River North Condo Renovation

This River North design-build project focused on reworking layout, rebuilding the fireplace wall, and improving kitchen and bathroom

Near one of our favorite spa retreats (Aire Ancient Baths) and French restaurants (Obélix) in Chicago, this River North condo renovation focused on rebuilding the kitchen, living room, and primary bathroom while updating other various finishes throughout the home.

The existing layout was functional, but much of the space had been built around earlier decisions—outdated cabinetry, limited lighting control, and a fireplace wall that no longer worked with how the room was used. The renovation addressed those issues directly by removing and rebuilding key elements.

The scope included full demolition of the kitchen surfaces, fireplace wall, built-ins, and primary bathroom, followed by new cabinetry, tile, lighting, plumbing fixtures, and coordinated finish work across the unit.

Kitchen Renovation

Kitchen remodeling began with removing all existing countertops, fixtures, cabinet hardware, and lighting so the space could be rebuilt around a cleaner layout and updated material palette.

The updated kitchen focuses on:

  • New quartz countertops
  • Refinished and painted cabinetry
  • Updated cabinet hardware
  • Integrated under-cabinet lighting
  • Reworked electrical and appliance connections

Lighting was simplified and consolidated, including converting multiple pendant junctions into a single location and introducing more consistent overhead and task lighting.

Transitional kitchen with crown molding, sleek range hood, glass-front cabinets, modern island, and rich wood flooring.
Transitional kitchen with sleek gray cabinets, glazed fronts, stainless steel hood, large island, and elegant backsplash.

Living Room + Fireplace Wall

The fireplace wall was one of the most significant changes in the project, and we love how it turned out.

The original fireplace, surround, and built-ins were removed completely, down to the structure, and rebuilt to create a more integrated feature within the room.

The new design includes:

  • Floor-to-ceiling fireplace wall with beautiful, textured tile surround
  • Recessed niche for television
  • Floating built-in shelving on both sides
  • Integrated lighting within shelving
  • Concealed wiring and media connections

Electrical planning played a key role here, with added outlets, HDMI routing, and dedicated lighting for the built-ins and display areas.

This wall now acts as the visual anchor for the living space (sans cords), connecting the seating area, dining area, and kitchen.

Contemporary living room with a striking chandelier, sleek fireplace, floating shelves, glass table, and floor-to-ceiling curtains.
Mid-century modern living room with a sleek armchair, textured fireplace, built-in shelves, and a minimalist blue area rug.

Primary Bathroom Renovation

Our bathroom design and remodeling services focused heavily on improving layout and introduce more functional storage.

The updated plan includes:

  • Walk-in shower with expanded footprint
  • Floating quartz bench
  • Recessed shower niche
  • Quartz threshold and continuous material transitions
  • Combination linen cabinet with pull-out laundry at base
  • Double sink configuration with wall-mounted faucets

The shower system includes a handheld shower, rain head, and body sprays, along with a steam shower system and heated floor installation.

The vanity wall was framed out to allow for recessed storage and mirror integration, improving both usability and asthetics.

Contemporary bathroom with sleek glass shower, textured tile walls, and built-in niche. Modern fixtures enhance the clean, minimalist design.
Contemporary bathroom with sleek wood cabinetry, mosaic tile backsplash, minimalist mirror, and modern fixtures, embodying sophisticated design.

Flooring, Doors, and Finish Work

Beyond the primary spaces, the renovation included coordinated updates throughout the condo:

  • Refinishing existing hardwood floors and adding new wood flooring in the primary bedroom

  • Replacing interior doors, hinges, and hardware

  • Updating baseboards and trim to align with new construction

  • Painting all rooms, ceilings, and millwork

  • Replacing outdated lighting and electrical components

These updates ensure that the kitchen, living room, and bathroom changes feel consistent with the rest of the home rather than isolated improvements.

Contemporary River North bathroom with mosaic tile backsplash, sleek wall-mounted faucet, and elegant marble countertop enhances modern design aesthetics.

Deck and Secondary Updates

The project also included updates to the exterior deck, including removal of existing materials and installation of new decking and integrated electrical along the railing.

Additional work addressed secondary spaces such as closets and bedrooms, including closing off outdated alcoves and reworking storage.

Condo Design-Build In River North & Beyond

 

Lugbill Designs works with homeowners throughout River North, north side Chicago neighborhoods, & the North Shore, on condo renovations that require coordination across layout, building constraints, and finish selections.

Projects in buildings like this often involve detailed planning around demolition, electrical routing, plumbing constraints, given HOA requirements. We’ve seen it all, and streamline renovations for our clients, reducing homeowner stress, while streamlining the construction process.

If you’re considering a home remodel project, we’d love to talk.

Let’s Build Something Together

Schedule a Consultation