My Houzz: Chic Neutrals in a Designer’s Chicago Condo
Modern, minimalist style mixes with toddler-friendly touches in this family home
Rachel Loewen
April 11, 2018
Rachel is a Houzz Contributor, lifestyle photographer, and storyteller. She captures interiors, people, travels, food, and stylings. She's the co-creator of #OurChicagoStories, a graphic and floral designer, and recently moved from Chicago to Kansas City, Missouri.
Rachel is a Houzz Contributor, lifestyle photographer, and storyteller. She captures... More
Condo at a Glance
Who lives here: Jack and Kaylan Kane, their 2-year-old daughter, Zella, and their Shih Tzu-and-poodle mix, Bear
Location: Lincoln Park neighborhood of Chicago
Size: 1,200 square feet (111 square meters); two bedrooms, one bathroom
Year built: 1910
Jack and Kaylan Kane bought their Chicago condo in 2014 and then took their time updating it. “We have made small improvements slowly,” says Kaylan, the interior designer behind Olive Juice Interiors. “But the first thing we did before we moved in was to have the floors refinished and every room repainted.”
The bright and airy multipurpose living room, office and play area is where the family of three spends most of its time. Kaylan had this vintage sofa reupholstered to handle daily use. “We don’t own anything you can’t sit on or put your glass on,” she says. “We let the dog on the furniture and welcome people to do whatever they want. We bleach our white sofa, which we intentionally upholstered in Sunbrella fabric so we could wipe it clean. We want to live on our furniture and enjoy using it.” The throw pillows are custom.
Who lives here: Jack and Kaylan Kane, their 2-year-old daughter, Zella, and their Shih Tzu-and-poodle mix, Bear
Location: Lincoln Park neighborhood of Chicago
Size: 1,200 square feet (111 square meters); two bedrooms, one bathroom
Year built: 1910
Jack and Kaylan Kane bought their Chicago condo in 2014 and then took their time updating it. “We have made small improvements slowly,” says Kaylan, the interior designer behind Olive Juice Interiors. “But the first thing we did before we moved in was to have the floors refinished and every room repainted.”
The bright and airy multipurpose living room, office and play area is where the family of three spends most of its time. Kaylan had this vintage sofa reupholstered to handle daily use. “We don’t own anything you can’t sit on or put your glass on,” she says. “We let the dog on the furniture and welcome people to do whatever they want. We bleach our white sofa, which we intentionally upholstered in Sunbrella fabric so we could wipe it clean. We want to live on our furniture and enjoy using it.” The throw pillows are custom.
When the couple were looking to buy, they wanted something with high ceilings and enough space for a home office. “Everything we were shown in the beginning was post-2000 construction, which seemed too new to replace but just wasn’t our style, [meaning] lots of granite and cherrywood,” Kaylan says.
The Lincoln Park location was also a draw. “I have looked at other neighborhoods in the past, but the close proximity to the lake pulls me back every time,” Kaylan says. “We are so lucky to live within walking distance to the beach, the park and so many wonderful restaurants and amenities.”
The Kanes don’t have a car, so they walk and use public transportation to get around. But Kaylan doesn’t view it as a sacrifice. “I think Lincoln Park is the best neighborhood for families who want to walk out of their front door and have so many options right around the corner.”
And they love to walk around the city. “We stroll everywhere, and we use walking as our main form of cardio. So it’s likely we will take a 3- or 4-mile walk, and when we get home, we either lounge in the living room or snack in the kitchen.”
Maui jute braided rug: Rugs USA
The Lincoln Park location was also a draw. “I have looked at other neighborhoods in the past, but the close proximity to the lake pulls me back every time,” Kaylan says. “We are so lucky to live within walking distance to the beach, the park and so many wonderful restaurants and amenities.”
The Kanes don’t have a car, so they walk and use public transportation to get around. But Kaylan doesn’t view it as a sacrifice. “I think Lincoln Park is the best neighborhood for families who want to walk out of their front door and have so many options right around the corner.”
And they love to walk around the city. “We stroll everywhere, and we use walking as our main form of cardio. So it’s likely we will take a 3- or 4-mile walk, and when we get home, we either lounge in the living room or snack in the kitchen.”
