This New-Construction Condo Undergoes A Timeless-Chic Transformation

By J.P. Anderson By J.P. Anderson | July 23, 2021 | Home & Real Estate, HBCH Home, HBCH Home Tours,

SKIN Interior Design transforms a longtime client's new-construction condo into the ultimate timeless-chic home for the next phase of their lives.

Boasting window coverings by Elegant Custom Draperies and a custom coffee table designed by SKIN and fabricated by Louis Custom Upholstery, the living room is the picture of simple sophistication.

THE CLIENT

SKIN Interior Design co-founder Lauren Lozano Ziol has ample history with the clients, having worked with the couple when she had her own interior design firm back in 2007. Contacting Lozano Ziol when they moved from a large suburban home in Connecticut to a classic-but-new-construction brownstone in Lincoln Park, the couple came armed with traditional taste and a collection of family antiques that needed to be reupholstered and revitalized. “We definitely created a classic, traditional look in tones of oranges and browns, floral fabrics, etc.,” notes Lozano Ziol of her initial work. More than a decade later, those clients—now empty nesters and ready to downsize and minimize—purchased a new-construction condo in Lincoln Park from Boutique Properties, turning again to Lozano Ziol with SKIN co-founder Michelle Jolas to take on the project.

In the dining room, Saarinen chairs add contemporary pop to an antique table.

THE PRIORITY

“They wanted to switch gears and go [for] really clean lines with a modern, fresh look,” says Lozano Ziol of the project’s sophisticated, timeless vibe, adding, “I wanted to create a peaceful, uncluttered, sleek look that embodied the next phase of their lives.”

THE STRATEGY

Explains Jolas, “We wanted to create a consistency to the home, which made it easy to choose materials that all coordinated and linked back to our main design color palette of cool grays, whites and blues.” For Lozano Ziol, the plan was clear: “Minimal color, unlike their last home; clean lines; amazing modern art and photography; and adding in some classic midcentury pieces like Saarinen dining chairs, an Eames lounger and Eileen Gray tables. Our clients took a few treasured pieces from their family, like the antique dining table, an Oriental rug for the family room and a Biedermeier chest. But this mix is SKIN’s forte and what we love to do.” Says Jolas, “It works so well in the space and creates a sense of coziness even with the modern vibe. We wanted the home to feel like a museum and let the art speak rather than fabrics and layered furniture.”

Artwork by Damen Flint and a striking lighting fixture by Arteriors make for an intriguing entry.

THE DETAIL

“I’m proudest about the way the client and I collaborated to create a space that we both found visually outstanding,” notes Lozano Ziol. “When you have such a long-term relationship with your clients, it makes you feel as if they really do value you and trust you, and that is the amazing connection I have with this client. It just clicks!”

THE OUTCOME

“The clients and their family love the new look,” enthuses Lozano Ziol. “It’s a perfect representation of how tastes and preferences evolve with time as we are exposed to new things.”

With sleek Snaidero cabinetry, quartz countertops by Stone Source and stools by Haze, the kitchen is a showstopper.

Feeling blue: The family room is rich with color thanks to paint by Benjamin Moore and a sofa by Interior Define; photography by Ilze Lucero completes the scene.