Leader Builders was hired to design and build a two story rear addition for this Oak Park Victorian. The house already had some great features, including a large foyer with a brick fireplace and a two-way staircase connecting the front and back of the house, which benefitted from some careful remodeling.

On the first floor, we relocated the living room, dining room, and kitchen, turning these three rooms into a well-organized open-concept great room. Details including a coffered box-beam ceiling in the kitchen help create distinct living zones. The new U-shaped kitchen has a walk-in pantry, two-tone Shaker cabinets with brass pulls, panel-covered appliances, and two options for counter seating at the island and peninsula. To the first floor we also added a mud room with built-in seating and storage.

We extended the second floor to add space for a master suite and laundry room. Both the master bed and bath feature raised ceilings; in the bedroom a chandelier hangs from white beadboard, while in the bathroom, a skylight illuminates the room.

The homeowners did not shy from daring design choices: for the master shower, they chose to make an accent wall with large hexagonal mixed-pattern tiles. On the first floor, a green and metallic gold patterned wallpaper unites the foyer and dining room, giving the latter room an elegant and intimate feel within the open floor plan.

We united old and new construction with new traditional trim and refinished floors throughout the house. A final touch were the built-in wood plantation shutters which elevate each room.

Photography by Lauren Nemtsev