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Houzz Tour: Modern Bucktown Beauty
Chicago couple's dream home marries open, minimalist style with cozy living
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 »
The team at Kara Mann Design were initially challenged with the sheer size of this 6,600-square foot modern home in the heart of Bucktown, one of Chicago's hippest neighborhoods. The designers started with the color palette, by introducing warm tones and shades of brown into the space, and abided by the desire of homeowners Al and Anna Goldstein's desire to keep the environment neutral. Anna says, "We wanted to keep it simple, so as not to limit us in choice of furniture and décor." The house was built and designed keeping in mind the couple's need to entertain guests and have room for a family one day.
The initial vision of the dream home was that of owner Al, with inspiration from his wife Anna. “My husband already began dreaming up the house before we met, so the basic out lay was his idea," Anna says. "Once I came into the picture, I became very involved in the details of the house and fell in love with it too."
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Al and Anna Goldstein and their dog Jackie
Location: Bucktown neighborhood of Chicago, Illinois
Size: 6,600 sq. ft., 4 bedrooms, 6 baths
Architect: Environs Development; Interior Designer: Kara Mann Design
The initial vision of the dream home was that of owner Al, with inspiration from his wife Anna. “My husband already began dreaming up the house before we met, so the basic out lay was his idea," Anna says. "Once I came into the picture, I became very involved in the details of the house and fell in love with it too."
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Al and Anna Goldstein and their dog Jackie
Location: Bucktown neighborhood of Chicago, Illinois
Size: 6,600 sq. ft., 4 bedrooms, 6 baths
Architect: Environs Development; Interior Designer: Kara Mann Design
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| The stem of the house is painted in a chocolate charcoal brown to serve as an anchor and pull the home's warm tones together. The seating area in the living room provides a uniquely open feel. It allows those seated to have an unobstructed view of the dining room and a glance into the family room/kitchen area. Anna found the bright painting on a trip to New York. The warm hues from the painting pull together the hints of color from the room. The acid-green pillows also act as a pop of color against the monochromatic chairs. |
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| Floor-to-double-ceiling windows in the living room look onto the bustling Bucktown neighborhood through gauzy roman shades. The oversized chairs were designed by Kara Mann and upholstered in a polyester/viscose tonal stripe fabric by Pollack Fabrics. |
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| The dining chairs are classic in structure, but made edgy with a patterned print on its back. The sea urchin-like chandelier and oversized Casamidy mirror complement the couple's modern style. Dining chairs: Artistic Frame Chandelier: Lumière by Jean de Merry |
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| Mann wanted the family room to act as a lounge, and she accomplished that by designing around the fireplace. Anna says this is their favorite spot in the house. Coffee table: Jayson Home & Garden |
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A bookshelf acts as a divider between family room and kitchen. The designer kept the shelving low to avoid obstructing the view of anyone seated on the couch. Their dog Jackie can see into the kitchen and know when dinner is ready!
The bookshelf also acts as a display area for the couple's picture frames and keepsakes, including a figurine given to the couple after their engagement.
The bookshelf also acts as a display area for the couple's picture frames and keepsakes, including a figurine given to the couple after their engagement.
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The home office overlooks the double-height ceilings, which create a wonderful open space. An abundance of light makes the oversized club chairs a great place cozy up with a book. The Dennis & Leen woven bench and Tai Ping rug add classic design elements to the modern style room.
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Dark hardwood floors flow throughout the entire house. The choice of floor had been their biggest design dilemma, Anna says. "I wanted lighter and my husband wanted a dark wood floor. He won, and as much as I hate to admit it, now that I look at the final product, he was right."
An open-ended staircase leads into the kitchen, family room and foyer. Waiting by the front door is a piece the couple picked up at a local design store. The piece represents the Chinese Chongqing Dog, a powerful and muscular natural guard dog. The figure acts as protector of the house, but don't tell their dog Jackie!
An open-ended staircase leads into the kitchen, family room and foyer. Waiting by the front door is a piece the couple picked up at a local design store. The piece represents the Chinese Chongqing Dog, a powerful and muscular natural guard dog. The figure acts as protector of the house, but don't tell their dog Jackie!
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| The elongated kitchen is embellished with shimmering glass tiles that lead all the way up. The tiles add a bit of contrast to the structured cabinets that line the wall. Tiles were sourced at Urban Archaeology's Glass Sticks with a custom color by Kara Mann. Barstools were set along the counter for an informal dining experience and additional guest seating. Large woven pendant lights by Moooi hang above. |
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| The master bedroom on the second floor has a much lighter color palette than the rest of the house. A plush rug under the king bed is almost as comfortable as the bed. It's a nice spot for their dog Jackie to sleep on — that is, when she's not on the couch. |
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| The home office, which overlooks the living room, has an open-air approach to its design. A tri-level book shelf that separates the hallway from the office. |
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| The basement media room is intended to be where the all-male activities take place. The designer wanted to keep with a lodge-like feel, bringing in darker tones and rustic leather chairs. The ping-pong table converts into a pool table, and the poker table next to the wet bar keeps the activities to one central room. The basement also holds a home theater, wine cellar, gym/sauna and additional sleeping quarters. |
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| The house sits on the corner of two lots; its modern design fitting right in with the urban landscape. More Inspiring Houzz tours: Warm and Modern in Austin A Soothing Retreat in the Heart of Chicago Living Luxuriously with Nature |
Ideabook updated on Dec. 7, 2011.
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People found the photos in this ideabook after searching for:
With six bathrooms to two people, I wonder how often they even get used.
I am aghast.
Diversity is what makes a neibourhood interesting and not like the suburb track housing.
Great design .
Thank you for the tour Cynthia.