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Commercial Lobby Remodel

This high-rise condominium building in downtown Chicago underwent an incredible transformation when we completed this commercial lobby remodel. This luxurious space is located at 653 N Kingsbury in the River North area, which boasts some of the most impressive architecture that the city has to offer. This project was a large-scale collaboration between Areté Renovators and Dirk Denison Architects to provide the client with the sleekest, structurally sound space possible. 

This project was unique because the building consists of 160 condos, which presented a few challenges for our team to work around. Our Senior Project Manager, Ivan Koconda, worked closely with the building managers to create temporary entrances and exits for the residents so that they could be accommodated during the two phases of construction. When our Areté coordinators take on a commercial remodeling project of any magnitude, they remain cognisant of the effect that this will have on the business, and do their best to keep the space as functional as possible during this time. 

We also removed the old foundation from the exterior patio area and replaced it with gorgeous black slate – custom ordered for this commercial remodel project. Unfortunately, unforeseen components such as Covid delays, as well as having to replace the HVAC covers throughout the space prolonged the completion of the project slightly. Our project management team does its best to be as supportive, communicative, and transparent as possible whenever any unexpected issues may arise. We understand the level of stress that can come along with having a space undergoing any phase of construction, and we empathize with our clients while simultaneously working towards a solution to relieve the pain points.  

The end result was more than worth it! The fantastic industrial, minimalist condo lobby and highly functional office space now have a modernized look that fits perfectly into the downtown Chicago landscape. The addition of quality furniture pieces and sleek lighting fixtures creates an inviting atmosphere for the residents and guests of this high-rise condo building. Sleek, subtle art was chosen to complement the architecture of the space. 

All the materials used in the renovation were specially selected to ensure durability and longevity; these materials are designed to withstand high-traffic areas and consistent use over time. When approaching a commercial project, this is an important detail that we are sure to bring to the client’s attention when selecting materials for the space. When investing in a commercial space of this magnitude, it is important to the client to have the assurance that the materials that you are selecting will not only last, but maintain their original quality as well. 

We couldn’t be more proud of how this commercial remodel project turned out, as it exemplifies our team’s commitment to excellence in every aspect of design and customer service. This project was made possible by a partnership with Dirk Dennison Architects, who provided invaluable input to help ensure the finished product met both our, as well as the client’s, high standards. 

Our team is committed to bringing your dream space to life! If you are thinking of building, renovating, or designing your Chicago commercial space, call Areté Renovators at 773-610-4551 and let our designers work with you to create a design that your clientele will absolutely adore!

When Dr. Patel approached our team, she had already worked with an interior designer on her office space to develop a core design plan; however, when she began to collaborate with our in-house designer, Vasilka, fresh ideas began to take form. The two bounced their creative visions off one another to create this unique space. 

With large windows and parallel track lighting illuminating the space, this office boasts a very refreshing and airy feel. This is contrasted by the warmth of the light wood floors, as well as the dramatic black accents throughout. One of the key design elements that set the space apart from the rest is the elegant quartz countertop that serves as a focal point. The choice to go with an asymmetrical design creates visual interest in the space without being too distracting. This, paired with the dark-weathered wood base adds lots of depth and dimension. This design choice was no incident. Using such a stark contrast of materials here creates a beautiful work of art out of a piece that is also extremely functional. Using “art” functionally is a design tip used by industry professionals that could help you get the most out of your commercial space. 

Other beautiful artistic touches continue throughout the office with the use of black hardware, accent lighting, and faucets. “Eyes on Butterfield” is spelled with black, raised wooden letters against the white wall behind the reception desk. Five geometric pendant lights hang above the reception desk, making for more-than-adequate workspace lighting. It is a top priority for our team to evaluate and consider all of the implications of how any design choice could affect the clientele of a commercial facility. Our design team works closely with our client to ensure that the space is safe, functional, and practical. Our skilled design team then integrates pleasing aesthetics into the space so it never feels like an afterthought. It’s the ability to balance these things that make Areté one of the top design-build firms in the Chicagoland area. 

