My Houzz: Calm, Crisp Neutrals in a Renovated 1887 Chicago House
Dreamy whites, warm wood accents and classic finishes help make this couple’s first home a relaxing retreat
Rachel Loewen
December 2, 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
“After” photos by Rachel Loewen; “before” photos by Jen Wille
House at a Glance
Who lives here: Adam and Jen Wille and their Portuguese water dog, Migo
Location: Logan Square neighborhood of Chicago
Size: 1,700 square feet (158 square meters); three bedrooms, 2½ bathrooms and a finished basement of 500 square feet (46 square meters)
For Jen Wille, who grew up in foster care, it always felt like a lofty dream to be a homeowner. “To be here now, with a family of my own in a house we built and love so very much, is such a gift,” she says. “It’s something I feel deeply grateful for every day.”
Jen, a professional life coach, and her husband, Adam Wille, a sales engineer, bought their 1887 fixer-upper in Chicago’s Logan Square neighborhood in the spring of 2016. The couple were renting a one-bedroom, one-bathroom third-floor walk-up apartment in nearby Wicker Park when they found their first home. “We loved the big backyard, the tree-lined street, and the house itself had a great foundation for us to build on,” Jen says.
The original two-story house had been converted to a duplex by its previous owners, a couple in their 90s. “It was used as a rental for a few years. The upstairs unit was a one-bedroom, one-bath apartment, and downstairs was a two-bedroom apartment,” Jen says. “The house had been worked on a few times in the past, but it needed work.”
House at a Glance
Who lives here: Adam and Jen Wille and their Portuguese water dog, Migo
Location: Logan Square neighborhood of Chicago
Size: 1,700 square feet (158 square meters); three bedrooms, 2½ bathrooms and a finished basement of 500 square feet (46 square meters)
For Jen Wille, who grew up in foster care, it always felt like a lofty dream to be a homeowner. “To be here now, with a family of my own in a house we built and love so very much, is such a gift,” she says. “It’s something I feel deeply grateful for every day.”
Jen, a professional life coach, and her husband, Adam Wille, a sales engineer, bought their 1887 fixer-upper in Chicago’s Logan Square neighborhood in the spring of 2016. The couple were renting a one-bedroom, one-bathroom third-floor walk-up apartment in nearby Wicker Park when they found their first home. “We loved the big backyard, the tree-lined street, and the house itself had a great foundation for us to build on,” Jen says.
The original two-story house had been converted to a duplex by its previous owners, a couple in their 90s. “It was used as a rental for a few years. The upstairs unit was a one-bedroom, one-bath apartment, and downstairs was a two-bedroom apartment,” Jen says. “The house had been worked on a few times in the past, but it needed work.”
Before: This is the first-floor apartment prior to renovations. The couple enlisted an architect, a general contractor and a design team that included Jen’s foster parents and foster sister to help with their house transformation. “We took the house down to the studs and ended up renovating just about every nook and cranny,” Jen says.
Gayle and Carlos Moran, Jen’s foster parents, have home-building experience through their company, Gayle Homes, and helped consult throughout the process. Interior designer Jessica Moran, Jen’s foster sister, helped the couple with the layout and design. “Together they offered tremendous invaluable mentorship throughout our home renovation,” Jen says.
Architect Andrzej Kacprzynski of Pro-Plan Architects drew the house plans, and the couple worked closely with general contractor Marek Chaj of HiTec Group and his recommended tradespeople and subcontractors on the electrical, plumbing and flooring work.
One of the couple’s main design objectives was to create a more open floor plan with a bright and light feel. “We wanted to preserve as much as we could, but the house didn’t have a lot of original features or things we could save,” Jen says. “I loved the existing trim and style of the house so took inspiration where I could to incorporate into our new design.”
How to Find Your Renovation Team
Gayle and Carlos Moran, Jen’s foster parents, have home-building experience through their company, Gayle Homes, and helped consult throughout the process. Interior designer Jessica Moran, Jen’s foster sister, helped the couple with the layout and design. “Together they offered tremendous invaluable mentorship throughout our home renovation,” Jen says.
