We found an amazing lot with close proximity to the schools, parks, ponds and park district and wanted to maximize every square foot of this old world-style home.
In designing this floorplan, we worked closely with the family to meet their needs for storage space, and in the end, provided many storage areas for their children’s toys, hobbies and decorations.
Starting with the garage, we decided to stick to a 2.5 garage versus a 3-car as we were limited with square footage due to FAR restrictions. We added a large loft area for storage above the garage doors by using a side-mounted “jackshaft” garage door opener. In addition, we created a large storage room in the basement to house all the family’s decorations as well as under-stair storage. In meeting their second-floor laundry criteria, we transitioned into an open, bright workspace, which is great for homework, crafts, scrapbooking or an additional family room.
Our client wanted an old-world feel for this home, which we achieved by adding a walnut staircase, hand-scraped walnut floors, over-sized doors, rustic wrought-iron light fixtures, arched French doors, leaded glass windows, rounded corner bead on all entries an custom glazed all millwork.
With land values being so high in town, we worked closely together to maximize square footage by not adding a living room, not wasting space on a two-story foyer, and not adding a third-car garage.
Our client entertains, often which is why we chose to cover the patio outside the kitchen area so it can be used further into the fall and provide a more intimate setting. The small decorative bar area off the family room and the custom wine bar int he lower level were all additions they welcomed.
The Home Builders Association of Greater Chicago Key Awards were created in 1972 to recognize excellence in housing design, architecture, interior merchandising, remodeling and landscaping. It has since evolved into one of the premier housing programs in the country.
To see more Key and Sammy Award winners, visit www.chicagolandrealestateforum.com/awards.