O Captain! My House Captain!
In 2005 I had the pleasure of working as a design consultant to the construction firm responsible for rehabbing the amazing John L. Simmons House in Oak Park, IL. It had been used as a parsonage for a local church for over 50 years, and had gone into extreme disrepair. The contractor hired me to do interior and exterior paint colors and select lighting and finishes (fixtures, granite, tile, and stain) for the remodel, which included adding a modern kitchen and baths, but also restoring details such as the terra cotta roof, terra cotta foyer tiles, art glass, and masonry. Details on how you can see it in person after the jump!
When noteworthy restoration architect John G. Thorpe called me to ask if I would be a house captain for tomorrow's Pleasant Home Historical Housewalk featuring arts & crafts interiors, I jumped at the chance. This house held a special place in my design portfolio heart and I longed to gaze upon it again.
STUDY's good friend and kitchen designer, Frances Figg of Figg-Halpin Design designed the kitchen layout, pictured here after the 2005 renovation. Featuring Lundberg Studios hand-blown glass shades, custom Shaker-style cabinetry in quarter sawn oak. Painted cabinets are in Chesterton Buff, also Benjamin Moore. Absolute Black honed granite and gold granite on countertops. Wall color is Benjamin Moore's Wilmington Tan. Hardware is by Restoration Hardware. Sinks are by Shaw, available in the US from Rohl.
Unfurnished dining room painted in Benjamin Moore's Richmond Gold, Shelburne Buff, and ceiling in Brookside Moss. Chandelier is original to the home.
After the renovation was completed, the house was put on the market and sold within a week! The current homeowners and their designer have taken the restoration even further, including the addition of period stenciling, textured wallcoverings, elaborate drapery, lighting, and some remarkable furnishings.
Stop by and see me tomorrow! Oh, and you get to see six amazing homes as well!
Pleasant Homes: A Tour of Oak Park Arts & Crafts Interiors
Saturday, October 2
10 AM - 2 PM
$35
Registration begins at 9 AM at Unity Church, 405 N Euclid Ave, Oak Park
