Room Reveals

Part of what is so rewarding about working with an older home is the imagination required to take a space not necessarily built for modern living and bend it to meet the needs of a modern family. So when we initially met with our Glenview client in November 2019, we expected to navigate some tricky details in the renovation of their 1950s-era colonial home.

What we could not anticipate was that four months into the project, a global pandemic would turn everything upside down, making on-site consultations impossible, supply chains unpredictable and carefully staggered scheduling of contractors an absolute necessity. Like so many others, we stretched to learn new ways to work and found creative ways to design and communicate from afar. Through it all, our clients were unflappable, trusting us every step of the way to manage these hurdles and deliver the renovation they had dreamed of.

The centerpiece of that renovation is an open, spacious kitchen for cooking and entertaining. The original footprint of the home had been added to in the 1980s, creating additional living space but still leaving a cramped, galley-style kitchen. With some creative space-planning and an excellent partnership with the incredibly talented builder-architect firm Louis Banks Design Build, Inc, we were able to relocate the kitchen to the little-used living area, combining two spaces into one large room. The original home featured many fine details, including white oak floors and detailed casework; we mimicked these features in the renovated kitchen, seamlessly blending old with new to leave the homeowners with a space that retained the character of an old home but with the conveniences of a new one.

From our wonderful client:

I cannot speak highly enough about the Park and Oak team. We renovated our 1950s home and somehow Park and Oak brought it up to modern times while keeping the historic charm. It’s elevated style yet incredibly warm and inviting. Their team embraced design elements that reflected the essence of our family and … brought the style back into this home that it deserves and it’s perfect!

We created the design concept for this kitchen almost two years ago, so it is always exciting to see everything come together. We worked with our friends at Tartan Builders, which is always a pleasure.

Here are a few photos of kitchen, there is much more to come as we are working on finishing the rest of the home:

We are so lucky to work with such amazing clients, one of whom we had the pleasure of designing their new home in a nearby Chicago suburb. It’s so satisfying to be able to design a home top to bottom, room to room. It gives the home a cohesion where each space is speaking the same language but telling a unique part of the story. This home is beautifully balanced with a variety of rich textures and historic elements that make the home feel like it has always been there. As always, our goal is to create an ambiance where the home welcomes you in and invites you to stay a while.

Exterior

Entryway

The entryway is the first impression of every home. The design of the entryway should create a warm and welcoming space that introduces the design style for the rest of the home. Intricate herringbone wood floors, crown molding, and lighting elements create visual interest to the eye that feels inviting.

Kitchen

While we were designing the kitchen, we wanted to maximize the use of different textures and elements in this space. The walnut cabinetry and the usage of the brass lighting elements add warmth along with the dark blue cabinetry and marble countertops.

Farrow & Ball – Hague Blue used for cabinetry.

Breakfast Nook

Family Room

Bathrooms

Sitting Room

Basement

We recently completed a new build in Naperville with our friends at Siena Custom Homes. Here are a few photos of the project!

Two years ago, Christina and I met with a client in Hinsdale that was building a new home. Ten minutes into the discussion, we knew this was going to be a good project. We instantly clicked with the client and were immediately on the same page with the design. She was willing to step outside of the box, and outside the box is typically where all of the magic happens.

We knew immediately that a white kitchen was not right for this house, so we suggested a neutral gray, that would be balanced with wood elements to add warmth. After looking at many samples and comparing them in different light, the color selected is Farrow and Ball Lamp Room Grey.

The flooring in the house is a character grade white oak, so we selected a wood for the island that complements the gray cabinets and is a richer tone than the floors. The wood is white ash with a custom stain.

When we discussed the stove, we suggested the idea of a La Canche and we’re never really sure how people are going to react to the idea of these unique ranges. We have a blog post about French Ranges here. They were on board and after much deliberation (mostly on my part, I can be crazy with colors), we decided on a charcoal color to go with the lighter gray cabinets.

On the side of the island, we wanted to add visual interest and break up the wood with open shelves for books and serving dishes. The pantry matches the island, also in white ash.

When the kitchen was finished and we went to visit the house it was one of those moments that serve as a reminder of why we do what we do. All of the hard work, the decisions, the small details brought the space to life.

Our clients (and now friends) love the space. We received this email from them shortly after they came home, which is the best kind of email that you can get:

I dont even have words most of the time when it comes to you all.  When we walked in, we both oddly had the same feeling – that we are unworthy of this. You’ve created that picture perfect home we have always dreamed of, but it only seemed like something for the movies.  And I still can’t quite believe it’s real.  

LOVE the holiday touch too! That garland on the fireplace and the santa mugs. I was in tears. It was all so warm and so perfect. And so US. The US that we have always wanted but haven’t been able to achieve and never would without you all. 

I’m pretty emotional over it. 

Thank you. 

Last week, we installed the dining room at our Kildeer project. The first phase of the project was the dining room, entry, and office.

The dining room was a pretty dramatic transformation, so we wanted to share the photos with you. The first phase was refinishing the floors, add beams to the ceiling, add a wall to define the room, paint, and new lighting. What a difference!

At this point, the room was ready to furnish. We chose an oval table to go with the Gabby dining chairs and a black credenza to store our client’s collection of dishes. Neutral drapes soften the room and the beaded chandelier add a feminine touch.

Stay tuned for the office photo next week!

Christina and I headed over to Naperville yesterday to finish accessories for a little boy’s room. We had previously done this little boy’s brother’s room and he was super excited to have his turn and had one request: to have a room that he could hang out in with friends. His parents wanted a room that he could grow up with and that they wouldn’t have to redo in a few years. Keeping both requests in mind we put together a space that we felt could balance between youthful and young adult by utilizing various textures and keeping the color palette refined and neutral. The daybed serves as a hangout sofa when friends are over and the ottoman has hidden storage so legos and toys can easily be stored. Creating a kid’s room is a fun diversion from the more formal living spaces we typically work on and challenges us to create an environment that is truly functional and playful.

Here is a board inspired by this room, with products that are available to purchase online:

When we started our Lincoln Park living/dining room project, the client had a very specific palette in mind. They wanted the space to be light and airy, with little use of color. This meant a lot of pale blues, grays, and whites with soothing textures, and subdued metal finishes.

I think that’s one of the things that makes this project so special. It serves to remind us that “design is in the details”. That’s where the magic and transformation happens. You can have all of the furniture in the world but without the right accessories and patience (as in waiting 2 extra weeks for that out of stock lamp because it’s the one), your space may never feel finished. Something about it won’t be quite right.

Every detail makes a difference. Some you may not even be able to see in the photographs. The rug anchors the palette. When we saw this rug at Highpoint, we immediately fell in love with it and knew it was right for this room. There is a delicate stripe woven into the fabric of the sofa. The distressed brass on the coffee table and wood elements infuse warmth into the space. When creating a space, our goal is to create a timeless and classic story. We want it to be different and recognizable. Something that is remembered and cannot be washed away with time and changing trends.