With bold color and sculptural details, this Chicago home is a study in transformation. Studio Emblem & Co. reimagined its builder-basic beginnings with a richly layered, deeply personal aesthetic that radiates character. Captured by Ryan McDonald, every space tells a story, one of a young family, their vibrant spirit, and a home brought to life with equal parts precision and playfulness.

From Studio Emblem & Co.… The clients for our Oakley House project came to us upon purchasing a new family home in the Bucktown neighborhood of Chicago. Although it had been built in recent years by a developer, the architectural shell and palette appeared dated, disjointed, and devoid of soul. Our task was to modernize the architecture and to furnish the home to reflect the personalities and lifestyle of this fun-loving, young family.

We embarked upon a thoughtful and strategic renovation, which involved gutting some rooms down to the studs and breathing new life and sophistication into others by updating finishes and lighting. The living room fireplace, a key focal point when you walked through the front door, received one of the most dramatic transformations. It was originally clad in unsightly mirrored tile, and we created a monolithic, blackened steel form with three-dimensional Heath tile on the face, infusing much-needed warmth and texture. We extensively renovated the primary bath and powder room, replaced architectural lighting in every room, and reimagined the stair balustrade that connected four floors of the home.

Our clients appreciated a bold sense of color, which we wholeheartedly embraced while developing palettes and selecting furnishings. The result culminated in a common thread of playfulness woven whimsically and cohesively from room to room.

Discover the talent behind the story… Interior Design: Studio Emblem & Co. · Photography: Ryan McDonald · Builder: Bigane Construction