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park and oak

0 In Room Reveals

Reveal: Historic Wilmette Home

Learning the stories behind the historic houses we work in, and how our clients wound up there, can be such a fun part of the job. For example, this 1927 home has a twin sister next door, built for real-life, early 20th century sisters. Our clients initially bought a house down the street, even though they had been eyeing these twin homes for years. When this one hit the market, they knew they had to make the move…again. And we can see why. This home has such beautiful bones: intricate woodwork throughout, checkered tile floors, that grand staircase. It was easy to understand why our clients had been admiring it for so long.

Our job was to enhance the original details and maintain the historic feel of #POwilmetterefresh, while also updating it for modern-day living. The end result is a finished home that is a true testament to the value of furnishings, careful accessorizing and attention to detail. Let’s take a tour!


It was important to create a grand entry moment to match the magnificent details in the home’s foyer. A gorgeous table (styled by Collected stylists!) and vintage rug fill the space beautifully, and allow guests a stopping point to marvel at the beautiful architecture and build details. There is a lot to take in here, from the staircase to the detailed wall moulding to the checkered marble entry flooring. One thing the home needed, though, was additional lighting throughout. Brightening it up with strategic and beautiful lighting was a very important element to our client. In addition to adding sconces, picture lights and a floor lamp in the foyer, our team custom-designed a showstopping chandelier for the center of the staircase. Be sure to check out the video of us raising it!


Catching a glimpse of the dining room through the arched doorway from the foyer lets you know something special is in store there. Our client really hope for a “wow” moment here. They frequently entertain large groups of family and friends, and wanted a room for dining with them that felt grand but not stuffy. Enter: comfy custom chairs with performance fabric, a large table to seat up to 12, an elegant Julie Neill chandelier, and of course, that mural wallpaper. (Wallpaper is House of Hackney, Plantasia) Window treatments highlight the arched windows and a neutral rug grounds the space and keeps the room from feeling too dark. Here is a room where accessories really do heavy lifting to help to finish the space and tell a story. The room had magnificent original details: intricate trimwork and moulding, arched windows and doors, a classic ceiling medallion. But even with those beautiful bones, it was lacking impact. Every piece we added was carefully considered to make this room the focal point it deserved to be, and to revisit its distinctive historic character.

A progression showing the impact of furnishings and accessories:


Look closely at the photos below and you can see all the special details in the #POwilmetterefresh family room: doors and trim with intricate carvings, custom radiator covers with elaborate metal grates, a fireplace designed to mimic the doors. Here we wanted to highlight these details, but also needed to brighten up the room a bit. We added sconces strategically around the room to add a layer of ambient light beyond the recessed ceiling fixtures. Their design echos the history of the home. We kept furnishings classic, with plaid and leather, plus matching blue sofas that behave like a neutral while also bringing additional color to the space. The bay window was a perfect spot for the family’s baby grand piano, which all the kids play. The home was painted before listing, and we kept that color in the living room, though we did paint the fireplace surround in Benjamin Moore Black Beauty to draw attention to it.


Off one end of the family room lies the sunroom. This room leads out to the grand main lawn of the home, so the family anticipates spending a lot of time here. The original checkered tile floors were the launching point for the design of the room. We expected this shade of yellow to be a little tricky, but the recovered sofa and blue-grey tones of the rug, combined with other neutral upholstery, helps balance out the yellow and brown tones beautifully.


In the kitchen, small changes brought the overall design in line with the rest of the home. An ornate and busy tile backsplash had been added behind the range at some point in the home’s life. It wasn’t in line with the home’s traditional, classic feel, so we replaced it with a more timeless marble tile. Banding the range hood in brass adds interest and another layer of texture to the room. We painted the island in Farrow & Ball Railings, and all other cabinetry in Sherwin Williams Mindful Grey. The sunny, peaceful breakfast nook got a classic table and chairs, with lighting and window treatments to finish the space.

