An ordinary Wilmette abode is transformed into a rock star sanctuary by Inspired Interiors’ Emily Mackie.
Designer Emily Mackie created this ubermasculine library for the husband, boasting dark navy blue cabinetry, black leather chairs, a fireplace and built-in shelving for liquor storage.
THE CLIENTS
After moving out of the city and into a 5,200-square-foot North Shore home, husband-and-wife clients Adam and Megan Butler called upon Inspired Interiors’ Emily Mackie to design a suburban sanctuary for their family of four. “They were trying to figure out how to utilize square footage in this home because it was more than two times the size of their city home,” Mackie says.
The wife’s salon (aka the ladies lounge) boasts swivel chairs by Essentials for Living and a custom table designed by Inspired Interiors and made locally.
Custom leather trim accents the Surya Solar carpet on the primary stairway.
THE DETAILS
Opening the front doors, guests are greeted by a stunning spiral staircase with vertical black lacquered railing and runner complete with leather trim. Then, heading into the dining room, an abundance of natural light is complemented by an eight-pendant chandelier with gold accents and a circular table perfect for family gatherings. Plush dining chairs add a pop of color with dark indigo tones, velvet fabric and a solid wood frame. “The chairs are just so decadent,” Mackie says. Currently, an AM/PM bar is also in the works. “You slide the door one way and it’s coffee and espresso and cappuccino, and then you slide the door the other way and it’s a wine dispenser,” she explains.
The airy breakfast room beckons with a Sunpan dining table, chairs by Industry West and chandelier by Palacek.
In the salon, a stunning chandelier by AERIN for Visual Comfort is reflected in a mirror from Ashley & Sloane.
THE CHALLENGES
Upon walking through the six-bed, six-bath Wilmette home, Mackie noted the challenging layout—which included multiple rooms that the all-American couple wasn’t sure how to use—and bland preexisting design. “It was all either beige or vanilla,” she recalls. Outside of revamping the decor of the home, the clients had one main priority, and that was to turn two of the rooms into personal oases. The husband’s? A masculine library decked with dark navy blue cabinetry, black leather chairs, a fireplace and built-in shelving for liquor storage. The wife’s space, on the other hand, took a bit more brainstorming. The result? A feminine salon complete with soft fabrics and bright colors—perfect for curling up with a good book or laughing over drinks with friends. Another challenge occurred within the pandemic, which hit right in the middle of the design process. Although the fact that the home was vacant helped, many elements ordered were either delayed or canceled entirely. It slightly delayed the renovation process. Up next? The basement, which will be segmented into a theater, video game room, wine bar and more.
A mantel painted in Benjamin Moore’s Silver Dollar sets a chic gray tone in the family room, which also features a locally made sofa designed by Inspired Interiors.
THE RESULTS
Although there is still some finessing to be completed, the Butlers are incredibly happy with their home and experience. “Emily turned our home into the oasis that perfectly represents us in a way that was refreshingly forward and exciting, yet still felt like home,” the clients say. “Simply put, [she] is incredible.”
Dining room highlights include a table by Joel Dessaules Design, chairs by DesignMaster Furniture and chandelier by Currey & Company.
Photography by: DUSTIN HALLECK
