Modern Warmth
Epic Interior's new build in Chicago's Lincoln Park neighborhood translated unique family personalities into one seamlessly integrated home.
"We started this project by letting our clients know that for the next year or so, we would become part of their family." Epic prioritized stellar listening skills and elevating their client's voices when developing the design direction. They spent time interviewing each family member, including the kids, and used their "visual therapy" skills to interpret and come up with ideas that reflected everyone's unique identities. The trick was in processing the characteristics of each individual and converting them into one cohesive, elevated interior.
With timeless design decisions, this project has a modern elegance that will remain relevant and current. As with any project, there are trials. The Epic team considers themselves "Calm Warriors," consistently advocating for their clients and reminding everyone that there is ALWAYS a solution to any challenge. For example, this single-family home for a large household of seven on a narrow city plot had to fit much into limited space. The solution included going tall (four stories) and intense space planning to fit everything like puzzle pieces. Even with its limited footprint, Epic created an effortless flow in a home that was tailor-made for well-being and designed through a very modern lens. Specializing in high-end residential, healthcare, and commercial interiors nationwide, Epic capitalized on their strengths for this project through wellness-focused design.
This large city-dwelling with cozy features has four extraordinary levels of awe-inspiring detail and custom finishes, from the kitchen's glass and steel range hood to the ten custom bathrooms. Every family member has their personality reflected in the home's seven bedrooms and the main living spaces. There are unique design features throughout four levels of living space and a rooftop with impressive views of the city skyline.
Architecture and Home Builder: Casagrande Architects, LLC
Interior Design: Epic Interiors, LLC
Property Size: 7,500 square feet
Press Kit
Exterior
This beautiful urban exterior includes flamed granite panels in the window recesses, where you would typically expect limestone material. The decision to use granite, a simple but elegant material, allowed the black to make the façade pop. The result is stunning, with a seamless and uninterrupted vertical flow.
Living Room
This intimate and formal but comfortable living room promotes conversation and ease of use. Epic designed the bold lines in the fireplace stone to play off the rug's geometric pattern, creating an exciting balance and elevating the design. The horizontal lines of the surround move the eye effectively across and around the room. The oil painting over the fireplace by Chicago artist Pamela Staker explores figurative and abstract themes reflective of urban living. Epic believes art makes the room, and they are committed to finding and supporting local talent.
Furniture and Rug, Ethan Allen | Console Tables, Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams | Lamps, Arteriors Home | Artwork, Pamela Staker
Entryway
Epic successfully packed so many design elements into such a small space, from the wow factor of the setback and framed-out wall to the high ceilings, transom, and deep crown molding. The gorgeous grasscloth wall covering is Serena & Lily, and the marble floor tile is Ann Sacks. The Lightology chandelier is another gem that draws the eye up and makes the space feel bright and airy.
Wallcovering, Serena & Lily | Chandelier, Lightology | Mirror, RH | Marble Floor Tile, Ann Sacks
Kitchen
Industrial steel and glass elements reminiscent of old factory loft spaces mix with wood to warm and balance this modern urban kitchen. Custom-built cabinets with floor-to-ceiling storage make efficient use of limited space. The addition of subtle wood elements in the island and cabinet framing brings a cozy element to clean lines and modern features. The giant window under the steel stove hood is as unusual as it is striking. Allowing in much-needed light– the brick of the neighboring building essentially becomes the backsplash.
Custom Cabinetry and Kitchen, Knapp Kitchens | Lighting, Circa | Appliances, Thermador | Island Stools, Eurway | Waterston Faucet, Studio41
Butler's Pantry
Epic has continued with the warming element of wood throughout the space, and the butler's pantry is no exception. Floating wood shelves with led underlighting put a spotlight on the chevron backsplash, making it shine. Note the wonderful little watercolor by Chicago artist and architect Cynthia Winter. It's a painting of the home's exterior–A housewarming gift for the clients.
Tile, Lewis Floor & Home | Sconce Lighting, Rejuvenation | Faucet, Studio41
Family Room
Prominent floor-to-ceiling windows give a view out to the patio and the garage roof deck (one of 3 decks on this property) with its phenomenal cityscape views. Custom white oak millwork explicitly designed for this project includes a floating bench for additional seating at a minimal profile.
Sofa, RH | Coffee Table, Pottery Barn | Floor Lamp, Circa
Family Room Detail
The custom white oak millwork inset next to the floor-to-ceiling porcelain around the fireplace makes for a gorgeous vignette. The vertical striations in the porcelain have a fluidity that refers to the feeling of a waterfall. The colors add a soft warmth to the minimalism of these details.
