Contemporary Brownstone, Gold Coast, Chicago, IL
Interior Design & Furnishings
Design Approach
This four-story single family home in Chicago’s distinguished Gold Coast neighborhood was reimagined for a returning client seeking an elevated and elegant urban residence. A refined aesthetic drove every design decision for this complete interior refresh, including furnishings, accessories, new paint throughout, updated lighting, cabinet hardware, and intentionally selected artwork.
The client placed significant trust in the design team’s guidance, seeking a sophisticated yet livable atmosphere. Comfortable furnishings were essential, and layered textiles in the upholstery, pillows and window treatments lend softness, warmth and subtle texture. Contemporary pieces are paired with design classics, like an iconic Eames chair, celebrating the home’s architectural heritage while maintaining a fresh, modern edge.
Key Interior Spaces
In the living room, the compact footprint required careful planning. Storage cabinets flank the fireplace and the furniture arrangement provides visual balance. A desk placed within the window alcove offers a pleasant workspace overlooking the tree-lined street.
The dining room balances its existing traditional, white wainscoting in contrast with a striking gray marble Eero Saarinen designed table. Charcoal grasscloth wallpaper provides a dramatic backdrop, amplified by the contemporary crystal and glass lighting that casts prismatic shadows. The family room provides an everyday place for casual dining and conversation. It flows to an outdoor terrace above the garage, complete with grill, gas fireplace, heat lamps, speakers, and TV for entertaining beyond the seasons.
The main staircase was curated with a cozy nook outside the guest suites as a place for reading or relaxing. Guest bedrooms are a private retreat complete with workspace, audio and television, reminiscent of a boutique hotel.
The main suite was designed as a self-contained sanctuary with seating, television, coffee bar, and refrigerator, while grasscloth applied into the vaulted ceiling creates intimacy. Its two-story bathroom and dressing room have a central opening where natural light floods in from the skylights.
Curated art in a variety of mediums plays a key role in adding color, movement, and emotional impact, creating a sophisticated experience from room to room. These composed details craft a home that feels intimate yet sophisticated, blending history and modernity, designed for everyday comfort and gracious entertaining alike.
“We love how the design completely transformed our home into a space that feels both elegant and truly livable. Every detail was considered, and the result fits us perfectly—comfortable, beautiful, and exactly what we hoped for!”
