Morgante Wilson Architects pulls off a strikingly contemporary renovation for a neighbor's lakefront abode in Wilmette.
The family room is the picture of comfort thanks to a West sofa sectional and Tape armchairs, all by Minotti.
THE CLIENT
Talk about walking to work: One recent project by Morgante Wilson Architects had a particularly personal connection for founders Elissa Morgante and Fred Wilson, as the clients just happened to be their neighbors in Wilmette. Explains Morgante, “We had been working with this client on a new construction home design for a different piece of lakefront property. Unfortunately, that property fell through and they were lucky to find this home very soon after.”
Ultra Lighting’s Peal Of Bells chandelier, a Synapsis table by Porro from Luminaire and Angie armchairs by Minotti add serious appeal to the dining room.
THE PRIORITY
With the home’s prime lakefront location, the client’s main objective was to completely open up the first floor, enabling each room to have sweeping views of the lake through floor-to-ceiling glass. Notes Wilson, who spearheaded the project with Morgante and partner K. Tyler, “They wanted a contemporary house, which is what we had designed for them on the prior property, but this was a well-built and solid 35-year-old shingle-style house. Tearing it down was not a viable option.”
The home’s entry enchants with Cattelani & Smith’s Silver Moon chandelier pendant cluster from Lightology, Tai Ping Carpets’ Raw Hov II rug and custom wallcovering by Studio BK.
THE CHALLENGE
“Removing all the walls on the first floor was a structural challenge,” says Morgante, as well as “enlarging all the window openings to provide oversized panels of glass.”
THE DETAIL
“The entire floor plan is 100% open except for an art studio,” says Wilson. “Each space is unique, but they all flow together. Every wall, ceiling and floor has been considered for details, finish, texture, lighting, furnishings and function. This young family uses every inch of the house on a daily basis. If there is such a thing as bespoke modern, this would be it.”
Maxalto’s Fulgen counter stools, Principia cabinets by Arclinea and a vintage stainless steel island countertop combine to make the kitchen pop.
THE OUTCOME
Sums up Morgante, “The clients absolutely love it and make use of every space for living and entertainment, inside and out.”
The bar sets a sultry scene with an Usona chandelier, Maxalto Apollo swivel armchairs in canary yellow velvet, Flourish Willow I rug by Tai Ping Carpets and custom drapes in Création Baumonn Saphir Plus fabric by Zirlin Interiors.
Type
Single-family home
Location
Wilmette
Architecture/Interior Design Morgante Wilson Architects morgantewilson.com
Builders/Painters
Breckenridge Homes breck-homes.com
Millwork
Artisan Millwork artisan-millwork.com
Plasterwork
Studio BK studiobkinc.com
Burmeister Woodwork
Various custom fabrication burmeisterwoodwork.com
Lightology
Various lighting lightology.com
Luminaire
Various furniture luminaire.com
Migala Metal Designs
Custom cabinets/floating shelves in bar room migalametals.com
Minotti Chicago
Various furniture minottichicago.com
Mobili Mobel
Side tables in bar/family room mobilimobel.com
Oscar Isberian Rugs
Various rugs isberian.com
Thomeworks
Various custom furnishings @thomeworksstudio
WPA Chicago
Various furnishings wpachicago.com
Zirlin Interiors
Custom drapery throughout zirlininteriorsinc.com
Photography by: MIKE SCHWARTZ
