Houzz Tour: Modern Bucktown Beauty
The group in Kara Mann Design were initially challenged with the sheer size of this 6,600-square foot modern home in the heart of Bucktown, one of Chicago’s metropolitan areas. The designers began with the color palette, by introducing warm tones and colors of brown into the space, and abided by the desire of homeowners Al and Anna Goldstein’s want to maintain the surroundings neutral. Anna says, “We wanted to keep it simple, in order to not restrict us in selection of furniture and décor.” The house was constructed and designed keeping in mind the couple’s need to entertain guests and also have room for a family one day.
The initial vision of the fantasy home was that of owner Al, with inspiration from his wife Anna. “My husband already began dreaming up the house before we met, therefore the fundamental out lay was his thought,” Anna says. “After I came into the picture, I became really involved with the specifics of the house and fell in love with it also.”
Houzz in a Glance
Who lives here: Al and Anna Goldstein along with their dog Jackie
Location: Bucktown neighborhood of Chicago, Illinois
Size: 6,600 sq. ft., 4 bedrooms, 6 baths
Architect: Environs Development; Interior Designer: Kara Mann Design
Cynthia Lynn Photography
The stem of the house is painted in a chocolate charcoal brown to serve as an anchor and pull the home’s warm tones together. The seating area from the living room provides a visually open texture. It enables those seated to have an unobstructed view of the dining room and a glance into the family room/kitchen area.
Anna discovered the glowing painting onto a trip to New York. The warm hues from the painting pull together the traces of color from the room. The acid-green pillows also function as a pop of color against the monochromatic chairs.
Cynthia Lynn Photography
Floor-to-double-ceiling windows from the living room look onto the bustling Bucktown neighborhood through gauzy roman colors. The oversize chairs were designed by Kara Mann and upholstered in a polyester/viscose tonal stripe cloth by Pollack Fabrics.
Cynthia Lynn Photography
The dining chairs are timeless in arrangement, but made edgy with a patterned print onto its back. The sea urchin-like chandelier and oversize Casamidy mirror complement the couple’s modern design.
Dining seats: Artistic Frame
Chandelier: Lumière by Jean de Merry
Cynthia Lynn Photography
Mann wanted the living room to function as a couch, and she realized that by designing around the fireplace. Anna says this is their favorite spot in the house.
Coffee table: Jayson Home & Garden
Cynthia Lynn Photography
A bookshelf functions as a divider between family room and kitchen. The designer maintained the shelving low to prevent obstructing the view of anyone seated on the sofa. Their dog Jackie can see into the kitchen and know when dinner is prepared!
The bookshelf also functions as a display area for the couple’s image frames and keepsakes, such as a figurine given to the couple after their engagement.
Cynthia Lynn Photography
The home office overlooks the double-height ceilings, which make a great open space. An abundance of lighting makes the oversize club seats a great place cozy up with a novel. The Dennis & Leen woven seat and Tai Ping rug add classic design elements to the modern design room.
Cynthia Lynn Photography
Hardwood floors flow through the residence. The selection of flooring had been their main design issue, Anna states. “I wanted lighter and my husband needed a dark wood floor. He won, and as much as I hate to acknowledge it, I look at the final solution, he was perfect.”
An adjoining stairs leads into the kitchen, family room and foyer. Waiting from the front door is a part the couple picked up in a neighborhood design store. The piece reflects the Chinese Chongqing Dog, a powerful and muscular natural guard dog. The figure functions as protector of the house, but don’t tell their dog Jackie!
Cynthia Lynn Photography
The elongated kitchen is embellished with shimmering glass tiles that guide all the way up. The tiles add a bit of contrast to the ordered cabinets that line the wall. Tiles were sourced in Urban Archaeology’s Glass Sticks with a custom color by Kara Mann.
Barstools were set along the counter for a casual dining experience along with extra guest seating. Large lace pendant lighting by Moooi hang above.
Cynthia Lynn Photography
The master bedroom on the second floor has a much lighter color palette than the remainder of the house. A plush rug under the king bed is nearly as comfortable as the bed. It’s a wonderful spot for their dog Jackie to sleep — which is, when she’s not on the sofa.
Cynthia Lynn Photography
The home office, that overlooks the living room, has an open source approach to its layout. A tri-level publication shelf which divides the hallway from the workplace.
Cynthia Lynn Photography
The basement press room is meant to be in which the all-male actions take place. The designer wanted to keep with a lodge-like texture, bringing in darker tones and rustic leather seats. The table converts into a pool table, along with the poker dining table next to the wet bar keeps the actions to a central room.
The basement also holds a home theater, wine cellar, gym/sauna and other sleeping quarters.
Cynthia Lynn Photography
The house sits on the corner of two tons; its modern design fitting right in with the urban landscape.
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Warm and Modern in Austin
A Soothing Retreat in the Heart of Chicago
Living Luxuriously with Nature