Side Table, Room & Board | Floor Lamp, Circa
Staircase
This vertical city house boasts an open staircase from the lower level to the third floor. The client and architect collaborated on this custom-designed stair engineered and built by Lake Shore Stair Company. The spindle spacing and grouping into threes reflect the exterior architecture of the three vertically oriented window recesses. With clean railings and minimal detail on the spindles, this stair includes an unusual design element of customized treads that are laser cut for traction on each stair–a brilliant solution for replacing the more expected carpet runner.
First Floor Powder Room
Epic designed the ten baths in this residence to include elements of surprise through color and pattern, using the opportunity to go bold in an otherwise neutral project. Like catching a glimpse of a hidden gem, this powder room delights with its wallcovering of deep navy and graphic pussy willow pattern from Graham & Brown. Epic pushed the client out of their comfort zone to increase drama in these small spaces to excellent effect. In the end, the client was grateful for the push and thrilled with the outcome.
Vanity, Studio41 | Sconce Lighting, Rejuvenation | Wallcovering Graham & Brown
Master Bedroom
An oasis away from five kids and stressful jobs, this is a space designed to unwind and relax with soft neutral colors and warm details. Everything from the wall covering to the light fixtures to the art & objects is a play on black and white with warm neutrals. The vibrational pattern in the wallcovering by York and the repeat pattern of vertical wires in the light fixture by Circa create an overall soothing effect.
Bed, RH | Rug, Arhaus | Bench, Arteriors Home | Lighting, Circa | Wallcovering, York
Master Bedroom Detail
Again, the chevron tile and the finishes, fabrics, and fixtures are a vibrational play on black and white with warm neutrals. This area by the fireplace is perfect for relaxing with a good book or spending time in thoughtful meditation—a place to rest and regroup from the stresses of modern life.
Chair, Room & Board | Side Table, Pottery Barn | Lamp, Arhaus | Tile, Ann Sacks
Master Bath
With the neighbors only 6 feet away (remember, city living!), this master bath has been transformed into a retreat with so much privacy. The diffused light and slight bow to the tub's shape bring a soft feminine element to balance the modern hard edges.
Tub and Faucet, Studio41
Master Bath
This warm gray shagreen clad vanity from RH brings warmth and depth through texture and color.
Lighting, Circa | Mirror, Room & Board | Floor and Shower tile, Lewis Floor & Home | Vanity, RH
Girl's Bedroom
All five kids received individualized living space retreats that reflected their personalities. The only girl out of five, this teen was excited to collaborate with Epic to design her bedroom and bath. She made choices that reflected her super cool, fun, and feminine personality. Created from recycled plastic bottles, the rug from Pottery Barn is an apt reflection of the younger generation's commitment to earth-friendly materials (we told you she was cool!). The lounge area with a sectional sofa from Pottery Barn Teen and a West Elm coffee table is perfect for hanging out with friends. The third-floor view gives the feel of being in a treehouse with views to the street below from a pretty lofty height. It's really quite dreamy.
Bed, Room & Board | Ceiling Light, Arteriors Home | Bench, West Elm | Side Table, West Elm | Wallcovering, Rebecca Atwood
Girl's Bedroom Detail
Wallcovering by Rebecca Atwood. Lamp by Circa. Nightstand by West Elm
Girl's Bath
This room hinged on finding a color to offset the gray and the perfectly selected shade of powder blue for the vanity did just that. The blue softens the space and is the perfect counterpoint to the marble wall.
Custom-Built Vanity, Knapp Kitchens | Floor and Wall Tile, Ann Sacks | Medicine Cabinet and Faucet, Studio41
Boy's Bedroom
The youngest boy (in first grade at the time of design) received a room that reflected his dreams and adventurous spirit. The map wallcovering provides endless interest, while the upholstered bed and custom Stanton rug are not too juvenile and will transition effortlessly as he ages.
Bed, Pottery Barn | Nightstand, Crate & Barrel | Rug, Stanton
Third Floor Powder Room
Epic has again brought the drama with this bold, graphically patterned Serena & Lily wall covering.
Lighting, Circa | Vanity, Knapp Kitchens | Wallcovering, Serena & Lily
Third Floor Hangout Room
The entire third floor consists of three teen bedrooms and this hangout space right in the middle. The stairs lead up to a rooftop deck (two decks, one at the front and one at the back) with a hot tub and stunning views of the Chicago skyline.
Photography credit: Cynthia Lynn Photography
“Their style is so warm and inviting down to the smallest details.”
Contact
Jeannine Bogart
Principal
+1 312 543 4596
jeannine@epic-interiors.com