How to Transform Your Chicago Home with an Open Concept Design

Chicago’s classic homes and condos are full of character and potential, and an open concept living space has become one of the most sought-after ways to unlock it. From historic Lincoln Park greystones to elegant Gold Coast high-rises, homeowners are increasingly drawn to expansive, modern layouts that seamlessly connect spaces and enhance the flow of natural light. However, creating a successful open concept design involves important structural, design, and financial considerations that require careful and detailed planning.

At Areté, we specialize in helping Chicago homeowners create the seamless, stylish open concept spaces they envision. Our  Chicago home designers will walk you through what you need to know about the process, costs, and whether this popular layout is the right fit for your home and lifestyle.

What is Open Concept Design?

Open concept design is an architectural approach that removes or reduces interior walls separating common living areas. The goal is to create one large, cohesive space, typically combining the kitchen, dining room, and living room. For Chicago homes, this often means transforming traditional, compartmentalized floor plans into something more fluid and connected. Common projects include:

• Removing the wall between a formal dining room and a galley kitchen to create an eat-in kitchen and family area.
• Opening up a closed-off living room to merge it with adjacent spaces, forming a spacious great room.
• Reconfiguring condo layouts to maximize every square foot and create an airy, loft-like feel.
• Establishing clear sightlines from the kitchen to an outdoor deck or patio, blending indoor and outdoor living.

This type of layout feels more social, functional, and modern which is perfect for the demands of contemporary living.

Structural Considerations for Open Concept Renovations

Before any walls come down, it is absolutely essential to determine whether they are structural. Load-bearing walls support the weight of the structure above them and require proper reinforcement, like engineered lumber or steel beams, to maintain your home’s structural integrity. In Chicago’s older homes, our team often navigates a variety of technical challenges that go beyond just removing a wall, such as:

• Rerouting plumbing and electrical lines that are housed within the walls being removed.
• Redesigning HVAC systems to ensure consistent heating and cooling throughout the newly opened space.
• Securing all necessary permits from the City of Chicago, which have specific requirements for structural changes.

These challenges are a standard part of the renovation process, but they must be managed by experienced professionals to prevent costly mistakes and ensure the project is completed safely and to code.

Designing Your Open Space

A beautiful and functional open layout requires thoughtful planning to balance a unified aesthetic with practical, everyday use. Without walls to define rooms, other design techniques must be used to create distinct zones. Our designers will help you with:

• Defining specific functional zones using area rugs, strategic furniture placement, different lighting fixtures, or subtle ceiling transitions.
• Choosing cohesive color palettes and materials that create a sense of flow and harmony throughout the entire area.
• Maximizing natural light by incorporating large windows, reflective surfaces like mirrors and glossy finishes, and smart furniture placement that doesn’t obstruct light.

The kitchen, which is typically the centerpiece of an open plan, needs special attention. Proper ventilation becomes critical to prevent cooking odors from permeating the entire living area. Ample storage is also important to keep countertops clear and maintain a tidy appearance. Our professionals can show you how to ensure the kitchen’s design integrates seamlessly with the rest of the space.

Remodeling Costs in Chicago

Home renovations are a significant investment, and having a clear picture of potential costs can help you plan your project effectively. Below are some common remodeling costs to consider for projects in the Chicago area:

Bathroom Renovation Pricing:

• Powder Room: $25K
• Guest Bath: $50K
• Primary Bath:
  • Tub/shower combo: $45K
  • Double vanity walk-in shower: $55K
  • Separate tub and shower: $65K
  • Larger separate tub and shower: $85K

Kitchen Renovation Pricing:

• Basic: $75K
• Semi-Custom: $85K
• Custom: $135K+

Condo Renovation Pricing:

• Studio: $150K
• 1BD/1BA: $185K
• 2BD/2BA: $250K
• 3BD/3BA: $450K+

Home Addition Pricing:

• Basic Addition: $250K
• Average Addition: Starting at $550K

Frequently Asked Questions About Chicago Home Remodeling

What is the 30% rule in remodeling?

The 30% rule is a general guideline suggesting that you should not spend more than 30% of your home’s current market value on renovations. The purpose is to avoid overcapitalizing, which means investing more money into your home than you are likely to recoup upon resale. This ensures your investment aligns with the potential resale value of the property in your neighborhood.

Is $50,000 enough to renovate a house?

An investment of $50,000 can cover smaller projects like a guest bathroom renovation or basic cosmetic updates to one or two spaces. However, it is generally not sufficient for major renovations such as kitchens, open concept layouts that involve structural changes, or whole-home remodels.

How much does it cost to remodel a house in Chicago?

The cost to remodel a home in Chicago depends entirely on the scope and scale of the project. As a general reference, bathroom renovations begin at around $25K, kitchen renovations typically range from $75K to over $135K, and whole-home or condo remodels can start at $150K and go well beyond $450K for larger, more complex projects.

Is $100,000 enough to renovate a house?

A budget of $100,000 can fund a significant mid-range renovation, such as a semi-custom kitchen and a powder room refresh, or a combination of bathroom upgrades. For larger projects like whole-home remodels or ambitious open concept designs, an additional budget will likely be needed to cover all associated costs.

Should I work with an architect for structural changes?

If your renovation involves structural changes like removing walls, adding square footage, or significantly altering the layout, it is highly recommended to work with an architect. Architects ensure structural integrity, compliance with local building codes, and a functional design that aligns with your vision. They also help you explore potential challenges and collaborate with contractors to ensure your project stays on track. While working with an architect adds to the upfront cost, it can save you money in the long run by preventing costly mistakes or design oversights.

Areté has cultivated close relationships with some of Chicago’s most esteemed architectural firms. Our team can help you secure an architect to attend the initial walkthrough of your project, ensuring a seamless and collaborative start.

Is Open Concept Living Right for You?

While open concept designs are highly desirable and suit many modern lifestyles, they may not be the ideal solution for everyone. Households with young children, individuals who work from home, or those who value privacy might prefer the separation that defined spaces provide.

Additionally, some existing home layouts may present structural challenges that are difficult or prohibitively expensive to overcome. A professional consultation can help determine what is feasible for your home and budget.

Explore Your Chicago Open Concept Living Options

If you’re considering opening up your Chicago home to create a more modern and inviting space, Areté is here to help. Our Chicago home design team combines creative vision with technical expertise to deliver beautiful, functional spaces that meet your needs and exceed your expectations. Call us at 773.683.3033 or contact us to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward your dream home.