Maui jute braided rug: Rugs USA
In addition to location, Kaylan believes “a home needs good ‘bones’, a manageable floor plan and as much natural light as you can get. Everything else can be fixed, adjusted and designed,” she says.
An example of this approach is the living room fireplace wall, which Kaylan recently covered with shiplap. “I’ve changed the face of the fireplace three times since we moved in,” she says. “I love mixing it up because it is such a focal point and easy to switch because it is a small area. Right now I have shiplap on it, but check back in a year and it might be something else.”
Kaylan found the vintage mirror on the mantel at a Brown Elephant Resale Shop and added gold leaf to the frame.
Lucille sculptural ribbon chandelier: Bradley; prints: Gallery Wall, Etsy
An example of this approach is the living room fireplace wall, which Kaylan recently covered with shiplap. “I’ve changed the face of the fireplace three times since we moved in,” she says. “I love mixing it up because it is such a focal point and easy to switch because it is a small area. Right now I have shiplap on it, but check back in a year and it might be something else.”
Kaylan found the vintage mirror on the mantel at a Brown Elephant Resale Shop and added gold leaf to the frame.
Lucille sculptural ribbon chandelier: Bradley; prints: Gallery Wall, Etsy
Just behind the main living space is Kaylan’s office area for Olive Juice Interiors and a corner play area for their daughter, Zella.
Zella’s black-and-white striped play tent tucked into corner complements the existing decor.
Gallop bench: CB2
Gallop bench: CB2
Kaylan uses this vintage rattan peacock chair as her desk chair. The custom cushion is covered in Schumacher fabric and trimmed with gold leather.
Peekaboo acrylic desk: CB2
Pull Up a Peacock Chair
Peekaboo acrylic desk: CB2
Pull Up a Peacock Chair
Kaylan lightened up the hallway with metallics, including gold cheetah-patterned wallpaper and sculptural art on the wall.
The mirror at the end of the hallway is a $15 garage sale find that Kaylan spray-painted gold.
“When we moved in, our contractor put up our chair rail, but when I was nine months pregnant, I really wanted to wallpaper it myself. Looking back now, I think I was nesting, and hormones must have taken over,” Kaylan says,
Cheetah wallpaper: Thibaut; wall decor (left side): Gold Leaf Design Group, Amazon
The mirror at the end of the hallway is a $15 garage sale find that Kaylan spray-painted gold.
“When we moved in, our contractor put up our chair rail, but when I was nine months pregnant, I really wanted to wallpaper it myself. Looking back now, I think I was nesting, and hormones must have taken over,” Kaylan says,
Cheetah wallpaper: Thibaut; wall decor (left side): Gold Leaf Design Group, Amazon
In the master bedroom, layered textures and patterns in a neutral color palette provide depth and interest while maintaining a sense of calm.
Sinnerlig bamboo pendant lamp: Ikea; bed frame: Robert Allen Design
Sinnerlig bamboo pendant lamp: Ikea; bed frame: Robert Allen Design
On the wall opposite the bed, a collection of Kaylan’s go-to books for design inspiration sits on top of a vintage dresser found at Brown Elephant.
Hex metal framed wall mirrors in antique brass: West Elm
Hex metal framed wall mirrors in antique brass: West Elm
The master bathroom features a primarily black-and-white palette. Kaylan installed Osborne & Little wallpaper depicting a map of Paris.
Where to Begin: Using Black and White in the Bathroom
Where to Begin: Using Black and White in the Bathroom
The couple removed the existing upper kitchen cabinets and installed simple open shelves, a range hood and a subway tile backsplash. The use of white paint combined with open shelving and neutral serveware turned the kitchen into an airy and functional space.
The Pros and Cons of Upper Kitchen Cabinets and Open Shelves
The Pros and Cons of Upper Kitchen Cabinets and Open Shelves
Kaylan added houseplants and art to style the open shelving.
Kaylan and her brother tiled the kitchen backsplash a few winters ago. “I think I’m still buying him drinks when we go out because of it,” she says.
Roman shade valance: J’aime Interiors, Etsy; Hadley four-light pendant chandelier: Ballard Designs; French kitchen island: Crate & Barrel
On the opposite wall, Kaylan installed watercolor artwork by Snoogs & Wilde.
