Discover a truly unique Chicago residence we designed in collaboration with a visionary client and architect. The result is a dreamy perch on the edge of the world, with a touch of urban artist's loft.

The iconic Beaux Arts building on the s-curve of Lakeshore Drive is one of the oldest condo buildings in Chicago, built in 1920 by renowned architect Benjamin Marshall. After living in the building for years, our clients had the opportunity to acquire a neighboring unit and combine the two to create a 7,000-square-foot home with plenty of room for their daughter, two dogs, and guests. Seeking a more modern feel for the home, the family hired local architect Vladimir Radutny to move walls, open up the spaces, and bring his clean-lined minimalist vision to the previously ornate rooms.

The clients brought us on board to design the furnishings, lighting, and interior finishes after working with us on a full remodel of their Aspen home. The goal was to create serene and spirited spaces with warmth, comfort, and the light-hearted play of pattern and color that defines this client's personal style. Design elements throughout the home were guided by our client, an artist who loves circles, organic shapes, and vibrant colors, all balanced with her wish for open spaces, soft textures, and calm, neutral tones. The resulting residence is defined by stunning wrap-around views of Lake Michigan, the Gold Coast, and Chicago's beloved Oak Street Beach. The city-facing side of the building gazes up at the John Hancock Tower and the high rises of Michigan Avenue.

The dining room features some of the original ornately paneled ceiling, now recessed in a mirrored and lit alcove, contrasted with bright white walls and modern rift oak millwork. The custom elliptical table was designed by Radutny.

The home's minimalist modern kitchen is designed to reflect the ever-changing lakeside moods of sea and sky. The artfully aligned cabinets, dine-in island, and window-facing sink are outfitted with organic touches that bring warmth without distracting from the views.

In the primary bedroom, a custom white-oak headboard and nightstands frame a luscious blue mohair wing bed by Ligne Roset. The primary closet is designed to provide ample storage while maximizing the endless views. A sitting area in the primary bedroom features a large Mooi loveseat, a custom ottoman in a John Derian art-print fabric, and not much other than Lake Michigan's meditative expanse. The primary bathrooms are warm and serene, with custom electric mirrors, white penny tile, and a whimsical concrete tile floor.

A guest bedroom invites one to rest in the vast watery views while providing cozy textures, ample built-in storage, and a custom organic-shaped bathroom vanity and mirror.

In the family room, a floating desk looks out towards Navy Pier. In the TV lounge, a slatted oak wall has sound-buffering properties. A spacious central hallway provides well-lit gallery walls for the client's collection of art and vintage posters.

On the west side of the residence, an art studio looks out at a classic Chicago fire escape and the towering Gold Coast high-rises above. A second kitchen, laundry room, and butler's pantry provide the perfect back-of-house spaces for everyday tasks and special events.

We hope you enjoyed this look inside this special Chicago home. We give huge thanks to the clients and architects for all they brought to this co-creation.

Joe McGuire Design is an Aspen and Boulder interior design firm bringing a uniquely holistic approach to home interiors since 2005.

For more about Joe McGuire Design, see here: https://www.joemcguiredesign.com/

To learn more about this project, see here:
https://www.joemcguiredesign.com/lake-shore-drive