A Lakeview Home That Feels Effortless & Bold
A Briar Place condo renovation featuring a rebuilt kitchen and two bathrooms, in a vintage Chicago home.
Lakeview Condo Renovation on Briar Place
Situated between Diversey Harbor and the iconic Laugh Factory in Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood, this renovation updated the kitchen and two bathrooms of a vintage condo while preserving the character of the original space. The project focused on improving layout efficiency, increasing storage, and modernizing, while maintaining details that reflect the building’s age.
The kitchen was rebuilt from the framing outward, with new cabinetry, countertops, lighting, and appliances. Both bathrooms were redesigned to improve circulation and storage while incorporating durable materials and updated plumbing systems.
Rather than treating each room as a standalone project, the design considered how the spaces connect—visually and functionally—within the overall condo.
Beyond the visible design changes, the renovation included a number of structural and mechanical updates:
- New drywall ceilings in the kitchen
- Reworked electrical service and relocated panel
- Updated plumbing lines and appliance connections
- New exhaust ventilation systems
- Flooring installation and refinishing
- Updated trim profiles matched to the existing condo
These upgrades ensured that the renovated spaces perform as well as they look, while allowing the design to integrate cleanly with the rest of the home.
Kitchen Renovation
The kitchen required a full demolition before construction began. Existing cabinetry, appliances, countertops, ceiling drywall, and several adjacent walls were removed so the room could be rebuilt with a more efficient layout.
Our revised kitchen layout plan introduced perimeter cabinetry paired with an island that improved workflow and added storage. Several functional upgrades were incorporated into the cabinetry design, including a spice drawer, vertical tray dividers, charging outlets, and concealed storage solutions.
A secondary beverage and coffee area was integrated into the kitchen footprint to support everyday routines. This zone includes its own cabinetry, backsplash, and dedicated electrical service for espresso equipment.
Material selections introduce contrast while remaining restrained. Painted cabinetry in a Sherwin-Williams Green pairs with quartz countertops and champagne bronze fixtures, while the beverage center cabinetry shifts darker to create visual separation within the room. A red oak herringbone floor was installed and stained to match the existing flooring in the rest of the condo.
Lighting and electrical were completely redesigned. The plan includes recessed ceiling lighting, pendant fixtures above the island, under-cabinet lighting, and updated appliance circuits to support modern kitchen equipment.
Beverage and Coffee Area
Rather than placing coffee equipment along the main kitchen run, the design introduced a dedicated beverage zone. This area supports daily use while keeping the primary cooking surfaces clear.
The cabinetry includes glass-front doors and storage for small appliances, while the countertop integrates outlets specifically positioned for coffee and beverage equipment. A reclaimed wood counter introduces a warmer material within the kitchen palette and visually distinguishes the area from the main preparation zone. A textured tile backsplash area rounds out the space.
Primary Bathroom
The primary bathroom was rebuilt with a more efficient layout and upgraded plumbing infrastructure. Existing fixtures, tile, and vanity were removed, and the room was reframed to support new storage and updated plumbing locations.
A custom walnut vanity anchors the room, paired with a trough-style undermount sink and wall-mounted faucets. A recessed medicine cabinet was integrated into the wall to provide storage without crowding the room.
The shower was rebuilt with a waterproofed mortar base, integrated bench, and wall niche for storage. Tile selections include marble mosaic flooring paired with ceramic wall tile, creating a neutral palette with subtle variation in texture.
Heated flooring and a new exhaust system were also installed to improve comfort and ventilation in this luxury bathroom remodel.
Guest Bathroom
The guest bathroom renovation required more structural changes than the primary bath. The original layout included two doorways and a radiator that limited how the room could function.
The renovation removed those elements and introduced a new hallway entrance along with a revised linen storage layout. The updated design centers around a double vanity and a new alcove tub with integrated shower.
Material selections are slightly more saturated here, combining blue ceramic wall tile with black-and-white hex floor tile. Walnut cabinetry and champagne bronze fixtures connect the space visually to the kitchen finishes elsewhere in the home.
Lighting was also expanded to improve visibility, including recessed ceiling lighting and vanity sconces.
Design-Build in Lakeview & Beyond
Located in Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood, this Briar Place project reflects our approach to residential renovation—balancing thoughtful planning, refined material selections, and custom detailing to create spaces that feel cohesive and elevated.
From kitchens and bathrooms to fully integrated living spaces, Lugbill Designs works with homeowners throughout Chicago to transform existing homes into environments that function seamlessly and reflect the way they live every day.