INTRODUCING: DOUBLE UP
From basic to brilliant, we’re transforming this single-family home into a modern marvel with everything needed for this young family to grow up in.
For this unique renovation, we're blending urban chic with family-friendly functionality to create a luxurious retreat that satisfies both style and practicality. Join us as we redefine urban living for a modern family.
This home is in a sleepy Chicago neighborhood that almost feels too good to be true, offering the perfect blend of urban convenience and suburban tranquility. While the wife was ready for the spaciousness of the suburbs, the husband's urban-centric business demanded city proximity. With its expansive double lot, this property presented an ideal compromise, allowing them to enjoy ample space and a unique home layout all within the city limits.
We're embarking on a comprehensive renovation journey, with a complete gutting and reconfiguring of the kitchen layout to optimize functionality and flow.
At the center are two islands, a rare sight in a city home. These serve as the space's focal point, offering ample room for meal preparation, casual dining, and lively gatherings. Clad in Taj Mahal quartzite and adorned with sleek fixtures, each island is a testament to both form and function, elevating the kitchen to new heights of sophistication while offering a truly inviting vibe.
Every element, from the double islands to the hidden butler's pantry, is meticulously planned and executed to ensure a harmonious blend of style and utility.
As if two islands and a wet bar weren't enough to impress, we're taking things further with a hidden treasure: the elusive butler's pantry. Tucked away behind a facade of full-height cabinetry, this space is a testament to the art of hidden design. Behind closed doors lies a world of organizational bliss, with ample storage and discreet access to all your culinary essentials.
With custom cabinetry, premium finishes, and state-of-the-art appliances, the kitchen is the gem of the household, centered on the first floor and surrounded by the dining room, library lounge, and family room, making this home perfect for a young family to grow up in.
We're introducing a touch of drama in the front living/dining room, which we’ve collectively rebranded as a library lounge, with a moody, warm gray drenching every surface in the room and built-in bookshelves wrapping an entire corner. This bold design choice adds depth and character to the space, creating an inviting atmosphere for both entertaining and relaxation. By juxtaposing dark hues with strategic paint sheens and lighting, we can achieve a sense of warmth and intimacy, perfect for cozy family gatherings or elegant soirées.
With three kids in the picture, infusing the home with elements that cater to their needs while maintaining an air of sophistication is essential. Every design decision is made with the family in mind, from durable yet stylish furnishings to playful accents that spark joy. There isn’t a space in the home that won’t be kid-friendly, so every element of the home needs to be thoughtfully considered for durability and cleanliness.
To counterbalance the library lounge area's moody allure, we're brightening up the rest of the house with strategic lighting and a fresh color palette. Light, airy hues combined with ample natural light create an uplifting ambiance that energizes the space and enhances its spaciousness. Here, the two entrances (the front door at street level and the basement-level mudroom and rec room) are given functional and aesthetic updates. The mudroom was carved out of the previously unused space under the basement stairs, creating the perfect room for built-in cubbies and shelves without taking away from the home's footprint.
Upstairs, the primary bedroom is getting new built-ins, flanking the fireplace to provide additional wardrobe storage just in case the incredible walk-in closet isn’t enough. Two benches flanking the fireplace add a cozy seating space, perfect for relaxing.
The primary bath will be reconfigured, moving the existing tub to the corner to allow for her vanity footprint to grow, incorporating additional storage and a sit-down makeup area.
Rounding out the second floor are bedrooms and bathrooms for the family’s three children. Atop the stairs, a built-in workbench is the perfect place for homework, keeping work and rest spaces separate even for the youngest scholars. The kids’ bathroom features a playful touch with pops of pink in the grout and the sink faucets, while a guest bath has a decidedly grown-up feel with moody charcoal details.
We’re redefining urban living with our Double Up renovation. By infusing the home with elegance, functionality, and a dash of drama, we've created a haven where modern luxury meets family-friendly comfort. Follow along on Instagram as we continue to elevate the art of interior design in the Windy City and beyond. Ready to design your dream home? Get in touch with us here.
