This Colorful Chicago Apartment Is Giving Cozy, hot Vibes
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For James Dolenc and Tom Riker, downsizing from an open-concept, three-level loft to a 1,450-square-foot apartment in Chicago's Gold Coast neighborhood presented an opportunity to flex their traditional design muscles. So the founders of James Thomas Interiors embarked on a full gut renovation to turn the basic residence into a jewel-bright space reminiscent of a London pied-à-terre.
The two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment is in a building designed by famed architect Robert DeGolyer and completed in 1924. The couple's firm worked with Illinois-based Lenwood Construction to bring their vision to life. Naturally, the old building came with challenges. "The walls are constructed of plaster and lathe, so adding things like sconces or electrical outlets was difficult," Dolenc and Riker say. "The ceilings are also concrete, so we needed to drop them in certain places to allow for new ductwork and electrical conduit." All of the flooring was replaced with new hardwood. The double galley kitchen and bathrooms were redone. Built-in cabinetry transformed one bedroom into a dressing room. Essentials, like air-conditioning, a washer, and a dryer, were installed.
The designers selected a rich color palette of blues, pinks, and greens to offset gray Chicago skies. A blue grasscloth wallcovering by Phillip Jeffries envelopes the 30-foot-long living space, while a botanical one by Scalamandré adds whimsy to the foyer. The dining area draws attention thanks to white latticework over blue-painted walls. "We love the deep green paint color we chose for the kitchen cabinets," the designers say. "It adds a cozy, hot look—such a departure from the ubiquitous white kitchen."
Most of the unit's furnishings were custom-made, like a curved banquette in the dining room that acts as a dramatic focal point and blocks unsightly urban views. Others were sourced from vintage stores. "We were able to use fabrics, wallcoverings, vendors, and craftsmen who we have admired for years," the designers explain. "We finally were able to employ our decorative finish specialist [Studio Lunaris] to faux finish our dressing room [instead of using real oak] and apply a stain design on the floor in our entry hall."
Stepping into the unit now feels like a great escape for a pair of Anglophiles. The lively abode ensures every day spent in it is full of color.
Entryway
Marked by a black-and-white checkered floor and enveloped in Polar Jade paint by Benjamin Moore, the entry sets a glamorously playful tone for the rest of the home. A skirted table featuring Clarence House fabric with Samuel & Sons trim provides a perfect spot for vibrant pink flowers.
In the connected foyer, floor stenciling by Studio Lunaris adds an unexpected touch. A Scalamandré wallpaper reinforces the apartment's color palette.
Pendant (entry): Visual Comfort. Light fixture (foyer): The Urban Electric Co. Wallpaper (ceiling, foyer): Studio E. Paint (door): Midnight Oil, Benjamin Moore. Mirror: vintage, Chairish.
Dressing Room
Inspired by London's Savile Row, the former bedroom turned dressing room features millwork by Eurocraft and faux painted oak trim by Studio Lunaris.
Wallpaper (ceiling): Twigs. Light fixture: Brass Light Gallery. Ottoman (gold): Barron Custom Furniture in Lee Jofa fabric with Samuel & Sons trim. Table: vintage, Chairish. Carpeting: Fibreworks. Shades: Conrad.
Living Room
In the living space, Dolenc and Riker created three zones: a seating area, a workspace, and a dining area. The seating area is outfitted with a custom sofa and many vintage pieces. Surrounding a newly refurbished fireplace, the area is ideal for enjoying a cup of tea.
Wallpaper: Phillip Jeffries. Fireplace: Material. Sofa: Barron Custom Furniture, in Nobilis fabric. Pillow fabric (red): Schumacher. Pendant: Vaughan. Side table: Alfonso Marina. Sconces: vintage, Venfield. Rug: vintage, Oscar Isberian Rugs. Mirror: vintage, Chairish. Coffee Table: vintage, South Loop Loft.
Kitchen
Kitchen cabinets painted in Crisp Romaine by Benjamin Moore set the tone of the galley kitchen. A dramatic Calacatta gold marble backsplash and counters contrast nicely with the deep teal.
Plumbing: Waterworks. Hardware: Chicago Brass.
Dining Room
Latticework by Woodlogic Custom Millwork defines the dining area, giving it a garden-like feel. Custom banquette seating by Barron Custom Furniture creates a cozy, inviting atmosphere.
Table: Parish Co. Lantern: The Urban Electric Co. Dining chair: Artistic Frame, in Schumacher fabric. Banquette fabric: Knoll with Samuel & Sons trim. Drapery: Schumacher. Rug: Fibreworks. Wall art (floral): Steven Eichhorn. Dresser: vintage.
Office
An ornate vintage desk base sourced from 1stDibs stands out in the office, which is wrapped in a Philip Jefferies wallcovering. The treasure-filled bookcase from Woodland Furniture is flanked by a pair of vintage chairs from South Loop Loft.
Primary Bedroom
The bedroom takes on a calming, neutral color palette. "The bed tester was a splurge that is very impactful and adds a bit of old-world charm," the designers say.
Wallpaper: Ralph Lauren. Canopy fabric: de le Cuona. Bed: Barron Custom Furniture, in Opuzen fabric. Sconces: Visual Comfort. Light fixture: Paul Ferrante. Window treatments: Pollack.
Bathroom
The crisp white bathroom with tile from The Fine Line is warmed up by a warm wood vanity by Modern Millwork Innovations.
Plumbing: Waterworks. Mirror: Robern. Sconce: Visual Comfort.
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