SCROLL
This turn-of-the-century Evanston residence underwent a bold, two-year architectural transformation—a full gut renovation and expansion that gave new depth and gravitas to its historic frame. The entire footprint of each floor was extended through a commanding four-story addition, rising from an excavated, lounge-worthy basement to an intimate, third-floor retreat. In the kitchen, a striking architectural skylight hovers above the island, washing the moody stone surfaces and rich wood cabinetry in natural light.
Expansive steel-framed doors and oversized windows open the home to the deep greens of the landscaped yard, creating a sophisticated dialogue between interior and exterior. Original brick and timeworn beams were preserved and repurposed, lending an authentic patina, while new arched doorways and slightly unconventional room transitions play into the home’s original quirks, guiding a dramatic, yet cohesive, flow.
This jewel-box powder room blooms with illustrative floral linen wallpaper, wrapping the space in painterly charm. A custom soapstone vessel sink and ceramic-glazed sconces by Christopher Spitzmiller add sculptural elegance and a touch of artisanal refinement.
Once-shadowed thresholds now glow with natural light, where sunlight pours through a paned iron-and-glass entry onto limestone herringbone floors before drifting into a front foyer layered with vintage art, a time-softened rug, and the sculptural glow of a Le Deun Luminaires lamp. Together, these renewed spaces balance quiet historic patina with an edited, contemporary elegance, creating a
sense of welcome that feels both intimate and luminous.
Anchoring the home, the family room is a cocoon of moody, deep-blue paneling— a retreat that quietly unfolds into the bright, airy expanse of the dining and kitchen areas beyond.
Overhead, a vintage Italian ceiling fixture casts a soft, timeworn glow across bespoke furnishings, tailored built-in cabinetry, and a custom rug—all meticulously designed by Deborah to balance comfort with refinement. On the walls, a striking photograph is flanked by glimmers of gold-framed art, creating a collected tableau that feels at once intimate, storied, and effortlessly sophisticated.
The primary suite extends the home’s elegant chateau sensibility, enveloped in a soft, neutral palette that frames a stately four-poster bed. Sumptuous drapery, edged in refined trim, drapes the room in quiet luxury, while a mix of vintage and new furnishings creates a collected, time-softened charm. In the bath, a 1700s carved trunk lends storied character amid layers of intricate detail—marble tilework with a delicate, geometric pattern in the steam shower, luxe fabrics, and a vintage rug awash in natural light. Every surface is thoughtfully layered in pattern and subtle finishes, evoking a serene retreat where old-world romance meets modern comfort.
The home’s pair of three-piece baths tells a story of contrast and quiet sophistication. In one, a sculptural oak vanity with a dark gray concrete sink meets an arched limestone backsplash and textured wall tiles, creating a modern, architectural moment. Its counterpart leans into vintage charm, where petite marble hex tile wraps a skylit shower and floor, grounded by a warm oak vanity and sharpened with inky black accents—a layered mix of light, texture, and character.