Andrea Goldman Design reimagines a client’s Gold Coast pied-à-terre into a fabulous full-time home.
Allied Maker’s Aria pendants elegantly hang above Thomas Hayes Studio’s Iron and Rolled stools in the kitchen, which offers breathtaking views of the city and Lake Michigan.
The Clients
Craving a change of lifestyle, a pair of empty nesters planned to transition from the North Shore to a dynamic new chapter downtown. Their vision? Transform their Gold Coast high-rise pied-à-terre into the most stylish of full-time homes with the help of Andrea Goldman Design. Just as renovations were gearing up for their current space, the clients discovered that a higher-floor unit was available, so they made the switch and Goldman’s team started the project in earnest.
The Project
“The initial vision for the client was creating a space that felt approachable and comfortable while still being elevated,” notes Goldman, who also notes that the clients’ desire for a stylish California vibe drove much of the project’s design inspiration. “[With the condo’s] floor-to-ceiling windows, you’re immediately met with the surrounding buildings and their hard edges—but you also have incredible east-, south- and west-facing views that bring blues from the lake and sky, so we decided to connect to that softness and make the interiors feel extremely cozy.” Goldman infused the home with West Coast-chic accents, incorporating bleached wood floors, warm cabinetry, earthy tones, and carefully curated fabrics, furniture and textures.
In the living room, a Cairo chandelier from Fuse adds a striking focal point, while a Stanley sofa by Montauk Sofa provides luxurious comfort. Complementing the space, a Vee ottoman from Community Mfg offers versatile functionality.
The Challenge
Navigating city and high-rise constraints posed challenges for Goldman and her team, including limited elevator access and structural limitations. “One of the most significant hurdles was that the unit had a wall blocking a large section of the windows in the kitchen,” explains Goldman. “But we noticed that units on other floors had windows instead of the wall, so the homeowners took a risk by hoping the building would let us add windows. Thankfully, they did because it really changed the feel of the kitchen. That was a game changer.”
Carlo Moretti’s contemporary mouth blown Murano clear glass table lamp stylishly rests atop a Jean De Merry Forza console.
The Details
With breathtaking views of the John Hancock building and Lake Michigan, this sleek condo features unique and luxurious details, from a revamped dining room and glass and metal dividers defining spaces within high-rise limitations to a custom Keith Fritz dining table and panoramic cityscape views from outdoor balconies. “Often, when people design spaces with the goal of being cozy and approachable, they can read a little less sophisticated,” shares Goldman. “But I think we created something that feels a little older, like it’s the home of people who’ve experienced a few things, but it’s not in any way formal or intimidating.”
The dining area showcases a Keith Fritz Chapeau dining table, Bright Chair Company’s Chan closed arm chairs and an Oscar Isberian rug to elevate the space.
The Outcome
The clients were delighted upon seeing their finished abode, having fully trusted Goldman and even refraining from visiting the home during the renovation process.“When the elevator doors opened into their unit, it was a fast flood of tears,” Goldman shares. “I’m sure a lot of the emotion just comes from the release of any doubt about how it would look because they were so trusting. And then you’re met with this moment of ‘Oh wow. They really did listen to us. They really did hear and understand what we wanted for this home.’”
Photography by: AIMÉE MAZZENGA
