Most of the homes I design are inhabited by families — big or small, with kids of all ages. Designing for kids and families is both fulfilling and fun, but when I was given the opportunity to design a home for a pair of empty nesters, I embraced the challenge to design with this life stage in mind. Maximizing gathering space for visits from their growing family while also prioritizing the couple’s own needs, interests, and tastes, the resulting home blends urban sophistication with family-friendly functionality. I can’t wait to welcome you inside.

Room to Grow and Evolve

While so many couples choose to downsize when their children move elsewhere, this couple opted to take an alternative route. Having moved to a downtown high-rise immediately after their children left the family home, this couple knew the benefits of a smaller space — but they also saw the downsides. While a smaller floorplan is easier to maintain and simpler to navigate, this four-story new build in Lincoln Park better suits the couple’s lifestyle. They’re passionate, creative, and love to entertain family and friends, so a customized floorplan allowing for ample space and a seamless flow was crucial. We were honored to work with Space Architects + Planners and Bill Bigane as General Contractor, a team who artistically and effectively created a home that provides open spaces that still feel intentional and thoughtful.

Creative Design Elements

In addition to a seamlessly-designed floorplan, the couple also wanted to ensure that their passions and lifestyle were being reflected in the very bones of the home. For wine enthusiasts, hiding the wine cellar makes about as much sense as not having one at all — so the open wine cellar featured between the main living and dining areas acts as a design element in itself (and when the wine bottles are as beautiful as they, they’re practically a work of art!). Similarly, the meticulously constructed custom fireplace reflects the homeowners’ appreciation for natural materials and tactile beauty, functioning as a statement-making piece of the home’s design and an integral gathering place for entertaining.

 

In addition to the creativity found in the floorplan, the homeowners’ existing art collection (and the new pieces we added) played a major role in the outcome of this home. The clients have a keen eye for art, and it was an honor to design around such meaningful pieces.

A Grounded Yet Experimental Color Palette

While the homeowners gravitate towards neutrals, they also saw this home as an opportunity to step outside of their comfort zone. Communal spaces such as the kitchen (featuring a massive island and custom millwork) feature neutral color schemes — but strategically selected colors were added to offer balance, texture, and intrigue throughout. 

 

Shades of blue punctuate the primary suite and dining room, while burnt orange makes an appearance in the main living space. Art and accessories add dimension without detracting from the home’s color story, ensuring that the homeowners’ growing art collection can continue to evolve as they continue to travel and collect in the years to come.

Indoor-Outdoor Living at Its Finest

As cozy and inviting as the interiors are, there’s nothing quite like a night spent outside with a good book and a favorite beverage. With a desire to enjoy the outdoors in every season, the homeowners asked for creativity when designing indoor-outdoor spaces. There’s a screened-in porch off the dining room, and a fire pit allows for warmth even on the chilliest of evenings. 

Whether inside or out, homeowners and visitors alike can enjoy harmonious design, comfortable furnishings, and ample space to utilize as the couple residing within enjoys this new and exciting phase of their life.

See more photos and details from this home here.

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