Rae Muranski and her team at Moderne Living transform a basic build into a timeless oasis of luxury for a family in Bucktown.
Rugs and carpets throughout the home were sourced from Moderne Living, including custom fine Italian silk rugs by Reflex.
THE CLIENT
When a healthcare entrepreneur walked into the Moderne Living showroom (222 W. Superior St.) in 2020 in search of a TV wall system, he was so impressed with the company that he chose to hire them to design his entire Bucktown property. “We were very delighted to see [him] appreciate our high-quality and innovative home solutions,” says Rae Muranski, principal designer at Moderne Living, which specializes in providing high-end European furniture from brands such as Pininfarina and crafting impeccable spaces that balance elegance and functionality. “[We helped] him drive his vision into reality, bringing one of the most stunning houses not only in Bucktown, but in the whole Chicago market.”
THE DESIGN
Muranski knew that the client wanted to create a space that was fundamentally different from the other homes he’d developed in several upscale suburbs in the Chicagoland area over the years. And more importantly, he wanted the property to be a home base for his family (two children and a puppy) to grow into.
The kitchen is the focal point of the first floor and features Reflex Accademia pendant lamps in bronze borosilicate glass above the island.
THE PROCESS
“After working with the client very closely for over a year, we have a well-established trust and friendship with him and his family,” Muranski says. “We really appreciated the interactive process of selecting key items for the house and solidifying their final design, configuration and colors. … The house is designed to be a showpiece—elegant, but most importantly, approachable and functional.”
A Pininfarina Speedform chandelier hangs above the breakfast area.
THE DETAILS
Guided by a gentle color palette featuring gray, bronze and beige, Muranski appointed the home with an eclectic mix of bespoke furniture, lighting, fabrics and art. An emphasis on innovative, high-quality Italian pieces was also central to the client’s vision. The kitchen is minimalistic yet very functional and architectural—complete with sleek ceramic slabs. Bespoke opaque glass doors give the space a contemporary edge, while railings with glass and metal mesh punctuate the design to imbue a softness to the modern space.
The sink with a ceramic finish by Italian brand The Cut in the kitchen.
THE CHALLENGES
Supply chain issues and various other delays caused by COVID-19 threatened to put the project behind schedule, but nevertheless, Muranski and team were able to wrap up the project exactly one year after breaking ground. “Due to our precise and detail-oriented operations,” she says, “we managed to successfully complete the whole-house project on time, despite the extremely challenging environment.”
A delicate cascade of Reflex’s Comete Collezione lights illuminates the staircase.
THE OUTCOME
What was once an ordinary build in Bucktown emerged as an extraordinary, timeless abode that is at once modern, elegant and family friendly. Says Muranski, “It has been an absolutely amazing and enjoyable journey for us to be able to work with [these] talented people to create a dream home for the client’s lovely family to enjoy for many years.”
Photography by: Photographed by Angelika Friday
