A treasured client turns to the designer to craft an empty-nest abode in one of the West Loop's hottest new buildings.
With chic Keira bedside sconces by Thomas O’Brien for Visual Comfort, custom Venetian plaster wallcovering by Studio BK, a plush Australian sheepskin rug by Overland and Splotch metal wall art by Phillips Collection, the primary bedroom is the epitome of warmth.
THE CLIENT
Some client relationships are transactional, while others evolve to become forever friends. That was the case with a stunning recent project by interior designer Brianne Bishop, who had grown close with the client over the course of two previous projects when the client approached her in 2022 for a third as she and her husband prepared to become empty nesters in Bishop’s favorite building: new West Loop development The Hayden. “We were all elated,” notes Bishop, the founder of Brianne Bishop Design, “and she emphasized she wanted it in ‘true BBD style’—what an honor!”
A reupholstered sectional by Modern Love and Forsyth Art’s sheepskin ottoman add luxurious texture to the room.
In the living room, Benjamin Moore’s Black Beauty sets a stylish scene with Arteriors Strata chairs, the artwork “Penumbra II” by Matera and shelves brimming with smartly curated accessories.
THE PRIORITY
First and foremost, the client wanted exactly what she came to Brianne Bishop Design for: the firm’s signature style of mixing various textures, contrast and scale. “She wanted the elevator vestibule to be a dramatic foreshadowing of what was to come,” notes Bishop, “and of course [she also wanted] textural wallpaper in almost every room. Their beloved English cream dog was also a topic of conversation, and she set the palette for all upholstery in soft off -whites to mask any shedding.” Perhaps most critically? “This kind-yet-powerful boss-babe of a client insisted on not only living there in less than six months, but comfortably—meaning very little work to follow. I have known her long enough to know when she makes a statement like this she means it.”
CB2 Azalea counter stools in champagne pop in the kitchen.
THE CHALLENGE
Admits Bishop, “We had just gone through an unfortunate time at BBD when all three team members moved away unexpectedly, and only one associate could stay on remote, so being short-staff ed on such a short timeline was an unexpected challenge. We were already working through our existing projects with a small team, and with the addition of a dream project, we had to roll up our sleeves and get to work. Thankfully we were so inspired it was easy to log the extra hours, and with the client’s trust and creative freedom, we were able to meet the deadline and execute her dream home.” Another weighty obstacle presented itself with the task of moving the enormous custom quartzite dining table into the home, Bishop adds. “The first slab broke during the unloading process, so the fabricator was not taking any chances the second time around and craned it in through the expansive terrace doors. That was a nail-biting moment for many, but the result was worth it.”
The moody powder room seduces with Studio BK linen metallic gold wallcovering and Visual Comfort Avant linear sconces by Kelly Wearstler.
A stunning RH Serenella chandelier stars in the dining room along with a custom-designed table by Brianne Bishop Design featuring top by Chicago Granite Guys and wood base from Hogan Millwork.
THE DETAILS
“Providing this deserving client all of the drama, mood and wallpapers she has dreamt of since I’ve known her is a proud moment. We splurged where it mattered and saved when needed, and all of that balance left this home with texture, style and soul. Getting to curate every accessory and piece of art is such a treat for designers, but also somewhat rare; we know this client so well we nailed it right off the bat. We are also very proud to have been able to incorporate local artisans in this project that our client has admired for years, such as Cleveland Dean and Studio BK. To have their talents adorn the walls of someone who will love and appreciate it every day makes us as designers feel complete.”
Ngala Trading’s Urchin chandelier in champagne metallic leather plus Studio BK’s Broken Metal wallpaper add up to a showstopping first impression in the elevator entry vestibule.
THE OUTCOME
“They’re beyond thrilled with the outcome and love living in this space, as well as exploring their new neighborhood,” sums up Bishop. “They have loved everything from casual evenings in the oversize swivel chairs by Modern Love to entertaining friends on their terrace and hosting large dinner parties at their custom table. We were even able to squeeze in a wellness room in the primary bathroom by removing their large free-standing tub and filler and adding in an infrared sauna, a Peloton and a spot for their rebounder. This lovely client knew I was shopping for a tub and filler for my new home, and gave me these never-used beautiful fixtures—a true gift of love all around. I personally look forward to celebrating this client’s birthday, in this stunning home, at a disco-themed party around the corner.”
The den beckons with a Pointe black velvet ottoman, Moyra black desk with marble base and hannel suede office chair, all by CB2.
DESIGN DETAILS
TYPE
Mid-rise condo
LOCATION
West Loop
ARCHITECTURE
Booth Hansen
boothhansen.com
BUILDERS
Macon Construction
macongroup.com
INTERIOR DESIGN
Brianne Bishop Design
briannebishopdesign.com
MILLWORK
Bentwood of Chicago
bentwoodluxurykitchens.com
PAINTERS
Next Painting
847.476.2873
RESOURCES
ARTERIORS
Living room chairs and various lighting
arteriorshome.com
CHICAGO’S GRANITE GUYS
Custom dining table fabrication
773.401.4929
FORSYTH
Living room coffee table
forsythart.com
FOUR HANDS
Bedroom nightstands
fourhands.com
JAYSON HOME
Pendant lights in kitchen
jaysonhome.com
MODERN LOVE
Living room sectional, bedroom swivel chairs
modernlovefurniture.com
NGALA TRADING
Various accessories, lighting in elevator entry vestibule
ngalatrading.com
SOUTH LOOP LOFT
Various accessories
thesouthlooploft.com
STUDIO BK
Entry gallery art, various wallpaper
studiobkinc.com
TERRAZZO & MARBLE SUPPLY COMPANIES
Stone for custom dining table
tmsupply.com
ZIRLIN INTERIORS INC.
Window coverings/treatments throughout
zirlininteriorsinc.com
Photography by: Photographed by Anthony Tahlier