Architect Andrzej Kacprzynski of Pro-Plan Architects drew the house plans, and the couple worked closely with general contractor Marek Chaj of HiTec Group and his recommended tradespeople and subcontractors on the electrical, plumbing and flooring work.
One of the couple’s main design objectives was to create a more open floor plan with a bright and light feel. “We wanted to preserve as much as we could, but the house didn’t have a lot of original features or things we could save,” Jen says. “I loved the existing trim and style of the house so took inspiration where I could to incorporate into our new design.”
How to Find Your Renovation Team
The homeowners had the entire place gutted since they discovered wood damage from a previous house fire. “The original studs were pretty much toast and not in good condition,” Jen says. “We saw that joists were charred after demolition,” Adam adds.
Jen, pictured with Adam in their newly renovated living room, says that having Jessica Moran’s design help throughout the remodeling and decorating process was instrumental. “She helped us decide on things like the lighting, layout and design as well as aesthetic touches like shiplap, trim details and outlet placement, to name a few,” Jen says. “Carlos’ and Jessica’s insight was so helpful for us because we were complete newbies to home remodeling and building.
“After we closed on the house, it took a few months to get our permits and design approved through the city,” Jen says. “There was some pitter-patter of back and forth before demolition, and you’re in a waiting period as you rent and own a house at the same time,” Adam adds. Looking back at the process, he says, “I would have different expectations from a budget and timeline perspective. I wish I would have realized that earlier. But ultimately it was totally worth it. I can’t imagine living anywhere else now.”
Find an interior designer to help with your project
Jen, pictured with Adam in their newly renovated living room, says that having Jessica Moran’s design help throughout the remodeling and decorating process was instrumental. “She helped us decide on things like the lighting, layout and design as well as aesthetic touches like shiplap, trim details and outlet placement, to name a few,” Jen says. “Carlos’ and Jessica’s insight was so helpful for us because we were complete newbies to home remodeling and building.
“After we closed on the house, it took a few months to get our permits and design approved through the city,” Jen says. “There was some pitter-patter of back and forth before demolition, and you’re in a waiting period as you rent and own a house at the same time,” Adam adds. Looking back at the process, he says, “I would have different expectations from a budget and timeline perspective. I wish I would have realized that earlier. But ultimately it was totally worth it. I can’t imagine living anywhere else now.”
Find an interior designer to help with your project
After: This view shows the new open floor plan for the first floor. It welcomes in more natural light and provides a view of the dining and living areas from the kitchen.
Before: This is the separate entrance and dark stairwell that led to a one-bedroom apartment on the second floor.
“The existing flooring was redone by the previous owner but was not original to the home. There were gaps and creaking, and it was not consistent throughout the house,” Jen says. The couple had red oak hardwood flooring installed during the renovations.
“The existing flooring was redone by the previous owner but was not original to the home. There were gaps and creaking, and it was not consistent throughout the house,” Jen says. The couple had red oak hardwood flooring installed during the renovations.
The couple added a custom mantel and a White Mountain Hearth gas fireplace insert to the living room as a focal point, with shiplap trim above it. “The house didn’t have a fireplace, and we didn’t think to add one but decided to at the last-minute after my foster dad Carlos suggested the idea,” Jen says. “I’m so glad we did.” The couple worked closely with their general contractor, who has a background in carpentry and finishing, to design their mantel. “When we were telling Marek what we wanted, he drew on the drywall what it would look like and helped bring the whole idea to life,” Adam says.
The couple then chose gray-and-white Moroccan-style cement tiles to complete the look.
Framed on the wall are four prints showing favorite places the couple has traveled to: Venice and the Cinque Terra in Italy, Costa Rica and the Pacific Northwest.
Shop for Moroccan-style cement tiles on Houzz
The couple then chose gray-and-white Moroccan-style cement tiles to complete the look.
