Introducing: Hidden Gem
Tucked away in a quiet Chicago neighborhood, DGI Hidden Gem is exactly that—a stunning, understated retreat designed for both comfort and style. This home seamlessly blends an inviting warmth with a refined aesthetic, creating a space that feels effortlessly sophisticated yet livable. The homeowners envisioned a place where they could host family and friends with ease, prioritizing both beauty and functionality in every detail.
The design concept is rooted in a neutral foundation with layered elements that add depth and character. While the home maintains an organic, minimal aesthetic, jewel tones weave through key spaces like the powder room and sitting room, bringing moments of richness and contrast (hence the name, Hidden Gem). A curated mix of warm wood tones, striking stone selections, and a blend of brass and black metals add dimension. Every material was chosen with longevity in mind, ensuring that fabrics are both durable and stain resistant—perfect for a home designed to welcome guests with open arms.
den
Designed with versatility in mind, this room serves as a perfect retreat for the clients' boys and their friends to hang out, have sleepovers, or watch movies. A pull-out couch adds extra sleeping space, while a Murphy-bed effortlessly transforms from a desk into a bed, offering both a functional spot for homework and an additional sleep option. The room's rich brown hues create a moodier, more inviting atmosphere, while brass metal accents throughout the furniture add a sophisticated touch. It’s the ideal balance of comfort and style, perfect for family gatherings and entertaining friends alike.
powder room
Nicknamed the Jewel Box, the powder room may be small in size, but it makes a bold statement. Embracing the room’s verticality, a tall, slender mirror draws the eye upward, enhancing the sense of height. Striking triangular light fixtures add sculptural interest, while an integrated Michelangelo quartzite vanity and sink seamlessly blends function with artistry. The rich, blue wallcovering, designed with a plaster-like texture, reflects light beautifully, creating a luminous patina that adds depth to the space.
SITTING ROOM
The sitting room is where thoughtful design meets playful comfort, with a built-in nook dedicated to the kids’ reading time. We added a sofa right into the built-in for ultimate coziness. The accent chair steals the show with its eye-catching wood strip detail—perfect for making a statement when you walk into the room. With an asymmetrical layout and a round rug grounding the space, the furniture layout flows effortlessly and feels just right.
Bold jewel-toned maroon makes an appearance in the two-tone built-in shelves, with integrated LED strips to showcase their book collection like a work of art. Organic touches in the light fixture and a kidney-bean-shaped coffee table complete the look, blending fun and sophistication for a space that’s as stylish as it is functional.
Dining Room
The dining room was designed to break up the lighter tones in the home, with a striking espresso wood dining table taking center stage. To ensure longevity and functionality, we chose performance-based black fabric for the chairs, making them highly durable and stain-resistant. The sculptural, three-legged chairs add a unique touch, creating visual interest without overwhelming the space.
A statement light fixture with brass details illuminates the room, adding a minimal yet impactful presence. Since the clients love to host, we included overflow seating that not only accommodates guests but also serves as a cozy spot for curling up with a book.
Living Room
The living room combines sleek design with hidden functionality, featuring riff cut white oak cabinetry with brass hardware and open shelving on the left side. When the cabinet doors are opened, they pocket away to reveal a hidden bar—perfect for entertaining, but discreet enough to keep it a secret. The true hidden gem of the project: the bar is wrapped in a pink Onyx stone that will be backlit to offer the perfect glow when in use. On the right, a floating shelf wraps the piano, custom-fit to the space, ensuring the room feels personalized and cohesive. The sectional maximizes the layout, with ample clearance between walls, and the warm hues of the pillows and coffee table bring a cozy, inviting feel.
DGI Hidden Gem is a perfect balance of warmth, functionality, and bold yet refined design. Every detail was thoughtfully curated to create a home that feels both inviting and effortlessly stylish. We’re so excited to bring this vision to life and can’t wait to see it all come together!