If we were asked to describe this space in three words, we would use “modern bohemian chic.” Rustic touches such as the two-toned fringe area rug, along with the high-back, plush, wicker chairs, make the space feel very warm and luxurious. This comfort is dramatically balanced with a black, hand-beaded chandelier that delicately dances above the sitting area, strategically placed in the center of the room. This sophisticated piece is framed by rows of light-wooden floating shelves lining the walls in a parallel fashion. These shelves are adorned with colorful designer frames, as well as wall frames containing graphic art. This is just one example of how simple pops of color can be used to add detailed visual appeal to any space. The decision to place a pink neon sign adjacent to the entryway also invites a fun, fresh vibe to this cozy interior. 

Down the hallway, a washroom with a gorgeous dark-wood-colored vanity is ornamented by a wooden chair and raised sink with two wall-mounted black mirrors. The design motif of parallel black pendant lights continues in this room, with intricately detailed domed-shaped lights hanging above the mirrors. A slate-gray accent wall was placed to complement the white walls, sink, and countertop in this room as well. 

A little further down the hall, the restroom boasts a stunning mosaic design. This design continues the simple, yet classic black-and-white pairing seen throughout the space. Additional visual interest is added to the bathroom with the choice to use a gold mirror and sconce in this room instead of black. 

Our team is committed to bringing your dream space to life! If you are thinking of building, renovating, or designing your Chicago commercial space, call Areté Renovators at 773-610-4551 and let our designers work with you to create a design that your clientele will absolutely adore!

ALL IS RIGHT IN ALBANY PARK

When we were approached to remodel this Albany Park, it already had a fairly open floor plan and ample space to work with. The kitchen had lots of existing lighting, but the cabinetry and layout were outdated and did not quite meet the practical day-to-day needs of our clients. The clients desired a functional kitchen with lots of storage as well as space to entertain. The previous kitchen did have an area with bar seating, but it was on the outskirts of the kitchen and felt cramped and secluded from the overall dining space. Our in-house designer, Ivana, came up with a fresh design to give the kitchen an open layout that would improve the flow of the home. Read below for details on how she transformed this u-shaped, closed-off area into a seamless, accessible part of the living space.

Can you describe what the design process was like for this project?

Ivana: The previous kitchen design was about thirty years old, so it needed to be updated a lot. There were many issues regarding storage in the existing space. I knew that I had to develop some storage solutions for the clients, so that was my main focus when I started designing this project. The u-shaped kitchen was inhibiting the flow of traffic in the living area. You want guests to be able to walk around comfortably without stepping on toes, so opening up the kitchen as much as possible was a priority as well. To bring the maximum amount of storage to the space, we decided to bring the cabinetry all the way up to the ceiling. This not only gives the clients way more storage than what had existed in the kitchen before, but it also adds height to the room by bringing the eye all the way up. Speaking of creative storage solutions, I decided to convert two existing closets into a pantry. This decision freed up a good amount of cabinet space as well. We added a small prep fridge in the landing for more organizational space. The new kitchen design included more appliances than what the clients previously had, so it was an interesting task to fit them all into the kitchen while also adding storage and not risking functionality. For the hardware in this space, we chose to go with a honey bronze finish to contrast the dark cabinets.

Are there any challenges you ran into when designing the space?

