Modern, Functional Living in Lakeview
A condo balancing clean design, layered materials, and space planning within a narrow main space
In this modern Lakeview condo near Belmont Harbor and the iconic The Vic Theater, this remodel was driven by a clear goal: create a space that feels fresh, clean, and highly functional, while supporting everyday living, entertaining, and work-from-home needs.
Notice how matte finishes meet brushed metals, how a simple bar cart becomes a statement when framed against expansive windows, and how even a decorative chain on a coffee table carries sculptural weight.
Plush textiles and curved forms lend warmth to a palette grounded in stone, wood, and ivory. It’s a space that doesn’t demand attention, but effortlessly holds it. It’s not cluttered, not cold, but calm, curated, and deeply comfortable.
Balanced Design that Creates Living Space Definition
The design direction centered on balance:
- Clean lines and a modern foundation
- Layered materials and textures for warmth
- Strategic moments of contrast and interest
- Furniture and layouts that support real daily use
Equally important was improving how the home functions, particularly within the open living, dining, and kitchen zones, where previous layouts felt constrained and underutilized.
Living Room + Fireplace
In the living room, the fireplace wall as the primary opportunity to redefine the space.
Key objectives included:
- Creating a stronger focal point within the open plan
- Improving TV placement and viewing angles
- Adding storage without visual heaviness
- Ensuring furniture layouts supported how the space was actually used
The final design introduces a fully reworked fireplace composition:
- Custom-built surround extended vertically to align with architecture
- Integrated TV niche for cleaner sightlines
- Floating cabinetry and shelving for storage
- Limestone tile in a vertical stack to reinforce a modern, structured aesthetic
This approach resolved both functional challenges and visual imbalance, transforming the living area into a cohesive anchor for the home.
Space Planning + Flow
A major theme from early design conversations was a desire for better space planning.
The client specifically questioned:
- Whether seating arrangements would feel too tight or disconnected
- How to better define zones within the open living/dining space
- Whether furniture scale and placement supported everyday use
The final plan addresses this through:
- More intentional furniture spacing and circulation paths
- Defined zones without adding physical barriers
- Furnishings selected for that specific space, and multi-room design
Dining Area
The dining space is small, but elegantly incorporated into the space without disrupting flow.
Selections emphasize:
- Sculptural forms (pedestal base table)
- Clean silhouettes with subtle material contrast
- Flexibility for both daily use and entertaining
Primary Bedroom
The bedroom design responds directly to the client’s desire for a quieter, more refined retreat.
Key considerations identified in the design phase included:
- Avoiding unnecessary additions (e.g., ceiling fan)
- Maintaining openness and simplicity
- Layering texture through furnishings rather than architecture
The final space introduces:
- Custom window treatments
- Updated lighting
- Soft, tonal layering through textiles and rugs
Material + Furniture Selections
Selections throughout the home reinforce the overall design direction:
- Neutral, layered palette with warm undertones
- Brass and bronze accents for contrast
- Stone and marble surfaces to anchor key moments
- Upholstery and rugs that introduce softness and depth
The furniture & coverings, spanning pieces from The Rug Company, Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams, and others, was curated to feel cohesive while still allowing individual elements to stand out.
Outcomes from This Design-Build Project
The finished home reflects a clear throughline from initial concept to execution:
- Clean, modern foundation
- Thoughtful material layering
- Improved functionality across every space
- A cohesive, intentional aesthetic
The result is a condo that feels both elevated and livable, designed not just to look refined, but to support how the client actually lives.
Interior Design and Remodeling in Lakeview, Chicago, and Beyond
This project reflects our approach to condo renovation: thoughtful space planning, craftsman woodwork, and furnishings that elevate everyday living.
From reworking key elements like fireplaces, to curating furniture and finishes, Lugbill Designs partners with homeowners throughout Chicago and the North Shore to create spaces that function better, feel more intentional, and elevate daily life.
Our integrated process allows these elements to be developed together, from early layout decisions through millwork detailing and final furnishing selections, so each layer supports the next. By coordinating design and execution as a single team, we’re able to carry ideas through with greater consistency, resulting in spaces that feel cohesive, functional, and aligned from one area to the next.