Two city dwellers with a growing family build a dazzling new Elmhurst home decked in California-chic style by Amy Storm & Company.
The kitchen dining nook is filled with light.
In the home office, artwork sourced from Leftbank Art makes a stunning statement along with a Four Hands chair and a chandelier in handrubbed antique brass by Visual Comfort.
THE CLIENT
With a second child on the way, this couple made the decision to trade in their city condo for a large single-family home in the suburbs. Their partner in design? Amy Storm, whom they found on social media and whose team tackled the project with gusto. “We updated floor plans and designed cabinetry throughout to enhance their future way of living,” explains Storm. “We took everything into consideration, from baby bottle storage to wine storage and from cozy, family movie space to grown-up entertaining space around the golf simulator.”
A Roark modular ring chandelier in polished nickel by Visual Comfort draws the eye up.
A hypercurated selection of accessories dots shelving in the family room
THE PRIORITY
“The homeowners wanted a sophisticated yet casual feel with a modern California coastal vibe, yet still appropriate for a Midwestern setting,” notes Storm. “They wanted thoughtfully designed cabinetry, beautiful wood beams in the ceilings and wood accents throughout. They longed for a light and airy feel, which welcomed lots of sunlight, especially in the back of the house where their high-use spaces were positioned. Ultimately, they wanted to ensure that the home had well-executed details that would make life with a growing family just a little easier and more functional.”
In the same room, a custom-made TCS Furniture sofa upholstered in Perennials fabric beckons for lounging.
The kitchen stuns with a custom table by Aronson Woodworks, chairs and stools by Essentials for Living, and Sub-Zero and Wolf appliances sourced at Ferguson.
THE CHALLENGE
“The project took quite a bit longer than originally anticipated,” notes Storm. “In fact, the couple had their second child as well as their third (just over a year apart!) during the course process. Permitting lags, construction delays and occasional spontaneous changes by the homeowner midproject all contributed—like turning an open covered porch into a three-season space with a mini kitchen/grill and entertaining setup, which everyone coveted during the quarantining months that unexpectedly followed. “Plus, in the middle of it all, the pandemic hit and shut the world down. However, we all worked together, collaborated extremely well and, in the end, created something unique and special for this amazing family. Proud of my team on this one? You bet.”
Chic candlesticks perch atop an Adagio buffet by Bernhardt.
The client’s own RH chairs star in the dining room with a pair of AERIN Liscia chandeliers by Visual Comfort.
THE DETAIL
The home’s custom millwork was a key element of the project, and Storm is particularly excited about her team’s execution. “In particular, the two-story foyer has a classic stile-and-rail design on the walls and ceiling,” she says. “The stair layout and second-floor landing position really pushed us to think through each bend and turn. We carefully worked with the millworker to make sure the placement of the boards was done well. Even though we drew lots of details, we still managed to make on-site modifications. It ended up working beautifully.”
The handsome wine cabinet is by Buoyant Wine Storage.
THE OUTCOME
Sums up Storm, “Our clients were thrilled and so thankful we were able to help define their design DNA and see it come to fruition. Not only did we all have fun throughout the construction, the clients developed so much trust in our team that they asked us to furnish the house from top to bottom. Photo shoot days can be stressful, but we were able to witness how much they were enjoying their new home. We absolutely enjoyed every minute of this project and considered it an honor to be in their lives and watch their family multiply while it was being built. To be in their home and see them using the space as we intended brings a sense of pride and joy upon completion.”
The airy primary bedroom features Solis nightstand pendants by Pablo, plus a sleek working fireplace.
In the primary bath, a gorgeous BainUltra Evanescence tub with Brizo tub filler takes pride of place.
DESIGN DETAILS
TYPE
New-construction single-family home
LOCATION
Elmhurst
ARCHITECTURE
JMB Architects
DESIGN/INTERIORS/MILLWORK DESIGN
Amy Storm & Company
RESOURCES
ARONSON WOODWORKS
Custom dining table in kitchen
ARTERIORS
Lighting in primary bedroom
BERNHARDT
Various furniture in primary bedroom and dining room
BUOYANT WINE STORAGE
Wine storage
CUSTOM METAL HOME
Custom kitchen racks
ESSENTIALS FOR LIVING
Kitchen chairs and stools
FERGUSON
Various appliances
HOLLY HUNT
Powder room wallcovering
KRAVET
Bench seat cushion fabric in primary bedroom
SUNPAN
Game table in basement
VIRGINIA TILE
Primary bathroom tile