Ivana: There were some challenges on this project. In addition to the challenge of adding extra appliances and storage into the space, we ran into the issue of not being able to do a recessed niche that had been planned because of an unforeseen existing water line. While this is not an uncommon problem to encounter when remodeling a project, it does take resilience, adaptability, and creativity to be able to come up with solutions to work around these issues. When a client is set on something, you try your hardest to make it work. If that thing is not possible, you give them something even better that they didn’t even know they desired in the first place. Incorporating the tile accent over the stove was a bit of a challenge as well. While it is very visually appealing on its own, I had to come up with ways to make it blend into the space and not look like an afterthought. Ultimately, we achieved that by choosing an ornament that brought in multiple colors. It was an intentional decision that the accent included the blue color of the island, the black that exists in the hardware, as well as the white that’s in the cabinetry of the space. By using the same blue color in the rangehood (which contrasts beautifully against the neutral backsplash), we were able to create a stunning focal point in this kitchen. It’s the magic of design!

What was the most fun part of your work on this project?

Ivana: The most fun part of designing this kitchen was adding in all of the details. For instance, choosing the specific style of pendant lighting that would tie in the wall sconces that frame the range hood. Also bringing out the rich blue accent color of the island in other subtle ways throughout the space. The client was very specific about not wanting to go with a basic subway tile, so we went with a cracked gray vintage tile look instead. It’s the incorporation of all of these details that make the clients feel at home in the space.

Any helpful design tips that you would like to share?

Ivana: Yes, and it goes with what I was saying before. The most crucial part of the design process is the smaller details. In regards to this space, you see a lot of meticulous thought put into those intricacies. The lighting in the upper cabinets, while a simple design feature, adds a warmth to the kitchen that is absolutely stunning. You see this warmth carried down all the way to the floor by the brown leather barstools that not only frame the island perfectly but also allow for more entertainment space. Last, but certainly not least, a glass cabinet display was included so that our clients could should off their glassware. The copper mule mugs on display add a nice touch that goes perfectly with the leather seating and warm hardwood floor as well. It is these details in a design that make the space extremely functional while giving it a customized feeling as well. The client wants to feel like you took all of their pain points into account to transform their existing space into a new space that meets all of their needs and more.

Areté is committed to helping you make your dream space a reality. If you are thinking of remodeling your Chicago home or condo, call us at Areté Renovators at 773-610-4551 and let our interior designers work with you to create a design that reflects your own personal style.

SLEEK AND STYLISH IN NEAR NORTH

This stunning living space remodel in Near North boasts the perfect blend of neutral tones. The black farmhouse sink and range hood are married seamlessly with the touches of black fixtures featured throughout the kitchen. The bold copper pendant lights dance perfectly above the spacious white island, bringing immense warmth to the space. White flat paneled cabinets rest above light natural wood color cabinets. The under-cabinet lighting serves both functional and aesthetic purposes as it cascades down the beautiful white slab backsplash.

To tie everything together, the light wood flooring that spreads from the kitchen to the living room also spans up the newly remodeled staircase. This draws the eye vertically as well, making the already open space feel even more expansive. A refinished fireplace serves as the perfect focal point for the living area, as well as an essential element to any Chicago home during the course of those long winter months. Our clients chose to get the most out of their mantle by displaying a colorful array of books, making the fireplace both an architectural gem and a conversation starter.

Our in-house designer, VasilkaTodorovska, is traditionally drawn to projects that include eclectic elements. This project was no exception! Below, we go into great detail about her experience mapping out her vision for the space. We touched on the challenges that it entailed, as well as the adaptability that it takes to be a successful designer.

Can you describe what the design process was like for this project?

Vasilka: The original idea was for the kitchen to be primarily dark gray, but because of the style of cabinetry being discontinued due to supply chain issues, we had to pivot and adjust the design plans accordingly. As a designer, you must be both adaptable and versatile when it comes to your ideas with each project. You never know when an issue may arise that is completely out of your control, and being open to editing your design plans is key! While I had planned to go with a completely industrial design for this project, we ended up choosing a hybrid of contemporary and industrial elements. We kept the copper pendant lighting and leather barstools but chose lighter cabinetry to complement and brighten up the space.

Could you describe your design work on the kitchen?

