. Chairs: Standard Latin Chair by Christian Liaigre Sofa: Custom Beluga Sofa by Christian Liaigre Coffee table: The Metreon Table by Zographos Designs Limited |
A simple wall shelf works as a functional and decorative accent — almost like a mantle. Although her clients wanted a decidedly contemporary look, Lagrange wanted to make sure that the home was classic and would stand the test of time — without having to make things look too mid-century modern.
The area rug in the living room was custom designed and hand dyed. It took some time to get the color exactly right for this perfectly coordinated space.
Shelf: Bee Shelf by Niedermaier
Area rug: Custom rug by Tai Ping Carpets
The area rug in the living room was custom designed and hand dyed. It took some time to get the color exactly right for this perfectly coordinated space.
Shelf: Bee Shelf by Niedermaier
Area rug: Custom rug by Tai Ping Carpets
The building had wonderful recommendations for the apartment's interior, and Lagrange used many of their selections, such as the honed granite countertops and cabinetry in the kitchen. Clients loved the look of stainless steel and chrome, so Lagrange installed a stainless steel backsplash.
Barstools: Bertoia counter stool
Pendants: Dance Circle pendant by Plug Lighting
Barstools: Bertoia counter stool
Pendants: Dance Circle pendant by Plug Lighting
The island size was particularly important, since the family loves to entertain. Lagrange incorporated a breakfast nook to extend the kitchen's entertaining space. It's the perfect spot to have a casual meal or relax with friends.
The breakfast nook is a perfect example of the clients' clean, contemporary style. Luxurious neutral fabrics cover the custom banquette and dining chairs, and minimal recessed lighting was used above the table in lieu of a pendant or chandelier. "The clients saw a lot of decorative lighting as clutter, so we only used a few pieces throughout the house," says Lagrange.
Fabric on banquette: Dedar, Great Plains
Dining table: Custom Fulton table by Niedermaier
Fabric on banquette: Dedar, Great Plains
Dining table: Custom Fulton table by Niedermaier
A casual family room with an incredible view of Chicago's high-rise buildings sits next to the breakfast nook. The slightly darker fabric choices and comfy sectional make it more functional for impromptu get-togethers than the formal living room.
Carpet: Atelier Lapchi
Coffee table: Custom base by Evan Lewis, custom stone top by Poma
Knitted Pouf: CB2
Carpet: Atelier Lapchi
Coffee table: Custom base by Evan Lewis, custom stone top by Poma
Knitted Pouf: CB2
Since this is a second home, almost every piece of furniture and décor is new. The client's love for neutral colors and clean lines led Lagrange to shop at stores like Holly Hunt, B&B Italia, Luminere, Christian Liagre, and several other Italian designers.
Chair: High Back Metropolitan Chair by B&B Italia
Couch: Mister sectional by Cassina
Chair: High Back Metropolitan Chair by B&B Italia
Couch: Mister sectional by Cassina
Although the main spaces in the home stick to a consistently neutral and elegant style, the clients wanted to add some youth and fun to their daughters' rooms. Color, cheerful textiles, and funky patterns were chosen for this boho-chic styled bedroom.
Fabric on headboard: Donghia
Rug: Tiki Pop Rug by NiBa
Window treatments: Missoni
Stool: Bishop stool by Ralph Pucci
Fabric on headboard: Donghia
Rug: Tiki Pop Rug by NiBa
Window treatments: Missoni
Stool: Bishop stool by Ralph Pucci
The girls' rooms are styled to adapt to the daughter's needs and tastes as they grow. The color choices are bold but still used fairly minimally so the design of these rooms flows with the rest of the house.
Duvet: Macy's
Fabric on bedframe: Jim Thompson
Headboard leather: Edelman Leather
Area rug: Custom from Tai Ping
Duvet: Macy's
Fabric on bedframe: Jim Thompson
Headboard leather: Edelman Leather
Area rug: Custom from Tai Ping
If the colors in this girl's desk area were switched out for neutrals, it could easily belong in any other room in the house.
