Project Interiors Office in Chicago, Illinois by Project Interiors

Article source: Project Interiors

Chicago’s cutting-edge interior design firm with a flare for unexpected storytelling, was tapped by LG Development to produce top-of-the-line design/build packages for a chic new construction, multi-unit condo building in the heart of the West Loop. “The building, Illume, is a new concept for the loft neighborhood, and we are excited to be a part of what the future of this iconic part of the city can be,” says Aimee Wertepny, PROjECT. founder + visionary. “What makes the West Loop so cool, and a magnet for families + creatives, is the role the hood has played in Chicago’s industrial + hospitality narratives. But there are only so many original timber lofts left. Illume is a 10-story, 79-unit luxury condo building that pairs radical contemporary design with the convenience + excitement of living in the West Loop just steps from Restaurant Row.”

Image Courtesy © Aimée Mazzenga

• Architects: Project Interiors
• Project: Project Interiors Office
• Location: Chicago, Illinois
• Photography: Aimée Mazzenga
• Client: PROjECT Interiors
• Lead Designer: Lauren Warnock
• Square Footage: 1,900 sq. ft.

Image Courtesy © Aimée Mazzenga

For one of the building’s 1,900 sq. ft., park-facing units, PROjECT. was recruited by a repeat client, Melissa + Ken Erke, to bring style + flow to the 3-bedroom/3.5-bath condo. “Because we were on board from the beginning, we had a hand in all of the builder selections flooring, cabinets, tiles, light fixtures, plumbing fixtures, etc.that would become the bones + backdrop,” says lead designer Lauren Warnock of PROjECT. “And because we had worked with this client in the past, and that trust was there, we were given a lot of creative liberties as a designer. In fact, they asked us for three, totally different style directions and said, ‘We’ll pick one and run with it.’ So we showed them three distinct design concepts. They chose their favorite vibe moody + modern and from there we had carte blanche to get creative.”

Image Courtesy © Aimée Mazzenga

Image Courtesy © Aimée Mazzenga

Next, PROjECT. turned its attention to the layout. “The Erkes like to entertain, so they wanted a space where a handful of couples could easily sit, gather and have some cocktails,” says Warnock. “They’re also both successful entrepreneurs who have their own businesses + host their clients in their home, so it was important to create an open-concept living/dining space that’s as chic + sophisticated as they are.” PROjECT. was also tasked with creating a space for their daughter who frequently visits from New York and editing the couple’s extensive art collection, as well as working in some key pieces of furniture the client already owned. “None of it was offensive,” laughs Wertepny. “It’s not like they asked us to work in a brown corduroy sofa. But small spaces require imaginative solutions.”

From the entryway to the back bedrooms, PROjECT. kept compression + expansion in mind, “a way for us to define spaces and transition through the space organically instead of things feeling choppy,” says Warnock. For example, the condo’s entryway boasts a lower ceiling height and dark walls accented by antiqued mirror wall panels, a polished bronze console by Kara Mann + a wall sculpture by artist C. Jeré and then you “pop out into one, big open kitchen/living/dining area,” adds Warnock. “Your mind’s eye pulls you through the dark and into the natural light-filled hub of the home.”

Image Courtesy © Aimée Mazzenga

Image Courtesy © Aimée Mazzenga

In the kitchen, white cabinets + white marble countertops are offset by an earth-toned ceiling covering by Phillip Jefferies and punctuated by dueling oversize pendant lights by Sho Modern. Next, the dining area takes shape in a corner by the windows courtesy of a custom floating banquette in steely velvet, a gray oak table from ModLoft, a trio of Warren Platner armchairs, and an antique brass chandelier by Arteriors. “The rice-shaped table gives this elegant curve to the dining room that you wouldn’t get with a conventional table,” says Warnock.

In addition to the flawless custom millwork + display shelving that runs the length of the condo, “One of my favorite moments in the home is this floating Lucite bench we chose for the living space,” says Wertepny. “Aesthetically, it’s this wicked piece that we had custom-upholstered by Amanda Morrison [Colorblind Creative] with black leather fringe that pools onto the floor. Functionally, you can sit on it and face the living room or the dining room depending on where the party’s at.”

Image Courtesy © Aimée Mazzenga

Image Courtesy © Aimée Mazzenga

Image Courtesy © Aimée Mazzenga

Image Courtesy © Aimée Mazzenga

Tags: Chicago, Illinois

Categories: Interiors, Offices

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