Donna Mondi Turns A Lincoln Park Home Into A Stylish Sanctuary

By J.P. Anderson By J.P. Anderson | December 4, 2024 | Home & Real Estate, Home & Real Estate, HBCH Home, HBCH Home Tours, Home & Real Estate Feature, Home Feature,

Design veteran Donna Mondi crafts a sophisticated, seriously luxe home for a discerning Lincoln Park client.

The kitchen is a feast for the eyes, with highlights including Essential Home’s Collins counter stools from DeMorais International covered in Kravet’s Set in Stone fabric in gold. Home Styling by Darwin Fitz.

The Client

Having discovered the work of notable Chicago studio Donna Mondi Interior Design on Instagram, the client—a style-conscious attorney looking to create a new home for herself and her daughters—reached out to the studio, setting things in motion. Bonus: Mondi’s existing relationship with the realtor representing the development helped build trust from the start and ultimately helped seal the deal.

The dining room oozes drama thanks to a Whisper chandelierin crown leather by Ngala Trading and curtains in Zinc Textile’s Dino Ocean fabric by Romo.

The Priority

Notes Mondi, who helmed the project with senior designer Sara Hoban, the primary goal was “[to design] a space that reflected their individual styles while ensuring it would be a comfortable, welcoming environment where they could build new memories for years to come. This project was about more than just aesthetics— it represented a fresh start and a new chapter for their family.”

Roche Bobois’ Shark cocktail table sits pretty atop a stunning North Africa rug by NIBA Designs in the living room.

“[The primary goal was to design] a space that reflected their individual styles while ensuring it would be a comfortable, welcoming environment where they could build new memories for years to come.” –Donna Mondi

The living room is full of eye-catching details, from the Forma pendant light by Phoenix Day to the Tremezzo Lava 01 wallcovering by Fabricut and the custom sofa sectional by Donna Mondi Interior Design fabricated by Barron Custom Furniture and upholstered in Carnegie’s Dazzle fabric.

The Challenge

The fact that the home had served as the model unit for the development presented some obstacles in that Mondi’s team had to work with standard building finishes while finding ways to elevate the interiors to make them truly stand out. “As the model unit, it already had some beautiful elements,” Mondi explains, “but it lacked the personality, drama, and that elusive ‘je ne sais quoi’ that transforms a space into a one-of-a-kind home. Our goal was to inject character and uniqueness into the design, ensuring the space not only felt luxurious but also deeply personal and distinctive.”

Fitz side tables by Arteriors and Marble Cinch lamps by Global Views make for an appealing bedside vignette in the primary bedroom. PHOTOGRAPHED BY DUSTIN HALLECK
Fitz side tables by Arteriors and Marble Cinch lamps by Global Views make for an appealing bedside vignette in the primary bedroom.

The Detail

“The transformations we made to the walls and ceilings truly defined the character of the space,” says Mondi, noting the addition of refined moldings and inset wallcoverings in the main living area, the foyer’s deco-inspired wallcovering and the hand-painted ceiling in the primary bedroom. “I’m especially proud of how we incorporated artwork and lighting to transform the space,” Mondi adds. “We collaborated with some of our favorite artists throughout the home, adding depth and character. Another standout element is our approach to curating furnishings from around the globe, giving the interiors a truly unique and worldly feel, [and] the custom lighting choices also play a significant role in elevating the space. These layered details—art, lighting, and carefully curated furnishings—are what truly make the space exceptional.”

Baker’s Couture dresser, Square in Circle’s Pill floor lamp from 1st Dibs and artwork by Zoe Pawlak round out the primary bedroom.

“OUR GOAL WAS TO INJECT CHARACTER AND UNIQUENESS INTO THE DESIGN, ENSURING THE SPACE NOT ONLY FELT LUXURIOUS BUT ALSO DEEPLY PERSONAL AND DISTINCTIVE.”

Emma Hayes’ Bloom Plum wallcovering by Bradley gives a dreamy watercolor feel to the powder room.

The Outcome

Sums up Mondi, “This project truly touched my heart. The client shared how much the home has meant to her and her daughters, expressing how deeply impactful it has been for them. It’s one of the most meaningful compliments I’ve ever received, and it reinforced the emotional connection design can create.”

In the foyer, Roderick Hildago’s “BLK Cubed” sourced from Echt Gallery plays off of Carlisle & Co.’s Solitaire wallcovering in Platinum by Holly Hunt, adding up to a visually arresting foyer.