A Rogers Park Condo Reworked for Daily Use
Expanded kitchen, integrated storage, and a new home office—designed within the existing footprint to improve how the home functions.
This contemporary Rogers Park loft renovation, situated in between the expansive Loyola park and beach and Rhapsody theater, was a complete gut rehab, focused on improving how the main living areas, kitchen, and primary bathroom function within the existing footprint.
Rather than expanding the space, the project reworked underutilized areas, added thoughtful integrated storage and work areas, and introduced more intentional connections between rooms.
Living Space
The main living area is organized as a single, continuous space, with seating and circulation arranged to maintain openness while still creating structure.
Exposed ductwork remains visible throughout the space, reinforcing the loft-style character of the home. Instead of concealing these elements, the design works with them—keeping ceilings open and allowing lighting and furnishings to define the room.
Large openings to the terrace extend the living area outward, bringing in natural light and creating a direct connection between interior and exterior space.
Kitchen Expansion and Pantry
The kitchen was extended with a concrete waterfall countertop to expans workable space, while also create additional under-counter storage.
New to the space, is a semi-custom pantry that resides along the wall next to the kitchen, significantly increasing the amount of storage space for kitchen goods and food, while maintaining a clean visual plane and allowing light to pass through.
The result is a kitchen that feels more substantial without appearing closed off.
Home Office
Inside the master suite in between the bedroom and bathroom, a new home office was created within a previously unused corner of the condo.
Custom cabinetry was designed to fit the space precisely, providing a built-in desk surface and integrated cabinetry shelving for storage and display.
By using millwork instead of freestanding furniture, the workspace feels intentional and integrated into the overall layout rather than added on.
Primary Bathroom
The primary bathroom was fully updated to improve both function and storage.
Key elements include:
- Steam shower with a waterfall shower head, in an enclosed layout
- Built-in bench and recessed niches
- Custom linen cabinetry for vertical storage
- Updated plumbing fixtures and lighting
The addition of the steam shower required coordination of mechanical systems and enclosure details, while the cabinetry provides necessary storage without relying on freestanding pieces.
Built-Ins and Storage
Storage is integrated throughout the home rather than added after the fact.
This includes:
- Pantry storage incorporated into the kitchen expansion
- Linen cabinetry within the primary bathroom
- Custom office millwork
- Built-in elements that maintain clean lines and reduce visual clutter
Each solution is designed to support daily use while keeping surfaces clear.
Furniture and Furnishings
Furniture selections play a key role in how the space functions.
Pieces were selected to:
- Maintain openness within the layout
- Work within the scale of the room
- Complement the architectural elements without competing with them
Lower-profile seating and coordinated finishes help the living and dining areas read as a cohesive environment.
Terrace Connection
An expansive terrace sits directly off the main living area, extending the usable footprint of the home.
Large openings provide direct access, allowing the terrace to function as an additional living space during warmer months.
This connection reinforces the overall layout, with interior and exterior areas working together.
Approach
This project focused on targeted improvements that change how the home functions:
- Expanding the kitchen into underutilized space
- Integrating storage into architectural elements
- Creating a dedicated home office within existing square footage
- Using sliding partitions instead of fixed walls
- Keeping ceilings open to maintain loft character
- Extending living space to the exterior terrace
The result is a home that feels more complete and more usable without altering its core structure.
Elevated Interiors on Chicago’s Northside
Our work across Rogers Park and other Chicago neighborhoods (and the North Shore), focuses on reimagining layouts, designing custom cabinetry solutions,, and layering finishes and furnishings to create homes that feel cohesive, refined, and livable.
Our team brings interior design, expert renovation, and custom furnishings together to create condos and single-family homes that are timeless, functional, and tailored to the way our clients live.
From early concept and architectural planning through construction and final installation, we guide every phase of the process with a clear, coordinated approach.