Vasilka: The kitchen is a very eclectic mix of contemporary and industrial elements. The building has a mid-century modern feel, so I definitely wanted to stay true to that during the design process. When designing a space, you never want to clash with the character that the building already possesses. The flooring in the space was initially a dark espresso/maple stain, so we stripped it and stained it an ash blonde color to marry seamlessly with the cabinetry. Another way we were able to bring an industrial feel to the space was through the hardware we selected. By going with a matte black sink and faucet, as well as cabinet hardware, we were able to create lots of contrast within the space.

Are there any challenges you ran into when designing the space?

Vasilka: Yes, absolutely. I already mentioned the supply chain issue. Aside from that, the original layout of the kitchen was very challenging to transform to the end product. The kitchen layout was not functional at all, and my goal was to create the perfect working triangle. We had to move a lot around in order to achieve that. I had also planned to move the soffit above the stove to carry the cabinetry all the way up to the ceiling, but we found that due to an existing pipe being there, it wasn’t possible. The logistics of relocating the range hood for the stove was a bit difficult as well. Oh, and the island! Many people don’t realize that there is code that requires a kitchen island to have outlets in this city. We also located the microwave in the island to optimize storage space. To make this possible, the flooring had to be removed to run the electrical under it. Luckily, the client had the budget to redo the flooring. We recommend that clients plan on remodeling the entire room at once because of issues like this. In this remodel, walls were relocated to get the desired layout. Had we not had the budget to redo the floor, this would’ve caused scarring and inconsistencies in the hardwood that wouldn’t have been aesthetically pleasing.

What was the most fun part of your work on this project?

Vasilka: I would have to say that the most fun part of this design was blending the updated kitchen design with the existing architecture. The space had a fireplace as well as French windows that were pretty traditional, and these items had to stay in the space. I was tasked with the challenge of giving them a refresh that made sense with the new look and feel that I wanted to give the client. We chose to update the existing black fireplace by painting it white and replacing the existing granite tile inset with marble tiles. To give it a finishing touch, we painted the walls white to obtain a cohesive blend of all of the architectural elements that exist within the space.

Any helpful design tips that you would like to share?

Vasilka: Yes. If you are looking to refresh an existing traditional fireplace, painting it and replacing the existing tiles will give you a lot of bang for your buck! Also, muting down loud colors in a space helps bring more shape overall. Being strategic about color placement is key. We replaced the old limestone with clean, neutral colors to give the space a contemporary, luxurious feel.

Areté is committed to helping you make your dream space a reality. If you are thinking of remodeling your Chicago home or condo, call us at Arete’ Renovators at 773-610-4551 and let our interior designers work with you to create a design that reflects your own personal style.

FIVE STAR TREATMENT IN RIVER EAST

When our team met with the client to come up with an estimate for this project, our team was very excited about the potential of the space. Located in River East, this modern townhouse was slightly outdated with dark, heavy wooden cabinets, earth-toned granite countertops, and a U-shaped layout that didn’t quite maximize the functionality of the space. Luckily, the space already contained top-of-the-line, stainless steel appliances that we were able to keep. The bathroom, while impressive in stature, was also shrouded in dark beiges and cherry wood tones that restricted the freedom of the space. Our in-house designer, Ivana Stojanovska, was tasked with bringing both luxury and light to this home, and she was able to do just that! Read below to find out the details of her incredible work.

Can you describe what the design process was like for this project?

Ivana: We wanted to keep the wooden elements that already existed in the space while also giving it a more modern, updated feel. The bones of the space were pretty solid, and while it had large windows throughout, the home itself is built in a way that feels narrow. Because of this, we were challenged with coming up with creative solutions for storage. I worked closely with the clients to figure out exactly what they needed/desired and tried to incorporate it all into the design in the smartest ways available.

Could you describe your design work on the kitchen?

