Erin Konrath

Photographer

Architect: E.E. Roberts (1908) 
Magner Architecture (2023)

Architect

1908

BUILT IN

Oak Park, Illinois

After a decade in their home, our Elmwood clients were more than ready to figure out how to integrate their love of entertaining, plenty of pets and a nod to mid-century modern all into a Prairie School home built by renowned architect E.E. Roberts. They also weren’t sure exactly what their style was or how to bring it to life. That’s just the kind of complex, many-moving-parts design challenge we love.

Prairie, Reimagined

The kitchen had space a-plenty. It just didn’t work or feel warm. Natural light floods in, so we brightened the space even more with blues and brass. It was all complemented by custom (and outrageously gorgeous) grain-matched walnut cabinetry and dark countertops.

Kitchen with a turquoise island and range hood, walnut cabinetry, and textured blue tile
Kitchen with a turquoise island, soapstone counters, and a breakfast nook in the bay window

Homes need to be purpose-designed. Everything we considered needed to stand up to a bevy of rambunctious dogs, a busy child and a robust calendar of social events. Over that we layered in color and style, working in their favorite pieces and highlighting their art collection. 

Turquoise range hood over textured blue tile with brass shelves and white pendant lights
Galley view of a turquoise island, walnut cabinets, and a range with brass details

Existing millwork, proportions, and material palette were maintained in a first floor living room, media room, entry and kitchen so it feels deeply integrated with the historic architecture. Then we generously and thoughtfully sprinkled the quirky personality of our clients like glitter.

Breakfast nook with a built-in banquette, oval table, and bentwood chairs in wood-trimmed windows

The scale of the living room required furniture that fit. Healthy doses of pattern and color across the rooms were kept cohesive by repeating tones in unexpected ways. The family is known for entertaining, and now they can listen to their record collection by the fire with friends in comfort and style.

Living room with a patterned wallpapered ceiling, tiled fireplace, leather chairs, and a navy star-pattern rug
Living room with a wallpapered ceiling, dark sofa, and walnut credenza with a view to the den

A cherished mid-century sofa got a new life, reupholstered for the media room, where it brilliantly fit the space, and ready for family movie nights. 

Den with bold black and cream patterned wallpaper, a cognac leather sofa, and abstract art

- Jennifer Hamilton

“What was surprising was that someone like me, with absolutely zero taste or flair, could end up with something so beautiful that reflects exactly what I didn’t even know I wanted.”

FROM THE CLIENT

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