Elevated Design Plus Incredible Grounds Equal an Iconic East Kessler Park Custom

Hoerr Schaudt, an award-winning landscape design firm, successfully transformed the outdoor living space of a historic Lincoln Park home, earning recognition as the 'Best Outdoor Living Space Winner' in Chicago's Design 9. The project, initiated by a recommendation from interior designer Michael Abrams, focused on meticulously blending historical authenticity with the practical needs of a modern family. The lead designer, Simon Prunty, emphasized craft, authenticity, and durability throughout the design process, aiming to respect the home's past while creating a livable and contemporary outdoor area suitable for a family with young children. A key aspect of the design involved a deep commitment to being 'period correct' with all detailing, which was achieved by aligning ironwork and masonry with the home’s historic architectural elements. The team utilized site-specific materials, including a carefully selected stone that harmonized with the existing structure and could be adapted for various applications. Reclaimed Chicago Common brick was incorporated, alongside inspiration drawn from other historic properties, to create a welcoming 'porch' entry. This entry features split-face curbs and hand-dressed flatwork, further enhancing the historical aesthetic. Additionally, hand-sourced and hand-selected plant materials were chosen to complement the hardscaping in every section of the property. The outdoor space features a striking fireplace fabricated by Windsor Builders, which showcases Chicago Common brick with limestone coping and a sleek black firebrick interior. This fireplace serves as a focal point, contributing to the refined elegance of the area. Furnishings such as the dining table and chairs from Janus et Cie add a sophisticated touch, while a variety of planters introduce vibrant life and color. The use of Lannon Stone for pavers integrates seamlessly with the overall design, reinforcing the commitment to high-quality, period-appropriate materials. The collaboration with Michael Abrams Interiors for interior design and En Masse Architecture and Design for architectural elements ensured a cohesive vision for the entire property. The clients expressed immense satisfaction with Hoerr Schaudt's ability to translate their vision into reality, preserving the home's historic charm while reflecting the unique character of the Lincoln Park neighborhood. The final outcome is a sophisticated and versatile outdoor haven that seamlessly blurs the distinction between indoor and outdoor living spaces, offering both historical reverence and modern functionality for the family. #OutdoorLivingSpace #HistoricHome #LandscapeDesign #ChicagoDesign #HoerrSchaudt #ArchitecturalDetails #HomeRenovation #LincolnPark #LuxuryInteriors

The increasing popularity of second homes has led many Nashville residents to seek serene retreats outside the bustling city. One couple discovered Overton Retreat, an exclusive gated community in McMinnville, Tennessee, situated on the edge of the Cumberland Plateau, near a lake and forest. This upscale mountaintop community on Long Mountain is less than two hours from Nashville, offering proximity to the Caney Fork River and Fall Creek Falls. This particular home, designed by Interior Anthology, exemplifies a fusion of rustic cabin charm and modern sophistication. The craftsman-style residence spans over 7,000 square feet, featuring five bedrooms and six bathrooms. Its interior design prominently embraces the biophilic trend, evident in details like woven rhododendron handrails and a grand stone fireplace. The home's soaring ceilings and natural aesthetic draw inspiration from Yellowstone National Park's Old Faithful Inn. Jennefer Guthrie, owner of Interior Anthology, explained that the design consistently maintained its initial rustic mountain home concept, with some elements evolving during the process. An interior elevator with a hidden access door highlights the home's blend of remote tranquility with advanced amenities, underscoring its thoughtfully curated features and subtle design details. Guthrie dedicated years to sourcing decor, art, and accessories, often finding unique pieces during trips to Asheville with the intention of incorporating them into the mountain house. Her involvement extended to selecting everything from the exterior stone to the doorknobs, demonstrating extensive procurement for the project. In the kitchen, custom stools with a branch and twig motif complement a curved island, designed to enhance elbow room for guests. A unique artistic backsplash, custom-made by a pottery collective in Philadelphia, serves as a prominent focal point upon entering the home, creatively addressing the lack of space for traditional wall art. The dining room features floor-to-ceiling windows, maximizing natural light, and smaller rectangular windows that pay homage to the craftsman style. A