PROJECT

River North Condo

1200SF TWO BEDROOM, TWO BATH CONDO

I’ve worked on a multitude of different projects over the years, from 250,000sf educational buildings, high rises, to hospitality projects and a few residential projects, but this was my first renovation for myself. It was a huge life dream of mine and felt surreal to finally bring it to fruition.

I didn’t blink twice diving into what is considered by most to be a large scale full renovation. Small project of just new paint, some new light fixtures, light touches and done? No. Thanks. Give me a space that hasn’t been touched in at least twenty years, and let me loose.

Full renovation or hard pass. I’m not saying this is always the best opportunity, but this is what I had been dreaming of doing – forever. And I did it. And it was amazing.

FOR THIS RENOVATION, WE DID THE FOLLOWING:

Refinished existing hardwood floors (we salvaged the pre-finished flooring that was in the living area) and installed new hardwood flooring in both bedrooms.
Full gut renovation of the kitchen and both bathrooms. All new appliances.
Repainted the entire unit and replaced all trim. Luckily all of the interior doors were solid wood – score! – so we kept those and repainted and changed out the door hardware.
Installed recessed lighting in the kitchen, living and dining spaces
Replaced all closet doors and created a (brilliant) combo coat closet/pantry out of the large entry closet.
We created a custom built-out closet in the primary bedroom. We IKEA hacked this, and I think it turned out pretty spectacular if I do say so myself.
Custom window treatments in the living room and primary bedroom.

When I write it down it doesn’t seem as big of a project as it really was. It was definitely bittersweet to sell, but that was always the plan.