Open Tread Staircase

This open tread staircase single handedly sold the place to me.  I am still completely fascinated that it has held up so well since the 1950's.  The only person who wasn't such a fan was my Boston Terrier puppy who took 6 months to build up the courage to go up and down the stairs by herself.  Now she loves to go half way down and turn and look at you through the slats (see cute photo above!)

Underneath View of Staircase

Staircase to Upstairs Bedrooms

Half Bath

This is the half bath on the main level.  This was newly renovated before we moved in and was done by another interior designer.  I love the 12x24 rectangular tiles she used throughout.  Not to mention the great Lacava sink, Grohe faucet + Toto toilet. I added the red accents.  The red cross is actually a small first aid kit that my husband bought years ago.

Master Bath Addition

Master Bath - After

Master Bath - After

Master Bath - After

This cool vanity that I found even has a small medicine cabinet!

*Sneak Peak* of Renovation in Progress

Inspiration Photo (Chambers Hotel, Mpls)

I found this great all-in-one vanity set that I am completely in love with.  It is so perfect for the new bath that I had to have it.  The glass subway tile is reminiscent of the shower + sink backsplash tile at the Chambers Hotel in Minneapolis (see image above).  If you have never been, here is the link which is definately worth checking out. http://www.chambersminneapolis.com   I had all my wedding photos taken there in the lobby and courtyard.  Nonetheless, this was another "must have!" New Vanity for the Master Bath

Glass Tile for the Master Shower

Kitchen - Before + After

Kitchen - After 

New base cabinets, stainless steel countertop, upper cabinet shelving unit, Italian hand-blown glass pendants, + a fresh coat of paint...

Original Metal Detailing in Cupboards

I especially love my 1950's stove/oven.  It still works wonderfully and we can't think of a reason to replace it.  

Kitchen - Before

The wall to the left of the cabinets was where the refrigerator was housed.  We moved the refrigerator further over and knocked this wall out to open it up to the dining room. 

Original Kitchen

I love so many things about this kitchen.  First off, all the natural light that flows in, not to mention all the fun people watching that it provides as this looks out onto a busy intersection of Surf Street + Sheridan.  I do admit that I have to close the blinds when I cook as I get a lot of onlookers peeking in on me!  I just love the original tangerine orange laminate countertop with stainless steel edging.  

Master Closet About to Become a Master Bath!

Rough Sketch of Proposed New Master Bath + Renovated Guest bath

This is the former master closet which is currently being converted (and slightly enlarged) master bath.  The master bath was just completed.  See completed photos above!

South Facing Windows - Before & After

Sketch of New Front Windows

When my husband and I first saw this house for sale, we were intrigued by the large windows, but this place had zero curb appeal for me.  Look at the ratty green canopy that came with the house. Yuck!  Since then, we redid the windows in keeping with the previous style, however, incorporated some fun frosted glass designs.  The frosted window on the right side of the second story is where the new Master Bath will be.  The lower frosted window conceals the armoire that we use as a coat closet!

In late 2007, my hubby + I bought a Mid-Century townhouse designed by architect Homer Rissman in the Lakeview neighborhood of Chicago.  For the past year and a half we have been doing various remodeling projects to give this place a more modern feel but also protecting the architectural integrity of it.  We have put a lot of work into this place.  I decided to start this blog to document the "Before" + "After" shots of what we have done to this special house.

North Facing Windows & Patio - Before & After

The windows in this house were original single-paned.  They offered no solace from the cold, snowy Chicago winters.  Not to mention, none of the windows were operable since they leaked and had been sealed shut!  So last Spring we decided to replace all the windows - two floors front and back with much more energy efficient custom sized ones.  We loved the idea of opening up large sliding glass doors to the patio space.  The patio had a much needed renovation as well.  We re-fenced and stained the wood and added trees to create a warmer, more private oasis.  The stone retaining wall now houses the two trees as well as flowers in the summertime.  Chicago summers are the best and this is where we spent most of our time in the warm summer evenings with a cool glass of Sancerre.  Ahhh....

Guest Bathroom - Before+After

Guest Bath - After

Guest Bath - After 

I forgot to take the pictures with the mirror up...opps!

Guest Bathroom - Before

Guest Bath - Before

This was our master bathroom which will soon become the guest bath.  Check out the ugly yellow tile that not only covers the floor but continues all the way up the walls to the ceiling!  I wasn't too sad to see that go!  At least I was able to complement the "yellowness" with a nice grey + white botanical shower curtain and matching grey towels.  The medicine cabinet is original too which surprisingly was not recessed into the wall.  One of the mirrored medicine cabinet doors must've broken over the years and can only "hide" our toiletries on one side!  I did salvage the custom sized soaking tub and brand new Toto toilet from the demolition.  

The original footprint of the former master bath was 8' x 5.5' which became a guest bath with a smaller footprint of 5.5' x 5.5'.  This was done to give the new master bath more space since it was formerly a master closet.