Ivana: As I’ve stated, the previous kitchen contained a lot of wood. The flooring and cabinets carried the wood from floor to ceiling, and while this gave the space a dated feel, the wood did provide a feeling of warmth to the room. I decided to keep the warmth in the kitchen by doing the island in a rich walnut. To modernize the space, we went with a shaker door style in a clean, neutral white. We also did some custom cabinetry, built-in all the appliances, and updated the color of the flooring. For accent lighting, we chose these gorgeous black and wooden pendant lights to hang above the dining table and island. These work in tandem with the recessed and undercabinet lighting to really brighten up the space since the dining area doesn’t have natural lighting. A pot filler hangs between the professional grade gas stove and the custom built-in range hood for maximum functionality. We wanted to carry the white all the way up the wall, so we went with a beautiful porcelain backsplash. A hidden feature that this kitchen boasts is a refrigeration drawer in the island. This was included to make the best use of the space that we had available. There’s also a built-in wine fridge in the corner of the kitchen. The unique, custom details in the space really give it a luxurious feel while avoiding gaudiness.

What about the bathroom?

Ivana: Designing the bathroom was my favorite part. We wanted to go with a natural spa-like feel, which you can see in the wooden detail of the vanity, cabinetry, and shelving. We carried the calacatta tiling all the way up the shower wall, which adds so much height to the space while reflecting the light beautifully. We went with brass for all of the hardware in the bathroom, and of course, to add a touch of opulence to the space, we chose these gorgeous aged brass wall sconces. They were built into the mirror and used as accent lighting for the art in the room, so they served as task lighting while bringing luxury into the space. Last but certainly not least, a gigantic, freestanding soaking tub rests under a large window nestled in the far side of the bathroom. It is positioned under a round chandelier that mimics the rectangular shape of the wall sconces. It’s a bathroom fit for a king and queen, truly!

Are there any challenges you ran into when designing the kitchen?

Ivana: Yes, we did run into some. We didn’t have much space for storage in general, so we had to come up with some unique ways to get around this. One of the ways we created space was by hiding the pantry in a column. There is also cabinetry enclosing the fridge and microwave that not only provides ample storage, but also gives the kitchen a unique, one-of-a-kind look and feel. This is an example of marrying design and functionality in the most efficient way! We also did completely customized add-on storage for the client. One of the main jobs of designing a space, especially kitchens and bathrooms, is creating the maximum amount of space.

What was the most fun part of your work on this project?

Ivana: While coming up with solutions for storage in this space was quite the challenge, it was a fun challenge for me. Aside from having to maximize the storage in the kitchen, I also had to incorporate a dining space without taking away from any of the existing storage. We went with a four seat leaf table that has the ability to extend and accommodate six or even up to eight people. Creating two functional spaces out of one is always an interesting task for a designer. You never want to inhibit the flow of traffic or make the space feel fragmented in any way, but you always want to be sure to define each space and meet the needs of each specific client.

Any helpful design tips that you would like to share?

Ivana: Being meticulous about the accents in your space is what will really tie it all together and give it a cohesive, custom feel. In this kitchen space specifically, we added wooden detail into the lighting fixtures to compliment the beautiful walnut into the design. We also went with green details in the bar area for an exciting pop of color, as well as going with a brushed nickel faucet with a walnut neck. The devil is in the details!

CITY VIEWS IN STREETERVILLE

Investment: $90,000-$100,000
Designer: Ivana Stojanovska of Areté The Art of Design and Amy Courtney of Amy Courtney Design
Photographer: Rayne Troxell
Location: Streeterville, Chicago

When this returning client approached us to renovate an investment property that she’d recently acquired, we were absolutely thrilled! This two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment in Streeterville already boasted the most stunning panoramic view of the city, but it needed a modern refresh to give it that extra flair.

