Houzz Tours
Houzz Tour: A Soothing Retreat in the Heart of Chicago
A former office space is renovated into a luxurious second home for an Illinois family
This relaxing urban haven was designed for a suburban family whose main residence is just north of Chicago. The husband had a demanding job in the city, so the family decided to get an apartment there so they could enjoy and learn more about Chicago.
Located just off Michigan Avenue in the heart of the Magnificent Mile, this apartment is in a multi-use building where office spaces were converted into residences. Interior designer Jessica Lagrange worked with the family to make this 3-bedroom, 3,300-square-foot space feel like home with soothing neutrals, luxurious textiles, and a minimal and clean decor.
Located just off Michigan Avenue in the heart of the Magnificent Mile, this apartment is in a multi-use building where office spaces were converted into residences. Interior designer Jessica Lagrange worked with the family to make this 3-bedroom, 3,300-square-foot space feel like home with soothing neutrals, luxurious textiles, and a minimal and clean decor.
The living room is Lagrange's favorite space in this house. "There's very little color used, but the mixing and matching of textures and finishes really came together," she says. Stainless steel, glass, lacquer, and a contrast of sharp edges and curvy shapes create a visually interesting space, even without a lot of color.
Chairs: Standard Latin Chair by Christian Liaigre
Sofa: Custom Beluga Sofa by Christian Liaigre
Coffee table: The Metreon Table by Zographos Designs Limited
Chairs: Standard Latin Chair by Christian Liaigre
Sofa: Custom Beluga Sofa by Christian Liaigre
Coffee table: The Metreon Table by Zographos Designs Limited
A simple wall shelf works as a functional and decorative accent — almost like a mantle. Although her clients wanted a decidedly contemporary look, Lagrange wanted to make sure that the home was classic and would stand the test of time — without having to make things look too mid-century modern.
The area rug in the living room was custom designed and hand dyed. It took some time to get the color exactly right for this perfectly coordinated space.
Shelf: Bee Shelf by Niedermaier
Area rug: Custom rug by Tai Ping Carpets
The area rug in the living room was custom designed and hand dyed. It took some time to get the color exactly right for this perfectly coordinated space.
Shelf: Bee Shelf by Niedermaier
Area rug: Custom rug by Tai Ping Carpets
The building had wonderful recommendations for the apartment's interior, and Lagrange used many of their selections, such as the honed granite countertops and cabinetry in the kitchen. Clients loved the look of stainless steel and chrome, so Lagrange installed a stainless steel backsplash.
Barstools: Bertoia counter stool
Pendants: Dance Circle pendant by Plug Lighting
Barstools: Bertoia counter stool
Pendants: Dance Circle pendant by Plug Lighting
The breakfast nook is a perfect example of the clients' clean, contemporary style. Luxurious neutral fabrics cover the custom banquette and dining chairs, and minimal recessed lighting was used above the table in lieu of a pendant or chandelier. "The clients saw a lot of decorative lighting as clutter, so we only used a few pieces throughout the house," says Lagrange.
Fabric on banquette: Dedar, Great Plains
Dining table: Custom Fulton table by Niedermaier
Fabric on banquette: Dedar, Great Plains
Dining table: Custom Fulton table by Niedermaier
A casual family room with an incredible view of Chicago's high-rise buildings sits next to the breakfast nook. The slightly darker fabric choices and comfy sectional make it more functional for impromptu get-togethers than the formal living room.
Carpet: Atelier Lapchi
Coffee table: Custom base by Evan Lewis, custom stone top by Poma
Knitted Pouf: CB2
Carpet: Atelier Lapchi
Coffee table: Custom base by Evan Lewis, custom stone top by Poma
Knitted Pouf: CB2
Since this is a second home, almost every piece of furniture and décor is new. The client's love for neutral colors and clean lines led Lagrange to shop at stores like Holly Hunt, B&B Italia, Luminere, Christian Liagre, and several other Italian designers.
Chair: High Back Metropolitan Chair by B&B Italia
Couch: Mister sectional by Cassina
Chair: High Back Metropolitan Chair by B&B Italia
Couch: Mister sectional by Cassina
Although the main spaces in the home stick to a consistently neutral and elegant style, the clients wanted to add some youth and fun to their daughters' rooms. Color, cheerful textiles, and funky patterns were chosen for this boho-chic styled bedroom.
Fabric on headboard: Donghia
Rug: Tiki Pop Rug by NiBa
Window treatments: Missoni
Stool: Bishop stool by Ralph Pucci
Fabric on headboard: Donghia
Rug: Tiki Pop Rug by NiBa
Window treatments: Missoni
Stool: Bishop stool by Ralph Pucci
The girls' rooms are styled to adapt to the daughter's needs and tastes as they grow. The color choices are bold but still used fairly minimally so the design of these rooms flows with the rest of the house.
Duvet: Macy's
Fabric on bedframe: Jim Thompson
Headboard leather: Edelman Leather
Area rug: Custom from Tai Ping
Duvet: Macy's
Fabric on bedframe: Jim Thompson
Headboard leather: Edelman Leather
Area rug: Custom from Tai Ping
If the colors in this girl's desk area were switched out for neutrals, it could easily belong in any other room in the house.
Desk accessories: See Jane Work
Drapery fabric: Mokum
Wallcovering: Elitis
Desk accessories: See Jane Work
Drapery fabric: Mokum
Wallcovering: Elitis
In the master bedroom, a soft gray headboard blends almost seamlessly with an organically inspired wallcovering, while luxurious Italian satin bedding is the perfect place to relax after a long day.
Carpet: Atelier Lapchi
Bed: Custom by Studio Wai
Headboard fabric: Jim Thompson
Wallcovering: Nancy Corzine
Photography by Werner Straube
More:
Comfort and Elegance in Manhattan
New Style with Old World Warmth
A Stunning Church Conversion in Chicago
Carpet: Atelier Lapchi
Bed: Custom by Studio Wai
Headboard fabric: Jim Thompson
Wallcovering: Nancy Corzine
Photography by Werner Straube
More:
Comfort and Elegance in Manhattan
New Style with Old World Warmth
A Stunning Church Conversion in Chicago
Table: UFO Oval Table by Emmemobili
Dining Chairs: Saarinen Executive Arm Chair by Knoll
Chandelier: Bocci 14 Pendant Chandelier