Designer Weaves Textiles and Treasures Into Her Own Home
A mix of traditional antiques, contemporary pieces and midcentury finds creates an eclectic home in Chicago
Bryan Anthony
December 15, 2019
“I’m not sure that any designer ever feels their home is done. It’s always a work in progress,” designer Cari Giannoulias says. “But my friends have been really encouraging me to share it for a while now.” It’s easy to see why her friends have been so insistent. The house, in the Lincoln Park neighborhood of Chicago, was built a few years ago, but just about everything inside it has changed since Giannoulias and her family moved in. The walls are now covered in a variety of textural wallpapers, lime plaster and even suede. The kitchen and bathrooms have all been upgraded. And every room features a mix of old and new treasures that the designer has expertly interspersed.
Photos by Dustin Halleck
House at a Glance
Who lives here: Cari Giannoulias of Cari Giannoulias Design, her husband and their two kids
Location: Lincoln Park neighborhood of Chicago
Size: Four bedrooms, five bathrooms
Giannoulias designed the mirror in the foyer that features a half-moon-shaped mirror on top and fringed macrame on the bottom. The black leather upholstered bench provides a convenient spot for taking off and putting on shoes, and it doubles as a dining bench in the great room when necessary.
Find an interior designer near you
House at a Glance
Who lives here: Cari Giannoulias of Cari Giannoulias Design, her husband and their two kids
Location: Lincoln Park neighborhood of Chicago
Size: Four bedrooms, five bathrooms
Giannoulias designed the mirror in the foyer that features a half-moon-shaped mirror on top and fringed macrame on the bottom. The black leather upholstered bench provides a convenient spot for taking off and putting on shoes, and it doubles as a dining bench in the great room when necessary.
Find an interior designer near you
Directly off the foyer is a double parlor, with a formal living room in the front parlor and a formal dining room in the back. The living room features a marble fireplace surround flanked by built-in bookcases. The walls are covered in a chunky grasscloth wallpaper. “I like the walls in most of my designs to be neutral in color, but I like to mix up the textures,” Giannoulias says. “The grasscloth in the double parlor is a thicker weave than most.”
A pair of vintage Murano glass wall sconces above the fireplace flank an original framed photograph by Burk Uzzle, taken at the Woodstock music festival in 1969. The burled wood coffee table was designed by Giannoulias.
Shop for wood coffee tables on Houzz
A pair of vintage Murano glass wall sconces above the fireplace flank an original framed photograph by Burk Uzzle, taken at the Woodstock music festival in 1969. The burled wood coffee table was designed by Giannoulias.
Shop for wood coffee tables on Houzz
The dining room features a black marble Saarinen dining table surrounded by chairs upholstered in gray velvet. The chandelier is a custom piece made out of a copper Indian water pot.
A mix of linen sheer drapes and shades creates a lovely window treatment that provides privacy and filters light. The painting on the wall is a contemporary take on a traditional portrait. The commissioned piece was done by artist Ashley Longshore.
A mix of linen sheer drapes and shades creates a lovely window treatment that provides privacy and filters light. The painting on the wall is a contemporary take on a traditional portrait. The commissioned piece was done by artist Ashley Longshore.
The powder room walls are covered in light brown lime plaster with a distressed silver leaf finish. The resulting weathered effect evokes an Old World feel. To counterbalance the traditional wall treatment, Giannoulias added a midcentury diamond-shaped mirror. The pedestal sink has chrome legs and a black marble top.
“I prefer a contemporary kitchen, even in more traditional-style homes,” Giannoulias says. “But a contemporary kitchen can still feel warm and inviting through materials and accessories.” To warm up her own kitchen, she used rift-sawn white oak for the cabinets and island base. She added open shelves, which hold a collection of decorative bowls and vases that add color and personality to the space.
The alcove wall above the built-in range and the back of the open shelves are covered in a gorgeous marble with brown and gold striations that complement the cabinetry. The island top is honed black granite.
The great room, at the back of the house, features a large sectional where the family gathers to watch movies. The walls are covered in a light gray grasscloth. Giannoulias hung her collection of colorful Greek worry beads above the sofa.
The midcentury-inpsired dining table in the great room is used for board games, homework and large dinner parties with family and friends. “The table has a couple of leaves, so it can get really long and seat a pretty big group,” Giannoulias says.
The master bedroom was designed to be a serene getaway with luxurious finishes. The walls are covered in a light brown suede, the floor features a silk wall-to-wall carpet and above it all is a vintage Murano glass ribbon chandelier. The abstract painting is by artist Melody Saraniti.
Giannoulias designed the upholstered headboard and the rosewood nightstand. A pair of elephant figurines are part of a larger collection of elephant statues collected by the designer’s mother-in-law.
More on Houzz
Your Guide to Transitional Style
See What Happens When 1 House Takes On 8 Wallpapers
Look for an interior designer near you
Browse wood nightstands
More on Houzz
Your Guide to Transitional Style
See What Happens When 1 House Takes On 8 Wallpapers
Look for an interior designer near you
Browse wood nightstands
Related Stories
Contemporary Homes
Houzz Tour: Boston Pied-à-Terre Designed for Evenings
By Becky Harris
A designer found on Houzz infuses a condo with a sultry vibe inspired by supper clubs and luxe boutique hotels
Full Story
Guesthouses
Houzz Tour: Light-Filled 704-Square-Foot Modern Cottage
By Becky Harris
An architect and a designer create a light and airy feel, cozied up by layers of textures
Full Story
Outbuildings
Family Gatherings in Argentina Inspire a Pavilion and Guesthouse
By Becky Harris
A new yard adds room for hosting, swimming and bringing part of one homeowner’s culture to her family’s Seattle home
Full Story
Transitional Homes
Houzz Tour: Organic Style on an Avocado Ranch
By Becky Harris
A designer uses a soft neutral palette, handmade tile and reclaimed wood to update a 1980s contemporary home
Full Story
Transitional Homes
Houzz Tour: Elegant, Earthy Ranch House for an Empty-Nest Couple
Design styles, warm neutral colors and special details blend in a Minnesota ranch-style house with a finished basement
Full Story
Contemporary Homes
Houzz Tour: Colorado Forever Home Is a Family Affair
By Becky Harris
The mountain home was designed for gatherings and to make the most of views of Pikes Peak and surroundings
Full Story
Contemporary Homes
Houzz Tour: Open and Inviting Mountain Home Near Lake Tahoe
By Becky Harris
A designer creates a warmly minimalist California getaway that can stand up to snow and mud
Full Story
Homes Around the World
Houzz Tour: Period Home Gains Color and Character
By Kate Burt
Before-and-after photos show how a bold palette and restored features bring warmth and personality to this English house
Full Story
Modern Homes
Houzz Tour: New Home Gets a Midcentury Modern Makeover
By Julie Sheer
A designer in Boston reworks the kitchen and primary suite and adds style with furnishings, lighting and more
Full Story
Barn Homes
Houzz Tour: Old Barns Become an Airy, Modern-Rustic Home
A barn home in Devon, England, sits lightly on the land and offers simple, relaxing spaces for an extended family
Full Story
The kitchen is just stunning!!!!!!
Love the sconces over the nightstand. Where can I purchase them?
Beautiful house