Chicago Lakeview Renovation

Chicago Lakeview Renovation Transforms Home into Urban Retreat

The young couple’s goal in this Chicago Lakeview  Renovation was to improve their city dwelling in order to accommodate their growing young children, add more natural light and updated finishes,  and take advantage of the recently acquired lot next door.

Having an entire city lot on the south side of the property created many possibilities to design an expanded footprint. The new space incorporates an indoor pool with a retractable skylight, a sunroom and an outdoor terrace. Visually connected by stacking French doors, the separate spaces combine 1 great entertainment area when the doors are in the open position.  The continuous stone floor heated with radiant heating including the terrace will never  ice-over in the winter.  All this leads out to a real city treasure, a yard for the kids to play in.

The original kitchen was removed from the south wall to create outdoor access via a new terrace door. The new kitchen was moved to the north side of the open kitchen family area. This location allowed for an 11’ long island. The family room space was enhanced by installing the picture window that gives a great view into the pool space and lets in borrowed light from the 9’x20’ retracting skylight that sits over the pool. The large window draws you into the room and in the evening the backlit blue agate wall panels that are visible throughout the first floor create a warm glow.

On the top level, one of- a- kind custom walnut bookcases were crafted for the owner’s book collection. Skylights were also added for more natural light.

The original lower level had all the amenities an adult family would want but lacked a space for young children. A large playroom was created below the sun room and outdoor terrace. The lower level provides ample play space for both the kids and adults.