Framed on the wall are four prints showing favorite places the couple has traveled to: Venice and the Cinque Terra in Italy, Costa Rica and the Pacific Northwest.
Shop for Moroccan-style cement tiles on Houzz
“I really wanted our home to feel energizing and welcoming while being comfortable, clean and relaxing,” Jen says. “When it came to furnishing, it was really important to me to not rush the process. It took us about a year to finish our renovations, and so I wanted to have the same amount of patience towards finding the right pieces for each room.”
In the corner is a Draecana deremensis ‘Janet Craig’ houseplant. “I call it my pineapple plant,” Jen says.
The couple hired Drozd Painting & Drywall to paint the interior of house.
Find a local painter on Houzz
In the corner is a Draecana deremensis ‘Janet Craig’ houseplant. “I call it my pineapple plant,” Jen says.
The couple hired Drozd Painting & Drywall to paint the interior of house.
Find a local painter on Houzz
Before: The existing layout made the kitchen feel enclosed. They worked with Mary Fiala, Adam’s aunt and a kitchen and bath designer, who configured a more open layout.
“She was such a tremendous help to us when designing our kitchen. Mary helped come up with ideas about the new flow of the space and showed the ideal key measurements, and her role was critical to help with those kinds of details,” Jen says.
How to Work With a Kitchen Designer
“She was such a tremendous help to us when designing our kitchen. Mary helped come up with ideas about the new flow of the space and showed the ideal key measurements, and her role was critical to help with those kinds of details,” Jen says.
How to Work With a Kitchen Designer
After: The homeowners went with a neutral palette in the kitchen, starting with their custom Shaker cabinets, glossy quartz countertops and stainless steel appliances. They worked with Michael Panitch at Chicago Kitchen Concepts to design their cabinets. They also worked closely with Fiala to make sure the cabinet measurements were precise.
“Mary also helped guide me in making some of our bigger decisions, like whether to go with an island versus a peninsula,” Jen says. “I really wanted an island, but after she sketched out the two options, it made much more sense to go with the peninsula, and I’m glad we did.
“Jessica was key in helping me design the upper cabinets to go all the way to the top under the ceiling,” and in deciding on the range hood type and style, Jen adds. The glass cabinet fronts let special serving pieces show through.
New can lighting and globe-style pendants help create a layered lighting design.
How to Choose Your Kitchen Lighting
“Mary also helped guide me in making some of our bigger decisions, like whether to go with an island versus a peninsula,” Jen says. “I really wanted an island, but after she sketched out the two options, it made much more sense to go with the peninsula, and I’m glad we did.
“Jessica was key in helping me design the upper cabinets to go all the way to the top under the ceiling,” and in deciding on the range hood type and style, Jen adds. The glass cabinet fronts let special serving pieces show through.
New can lighting and globe-style pendants help create a layered lighting design.
How to Choose Your Kitchen Lighting
With the previous wall removed, the new kitchen layout opens to their dining area. The couple worked with Grant and Sam Bloechl of Big Rock Woodworks to design and build their custom table.
“We love our round table,” Jen says. “Our friends built it, and designing it together with them was such a fun process.” Above it hangs a Capiz shell chandelier.
Pyramid side chairs: Modway
“We love our round table,” Jen says. “Our friends built it, and designing it together with them was such a fun process.” Above it hangs a Capiz shell chandelier.
Pyramid side chairs: Modway
“I always wanted a really big, bright kitchen window that lets in a lot of light, and I just feel such happy vibes being in that space,” Jen says. The couple installed a white farmhouse-style sink and a chrome pull-down faucet, and both homeowners enjoy looking out at the backyard through their expansive windows.
The couple loved using Houzz while deciding on finishes. “I pulled pictures for inspiration for our kitchen,” Jen says. “I also liked using Houzz when I was looking for specific items. For example, when I was looking for hardware pulls for our kitchen, it was helpful to find images on Houzz because oftentimes direct links would be included to see where the hardware was from,” she says. They went with brushed nickel knobs and pulls.