0 In Research

Paint Finishes

Sherwin Williams Dark Night, Walls in Matte finish, Trim in Satin finish
via Park & Oak

Is there anything more vexing than paint finish? Well…besides rocket science and high school calculus? Eggshell. Modern Eggshell. Modern emulsion. Pearl. Matte. Satin. Is your head spinning yet? We can help. Let’s take some of the mystery out of what finishes are available and where one might use them.

What is Sheen?

First, you should know that each paint company uses slightly different terminology to describe similar finishes, just to keep us on our toes! Second, the word finishes refers to the sheen of the paint, and is a measure of the amount of light that reflects off a painted surface. A low sheen, like 2%, reflects almost no light, and would be considered a flat finish. A high sheen, like 90%, reflects light like crazy, and would be considered a high gloss finish. If you are researching the specific sheens of a particular paint finish, keep in mind that some paint brands measure sheen at a 60° angle, some at an 85° angle, and some use both units depending on whether the finish is matte or high gloss.

With that in mind, instead of getting deep into the different types of finishes each paint brand offers (it’s dizzying), let’s instead focus on where you might use a low sheen paint, a medium sheen paint, and a high sheen paint. Once you have a handle on the level of sheen you want, it will be much easier to dig into the finishes offered by your favorite paint brand.

Low Sheen

Flat or matte finishes are made to be used for interior walls in spaces without high traffic and moisture. Because the sheen level on these paints is so low, they have an understated, chalky look, which many find very beautiful. However, that finish makes them a less protective choice and more prone to scuffs and scratches. If you want the chalky finish but need some level of cleanability, look for a washable matte paint for the most longevity. 

Park & Oak Favorite: Farrow & Ball, Estate Emulsion

Farrow & Ball Green Smoke, Estate Emulsion
via Park & Oak

Medium Sheen

As the title suggests, this is the middle ground between glossy and matte. A medium sheen paint offers more protection than a matte paint and is made to withstand the wear and tear on walls in high-traffic areas, as well as the moisture that occurs in a bathroom or kitchen. A medium sheen paint is an all-purpose, go-to paint.

The category of medium sheen has the largest array of options. And just to illustrate how confusing the terminology can be, two major paint brands offer a finish with the same name – Satin – but are very different on the medium sheen scale. On the high sheen end, Benjamin Moore’s Satin Finish (35%) will work for trim, stairs and millwork. Lower on the medium sheen scale, Sherwin Williams’ Satin Finish (11%) is perfect for playrooms, kids rooms, and other high traffic areas.

Park & Oak Favorite: Farrow & Ball, Modern Emulsion Finish

Farrow & Ball Dead Salmon, Modern Emulsion
via Park & Oak

High Sheen

High sheen is great for a polished design, or if you are looking for a way to highlight a smaller room. We call this a jewel box moment. A high-gloss wall in a library full of traditional furniture creates a beautiful juxtaposition between old and new and will balance the space beautifully. And important consideration when using high sheen paint is that there is significant cost and time in the preparation. A high sheen paint requires a skim coat first to ensure a smooth surface before paint is applied, otherwise imperfections will be highlighted.  

Park & Oak Favorite: Benjamin Moore, High Gloss Finish


We hope this helps you on your paint journey! Still perplexed? We have experts at Park & Oak Collected who offer paint consultations. Reach out for help! And here is some of our favorite color inspiration…

0 In Updates

Park & Oak in Traditional Home


We are so proud to reveal that Park & Oak has been featured in the issues of Traditional Home and Beautiful Kitchens & Baths on newsstands now!


Traditional Home has always been one of our favorite shelter magazines. Their aesthetic of timeless, classic but dynamic interiors matches so well with our design philosophy. So, when they reached wanting to know if we’d like to be featured in their next issues, we jumped at the opportunity!

The #POclaussennewbuild kitchen and pantry appear in Traditional Home. This kitchen draws a lot of attention for the brass trim on the custom range hood, but as the article points out, it’s really a collection of small details that add up to make magic here: the mix of light and dark; varied textures in the stone, metal, leather, and wood; a somewhat unexpected paint color. Check out the article for more details!

