For one North Shore couple who had reared three children in a sprawling four-bedroom colonial, downsizing seemed a sensible choice. But after living for several years in a three-bedroom apartment in a low-rise elevator building, they knew it was not the answer.
“We started feeling claustrophobic and realized we loved living in a house,” says the wife. So they decided to become homeowners again.
House-hunting proved frustrating. Nothing on the market met their needs. Upon considering several ranch homes and realizing extensive renovation was required to provide suitable storage and closet space, they concluded “the only way to get what we really wanted was to start from scratch.”
A lot in a newly developed section of Riverwoods offered an ideal site. The sense of neighborhood in this contained area was appealing. But it was the peaceful setting they loved the most, says the wife, referring to the feeling of tranquil expanse afforded by a pond bordering the three-quarter-acre property.
“Good teamwork accounts for the success of this house,” says interior designer Anthony Michael, noting the relationship between client, builder/contractor and himself. “We all worked from the ground up, suggesting creative alternatives to enhance the client’s vision.”
The home’s original concept was “one-level living” with plenty of closets and storage, as well as private space for guests. Once planning began, “the house just grew,” says the wife, until it measured 4,600 square feet. “We wanted open spaces, a large master bedroom and bath, a separate dining room, a sizable kitchen and an exercise room that wasn’t in the basement.” Acknowledging the impracticality of a one-level design that could accommodate all this and appreciating the resale value of a home with three bedrooms on a second floor, the decision was made to build up.
But true to the intent of “one-level living,” the master suite was situated on the ground floor, allowing the house to function the way it was originally conceived.
The owners were as definite about decor as they were about design. They envisioned a home that was contemporary in feeling but would not date itself. Michael created a look he describes as “restrained, classic contemporary,” a style inspired by traditional ideals. All upholstered furniture was custom designed with clean, continuous, well-defined lines. Moderating proportions to a comfortable, human scale proved essential in the overall spatial design and key in the great room with its 22-foot ceilings. Fabrics are simple, elegant and understated. A monochromatic palette of muted creams and taupes adds warmth throughout.
The house is not without drama, however. Its subtle elements include an impressive ellipse-shaped entry and gracefully curved furnishings that give reference to the French Art Deco period. But Michael’s greatest opportunity for impact came in properly proportioning the great room. His ingenious solution was a monumental floor-to-ceiling fireplace with inverted fluting. This focal point adds scale, texture and architectural character.
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RESOURCES
Architect–Samuel G. Footlik, A.I.A., FW Associates, Northbrook. Builder/contractor–Jeff Hyman, Customworks Inc., Northbrook. Interior design–Anthony Michael, Interior Design 101 Ltd.
Great room: Fireplace–custom designed by Anthony Michael, fabricated by Customworks Inc., Northbrook; urns and pedestals–Artifacts International, Los Angeles; dried corkscrew willow arrangements–Zuverink; sofas–custom designed by Michael, fabrics from Holly Hunt Ltd., Merchandise Mart; cocktail table–by Michael, fabricated by Paoli Woodworking, Franklin Park; accent chairs–Cyrna International, Mart; sofa table–Holly Hunt Ltd., Mart; lamp–Larsen Furniture, Mart; accessories–Golden Triangle; area rug–by Michael, fabricated by Carpets by Design, Mart; artwork–personal collection.
Detail of great room, left: Accent chair–Melrose House, Los Angeles; desk–Donghia Inc., Mart; urn/pedestal–Artifacts International, Los Angeles; lamp–Larsen Furniture, Mart; drapery–by Michael, fabricated by Countryside Draperies, Countryside; drapery fabric–Kravet Fabrics, Mart.
Master bedroom: headboard–by Michael, fabric by Boussac, New York; bedspread–fabricated by Countryside Draperies, Countryside, fabric by Old World Weaver, New York; night stands–Mirak, Dallas; lamps–Greysen, Chatsworth, Calif.; bench and drapery–by Michael, fabrics by Corragio Textiles, Mart.
