A full-floor condo is transformed into the chicest of high-rise homes thanks to the award-winning talents at Soucie Horner Interiors.
“Wow" is the word for this jaw-dropping kitchen, which shimmers with brass cabinets custom-designed by Soucie Horner and built by Exclusive Woodworking along with waterfall island countertops in Sultana marble from Waterworks finished off with a modernist pewter chandelier in Mercury Murano glass.
THE CLIENT
Good things come to those who wait—at least in the case of this Gold Coast project by Soucie Horner Interiors. Referred by a friend who had previously worked with Holly Hunt, the design firm’s principal and co-founder, Martin Horner, had a casual meeting with the client to discuss renovating his apartment. During the conversation, it became clear to Horner that in order to achieve his vision, the client should consider exploring other properties, since the current home wouldn’t accommodate his ambitions.
The home’s east rotunda dazzles with wood paneling produced by Exclusive Woodworking and an eyecatching star floor design produced by Apex Wood Floors—both custom designed by Soucie Horner—along with the client's own credenza and a Picasso-influenced artwork by Angelo Accardi.
“Time passed,” notes Horner, “and he eventually acquired an entire floor in a luxurious Gold Coast residential building, complete with a stunning terrace.” Though the client interviewed other top Chicago design firms, the client’s bond with Horner over their shared design principles and philosophies won out, and the project’s team was set.
The library is anchored by a Mastercraft acid-etched brass and black lacquer coffee table by Bernhard Rohne, Jonathan Browning Studios’ Lauriston circular chandelier and artist Tom Brydelsky’s work "Tree with Red Leaves," sourced from Gruen Galleries.
THE PRIORITY
Explains Horner, “The client aspired to create a space where he could host gatherings and truly feel at ease in his new residence; he also expressed his desire for a modern apartment, despite his prior experience with more traditional, historical homes. He believed that a new high-rise should embody a sleek and minimalist aesthetic.
The wine vault beckons with a waterfall island in Prunella marble by Waterworks and Bleu Fonce tile by Chadwick's Surfaces International.
Throughout our discussions about the interior design, we exchanged ideas and visual concepts, delving into how the apartment should evoke a particular ambiance. It became clear to him that we possessed the capacity to craft a design that aligned with his true desires, rather than what he initially thought he wanted.”
The office stands out with a Cortes desk by Julian Chichester sourced through Anthony Inc., Meg swivel chair by The Bright Group and SHIIR Rugs’ Strand wool and silk rug in meadow.
With Calacatta Vena Oro and Pietra Grigio marble tile, a 1940 art deco brass mounted Murano glass chandelier by Ercole Barovier, Soucie Horner custom-designed doors produced Bader Art Metal, and walls in Benjamin Moore’s Cheating Heart, the elevator lobby is a stunner.
In the cigar room, an artwork by Anne L. Lehman pops against custom swivel chairs upholstered in distressed leather by Keleen Leathers and a circa 1920s antique Persian Tabriz rug from Nazmiyal Collection in New York.
THE CHALLENGE
“We were in the midst of the design and construction process when the COVID-19 pandemic struck. At that point, everything began to decelerate, and we encountered disruptions in the supply chain. We became increasingly worried about the ability of businesses to maintain their production and sustainability during these challenging times.”
Chairs covered in Fort Adams fabric in Nightshade by Pollack and walls in Benjamin Moore’s Stormy Sky make the dining room sing.
THE DETAILS
“This was truly a dream project,” says Horner. “Our connection with the client was truly exceptional, granting us the freedom to explore innovative design concepts. Among all the elements, my personal favorite has to be the kitchen. It was an opportunity to create a space that served as an artistic masterpiece that was not only visually striking but also exuded a sense of sexy, cool sophistication.”
The primary bath is a feast for the eyes, boasting an MTI tub with custom marble shroud and slab wall fabricated by SIMI Stone, leopard print Brou chair by Alfonso Marina and custom vanity designed by Soucie Horner Interiors.
Covered in Rubelli’s Zanelli fabric in Argento, the client’s own chaise lounge provides a comfortable reading spot in the primary bedroom.
THE OUTCOME
Sums up Horner, “As we walked through the space together, a continuous smile adorned our client’s face. He remarked that we truly understood what he desired, even though it diverged significantly from his initial vision. We were delighted to hear we delivered an intuitive understanding of our client’s preferences, even hearing from him that we understood him ‘better than he knew himself.’”
In the primary bedroom, RH’s Chiara smoke glass chandelier hangs above a custom-designed bed.
Made Goods’ Irving table in reconstituted stone and Summer Classics' Italia armchairs in wrought iron highlight the expansive, lushly landscaped outdoor terrace.
DESIGN DETAILS
TYPE
High-rise condo
LOCATION
Gold Coast
BUILDERS
Wujcik Construction
wujcik.com
INTERIOR DESIGN
Soucie Horner Interiors
souciehorner.com
RESOURCES
ARTISTIC TILE
Bathroom/powder room tile throughout
artistictile.com
BARRON CUSTOM FURNITURE
Various custom furniture throughout
barroncustomfurniture.com
CARRIE SECRIST GALLERY
Various art and accessories
secristgallery.com
CORAGGIO
Various window coverings
coraggio.com
1ST DIBS
Various lighting and accessories
1stdibs.com
JIM THOMPSON FABRICS
Primary bedroom window coverings
jimthompsonfabrics.com
JONATHAN BROWNING STUDIOS
Lighting in library
jonathanbrowninginc.com
MAGNI HOME COLLECTION
Sconces in dining room
magnihomecollection.com
PHILLIP JEFFRIES
Wallpaper in primary bedroom
phillipjeffries.com
POLLACK
Fabric on custom dining chairs
pollackassociates.com
SHIIR RUGS
Rugs throughout
shiirrugs.com
TOM FAULKNER
Living room coffee table
tomfaulkner.co.uk
THE URBAN ELECTRIC COMPANY
Lighting in cigar room
urbanelectric.com
WATERWORKS
Kitchen island countertop, wine vault countertop/backsplash
waterworks.com