In Beautiful Kitchens & Baths, the range at #POgreenlakereno and powder room at #POparkhome are both featured. With lake house season in full effect, we love seeing this Wisconsin kitchen again. Can you believe the original kitchen was carpeted? The antique mirror in this powder room was the inspiration for the rest of space. Learn more about both projects in the magazine!

0 In Room Reveals

Reveal: Glen Ellyn Refresh

When our clients were making the move from the city to suburbs, they knew they wanted a home that came with some built-in character. Often, you just can’t replicate the feeling of a home that has been lived in, has stood the test of time. What they found was a perfect blend of a stately Georgian and cozy English cottage, built in 1965. The bones were there — solid wood doors, beautiful wood trim and door casings, elaborate built-ins — but it needed some updating to bring it to life again, and turn it into both an oasis for the family, and also a spot made for entertaining. Transforming this gem was so much fun!

First, the foyer. Aged grasscloth wallpaper had become a little dreary in a space with limited natural light, so we replaced it with detailed moulding — extending up the stairs — making the foyer feel polished and grand. The foyer walls are painted in Benjamin Moore Pale Oak, with trim in Kendall Charcoal. The original arched door to the basement is one of the defining features of the home. To further highlight it, we added an arched entry to the living room, also. Now, when you enter the home, these mirrored arches greet you.

Treads, railings and balusters of the staircase were still in excellent condition and true to the home’s style, so we did not replace them. However, adding a pinstripe runner and painting the balusters, risers and stringers gave this classic staircase new life.

via Park & Oak

Let’s move to the family room peeking out above. A standout feature of the room is the fireplace. Historically, fireplaces were often set back very deep to allow multiple pots to be cooked simultaneously. Of course, most homes no longer require that functionality, so to create the illusion the fireplace wasn’t so deep, we angled limestone and applied a wood build out surrounding the fireplace. This allowed us to preserve the historic character of the mantle while also updating it to fit a modern day aesthetic. Mirror sofas in a rich emerald green add elegance without sacrificing comfort. The coffee table is a family heirloom. Walls, trim and ceiling in this room are painted Benjamin Moore Pale Oak and floors are original.

On the other end of the foyer lies the lounge for the primary bedroom. Again, there was ample historic character to work with in the space, it just needed some freshening up. We used moody Sherwin Williams Sea Serpent on the walls and Benjamin Moore Onyx on the ceiling to really play up the cozy factor here. Updated built-ins made to mimic the original trim, window casings and baseboards create contrast but also really highlight all the original woodwork in this cozy space. Custom furniture upholstered in velvets, boucle and wool ensure that every moment spent in this room will feel comfortable, warm and relaxing.

via Park & Oak

We love the refresh of this post-modern home!

0 In Round ups

Summer Reads

Do you read more in the summer? Summer seems tailor-made for reading, with long, lazy days at the lake, sittervising kids at the pool, or just enjoying the breeze on a covered porch. What are you reading this summer? In the studio, we tend to pass books around, so some of us are still catching up on last year’s favorites. (And we’re betting we’re not the only ones! 😉)

Here’s the round-up of what our team is reading this summer. Hope it helps you with your next book selection!

Fiction


Non-Fiction

0 In Round ups

Collected Curates: Rattan

In the heart of summer, natural materials reign: rattan, cane, bamboo, teak, raffia. At Collected, we curate an extensive selection of decor, lighting and furnishings made of these natural materials. We love them for their texture, and their earthy hint of the outdoors.

Today, we want to talk about rattan. What is rattan, exactly? Rattan is one of 600 types of climbing, trailing palms, most commonly found in Australia, Asia and Africa. Like other materials of this kind, it has been used since ancient times to weave into tools, bowls, furnishings and more. In the rise of the colonial era of the late 1800s and early 1900s, it found huge popularity in Europe as colonizers of Asia and Africa returned home.

Today, rattan remains a popular natural material for weaving into home decor, furniture and lighting. The craftsmanship of the weaving lends a sophisticated look while the rattan itself gives depth and texture. (Incidentally, the name of the weaving technique used to turn rattan into these beautiful pieces? Wicker!)

