Zach Hayes Design crafts a striking home for returning clients, blending luxury and style for a fresh take on city living.
In the living room, cream leather ottomans with ebony trim by Interior Crafts complement a custom sofa in Stroheim’s bottle green velvet with pillows by Jim Thompson and brush trim by The Vale London, paired with a blonde burl wood coffee table with a steel plinth and Charlotte Foust’s “Serenade in White” art above.
The Client
Having completed three projects for the same family in a matter of two years—the clients’ Fulton Market District high-rise residence, the daughter’s home and the son’s apartment—Zach Hayes Design was the obvious choice when the clients decided to upgrade to a new residence in their current building. Seeking a larger footprint to match the spaciousness of their Orland Park residence, the clients chose a unit with more generous square footage, multiple living areas, additional bedrooms and a dedicated home office, with Hayes signing on to help make it a home.
In the home office, a custom Oscar Isberian rug complements A. Rudin chairs upholstered in aubergine boucle by S. Harris, a stylish desk and a vintage charcoal drawing sourced in France.
The Priority
“While the clients loved their first unit in the building, they really wanted this space to feel like home,” says interior designer and principal Hayes, noting issues with the definition of the space, how rooms were used and a bathroom that, while recently remodeled, didn’t fit the client’s aesthetic. “We wanted a warm palette, tranquil spaces, textures and tones that complemented their growing art collection. The space had to be refined and elegant while remaining approachable; grandkids needed to be able to use the living room, family events and casual dinners needed to be held in the eating area of the kitchen.”
A walnut Artifacts dining table by Century Furniture, vintage Murano chandelier sourced from Italy through 1stDibs and Marcus Sisler’s “Untitled” artwork add up to an inviting dining room.
The Challenge
Explains Hayes, the limitations of water and gas riser locations (common among high-rise projects) were one obstacle the team faced. “However,” he states, “designing around these elements is a core strength of the firm, especially with their focus on renovations and construction. “It did require us to be strategic about the bath fixture locations, hence the addition of linen storage tucked behind the double-wide shower in the primary bath.” The timeline presented another challenge, as the clients had sold their previous home shortly after purchasing the new space. “The team had to act swiftly to develop design concepts and implement changes. Hard surface materials, like flooring, rough valves, and cabinetry had to be procured quickly to meet the fast-paced schedule.”
Counter stools in faux suede by S. Harris from Fabricut and Exos Delta pendants in dark smoke finish with opal glass by Hubbardton Forge complete the kitchen island.
The Details
The color palette was chosen to reflect the striking views of the city skyline and the Chicago River, which the unit overlooks, blending the space with its environment for a distinctive yet cohesive design. “I really love the color story that runs through the home,” shares Hayes. “We were able to balance these soft, lavender greys of the kitchen with warmer neutrals like the creamy beige grasscloth, bottle green velvet sofa, and deep bronze tones in the primary bedroom.”
The kitchen is defined by WoodMode cabinetry in a Park Avenue door profile with a chic vintage silver mist finish paired with leathered Naica quartzite countertops from Blue Pearl Stone and accented by a sleek Kohler Crue touchless faucet from Studio41.
The Outcome
Sums up Hayes, “The division of space, the warmth and refinement of the finishes [and] the general feel of the space provided that sense of comfort that [the clients] had in the suburbs. This is what we set out to create. It’s more than just a beautiful residence—it’s a true home.”
Photography by: JEFFREY JOHNSON
