Kara Mann's Minimalist Dream Apartment Inspired By Tom Ford

Kara Mann, a renowned designer, crafted a modern, sprawling apartment for Kitzia and Richard Goodman in Chicago's Gold Coast historic district, drawing inspiration from Tom Ford's aesthetic. The design approach emphasizes a clean, minimal style, avoiding austerity by integrating textural richness through various materials. The Goodmans, art patrons, sought a gallery-like space conducive to entertaining, which Mann achieved by overseeing both the architectural modifications and interior decor of the gutted apartment. Mann, having a background as a fashion stylist, found inspiration not only in Ford's clothing lines but also in his dramatic William Sofield-designed boutiques, often looking to the faster-evolving fashion industry to inform her interior designs. The master bathroom exemplifies glamour with its lilac marble floors, walls, and sink, providing an urban feel distinct from the softer appearance of Calacatta marble. A custom-carved bathtub from Italy, Christian Liaigre tables, Fantini faucets, and a vintage bench adorned with lavender shearling contribute to the luxurious ambiance. Andy Warhol's artwork of Mick Jagger adds a pop culture element. The master bedroom is a study in gray and white textures, featuring a custom bed and bench by JM Upholstery, both covered in Rosemary Hallgarten alpaca. Frette bed linens, a custom throw, and selenite bedside tables complement the scheme. Mann incorporated a tray ceiling with a Paul Mathieu chandelier to add visual interest, maintaining a simple, clean, and modern aesthetic. Artworks by Yayoi Kusama and Ed Ruscha further enhance the room's design. The family room serves as a central point for nocturnal relaxation and movie-watching, characterized by fur carpeting and a custom U-shaped velvet sofa by JM Upholstery in a smoky purple-gray hue. A bronze cocktail table by Based Upon, London, with a shagreen-like texture, adds a unique touch. In the dining room, artist Steven Hettrich created a polished Venetian plaster and waxed silver metallic finish on the ceiling, which not only reflects light but also visually delineates the dining area within the open-plan entertaining space. A custom chandelier by Carlos De La Puente and Paul Mathieu chairs complete the setting. The living room is divided into two halves; one side features a cocktail table by Fran Taubman and armchairs by Todd Merrill Studios, anchored by a marigold-colored rug from Miyabi Casa. The other half includes a white Desede sofa, vintage Karl Springer side tables, a Pucci lounge chair, and a side table by Sam Orlando Miller. Large-scale limestone tiles are left bare on the floors, contributing to the unexpected feel of the space. Finally, the bar area and entryway function as a multi-purpose, elevated space ideal for entertaining. It boasts a custom bar by Christophe Come, crafted from Nero Marquinia marble, and custom glass paneled doors with églomisé detailing. Tracey Emin's neon artwork in the entryway provides a contemporary artistic statement. Throughout the apartment, Mann's design consistently balances stark architectural lines with rich textures and carefully selected art pieces, creating a minimalist yet sophisticated living environment. #KaraMann #MinimalistDesign #InteriorDesign #ChicagoInteriors #LuxuryLiving #TomFordInspired #ArchitecturalDesign #TexturalRichness

75 months ago

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