This amazing condo remodel features everything from new Benjamin Moore paint, to brand new hardwood floors, new shower tile, and most things in between! The kitchen and guest bathroom both received a facelift. In the kitchen, the light blue-gray flat panel cabinets bring a pop of color that meshes perfectly with the white backsplash and countertops. This color also marries very well with the scenic sky blue cascading in through the large floor-to-ceiling windows. Gold fixtures and hardware are sprinkled about for the perfect amount of luxury and sparkle. With a new textured vanity and new tiles, the guest bathroom is an absolute dream. Porcelain floor tiles and ceramic wall tiles line this bathroom in a gorgeous monochromatic pattern. A new gray vanity with double under-mount sinks was added to the master bathroom as well. Read below and learn all of the intricate details of this design from the two incredibly talented women that made it possible.

Our in-house designer, Ivana Stojanovska collaborated on this project with Amy Courtney (Amy Courtney Design) to create a dream space for our New York City-based client. It isn’t common that multiple designers collaborate on a residential space, but having two unique visions on a project is always an added bonus! Together, they were able to take this space from drab to fab. Continue reading below for a detailed recounting of their design processes.

Can you describe what the design process was like for this project?

Ivana: This was an easy remodel because we already had a relationship with the client. I had also collaborated with Amy on a previous condo remodel for this client, so we already had a working relationship as well. The client was very receptive and open to suggestions when it came to the design of the space. We decided not to remodel the entire space, primarily focusing on updating the color of the kitchen, hardware, master bathroom, and flooring.

Amy: I previously worked on designing a condo for this client in the same building as the current remodel, so we knew that we wanted to go in a different direction. We chose to go with a lighter floor and darker cabinet color in this apartment. Overall, we just wanted to create the antithesis of the last space that we worked on and use more daring finishes!

You can see examples of these bold finishes in the gold hardware and blue kitchen cabinets. This use of blue incorporates the beautiful scenic view of the skyline into the space so seamlessly. The pops of gold hardware in the space bring a royal feel with a modern twist. The amount of detail that both designers brought into the space is very intricate and pairs beautifully with the overall design of the building.

Tell us a little bit about your work on the bathrooms with this project.

Ivana: For the master bathroom, we chose a modern design with neutral and airy tones. We went with a terrazzo floor and earthy materials as well. The walls are gradient white with light gray detailing, and the base of the tile in the bathroom is multi-gradient white. It has an immaculately feel. We really wanted to highlight the tile that was already there, so we chose colors to bring out the detail in that design.

Amy: We did a full renovation of the guest bathroom. We picked gorgeous mid-century terrazzo floors that work well with the building and also introduce a “tiki-like” vibe into the space. To contrast the bathroom floor, we went with a smaller format tile for the shower flooring. I wanted to give the space a handmade feel with a modern style, so it has a much warmer feel than a typical modern design.

Amy and Ivana worked with the client to create a space that married a very modern design with an invitingly rich color palette. The use of rich browns in the guest bathroom is not extremely common in a modern design aesthetic, and it really sets this space apart from your everyday high-rise remodel. Walking into this space feels like a tropical vacation.

What was the most fun part of working on this project?

Ivana: For me, the most fun part was bringing out the beauty that already existed within the space. I really enjoyed accenting the hardware that already existed, as well as choosing all of the different materials. The kitchen design was the most exciting part for me!

Amy: Working with this client is always awesome! This was my third time working on a project with her, and I have enjoyed it time and time again.

Are there any helpful design tips that you would like to share?

Ivana: Painting is key. Painting the walls can really take any space a long way. Another way to really transform your home is by updating cabinets, backsplash, and hardware! These are east replacements that will make your home feel like new. Personalization lies in the smallest of details.

Amy: Tile backsplash can be a nice place to add personality, but a slab backsplash is the way to go! For a more interesting take, consider adding personality to cabinets and bringing color into your space that way. You can also do this through lighting and hardware.

Areté is committed to helping you make your dream space a reality. If you are thinking of remodeling your Chicago home or condo, call us at Arete’ Renovators at 773-610-4551 and let our interior designers work with you to create a design that reflects your own personal style.