Ravenswood Whole-Home Renovation
A comprehensive design-build project including a custom kitchen, finished basement, and three bathrooms—designed with cohesive materials, refined detailing, and thoughtful space planning throughout.
Situated between Horner Park and Graceland cemetery, this single-family Ravenswood renovation took place across multiple levels. The scope included a full kitchen redesign, a fully built-out basement with custom millwork, and two bathrooms, each designed with a consistent palette of warm finishes, traditional detailing, and durable materials selected for everyday use.
Across the home, new rift and quarter-sawn white oak flooring establishes continuity, while updated trim profiles, custom cabinetry, and layered lighting create a cohesive architectural language.
Kitchen Design
This kitchen design and remodel reworked to improve flow, storage, and usability while maintaining a timeless aesthetic. A central island anchors the space, integrating seating, storage, and electrical access, while perimeter cabinetry maximizes function with full-height storage and integrated appliances.
White cabinetry is paired with quartz countertops and a marble-look backsplash, creating a clean, light foundation. Plumbing fixtures in oil-rubbed bronze introduce warmth and contrast, including a traditional high-arc faucet.
A farmhouse-style sink and thoughtfully designed cabinet interiors—including pantry storage and appliance integration—ensure the space functions as efficiently as it looks. Lighting is layered throughout, with recessed fixtures, under-cabinet lighting, and decorative pendants.
Basement Design
The basement was transformed into a fully functional living space, designed for both everyday use and entertaining. A custom bar anchors the layout, featuring cabinetry with an antiqued mirror back, recessed LED lighting, and a panel-ready beverage refrigerator.
Architectural detailing carries throughout the space, including wall paneling, crown molding, and a fully designed media wall with integrated lighting and library-style sconces.
Under-stair storage and built-in cabinetry maximize functionality, while a concealed door integrates access to the laundry room—demonstrating a consistent focus on clean lines and hidden utility.
The basement palette introduces depth through rich tones, compliments of a Benjamin Moore Blue, paired with warm metals and layered textures for a refined, comfortable environment.
Bathroom Design
In the primary bath, the layout incorporates a walk-in shower with bench seating, and a frameless glass enclosure. Double vanities and a dedicated water closet enhance functionality, while radiant heated flooring adds warmth for cold Chicago days.
The guest bath continues the material palette, featuring marble tile across floors and tub surrounds, paired with oil-rubbed bronze fixtures for a cohesive, classic finish.
Throughout both spaces, lighting, mirrors, and plumbing fixtures were selected to reinforce a consistent aesthetic in this custom bathroom remodel.
Design Details & Finishes
Material and product selections were carefully curated to create a unified experience across all spaces:
- Flooring: Rift & quarter-sawn white oak throughout main living areas
- Tile: Marble mosaic flooring and tiled shower surrounds for durability and timeless appeal
- Fixtures: Oil-rubbed bronze plumbing fixtures across kitchen and baths
- Cabinetry: Custom millwork with integrated storage solutions and appliance panels
- Lighting: Combination of recessed, decorative, and accent lighting layered throughout
These selections ensure the home feels cohesive, refined, and built for long-term livability.
Scope of Work
This Ravenswood renovation involved a comprehensive reconfiguration of the home, addressing structural updates, new layouts, and fully integrated finish selections across multiple levels.
Demolition & Structural Changes
- Removal of existing finishes, including tile, cabinetry, and select walls to open key living areas
- Structural modifications to support new layouts, including reworked stair access and wall framing
- New window installations and adjustments to improve light and functionality
Carpentry & Architectural Detailing
- Custom millwork throughout, including kitchen cabinetry, built-ins, and basement bar
- Installation of new baseboards, casing, and trim profiles to align with the home’s original character
- Tray ceiling detailing and architectural enhancements in select rooms
- Integrated storage solutions, including under-stair built-ins and concealed access points
Kitchen Renovation
- Full redesign of layout with new island, cabinetry, and appliance integration
- Installation of quartz countertops, tile backsplash, and farmhouse-style sink
- Electrical and plumbing coordination for new appliance locations and lighting layers
Basement Build-Out
- Complete finishing of basement with defined zones for media, bar, and storage
- Custom bar with antiqued mirror back, beverage refrigeration, and integrated lighting
- Laundry room build-out with cabinetry, tile flooring, and utility integration
- Wall paneling, sconces, and ceiling detailing to elevate the space architecturally
Bathroom Renovations (Primary + Guest)
- Full gut and rebuild of both bathrooms with updated layouts
- Installation of tile flooring, shower surrounds, and custom vanities
- Primary bathroom enhancements including walk-in shower with bench, frameless glass, and radiant heated flooring
- Guest bath updates with coordinated tile, fixtures, and finishes
Mechanical, Electrical & Plumbing
- Updated electrical service as needed, including new lighting plans and recessed fixtures
- HVAC updates, including zoning improvements and additional systems
- Plumbing updates to support new kitchen, bath, and laundry configurations
Finishes & Materials
- Installation of rift and quarter-sawn white oak flooring throughout main living areas
- Marble tile applications in bathrooms and select areas
- Oil-rubbed bronze plumbing fixtures and hardware across kitchen and baths
- Full interior painting and refinishing to unify all spaces
Home Design-Build For Ravenswood & Beyond
Located in Chicago’s Ravenswood neighborhood, this project reflects our approach to whole-home renovation—bringing together thoughtful space planning, custom millwork, and carefully selected materials to create a cohesive living environment.
By coordinating these elements early in the design phase, we’re able to align layout changes, structural considerations, and finish selections before construction begins. This approach helps streamline execution, reduce mid-project adjustments, and carry a consistent level of detail from one space to the next, resulting in a home that feels unified in both form and function.
From kitchens and bathrooms to fully finished basement design & remodeling, Lugbill Designs works with homeowners across Chicago and the North Shore to transform existing homes into spaces that function seamlessly and feel considered at every detail.