Reinventing a North Shore Ravine Home: A Morgante Wilson Transformation

You know the Morgante Wilson team loves a good before-and-after story – especially when we get to write that story ourselves, in partnership with design-savvy clients who are as interested in pushing boundaries as we are. This home on Chicago’s North Shore is a perfect example of the kind of magic that results when clients are trusting, creativity is flowing, and collaboration is in full swing.

Fred:

Let’s start with the back story. The house was originally built in the 1980s and was a lackluster example of postmodern-era architecture. And, it had a woodpecker-damaged wood exterior. Our clients originally fell in love with the property’s location and heavily wooded setting on a ravine, both of which were fantastic. But they wanted to make some changes to the house itself, and approached us with the idea of a small renovation.

Elissa:

It didn’t take long before we all saw the potential to create something truly amazing that not only made the most of the home’s site, but also made the most sense for the way our clients live. The project quickly grew in scope from a renovation to a full-on reinvention.

Fred:

That’s a good way to describe it, Elissa. In the end, we created a contemporary residence that features an eclectic mix of influences from the International School and Prairie School and ties to the surrounding scenery.

Elissa:

The setting was also very challenging. Don’t forget that part!

Elissa:

All in all, the renovation took five years from initial concept to completion. We maintained the home’s original footprint and foundation, but reimagined its shell to raise the main and second floors and gain extra ceiling height. The floor plan is very open, which is great for entertaining, and also for flooding the house with natural light.

Fred:

Right. The site was tight, we were determined to preserve as many trees as possible, and we had to design in such a way that construction equipment could navigate the steep slope of the ravine.

Elissa:

The other thing the team did was to align the main floor with the ravine’s tree canopy. When you’re inside, it feels like you’re in a treehouse. It’s very tranquil.

Elissa:

Overall, I’d describe the house as being tailored, crisp, modern, and understated – in a luxurious way. It’s also, as we noted earlier, the result of close collaboration with clients who are knowledgeable about design, savvy about design, and into the process of design – and it shows!

Fred:

The entryway sets the tone. You can see how the house harmonizes with its natural setting, and the way the huge expanses of windows invite the outdoors in.

If you know our work, you know we love a statement-making staircase. This one features floating slats and a railing that looks like leather. It’s very graphic; very contemporary. The entry is done in terrazzo partially covered by a mohair rug, with a gray, faux-suede coat closet.

Elissa:

I’d also point out that the entry demonstrates the importance of texture in contemporary spaces. You want them to feel warm and inviting, not cold and off-putting, hence the mohair and faux-suede.

Elissa:

We used a lot of neutral whites and creams, then incorporated deep, rich woods to balance the minimalist styling and all the metal you see. Overall, it’s a bit moody, which is somewhat unexpected and again, helps warm things up.

Fred:

The heart of the house is its open kitchen, dining room, and family room. It’s all very sleek, but welcoming. The kitchen includes an oversized island, a peninsula, and a really cool, informal breakfast area enveloped by antiqued mirrors

For as open as the kitchen is, the dining area feels like a cozy booth in the back of your favorite restaurant. That kind of juxtaposition is an exciting surprise. Mostly, though, it’s just really, really nice to sit there!

Elissa:

The dining room is contemporary in a different way. Its glassed-in wine pantry is the focal point, just as a really great piece of art might be. The chandelier is like a piece of art as well, and then of course the trees are celebrated and enjoyed through the windows. It was also really fun to do a mix of bench seating and dining chairs, which elevates the whole experience of eating here.

Elissa:

We wanted the family room to feel very soft and inviting, so the furnishings are upholstered, curvy, and textural.

Elissa:

The family room includes a nice little bar for entertaining. We like to incorporate small bars like these so guests can help themselves without getting in the cook’s way. Those backsplash tiles are like little jewels.

Elissa:

Big slab fireplace surrounds are another example of very contemporary warmth.

Fred:

We’ve got plenty more to show of this house on our website. Take a look to see the rest. And be sure to follow us on Instagram and Pinterest!