Here are some of current favorite rattan pieces at Collected. And below, some inspiration!


Inspiration

0 In Inspiration

Tiny Lamps

Sometimes, you just need a litttttttle bit of light. More than a candle. Less than a desk lamp. Something small enough that it could also perhaps do double duty as a decor item. Enter, the tiny lamp.

These diminutive and charming lamps are one of our favorite styling tools at Collected. Functional, but beautiful. An easy way to add texture or a bit of shine. A smart way to light a corner that’s a long way from other light sources. Or, to highlight art and decorative vignettes.


Can you spy the mini lamp in the Park & Oak projects below?


Shop them All


More Mini Lamp Inspiration

0 In Round ups

Summer Hostess Gifts

The season for summer parties is here. Graduations. Father’s Day BBQs. Post-baseball-tournament get togethers. Ladies who brunch. Bridal showers. Baby showers. It’s such a fun time of year!

You’ll probably want to bring a little something for your host. At Collected, we’ve tried to think of everyone so that when you give a gift, it feels special to that person. Here are a few of our favorites for summer parties.

0 In Room Reveals

Glen Ellyn Kitchen Reveal


When we met with with this family in the summer of 2021, they were wanting to breathe new life into their home. And the biggest assignment was turning their very dark, builder-grade kitchen into a bright but sophisticated hub — with much more storage! — for their open-concept home. We’ll get into details below, but first…

Before & After


The Details

We started from scratch, with quality Amish cabinetry floor to ceiling, finished in Benjamin Moore’s Boothbay Gray, one of our favorite neutrals with personality. Incorporating panel-ready appliances gives the kitchen more of a seamless feel and helps it read as one cohesive space. A glass-paneled cabinet with walnut interior stain at the kitchen’s edge improves sightlines and allows light to filter through from the window and door beyond. Quartzite countertops are low-maintenance and easy on the eyes. If you like closely, you can see we gave the island an ogee edge to add a touch of sophistication. Teak and seagrass stools — with textured crypton performance fabric! — bring a natural element to the kitchen and help soften all the hard lines inevitably in any kitchen. Handmade aluminum, iron and brass pendants ground the space from above.

via Park & Oak

Across the kitchen we created a coffee bar with tons of cabinetry for storage, painted in Benjamin Moore Soot, because no matter the size of your kitchen, you’ll always need more storage! Here, the family also has a built-in wine chiller and beverage cooler with a custom stain designed to complement the existing floors and add additional tone and softness to this end of the kitchen. And, we still managed to keep that tv, now flanked by beautiful Visual Comfort Edie sconces!

We are so proud of this transformation!

via Park & Oak

0 In Updates

Glen Ellyn Housewalk

We are so fortunate to live and work in a community that places a high value on giving back. It is one of the things that really sets Glen Ellyn apart, and makes us so proud to live and work here. An example of this philanthropy that is near and dear to our hearts is the annual Glen Ellyn Housewalk, sponsored by the Glen Ellyn Infant Welfare Society.

The Infant Welfare Society was founded nearly 100 years ago as a means to improve the lives of those in need in Glen Ellyn and our surrounding communities through fundraising and community service. They partner with over a dozen area organizations to reach at-risk children, and 100% of the funds they raise through their various events go directly to these partners.

It is sometimes easy to get caught up in our own trials and tribulations, but with nearly 10% of DuPage county residents living at or below the poverty level, there are others who need our help. Our support of the Infant Welfare Society allows us to make a direct impact on our communities, and of course, the Housewalk is an event that intersects with our work, so it is all the more meaningful.

It was a gorgeous day for the 38th Annual Housewalk leading into Mother’s Day weekend, and an impressive turnout, with 750+ tickets sold. Park & Oak Collected was called in to provide styling services for one of the homes on the walk, and it is a stunner. The homeowner is responsible for the overall design of the home, and we all agree that perhaps she should pursue a second career as an interior designer!?

Enjoy a few photos of 706 Forest below…

📷: Park & Oak