Houzz Tours
My Houzz: European Heritage Animates an Illinois Home
An art-loving family pays tribute to their Lithuanian roots with one-of-a-kind traditional folk pieces and hand-crafted collectibles
Inspired by his artist father's work, Marius Daugvila and his wife, Cheryl, remodeled their 1970s single-story ranch to pay tribute to the family's Lithuanian heritage. Modern finishes and traditional artwork mix in this warm, charming and handmade home that has the look and feel of a European cabin retreat.
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Cheryl and Marius Daugvila and their son, Darius
Location: Downer's Grove, a suburb of Chicago
Size: 2,500 square feet; 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms
That's interesting: The entryway is lined with stained mosaic panels reclaimed from one of Marius' father's old art projects.
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Cheryl and Marius Daugvila and their son, Darius
Location: Downer's Grove, a suburb of Chicago
Size: 2,500 square feet; 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms
That's interesting: The entryway is lined with stained mosaic panels reclaimed from one of Marius' father's old art projects.
The living area is the anchor that pulls the separate spaces on the main floor together. Marius built the custom TV console himself. The top of the console functions as an additional kitchen shelf and allows for an open view from the kitchen to the living area. The fireplace mantel is made with a reclaimed wood beam from a barn.
A folk art painting by Indre Lukas hangs above the fireplace, and a stained glass panel made of bottle glass and acrylic catches the natural light from the kitchen windows.
Couch, chairs: Darvin Furniture; fan: Fanimation
A folk art painting by Indre Lukas hangs above the fireplace, and a stained glass panel made of bottle glass and acrylic catches the natural light from the kitchen windows.
Couch, chairs: Darvin Furniture; fan: Fanimation
The couple wanted an open kitchen design that encourages guests to hang out and chat while Cheryl cooks. The kitchen island is made of a mix of zebrawood and concrete. The refrigerator doors are covered with panels made of a mixture of glass and wood.
Bar stools: Cost Plus World Market; pendant lamps: Arhaus
Bar stools: Cost Plus World Market; pendant lamps: Arhaus
An earthy and warm color palette changes little from room to room. "We wanted a nontrendy, livable feeling that would never be dated in design and very comfortable during every season of the year," says Cheryl.
Painting: Indre Lukas, purchased in Beverly Shores, Indiana
Painting: Indre Lukas, purchased in Beverly Shores, Indiana
Jurgis had a huge influence on the couple. Through him, they discovered new European artists, whose work complements the wood carvings, glass panels and weavings done by Jurgis. His original wood carvings sit just above the doorway to the porch in this shot.
A small landing at the top of the staircase is home to a Nicholas Klein rocking horse that Cheryl salvaged from a garage sale.
The couple chose for the bedroom a warm but different color palette from the rest of the home. Soft purple hues blend nicely with the warm tones of the home.
A lovely private patio sits just outside the bedroom. The couple loves to start or end the day here, having coffee in the morning or cocktails in the evening.
Light fixture: Hubbardton Forge
A lovely private patio sits just outside the bedroom. The couple loves to start or end the day here, having coffee in the morning or cocktails in the evening.
Light fixture: Hubbardton Forge
To utilize the space in their master bedroom properly, the his and hers sinks face opposite each other. Cheryl loves their steam shower, which has an aromatherapy feature. A small skylight in the shower area provides additional daylight for a more tranquil experience.
Countertop: Calacatta gold marble
Countertop: Calacatta gold marble
To not overcrowd the master bath, the tub was placed in the hallway bathroom. "The soaking tub in the hall bath is for when I need to unwind, and it has wonderful therapeutic effects in the cold Chicago winters," says Cheryl.
Countertops: Sahara gold marble; sconces: Kohler
Countertops: Sahara gold marble; sconces: Kohler
Building their son's bed as a loft bunk saved space in his bedroom. The wood for this bed is reclaimed from Cheryl's old showroom in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
A bonus room above the attached garage holds a drum set, a billiards table and a TV for cheering on their favorite local sports team, the Chicago Bears.
A side yard just off the screened porch holds the family's edible garden. Cheryl loves being able to walk outside and pick a fresh tomato or cucumber off the vine and harvest their homegrown Brussels sprouts.
The area also features a hot tub for nighttime dips while stargazing. The master bedroom balcony looks down onto the screened-in porch. Cheryl found the beautiful willow chairs at a craft show 15 years ago.
Houzz call: Do you live in a creative, art-filled home? Share it with us.
The area also features a hot tub for nighttime dips while stargazing. The master bedroom balcony looks down onto the screened-in porch. Cheryl found the beautiful willow chairs at a craft show 15 years ago.
Houzz call: Do you live in a creative, art-filled home? Share it with us.
"Our home is a means to express comfort, reality and a place where everyone feels welcome," Cheryl says. "A place where one can put their feet on the furniture and let it get a little messy."