Designed by Kline Interiors and photographed by Heather Talbert, this thoughtfully layered new-build reflects a Chicago family’s vision for a year-round retreat rooted in connection and tradition. The home balances architectural clarity with a collected sensibility, including vintage finds placed in nearly every room and a pair of matching mirrors sourced even before the architectural plans were finalized. That early instinct toward meaningful pieces helped shape a home designed to welcome gatherings now and for generations to come.
From Kline Interiors…For Kelsey, principal designer of Kline Interiors, this home was never meant to feel precious. From the outset, the design was guided by the belief that a home should reflect the life unfolding inside it. That philosophy shaped the project from concept through completion, encouraging the use of materials and furnishings that would age gracefully while supporting the rhythm of everyday family life.
The clients arrived with two distinct visions: one with a strong pull toward clean, modern architecture, and the other drawn to the warmth and character of Spanish Revival-inspired interiors. The challenge, and ultimate opportunity, lay in combining these two seemingly opposing aesthetics into a home that felt deeply personal yet balanced.
Rather than leaning entirely into one perspective, the design embraces a constant dialogue between masculine and feminine energies. Architectural lines are softened by tactile textiles, artful wallpapers, and distinctive lighting. Cool stone meets warm wood, and sleek silhouettes are paired with patinated metals and lived-in textures.
At the center of the home, the dining area and kitchen were designed as natural gathering points between the surrounding living spaces. Concealed storage and thoughtful built-ins keep the space calm and uncluttered, allowing the kitchen to function as both the practical heart of the home and a place where conversation lingers long after meals. Across the home, vintage finds sit comfortably alongside custom and contemporary pieces, resulting in a layered, timeless environment that feels lived-in from the moment you walk through the door, exactly as Kelsey intended.
Private spaces throughout the home carry the same balance of warmth and personality. In the primary suite, a nature-inspired wallcovering sets a moody, cocooning tone around an emerald velvet bed, complemented by vintage mirrors and scalloped pendants. Secondary bedrooms were each given their own identity, ranging from tailored and grounded to playful and ethereal, while guest baths introduce unexpected details such as lavender vanities and a carved antique vanity.
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Discover the talent behind the story… Interior Design: Kline Interiors · Photography: Heather Talbert · Styling: Kimberly Swedelius · Architect: Kipnis Architecture · Builder: Tielens Construction · Landscape: Bay Lake Landscape