Shop for apron-front sinks
The couple loved using Houzz while deciding on finishes. “I pulled pictures for inspiration for our kitchen,” Jen says. “I also liked using Houzz when I was looking for specific items. For example, when I was looking for hardware pulls for our kitchen, it was helpful to find images on Houzz because oftentimes direct links would be included to see where the hardware was from,” she says. They went with brushed nickel knobs and pulls.
Shop for apron-front sinks
Just off the kitchen and dining area is Jen’s home office, decorated in a soft blush pink-and-white color scheme. “Coffee shops used to be my pseudo office, so it is really nice to now have a quiet space designated for my coaching practice,” she says. “As a life coach, I spend a lot of time chatting with clients or working virtually from my laptop.
“This is the spot where my love for blush pinks gets to come out and play,” Jen says. “From small touches in the carpet and pillows to wall art and shelf decor, it is easily one of my favorite rooms to hang out in.”
Vintage medallion pink area rug: NuLOOM
“This is the spot where my love for blush pinks gets to come out and play,” Jen says. “From small touches in the carpet and pillows to wall art and shelf decor, it is easily one of my favorite rooms to hang out in.”
Vintage medallion pink area rug: NuLOOM
Jen previously worked as a teacher before making a career shift to becoming a life coach. “I work from home and work with people internationally — it is the best job.”
She uses a simple white metal shelf in her office to display houseplants, books and a microphone, which she uses to record her life-coaching podcast, First + Foremost. “The work I do is about [people] taking care of themselves from the inside out. The podcast is about self-care, and I share tips for helping people feel aligned and well,” Jen says.
She uses a simple white metal shelf in her office to display houseplants, books and a microphone, which she uses to record her life-coaching podcast, First + Foremost. “The work I do is about [people] taking care of themselves from the inside out. The podcast is about self-care, and I share tips for helping people feel aligned and well,” Jen says.
The couple prioritized letting in as much natural light as possible in their design of this home office. “Since it’s one of the smaller rooms in our home, we decided to incorporate glass windows in the door to make it feel bigger,” Jen says.
The couple’s interior designer helped create this simple wall installation using a collection of wicker baskets. “She wanted to add contrast to the white in our kitchen and did this by adding some organic textures,” Jen says.
Designer Tips: How to Be a Good Client for Your Interior Designer
Designer Tips: How to Be a Good Client for Your Interior Designer
The house features a detached garage, and this back door entrance opens to this mudroom. It features white shiplap walls and black hooks for a modern farmhouse-inspired look and feel.
3 Top Ingredients of Modern Farmhouse Style
3 Top Ingredients of Modern Farmhouse Style
The first-floor powder room is at the bottom of the staircase. With its scalloped-patterned wallpaper, vintage mirror and gray vanity, the space showcases the couple’s love of warm textures and neutrals.
Brooks vanity in Chilled Gray: Avanity
Brooks vanity in Chilled Gray: Avanity
The stairs lead to three upstairs bedrooms. The stairwell features white shiplap walls and a white wood and gold metal bead chandelier.
Browse more chandeliers
Browse more chandeliers
The master bedroom is designed with warm and inviting textured neutral textiles, anchored by the hand-carved wooden headboard.
The couple worked with Big Rock Woodworks to design and build their custom side tables. “We had limited space in our room on the sides and needed something custom,” Jen says. “Big Rock Woodworks took our drawings and brought our visions to life.”
Shop for wood headboards
The couple worked with Big Rock Woodworks to design and build their custom side tables. “We had limited space in our room on the sides and needed something custom,” Jen says. “Big Rock Woodworks took our drawings and brought our visions to life.”
Shop for wood headboards
The couple used Houzz and collaborated on an ideabook for design ideas. They also bought their double white vanity with a Carrara marble countertop on Houzz. The sink fixtures have a polished chrome finish, and Jen added warm wood accents through wicker baskets and framed art from the Renegade Craft Fair.
“When we initially drew up the plans, we wanted a vintage-style bathtub, but because of permitting issues, we went with a large walk-in shower instead,” Jen says. The other upstairs bathroom, shown in the next picture, includes a soaking tub.
