Modern Serenity in Mid-North

Investment: $120,000-$130,000

Designer: Vasilka Todorovska

Photographer: Grace Juracka

Location: Mid-North

Modern Serenity in Mid-North

Luxury in Chicago’s most exclusive residences is defined not by square footage but by the thoughtful intention behind every space. At Areté Renovators, our name is rooted in the Greek ideal of “excellence” and reflects our passion for helping clients realize the full potential of their homes. Guided by this philosophy, our team recently transformed a Sedgwick Street high-rise residence. What began as standard, utilitarian bathrooms have become refined examples of modern tranquility and architectural precision. Our team was led by our in-house designer, Vasilka Todorovska, whose vision guided the project from its initial concept to its final, breathtaking execution.

Every project of this caliber is an opportunity to craft a sensory experience, not merely choose finishes. In this residence, we introduced a new era of Warm Minimalism. This design approach celebrates the essential, layering rich organic materials and seamlessly integrating technology to create a space that feels both sophisticated and inviting. Under Vasilka’s direction, we balanced the bold geometry of Chicago’s skyline, visible through the expansive windows, with the soft, restorative calm of a world-class spa. The goal was to create an environment that could be both a vibrant part of the city and a peaceful escape from it.

A Balance of Technology and Timeless Materials

The primary bathroom was envisioned as a complete escape from city life. It is a private retreat shaped by continuity, scale, and tactile luxury, where every element is designed to soothe the senses.

Monolithic Masonry and Precision Tiling

Large-format 24×48 porcelain tiles were meticulously installed on both the walls and floors. This demanding process required a perfectly level substrate and a precise hand to ensure flawless alignment. We used minimal grout lines, just 1/16 inch wide, and paired them with a matching color to create a seamless, sculpted effect that makes the room feel larger and more unified. The artful alignment of vertical and horizontal veins in the tile gives the bathroom a sense of permanence and visual cohesion, as if carved from a single block of stone.

The Integrated Steam Experience

This master suite goes beyond simple beauty, offering personalized wellness at home. We collaborated with technical specialists to integrate the Mr. Steam system and its advanced iSteamX interface. This created a custom steam shower that responds to the homeowner’s mood and preferences, transforming a daily routine into a spa-like ritual.

• ChromaSteam X Mood Lighting Offers a spectrum of energizing hues for invigorating mornings and calming tones for relaxing evenings, all tailored to each client’s unique rhythm.
• AudioX Speakers Deliver high-fidelity sound through a discreet, humidity-proof design, allowing for music or podcasts to fill the space without visual clutter.
• Linear Steamhead A nearly invisible fixture that fills the shower with a quiet, even cloud of steam while preserving a clean, uninterrupted aesthetic.

The Architecture of the Shower

Areté’s commitment to combining accessibility and luxury is clear in the curbless shower entry. This design not only enhances the bathroom’s modern look but also ensures ease of use. We specified low-iron partition glass for exceptional clarity, showcasing the tile’s beauty without the green tint common in standard glass. Inside, a floating stone bench invites quiet reflection, while a full-width LED-lit niche transforms even everyday items like shampoo and soap into a curated display.

The Powder Room Statement and Sculpture

Powder rooms provide the perfect space to take bold design risks and make a strong impression. In this home, Vasilka leaned into contrast and sculptural expression. A floating marble vanity, mitered to accentuate its dramatic veining, was left open beneath to expand the visual space and create a sense of lightness.

Custom walnut paneling with a rhythmic vertical grain unites the room with warmth and texture. This is enhanced by soft, indirect lighting within open shelving. The result is a gallery-like atmosphere that showcases artisanal objects and elevates daily rituals into moments of beauty.

Invisible Storage

Functional needs were addressed without compromising the minimalist form. Hidden, push-to-open cabinetry, finished to perfectly match the walls, keeps essentials nearby but out of sight, maintaining a clear and uncluttered aesthetic. This proves that streamlined design can still serve the practicalities of everyday living.

The Guest Bathroom Consistency with Character

The guest bath carries forward the master suite’s refined material palette, yet it possesses unique features tailored for guest comfort and style. Vasilka designed a tiled tub front for architectural consistency, thoughtfully eliminating the standard aprons often found in guest bathrooms. This detail elevates the entire room. Additional touches include:

• Custom, LED-lit niches for convenient storage and soft, ambient light.
• Grohe and Kohler chrome fixtures chosen for their lasting performance and elegant, timeless detail.
• Low-iron glass tub screens to keep light moving freely throughout the space, making it feel open and airy.

A Vision Realized Through Precision and Process

What you don’t see in the finished photos is where our value truly shines. Transforming a high-rise residence requires significant project management and technical skill. Our dedicated project managers and skilled tradespeople coordinate every detail, navigating complex HOA rules and respecting the building’s infrastructure. On Sedgwick Street, every plumbing fixture remained precisely in place, a testament to our expert planning.

Our stone fabrication is a signature achievement on this project. Each 45-degree mitered join allows the stone’s veins to wrap around corners seamlessly, from the floating shower bench to the sculptural vanity. This detail reflects countless hours of skilled craftsmanship. The electrical plan, thoughtfully designed by Vasilka, ensures that all lighting and technology are flexible and practically invisible. This lets our clients control their environment with a simple touch.

This renovation highlights the power of collaboration and professional design expertise. Under Vasilka Todorovska’s direction, we blended the rich textures of stone and wood with state-of-the-art steam and audio technology. The synthesis delivered a timeless luxury centered on balance and harmony.

Areté Renovators is your full-service partner in creating the home you envision. From initial concept to the final polish, our team orchestrates every step and expertly masters the logistical challenges unique to Chicago’s luxury buildings. We help you focus on the delight of your beautifully transformed home while we handle the complexities.

Experience a personalized renovation from a team who values trust, creativity, and lasting results. Call us at 773.683.3033 or contact us to begin your transformation.