Interior designer Stephanie Wirth reconfigures a family of five’s dated Lincoln Park condo, updating amenities and adding modern European elements to create a stunning juxtaposition with the home’s unique vintage aesthetic.
The living room stuns with a beautifully curved Vladimir Kagan sofa, dark gray herringbone flooring and a statement oil painting by contemporary artist Dean Fox (@deanfoxart) above the marble fireplace.
THE CLIENT
ASH + AMES (ashandames.com) co-founder, jewelry designer and bestselling author Trisha Ashworth moved from California to Chicago with her husband and three kids a few years ago, renting an apartment in Lincoln Park while looking for the perfect spot to settle down. “We searched for the right space for literally years!” she explains. “Once we decided to stay long term in the city, we knew Lincoln Park was the place we would find our home.”
“The La Cornue Chateau stove and custom-painted hood really anchor the kitchen,” notes Wirth.
THE PROJECT
After purchasing a gorgeous topfloor, 5,550-square-foot vintage condo in the historic Benjamin Marshall Building, Ashworth tapped her cousin Grant Gibbons, founder of Remnant Homes (remnanthomes.com), to head up construction, and later brought on Stephanie Wirth of Leo Designs Chicago (leodesignschicago.com) to assist with the design.
THE PRIORITY
“Our client requested a classic European, Parisian aesthetic with modern amenities, thoughtful details, and curated artwork and furnishings,” notes Wirth. “The main focus was to update and reconfigure the layouts of both the kitchen and the primary wing.” Accentuated molding details, herringbone flooring (one of Ashworth’s favorite elements of the renovation), hidden storage and custom doors upgraded the overall design while maintaining the apartment’s antique charm.
Textural elements and eye-catching patterns make this monochromatic space feel luxe.
THE CHALLENGE
“It is always challenging reconfiguring the floor plan in a vintage building,” Wirth admits. The unit’s narrow stairwell and elevator made deliveries especially difficult, and renovating the layout meant moving plumbing— always a herculean task in older buildings. However, teamwork and determination saw them through, with Wirth appreciating Ashworth’s taste and ability to collaborate: “She knows what she wants, and our visions melded beautifully.”
Mixed tones and metal finishes complete this moody sitting area.
THE DETAILS
Overall, Ashworth opted for a simple monochromatic color palette combined with textured fabric to create a luxe, elevated aesthetic. The streamlined classic galley kitchen stuns with a 25-foot-ceiling and secret pantry doors hidden inside the paneling, while the dining room boasts a custom curved banquette and a separate bar area in mixed metal finishes. Plus, Ashworth’s love of vintage furniture is readily apparent, with specially curated pieces from the likes of Vladimir Kagan, Steve Chase and Adrian Pearsall in every room.
Ashworth and her pup strike a pose.
THE OUTCOME
With the space now fit and functional for the family of five, both client and designer are thrilled with the overall result. “My husband says almost every day, ‘I love this apartment.’ I do too,” Ashworth divulges. Wirth reveals, “I always feel at peace when I am there and it has been especially fun enjoying dinner parties or cocktails with Trisha—I am always looking for an excuse to stop by!”
Photography by: HEATHER TALBERT