London double sink vanity in white: Design Element
“When we initially drew up the plans, we wanted a vintage-style bathtub, but because of permitting issues, we went with a large walk-in shower instead,” Jen says. The other upstairs bathroom, shown in the next picture, includes a soaking tub.
London double sink vanity in white: Design Element
The couple found the framed art prints for their upstairs guest bathroom from independent designers at the Renegade Craft Fair.
Browse round bathroom mirrors
Browse round bathroom mirrors
This is the couple’s guest bedroom. The homeowners installed the same red oak hardwood flooring upstairs to match the downstairs.
“We are just over a year in of living here, and our home is finally feeling furnished,” Jen says. “We couldn’t be more at peace in it. It feels like us when we walk into it. We love living here so much.”
After all the work they’ve put into their home, Jen is quick to share that “it means all that it means to me because of the love I have for my husband and the teamwork we poured into making it a home.”
Anya upholstered queen bed in light gray: Modway
“We are just over a year in of living here, and our home is finally feeling furnished,” Jen says. “We couldn’t be more at peace in it. It feels like us when we walk into it. We love living here so much.”
After all the work they’ve put into their home, Jen is quick to share that “it means all that it means to me because of the love I have for my husband and the teamwork we poured into making it a home.”
Anya upholstered queen bed in light gray: Modway
Before: The exterior of the home had not been touched in years and needed updating to improve its curb appeal. The couple used an ideabook with photos of exterior designs to collaborate and go over styles and features they liked together with their architect and general contractor.
“The existing tree added shade but dominated our front yard, so we ended up removing it,” Jen says. “The tree-removal service we used made sure the wood would be responsibly repurposed for something else.”
“The existing tree added shade but dominated our front yard, so we ended up removing it,” Jen says. “The tree-removal service we used made sure the wood would be responsibly repurposed for something else.”
After: The exterior transformation includes new Hardie board siding, Marvin wood windows, a new black front door, outdoor lighting, a concrete walkway and plantings.
Another big change was adding a porch with a wooden deck. “I knew I really wanted a front porch,” Jen says. “One of the things I love about Chicago is seeing people hanging out on their front stoops. We craved this after living in an apartment for so many years without an outdoor area to enjoy.”
Another big change was adding a porch with a wooden deck. “I knew I really wanted a front porch,” Jen says. “One of the things I love about Chicago is seeing people hanging out on their front stoops. We craved this after living in an apartment for so many years without an outdoor area to enjoy.”
The new front porch is a family favorite. “We use it quite a bit,” Jen says. “We like to sit outside with a cup of coffee in the morning while Migo people- and puppy-watches.
“We both love living in Chicago and think it is one of the best cities. The walkability some of the neighborhoods have to offer is what ultimately led us to Logan Square,” she says. “We like being able to ride our bikes, walk to local shops and get around the city easily without a car. Having a dog helps us stay active, and a bonus of living in Chicago is that so many restaurants are dog-friendly.
“Now, walking into our home, I am overcome with feelings for just how much I love being here. It feels like the home I always longed to have,” Jen says.
See more 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 on Houzz
How Much Does It Cost to Hire an Interior Designer?
Browse porch and patio furniture
“We both love living in Chicago and think it is one of the best cities. The walkability some of the neighborhoods have to offer is what ultimately led us to Logan Square,” she says. “We like being able to ride our bikes, walk to local shops and get around the city easily without a car. Having a dog helps us stay active, and a bonus of living in Chicago is that so many restaurants are dog-friendly.
“Now, walking into our home, I am overcome with feelings for just how much I love being here. It feels like the home I always longed to have,” Jen says.
See more 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 on Houzz
How Much Does It Cost to Hire an Interior Designer?
Browse porch and patio furniture
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What a lovely renovation! It looks more vibrant. The right lighting fixtures can make a huge difference in that department.
Great job!
Lovely! Can you tell me the brand and name of the counters please?