Although the 2,100-square-foot condominium had been custom-designed back in the late 1970s when the high-rise was new and had undergone some minor cosmetic updates over the years, it was definitely time to bring the design of the space firmly into the present. Pam Lamaster-Millett, principal at Chicago-based Searl Lamaster Howe Architects, oversaw the renovation.
Primarily used as a weekend pied-à-terre, the clients wanted the condominium to suit their frequent entertaining. The previously closed-in kitchen was opened up, not just to the dining room but to views of Lake Michigan as well. A new, spacious primary bathroom was created by combining two former his-and-her baths.
But the design team encountered a few obstacles once the work commenced.
In several areas, such as between the den and living room, large sliding doors were employed to channel the circulation through the home. The floor had to be carefully leveled in spots so the sliders would not have an inconsistent gap below them.
In the kitchen, it was impossible to relocate the ductwork for ventilating the new induction cooktop. To solve this, Lamaster-Millett mirrored the footprint of the island on the ceiling plane with a floating walnut panel which houses the new exhaust and anchors the dining table, pulling the eye toward the lake views.
In retrospect, for similar projects the SLH team would recommend budgeting to remove all existing ceilings (which in this case concealed the original electric heating system that had reached the end of its life span) in order to free up some of the lighting options and ceiling design.
The homeowners wanted to do something special in the powder room – a space that gets a lot of visitors during parties and social gatherings. Lamaster-Millett said, “We created a series of anterooms: a vestibule for a small table, a vanity room with a tinted mirror to give guests a warm glow, and finally a private room for the water closet.” The finish on the plumbing fittings and decorative lighting are gold/brass tones in this area only, lending it an identity unique from the rest of the residence.
Throughout the condominium, the color palette is very restrained – mostly white and grays – to ensure that the graining and texture of the wood features would be pronounced and feel extra luxurious. “There is an interplay of symmetry and asymmetry throughout the apartment that gives some unexpected moments, despite the very consistent color theme,” said Lamaster-Millett. “Also, the rather low ceilings in comparison to the room sizes exaggerates the wood and stone patterns – in a good way. They don’t get lost in an expanse of wall.”
Sources
Design: Pam Lamaster-Millett, Searl Lamaster Howe Architects; Photography: Petra Ford; KITCHEN Cabinets: Custom; Cabinet Hardware: Restoration Hardware; Cabinet Inserts: Häfele; Cooktop, Microwave, Wall Ovens: Wolf; Countertop: White Storm Quartzite; Dishwasher: Miele; Faucet: MGS; Flooring: Custom Ash by Purezawood; Lighting: Focal Point; Paint: Benjamin Moore; Refrigerator, Wine Cooler: Sub-Zero; Sinks: Kohler; Vent Hood: Best PRIMARY BATHROOM Cabinets: Custom; Cabinet Hardware: Restoration Hardware; Countertop: Arabescato, Grigio Carnico & White Carrara; Faucets, Shower Fittings: Waterworks; Flooring: Statuario White Extra; Lighting: Focal Point, Tom Dixon; Paint: Benjamin Moore, Super White; Pocket Door Systems: Hawa Junion & Sugatsune; Toilet: Toto; Tub: Zuma; Ventilation: Panasonic
