Chicago Residence Project
So let me tell you about my project in Chicago.
Firstly, the house is stunning, just a few years old and won’t require any remodeling or renovation whatsoever. It’s also huge. So we are most likely going to tackle it in two (or more) phases. In this first phase, we are doing the family room, library, music room, master bedroom, children’s bedroom, a reading/tv space, office, playroom, and possibly the dining room.
They’ve just moved in and it’s a big upsizing so it’s very sparsely furnished at the moment. But to give you an idea of what the house looks like, this is the library:
and the dining room:
Before I flew up to meet with them they pointed to this house that they both liked equally:
Source: yatzer.com via AllyFTRB on Pinterest
Source: yatzer.com via AllyFTRB on Pinterest
Source: yatzer.com via AllyFTRB on Pinterest
I was so excited to see this house because it’s a big favorite of mine; it has so many interesting things going on and is a great balance of masculine and feminine. This also told me a lot beyond what we had already established. Specifically, that they like a soothing color palette, industrial and natural elements, a few statement pieces, not a lot of “stuff” and a mix of old and new. So using this house as our inspiration we’re bridging their two points of view and I’m declaring right here and now, it’s going to be fab-u-lous!
I proposed a color scheme of muted blues, greens, yellows and grays and everyone is on board (hooray!) so that’s a big decision out of the way. Coincidentally we stopped in at Mitchell Gold when we went shopping together and we saw these collages by artist Karen Cappotto that is almost our exact palette:
And there’s more good news. They are 100% in agreement as to how they want their home to function and feel. This is really key because as you know, I’m big on how spaces feel. While the house itself is very elegant, they want it to suit their casual, relaxed lifestyle where the children are free to play, nothing is off-limits and where family and visitors can feel comfortable. They also want to keep things light with playful touches here and there. This, of course, is music to my ears because I’ve always believed design should be fun and not so serious.
So that’s the Chicago Residence Project. Here’s one more inspiration photo that I dug up for the project. Things have shifted a little since my trip up there last weekend but the gist remains the same.
Source: trendir.com via AllyFTRB on Pinterest
I’ll be updating you as it progresses and of course show you the big reveal when it’s all done. So excited!
As for me, I’m leaving for Shanghai tomorrow. I’ll be blogging while I’m away but it’ll be a couple of days before you hear from me since it takes forever to get there! I’ll be checking in on Facebook and Twitter too. Talk to you all soon!
Ally, this sounds like an amazing project! It’s such a relief when both the spouses agree on what they want, isn’t it? I’m sure you’re going to make a gem out of that house!
Ally…can not wait till you put your spin on this project! I know it will be fabulous. Have a great time in Shanghai….my husband leaves next Sat! Dang…if he was going this week I would have gone and we could have met up
Sounds like it will be such an exciting project, I’m looking forward to hearing more. Enjoy your trip.
I was recently asked for a quote for an article on how I manage when spouses disagree on design decisions
Belated Happy Easter, Lorna xx
So what did you say?
how cool! i am loving the lighting inspiration.
Congratulations on the wonderful project! Have a safe trip to Shanghai and I look forward to your updates.
Oh boy, this is gonna be fun !
Have fun in Shanghai !
Sounds fabulous! I can’t wait to see what you do- like you said it will be amazing. Love the inspiration photos you shared too!
“They are 100% in agreement as to how they want their home to function and feel.” Best wishes to them and to you on the project(s).
Sounds great! I am so excited to follow this project in progress! Good luck with the project and have a good time in Shanghai!
What a wonderful project, Ally. I look forward to seeing it all come together. Have a wonderful trip to Shanghai. My husband just got back from there last week. He goes every few weeks to that area.
Talk soon,
Lori
Lovely space! Can’t wait to see the finished product!
Can’t wait to see you flex your muscles on this project–will be fabulous, I have no doubts. And those inspiration photos are some of my favorites…if only I could have that restraint and editing skills.
Have fun in Shanghai!