Boston double-arm library lights: Circa Lighting
Boston double-arm library lights: Circa Lighting
A vintage embellishment in the kitchen displays a pineapple-shaped tumbler and mug. “As a designer, I love a colorful layered look filled with pattern and texture,” Kaylan says. “I like to mix the old and the new. I feel like a home should look gathered, not purchased all at once.
“As much as I like layers, I equally dislike clutter,” she adds. “I have edited things or pared down collections only to miss them later. But I think purging is a vital aspect of keeping a space livable. I think my home is a good reflection of this style of living.”
“As much as I like layers, I equally dislike clutter,” she adds. “I have edited things or pared down collections only to miss them later. But I think purging is a vital aspect of keeping a space livable. I think my home is a good reflection of this style of living.”
The dining room sits between the kitchen and the hallway. One of Kaylan’s favorite features is the room’s built-in cabinet and shelves. “It is original to the home, is great for storage and has so much character,” she says.
Kaylan painted the thrifted table white and added hits of color with the chair upholstery, artwork and rug.
Kaylan painted the thrifted table white and added hits of color with the chair upholstery, artwork and rug.
The kitchen is accessible from the dining room through the door on the left. Zella’s room is to the right.
The framed artwork above the console is from Kristi Kohut Studio.
The framed artwork above the console is from Kristi Kohut Studio.
Artwork: Kristi Kohut Studio; Antilocarpa rug: Stark
Zella’s bedroom has a luxurious feel, with a crystal chandelier, a custom canopy and floor-to-ceiling draperies.
“Zella has the best art in her room,” Kaylan says. “I really wanted to paper her room, but it was expensive and I knew in a few years we would be transitioning her to a ‘big girl’ room. So we selected great art to fill her walls instead,” she says.
“My friend and talented artist Caitlin of Cash Color hand-painted the letters in her room,” she adds. “They would be cool in any size or frame.”
The custom canopy was made by Utopio Custom Workroom from Schumacher fabric. Kaylan found the vintage Milling Road side tables at a thrift store, repainted them and added handles.
Savoy embroidered sheet set: Serena & Lily; headboard: Retro Daisy Girl, Etsy
“Zella has the best art in her room,” Kaylan says. “I really wanted to paper her room, but it was expensive and I knew in a few years we would be transitioning her to a ‘big girl’ room. So we selected great art to fill her walls instead,” she says.
“My friend and talented artist Caitlin of Cash Color hand-painted the letters in her room,” she adds. “They would be cool in any size or frame.”
The custom canopy was made by Utopio Custom Workroom from Schumacher fabric. Kaylan found the vintage Milling Road side tables at a thrift store, repainted them and added handles.
Savoy embroidered sheet set: Serena & Lily; headboard: Retro Daisy Girl, Etsy
Kaylan’s mother made this dollhouse, which Kaylan then painted.
Kaylan added Lucite pulls to update the original built-in armoire in the corner.
Vintage dresser: The Painted Lady; pulls: LuxHoldUps, Etsy
See more photos of this home
My Houzz is a series in which we visit and photograph creative, personality-filled homes and the people who inhabit them. Share your home with us and see more projects.
More home tours: Apartments | Small Homes | Colorful Homes | Contemporary Homes | Eclectic Homes | Farmhouses | Midcentury Homes | Modern Homes | Ranch Homes | Traditional Homes | Transitional Homes | All
Vintage dresser: The Painted Lady; pulls: LuxHoldUps, Etsy
See more photos of this home
My Houzz is a series in which we visit and photograph creative, personality-filled homes and the people who inhabit them. Share your home with us and see more projects.
More home tours: Apartments | Small Homes | Colorful Homes | Contemporary Homes | Eclectic Homes | Farmhouses | Midcentury Homes | Modern Homes | Ranch Homes | Traditional Homes | Transitional Homes | All
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Wow, gorgeous home! Thanks for sharing, your design is so inspiring! May I ask the name of the neutral paint colors on the walls?
I like how the designs look relaxed and uncluttered. Is the designer a fan of minimalism by chance?
So fresh and beautiful designs.