At times, in life and in design, the only way to go is up. Thomas Riker and James Dolenc, of those Chicago-based firm jamesthomas, took this idiom to heart in more ways than one when they gutted and remodeled 2 adjoining attic apartments.
Both units had mezzanine levels that the designers removed to take advantage of the main room’s 18-foot ceilings. A brick wall between the flats was demolished, letting Riker and Dolenc to create a 4,000-square-foot apartment with a massive open entertaining area, a master suite for the owners and a guest wing which features two bedrooms plus an office. “Everything was cleaned up, lightened up and equipped with the understanding that the primary living area would be used for everything from interesting to casual hanging out,” says Riker.
However they were not finished with their increase to the very best. Each of those units had a deck and a roof space. Once more, both areas were united and Riker understatedly notes which the patio has “the most fantastic view of Chicago.” If you do not believe him, see for yourself.
jamesthomas Interiors
“Dueling sectionals and a massive glass coffee table bring about the light, bright look of the primary living area,” says Riker. All 3 pieces were custom made and designed by jamesthomas. (The coffee table was made by Gentner Fabrication). “You’re drawn to the exterior because the windows are so huge, so we chose a calm, neutral color palette which doesn’t divert from the views,” Riker describes. The timber loft building was used for business purposes, and the designers left the first duct work and Douglas fir ceiling. Oak floors were finished with a wash.
jamesthomas Interiors
The entrance has a lower ceiling, so Riker and Dolenc went moody, with a little glamour. “The dark paint on the ceiling relates to the color of this iridescent wallpaper and defines the distance in a jewel box kind of fashion,” says Riker.
jamesthomas Interiors
Guests largely us the powder room off the entrance. “We actually wanted to pump it up and make it quite jewel box just like,” says Riker. He adds that the Maya Romanoff wall covering (which was implemented just on the back wall) “resembles cubes and is very weathered and weathered.” A ceiling fixture in Boyd Lighting adds even more drama to the space.
jamesthomas Interiors
The double-sided fireplace was an current component, and also the designers refaced it in a demanding tile to give it more of a chimney feel. And once more emphasizing the ceiling height, they added that a storage divider. The living area side conceals a TV, while the dining area closets hold glasses and plates.
jamesthomas Interiors
The square dining table belonged to the owners, and Riker states it worked great in the distance. He had the chairs recovered and added an oversized round Ochre chandelier to ground the distance. “The living room has a few big pieces of furniture so we needed this to be a really sparse space and did not want to clutter this up with a rug”
jamesthomas Interiors
The library beside the dining room was a different room in the older floor plan. After removing the walls, a 42-inch-high built was added that the few uses for buffet service through dinner parties.
jamesthomas Interiors
The wine place is situated just to the left of the dining and library area for simple entertaining. Four Sub-Zero wine coolers flank a grapevine-inspired dining table and sleek high-gloss metallic bar stools. “The distance has a bit of an global vibe,” says Riker. “It’s a really small corner, so we needed to keep it clean and modern.”
jamesthomas Interiors
The kitchen is a linen color and has textured wood cabinets. “All the materials had to work together with the color palette — grey, cream, taupe, tan and camel — and be incorporated to have the kitchen leak with the rest of the living room,” says Riker.
The glass backsplash has an iridescent, undulating quality and goes back to the wallpaper in the entrance hall. Squared-down pendant fixtures by Ochre link to the chandelier in the dining area. (Riker calls them “sister fixtures.”) The traditional Bertoia bar stools belonged to the owners and so were reupholstered in leather.
jamesthomas Interiors
The colours in the master bedroom are somewhat richer than in the remainder of the apartment — more slate gray and blue, less taupe and tan. “It’s not a massive room, so we kept it very clean,” says Riker. The mohair chaise longue is “so lavish and comfy, and it’s become a favorite reading nook for those owners.”
jamesthomas Interiors
The patio seating area has a firepit, also with no neighbors nearby, the views are open to the north, east, and south. The birch tree branches are a reference back into the wallpaper in the adjoining patio area (not shown). They “include some interesting,” Riker says. “You’re surrounded by lots of buildings and concrete, so it’s kind of nice to feel as if you’re in a bird’s nest or a forest.” The decking is an all-weather composite material.
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