custom chandelier, recreated by an artisan after the client discovered a vintage piece, boasts wire and crystal globes. The owner's bedroom, the largest in the home, provides ample space and a sunset view. Its en-suite bathroom includes a curved shower and birch tree-adorned wallpaper, designed to evoke the feeling of being immersed in nature. The grand entryway features an overhead catwalk leading to an expansive great room dominated by a Tennessee fieldstone fireplace. Notable details include columns with bark inlay and rhododendron railings, both sourced from Asheville, NC. The fireplace mantel is a reclaimed wood piece from Littlebranch Farm, and the local stone for the fireplace was sourced from a nearby quarry. An art piece by Emily Leonard above the fireplace adds warmth and depth. The great room is further enhanced by a striking, six-by-six-foot handmade light fixture from Wish Designs. The catwalk, adorned with rhododendron branch railings from Mountain Laurel Handrail, connects different sections of the upstairs. Reclaimed barn wood creates an inset on the hickory floor leading to the great room. The front entry features an ornate antique bench, personally acquired by Guthrie and now a prominent design element. Thoughtfully curated collections, such as a hall table with a mirror and twig sconces, create engaging vignettes throughout the house. Guest accommodations include a serene “Couple’s Suite” with moody blue walls, a birch bed from La Lune Collection, and a sophisticated chandelier from Troy Lighting. A Navajo-inspired rug by Ralph Lauren adds texture, while an original oil painting by Jason A. Saunders provides a touch of color. Upstairs amenities also include a wine and snack bar, an exercise area, and a billiard room for entertainment. The home also boasts approximately 2,200 square feet of decking, encompassing a sunporch and a master suite deck, offering impressive views. Other guest rooms include a bunk room with custom-made bunks from La Lune Collection and a faux antler light fixture. Its adjacent bathroom features whimsical stag wallpaper from Kravet and a mirror from Pottery Barn Kids. An office space, deemed essential by the semi-retired client, provides a handsome and productive oasis. The powder room is considered one of the most unique spaces, featuring a tree trunk vanity base from Littlebranch Farms, handmade birch panels from Arden Creek, and custom floor tiles from Karen Amies of MacMillan Amies Studio, which incorporate acorns and other natural motifs. A screened-in porch with a fireplace and a custom porch swing from La Lune Collection offers a cozy spot to enjoy the views year-round, even after reupholstering the original furniture. This custom-designed home provides a luxurious, nature-inspired retreat, meticulously crafted for comfort and aesthetic appeal. #ElevatedRusticDesign #OvertonRetreat #CustomHome #InteriorDesign #BiophilicDesign #LuxuryHomes #TennesseeArchitecture #MountainHome #SecondHome

This article highlights a remarkable 37-acre private oasis in the Coachella Valley, featuring an 11-bedroom, 40,000-square-foot residence designed as a perfect escape. The extensive property includes working horse and date farms, a 6-acre Clive Clark–designed golf course, a large lake with canals, a petting zoo, horse and bike trails, pickle-ball and tennis courts, a pool and spa, and a helicopter pad. The project was a collaborative effort involving architect Gregory J. Smith of Uberion Architecture + Design, interior designer Dorothy Willetts, Bradshaw Construction's Mark Bradshaw, and landscape architect Anne Attinger. The development of this property began with raw, undeveloped land that was a working pasture. One significant challenge was bringing essential utilities, such as domestic water, gas, and electricity, from over a mile away, and ensuring that infrastructure capacities were multiplied tenfold to support the scale of the residence. For instance, the home is powered by a 2,000-amp main panel, a substantial increase from a typical house's 200-amp panel. The owner, a real estate developer and sportsman, desired an uninterrupted indoor-outdoor connection, leading to the incorporation of as much glass as building codes permitted. This design choice necessitated the use of a significant amount of steel in construction—more than is present in the nearby Indian Wells Stadium—because very few solid walls extend from floor to ceiling. The aesthetic inspiration for the home is Indonesian, intended to evoke the mythical sea serpent at Tanah Lot Temple in Bali, while still serving modern recreational purposes. To prevent the complex from appearing out of place in an arid desert environment, the design team focused on subtlety. Interior designer Dorothy Willetts chose a textural, earthy, elemental, and contemplative palette of sage greens, terra-cottas, and grays, with red accents to subtly nod to Asian influences. She avoided lush, tropical patterns and