Desk accessories: See Jane Work
Drapery fabric: Mokum
Wallcovering: Elitis
Desk accessories: See Jane Work
Drapery fabric: Mokum
Wallcovering: Elitis
In the master bedroom, a soft gray headboard blends almost seamlessly with an organically inspired wallcovering, while luxurious Italian satin bedding is the perfect place to relax after a long day.
Carpet: Atelier Lapchi
Bed: Custom by Studio Wai
Headboard fabric: Jim Thompson
Wallcovering: Nancy Corzine
Photography by Werner Straube
More:
New Orleans Glamour
Comfort and Elegance in Manhattan
New Style with Old World Warmth
Carpet: Atelier Lapchi
Bed: Custom by Studio Wai
Headboard fabric: Jim Thompson
Wallcovering: Nancy Corzine
Photography by Werner Straube
More:
New Orleans Glamour
Comfort and Elegance in Manhattan
New Style with Old World Warmth
Comments
Denise Vilim Gorgeous, gorgeous! Thanks for sharing!
21 months ago · Like
CAROLE MEYER Fantastic houzz!! Carole Meyer
21 months ago · Like
maya3 awesome
21 months ago · Like
rahat6010 It has a cooling effect. The design is very attractive.
21 months ago · Like
Netty Love the neutrals! Also the girls rooms with just the pops of color!
21 months ago · Like
nelsgan hi. the design is great
21 months ago · Like
Juan Rodriguez Gracias. Gran diseño.
21 months ago · Like
abner How Nice! This is exactly the design I'd been long looking for. Simple yet elegant,and could surely stand the test of time.
21 months ago · Like
bridgetsynk I love everything about this house!! The neutral colors, the straight lines, and the pops of color. Absolutely gorgeous!
21 months ago · Like
Mary Kozma Every time I see posting by Venessa Brunner I KNOW I am going to enjoy what is posted! Great design and great examples of gray/white and colors.
21 months ago · Like
Nanette Baker of Interiors by Nanette I love EVERY room of that house, and everything in every room -- dining chairs, starburst clock!!!
21 months ago · Like
mrsben Beautifully executed for the design style.
21 months ago · Like
Sharon Barnard Great apartment....what a relaxing & wonderful getaway from suburban living!
21 months ago · Like
Maria Cecilia Jácome I like it very much! Colours, furniture, every detail!
21 months ago · Like
horserider Love every photo. What a wonderful place to call home. Super job!!!!
21 months ago · Like
ghafar Hi,so beautiful,like dream
21 months ago · Like
Karen B Wolf Interiors Amazing artwork in dining room. Would love the artist info.
21 months ago · Like
karolyn Beautifully done. Thats what can happen, when you start from scratch. Love the girls bedrooms. All of the neutral is elegant. Karolyn
21 months ago · Like
elizab22 Great reno. Can you please tell me what sort of flooring you have used? Thanks!
21 months ago · Like
Space Interior Design very soothing!
21 months ago · Like
Ajithaa Pleasing to the eye. Lovely combination of colors.
21 months ago · Like
Jessica Lagrange Thank you to everyone for the lovely comments. Vanessa, thank you for writing such a great story on us. Also, we wanted to thank Werner Straube for all the amazing photography!
21 months ago · Like
Marie Newton, Closets Redefined Love it, very clean, modern and easy to live in.
21 months ago · Like
angel69t Love your color combination, soothing and peaceful, feel like coming back home from a hard day working. Home sweet home, Great!
21 months ago · Like
Linda McMahon This house is my cup of tea. The only thing I think I might add is a pop of colour here and there. But it truly is beautiful as is.
21 months ago · Like
alon What an adorable home !! Luv it
21 months ago · Like
lauren1 I absolutely love the style, design and clean lines with selective color highlights. My only question is whether or not the couches are comfortable to use. If so, sign me up! Truly a wonderful home.
19 months ago · Like
jvn123 Perfect
12 months ago · Like
Ideabook updated on Oct. 25, 2011.
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