South Loop Home Remodel: Timeless Design Anchored with Bold Blue
Custom cabinetry, quartzite surfaces, and reconfigured layouts come together to
improve how the home functions day to day.
A few blocks west of Chicago’s Museum campus and Grant Park, this South Loop condo renovation focused on reworking the kitchen, bathrooms, and key living areas.
The scope included full selection and specification of all finish materials and fixtures—cabinetry, tile, lighting, plumbing fixtures, hardware, and surfaces, coordinating closely with the general contractor on demolition, construction, and installation.
The result is a set of spaces that are visually consistent, highly functional, and built around how the homeowners use the home on a daily basis.
Kitchen Renovation
This kitchen renovation was focused on improving workflow, increasing storage, and creating a stronger connection to the adjacent living space.
The layout centers around a large island with seating and integrated storage, including:
● Deep drawers for pots and pans
● Built-in microwave with trim kit and drawer below
● Integrated trash pull-out
● Cabinet roll-outs for accessible storage
Perimeter cabinetry was built using a shaker-style door in painted white, paired with a contrasting island in a deep custom navy finish, creating a clear visual anchor within the space.
Additional functional elements include:
● Floor-to-ceiling pantry storage with adjustable shelving
● Vertical tray storage and spice pull-outs
● Integrated appliance layout (36″ refrigerator, 30″ range with vent hood above)
Quartzite countertops were selected for durability and natural variation. Lighting was coordinated to align with the kitchen layout, with a combination of ceiling fixtures and task lighting positioned to support both prep and everyday use.
Living Room + Fireplace
The living room was updated to better integrate with the kitchen and improve overall cohesion across the main living area.
A custom fireplace surround was designed and built to align with the cabinetry palette, incorporating:
● A maple mantel in a “smoke” finish
● Tile layout options designed to wrap cleanly around the surround
● Coordinated proportions tied to ceiling height and room scale
Lighting and electrical planning were adjusted throughout the space to support multiple use cases, including ambient lighting and focused task lighting.
Powder Bathroom
The powder room was designed with a focus on aesthetic upgrades and efficient use of space.
Key features include:
● Floating vanity with painted cabinetry in a custom navy finish
● 4″ thick mitered quartz countertop with integrated backsplash
● Wall-mounted faucet to free up surface area and simplify cleaning
● Round mirror with centered lighting for balanced illumination
Open shelving and floating wood elements were added to provide accessible storage without adding visual weight.
Primary Bathroom Renovation
The primary bathroom design reconfigured to improve storage, circulation, and usability within a compact footprint.
The layout includes:
● Walk-in shower with a floating quartz bench
● Recessed wall niche for integrated storage
● Handheld shower and fixed shower configuration
● Quartz threshold and continuous material transitions
A combination linen closet and cabinet system was incorporated, including:
● Vertical storage with integrated drawers
● Pull-out laundry at the base for added functionality
Vanity cabinetry was executed in white oak with a horizontal grain, paired with slab drawer fronts to create a clean, modern profile.
We love this bathroom. It’s textured blue tile was a large reason why the bathroom was listed number 1 on a list of Houzz’s most popular bathrooms in recent years.
Cabinetry Design
Cabinetry across rooms includes:
● Kitchen perimeter: painted white shaker cabinetry
● Kitchen island + powder bath: custom navy painted finish
● Primary bath: white oak cabinetry with natural finish and horizontal grain
Construction included wood face frames, plywood boxes, and Blum hardware for durability and long-term performance.
Floating shelves in maple were used selectively to balance closed storage with open display.
Lighting + Fixture Selection
Lighting selections focused on simple forms and functional placement, including:
● Clear glass pendant fixtures over the island
● Adjustable wall sconces for targeted lighting
● Minimal, industrial-leaning bath lighting paired with clean tile backdrops
All fixtures were coordinated with plumbing selections, including wall-mounted faucets and streamlined hardware profiles to maintain consistency across spaces.
Process + Coordination
This project required coordination across multiple scopes, including cabinetry fabrication, finish selection, lighting layout, and contractor execution.
Lugbill Designs led:
● Space planning and layout development
● Material and fixture specification across all rooms
● Coordination with cabinetry vendors and specialty suppliers
● Project management of construction, ensuring alignment with contractors on installation requirements and sequencing
Results
● Improved kitchen workflow and storage capacity
● More usable and efficient bathroom layouts
● Consistent material language across spaces
● Durable, low-maintenance finishes suited for daily use
Home Renovations in South Loop & Beyond
The South Loop project reflects a design-build approach focused on planning, coordination, and execution, all under one umbrella of oversight, resulting in a timeless home that performs as well as it looks.
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.