Meet Me in the Middle

Some homes check all the boxes from the start, while others need a bit of vision to become the perfect fit. For this project, our clients brought us in early, looking for expert guidance on which home had the most potential. We explored several listings together before they landed on this one, it was clear it had great potential. We were thrilled by the opportunity to dive into a complete gut renovation and reconfigure the layout of the first floor to adapt the home to fit their family’s needs.

The front great room sets the tone for the entire home: an inviting balance of warmth, texture, and effortless flow. A soft, airy palette is grounded by earthy pops of color, creating a sense of calm from the moment you step inside. Texture plays a leading role throughout, starting with stunning herringbone floors that add movement and depth. The fireplace, though subtle, is a statement in itself, finished in Venetian plaster for an elegant, tactile effect. Every furniture piece was chosen with intention—soft, sculptural forms that feel as good as they look, all while being kid-friendly with no sharp edges. The result is a space that feels beautifully curated yet completely livable, seamlessly connecting to the rest of the home.

The staircase was one of the few elements that had to remain structurally intact, as it was millbuilt into the home. While the existing treads stayed, we gave the entire staircase a fresh, modern look through strategic cosmetic updates. The treads were stained black, a sleek runner was added, and we completely updated the rails and spindles to bring in a more refined aesthetic. Behind the stairs, a four-story window once filled with dated glass blocks was transformed with frosted glass, allowing natural light to pour in while maintaining a sense of privacy.

In the dining room, function meets beauty in the most seamless way. With no room for coat storage in the entryway, we built custom coat closets into this space, disguising them as part of a sleek buffet area. Above the dining table, we selected a sculptural light fixture as the statement. Texture plays a key role here, with plush boucle chairs inviting guests to linger and a black-stained table grounding the space with its rich, tactile finish.

The kitchen underwent the biggest transformation in the home, starting with a complete layout overhaul. By relocating the powder room, we were able to fully open up the space and reorient the island, allowing it to run parallel for optimal seating and a more functional cooking flow. The design was intentionally kept minimal, with sleek flat-panel cabinetry and integrated range hood, letting the materials take center stage. A fluted backsplash adds striking texture, complemented by the rich, organic beauty of Taj Mahal quartzite countertops. Underfoot, the warmth of herringbone floors ties everything together, making the kitchen a beautiful and functional space.

Directly off of the kitchen, the family room was designed to feel like a natural extension of the space. With a family that loves books, maximizing display areas was a top priority. We incorporated floating shelves with artful detailing on the back, paired with closed cabinetry below. The TV and fireplace wall introduced a bold contrast by blacking out both elements. For seating, we mapped out the largest possible sectional to create a cozy feel, complemented by an ottoman with a moveable tabletop. Thoughtfully planned for both comfort and flow, the space maintains a warm, inviting atmosphere.

The powder room is super moody and dark, with rich textures throughout: striking stone on the floating vanity, an artful mirror, and textured wallpaper that all work together to create a bold, dramatic statement.

An underutilized spot in the hallway overlooking the living room was transformed into a cozy reading nook, complete with the client's dream Eames chair and a towel bar for a blanket. To embrace the space's unique shape, we added a fun, organic rug that pulls everything together, creating a perfect retreat for book lovers.

The primary bedroom was designed to be a serene escape, offering a hotel-like vibe where our clients could unwind in comfort. A stunning fluted wall detail acts as a perfect accent behind the headboard, creating a subtle yet striking focal point. The floating nightstand adds a modern touch, contributing to the room's clean and airy aesthetic. The furniture was carefully chosen in tone-on-tone shades to enhance the soothing atmosphere. On the opposite side of the room, we removed the existing fireplace and reimagined the space with built-in dresser drawers and open shelving above, maximizing storage without sacrificing style. A cozy reading nook in between completes the design, providing another spot to relax and unwind.

The primary bath presented a unique challenge with its compact footprint, but we made it feel airy and open while maximizing storage. The vanity was extended to its full potential, offering ample drawer storage, and a triple-medicine cabinet mirror above. To keep the shower feeling open and spacious, we added a small bench along the back wall and cleverly extruded a stone shampoo tower, creating a seamless and functional design element.

Each bathroom was designed to feel cohesive with the rest of the home, yet each holds its own distinct personality. We pulled in core earth-tone colors to unify the spaces while adding their own touches. Throughout all the bathrooms, handmade textures were thoughtfully incorporated, adding depth and personality to each space without sacrificing the overall harmony.

For the basement playroom, we teamed up with grOH! to create a fun and functional kids’ getaway. The space features a lofted area with a playhouse underneath, offering plenty of room for imagination and play.

PROJECT DETAILS

ROLE

Interior Design
Architectural Consulting
Custom Built-ins
Furnishing and Accessorizing
Window Treatments

LOCATION

Chicago, IL

PHOTOGRAPHY

Stoffer Photographer