bright, beachy colors, opting instead for an island-inspired luxury destination feel with South Pacific and Caribbean influences. Furnishings and accessories were carefully selected to align with the Asian theme without making the space overly formal. Willetts utilized framed textiles and Indonesian shadow puppets, along with indigenous artifacts, to create an organic and soulful atmosphere. The heavy reliance on steel not only provided extensive overhangs for shade and wind protection but also allowed for soaring wood-covered ceilings up to 37 feet high. Custom-built furniture was essential, given the client's height and desire for deep seating, leading to muslin mock-ups for client approval. Specialized pieces, including billiard and ping-pong tables, were also custom-designed and manufactured. Willetts collaborated with artists like Mirena Kim Ceramics for porcelain lamps and Etienne Moyat for sculptural carved-wood panels, and relied on A. Rudin for upholstery, chosen for their U.S. manufacturing and proximity to the client. Landscape architect Anne Attinger divided the exterior into distinct quadrants: a date farm with over 1,000 palms, a horse ranch, a pasture that serves as an unconventional golf course, and the residential compound. Plantings immediately adjacent to the main house and canal suggest a subtropical environment, while the guest quarters feature a more stylized desert landscape. Japanese-style garden vignettes are also integrated throughout the property, further enhancing the oasis theme. #LuxuryRealEstate #CoachellaValley #HomeDesign #ArchitecturalMarvel #ResortLiving #IndoorOutdoorLiving #CustomInteriors #LandscapeDesign #DesertOasis

The article details the 'Case Study' house designed by Wheeler Kearns Architects in a prominent Chicago neighborhood. Named by Dan Wheeler, the project aimed to honor the experimental Case Study Houses of mid-century masters like Richard Neutra and Pierre Koenig, while evolving into a structure reminiscent of the Seagram Building, featuring art, sumptuous walnut, limestone, and bronze. The 12,700-square-foot residence emphasizes bespoke details, with even ventilation grilles and ceiling fixtures custom-designed. The project required extensive architectural and engineering drawings, totaling around 700, and involved numerous consultants, including Leslie Jones & Associates for interiors. A significant structural modification was made to eliminate columns in the living and breakfast areas, which would have obstructed the glass curtain wall. This ambitious and costly redesign involved a cantilever spanning over 40 feet and vertical post-tensioning of concrete caissons, extending 35 feet into bedrock. This allowed for vast, column-free public spaces and an impressive expanse of glass, crucial for the clients, who are major modern and contemporary art collectors from a philanthropic Chicago family. The house serves as a departure from the family’s previous Victorian home, adopting multiple modernist influences, including Mexican courtyard houses by Luis Barragán, Alvar Aalto’s Villa Mairea, Carlo Scarpa’s Banca Populare di Verona, and Eero Saarinen’s Indiana house. A key design element is the strong connection to the landscape, with half of the 1/3-acre property dedicated to a south-facing sculpture garden. This garden seamlessly integrates with the interior through low-iron glass walls and bronze-framed doors that open to connect the breakfast area to an outdoor dining arbor with a fireplace. Tawny limestone pavers, quarried near Dijon, France, used both inside and in the garden, further blur the lines between indoor and outdoor spaces. The open-plan house is designed to accommodate both daily family life and large-scale fundraisers for up to 200 guests, boasting museum-quality detailing. The ground level features a 10 ½-foot ceiling and extensive glass, while the double-height dining area is flanked by towering bookshelves made of oil-rubbed bronze. In contrast, the two upstairs bedroom levels are inwardly focused and concealed behind stucco walls, with light wells and interior courtyards providing natural light. Natural materials like stained American walnut for interior walls and ubiquitous bronze elements—from door pulls to sliding panels—connect the interior with the exterior palette. Furnishings, chosen by Leslie Jones, feature organic colors and forms, with wool rugs echoing the sculpture garden's layout. The furniture ranges from Wiener Werkstätte pieces to mid-century chairs by Franco Albini and Osvaldo Borsani, alongside custom seating in luxurious materials such as eel skin, goatskin, suede, and mohair. Jones deliberately kept furniture profiles simple to complement the diverse art collection, ensuring that the furnishings acted as sculptures themselves, mirroring the house's overall artistic integrity. #Architecture #ModernDesign #CaseStudyHouse #ChicagoArchitecture #LuxuryHomes #ArtCollection #LandscapeIntegration #InteriorDesign