LOCATION
South Barrington, IL
CATEGORY
Full Home Renovation
INSPIRATION
Internationally Inspired Living
PROPERTY
Single Family Home
The Project
When our empty nester clients began thinking about their next chapter, they assumed it meant building a new home. After exploring the process, they realized what they truly valued was the life they had built in South Barrington, their neighbors and neighborhood. Instead, they chose to reinvent the home they already loved. Inspired by international travel and boutique hospitality, we transformed it into a warm, contemporary home designed for entertaining, relaxing and everyday living.
The Client
Our clients are active empty nesters who love to travel, entertain and host family and friends. They appreciate clean architecture and uncluttered interiors but wanted a home with warmth, character and memorable moments. Their vision was a home that felt polished without being formal—comfortable enough for a quiet morning coffee and equally suited for dinner parties, holidays and weekends filled with guests.
The Challange
Although the house had great bones, it no longer reflected how our clients lived. The formal living room sat largely unused, the kitchen lacked the functionality they wanted, and the layout separated spaces that naturally belonged together. Our challenge was to improve flow, maximize everyday functionality and create a home that felt more connected, inviting and suited to the way they live and entertain.
Our Approach
The transformation began with one architectural move: removing the wall between the living and family rooms to create an open, connected gathering space. We relocated the dining room into the former living room, giving entertaining the presence it deserved. The kitchen was reimagined around a sculptural island with an oval seating end that replaced the breakfast table, complemented by a new coffee bar, butler's pantry and custom storage. Every decision was made to improve both daily life and the experience of hosting.
