Golden Standard of Gold Coast High Rise Design

Investment: $60,000-$70,000
Designer: Vasilka Todorovska
Photographer: Grace Juracka
Writer: Amari Gamble
Location: Gold Coast

As a premier design-build firm specializing in luxury residential remodeling in Gold Coast Chicago, Areté Renovators transformed this high-rise residence into a masterclass of organic modern interior design. For this sophisticated condo renovation, the challenge was to create a cohesive environment that balances the warmth of a family home with the high-end polish of an entertaining suite.

Led by in-house designer Vasilka Todorovska, this fireplace and bar project is a testament to the power of bespoke architectural interventions, proving that even in a high-rise setting, one can achieve a sense of grounded, custom luxury.

Merging Modernity with Natural Textures in Chicago High Rises

When approaching high-end interior design in Chicago’s most prestigious neighborhoods, the objective is to maximize the “human” element within a structural concrete environment. Vasilka Todorovska’s vision for this residence centered on creating two distinct but conversationally linked focal points: a grand fireplace surround and an integrated custom home bar.

The design strategy utilized a curated palette of Quartersawn White Oak, Estaturario Porcelain, and Antique Brass to create a sensory experience that transitions beautifully from day to night. By focusing on “organic modern” principles, the team prioritized clean geometry while introducing materials that offer tactile warmth and visual depth. An important approach toward our “luxury Chicago high rise” signature stamp.

Fireplace Design in Chicago High Rises

The centerpiece of the living room is a floor-to-ceiling fireplace surround that serves as a sculptural anchor. In a luxury high-rise environment, traditional wood-burning or gas fireplaces are often technically unfeasible. To overcome this, the design featured the Modern Flames Orion Traditional Electric Fireplace (42″). This choice was driven by its industry-leading virtual flame technology, which offers the depth and realism of a traditional hearth without the need for complex venting systems. It’s the perfect choice for modern apartment upgrades.

The cladding of the fireplace is where the Art of Design truly shines. The team selected Coverlam Estaturario Porcelain in a Natural 12mm finish. While many might reach for natural marble, porcelain is a superior choice for high-traffic residential spaces for several reasons:

• Scale and Weight: Porcelain allows for large-format slabs that minimize grout lines, creating a monolithic look that is significantly lighter than solid stone—a critical factor for high-rise floor loads.
• Durability: It is resistant to heat, scratches, and staining, ensuring the fireplace remains a pristine focal point.
• Aesthetic Precision: The Estaturario pattern provides the dramatic, sweeping grey veining characteristic of fine Italian marble, but with a controlled “book-match” capability that allows for perfect visual continuity.

Architectural Stone Fabrication in Chicago High Rises

To achieve a high-end, architectural look, Areté collaborated with Precision Stone Design for the fabrication. The edges of the porcelain were finished with Edge Lamination Miter Cuts. This technique involves cutting the slabs at a 45-degree angle to join them seamlessly at the corners, creating the illusion of a solid, thick block of stone. This attention to detail ensures that from every angle, the fireplace looks like a singular, carved piece of art, setting it apart from standard Chicago home renovations.

Building Custom Home Bars in Chicago High Rises

Adjacent to the living area, the bespoke home bar was designed to be both a functional extension of the kitchen and a dedicated hub for hosting. The design here mirrors the fireplace, creating a rhythmic consistency throughout the open floor plan.

The custom cabinetry throughout the project is a masterclass in millwork. Crafted from Quartersawn White Oak and finished in a Chai Stain, the wood provides a neutral, earthy foundation. Quartersawn oak is highly sought after in luxury kitchen and bar design specifically for its stability and its unique grain. It’s characterized by beautiful “ray flecks” that occur when the wood is cut at a 90-degree angle to the growth rings.

The Chai Stain was meticulously chosen to bridge the gap between the cool tones of the porcelain and the existing hardwood floors, resulting in a cohesive organic modern aesthetic that is both timeless and trendy.

Our team included the following features in this Chicago High Rise Fireplace build:

• Fluted Glass Cabinet Inserts: The upper cabinets feature fluted glass, which adds a vertical linear texture. This obscures the contents of the cabinets while still allowing light to dance off the glassware inside.
• Antique Mirror Backsplash: Behind the countertop, an antique mirror backsplash creates an immediate sense of depth. In a high-rise condo, light management is key; the mirror reflects the city skyline views, making the entire room feel larger and more luminous.
• Burnham Round Knobs: Minimalist hardware in a round profile ensures the focus remains on the quality of the wood grain and the stone.

Crafting the Layered Atmosphere in a Chicago High Rise Remodel

In any Gold Coast residence, lighting is the “secret sauce” that transforms a space from a functional room to an atmospheric experience. The project features a sophisticated three-layer lighting plan integrated into the smart home environment.

1. Task & Ambient Lighting: The installation utilized Entra CL 3-inch Round Flangeless Recessed Downlights. By choosing a flangeless (or “trimless”) design, the light fixtures sit flush with the ceiling for a clean, minimalist look. This required expert “mud-in” and patching work from the Areté construction team to ensure a perfectly smooth transition.
2. Feature Lighting: To frame the fireplace, we selected Bryant Sconces in Antique Brass. These fixtures add a touch of classic elegance to the modern surround.
3. Integrated LEDs: The bar area is equipped with Under-Cabinet LED strips and Horizontal Internal LEDs. These are programmed with Warm-to-Dim technology (3000k), allowing the clients to dial down the intensity to a golden, candle-like glow during evening cocktail hours.

Precision Design-Build Execution by Areté

A luxury renovation is only as good as its execution. Renovating a unit in a premier Gold Coast building requires a higher level of logistical precision. The Areté team managed every facet of the “Areté Way,” which includes:

• Proactive Site Protection: Before construction began, our team protected all common areas and the interior of the unit using 3/8″ MDF panels and heavy-duty plastic to safeguard the existing high-end finishes.
• Technical Electrical Upgrades: The project required significant electrical work, including upgrading the power to 220V/240V to support the Modern Flames fireplace and integrating the specialized LED dimming systems.
• Architectural Integration: The framing of the new fireplace box and the bar alcove was designed to “look organic with the adjacent walls,” requiring precise drywall work and level-4 prepping to ensure invisible seams.

Excellence in Chicago High Rise Remodeling

This high rise fireplace project is a perfect example of how a top-rated Chicago design-build firm can take a client’s vision and execute it with surgical precision. By combining the artistic eye of our experienced designers with Areté’s commitment to technical excellence, this Gold Coast home has been transformed into a bespoke sanctuary. It is a space that doesn’t just look luxurious. It feels luxurious, from the mitered edges of the stone to the warm, dimmable glow of the integrated lighting.

At Areté, we don’t just renovate. We craft environments that inspire. Ready to start your luxury renovation conversation? Call us at 773.683.3033 or contact us to discover the difference of working with a premier Chicago design-build team.