5. Living Room Cabinetry Design: 2009 Before Cabinetry was added Cabinetry Designed for Closed and open storage 2
6. Living Room Remodel Project: 2008 The ceiling color was added to the details of the medallion to enhance color coordination. Before-Living Room was outdated and unwelcoming Updated space plan, furniture and color scheme A little sparkle was added using mirrored furniture accents After 3
22. Old Chicago Loft Apartmentfor Richard EllisRequired Space Planning,FF&E Selection, Written Concept and Design Statements andPresentation Board 19
23. Problem Statement for Richard Ellis’ Condominium Mr. Richard Ellis is a retired CEO of a major company in Detroit. He is 62 years old and recently widowed, and has moved to Chicago to be near his children. He is ready to downsize his living space, and wants a condominium that will simplify his lifestyle, while reflecting his interests and high standards. He enjoys the calm relaxing colors of blues and grays, but appreciates an occasional warm touch as well. His interests are current affairs, chess, reading, and recently, cooking. Mr. Ellis' condominium must provide him with a relaxing and comfortable home where he can entertain occasionally, and enjoy his retirement in a well appointed interior such as he is accustomed to.The design of the condominium for Mr. Ellis will be based on the cool colors of the lake view. Blues and grays will be the dominant color scheme with a few touches of warm color that will compliment the hues of the brick and the natural beech hardwood floors. Mr. Ellis only has need of one bedroom, but will require a Powder Bath for guests, as well as a private bath for his own personal use. The feel of the design will be updated and contemporary, with a nod to the traditional styles of the past.The design must include a cook's kitchen where Mr. Ellis will pursue his new passion of gourmet cooking. He will also require a desk area and a comfortable place for watching the news and current affairs programming on television, as well as a place to engage his friends and family in a friendly and comfortable game of chess. 20
25. Written Walk-Through for Richard Ellis’ Condominium Beginning at the entry, you are immediately struck with the magnificent view of Lake Michigan. There is an unobstructed sight line of the North facing wall of windows with their beautiful framing of watery blue silk draperies, and that view beckons you in. To the right is ample storage for coats and rain gear in the generously sized coat closet. Immediately to the left is the guest's Powder Bath complete with a vanity for make-up touch ups. Just a few steps ahead from the front door, and the space expands into the impressive cook's kitchen, where you'll notice the beautiful pewter hand painted cabinetry. The South facing wall of the kitchen is lined with storage for food supplies and dishes. These cabinets go from the floor to 8 feet high, and are only 12 inches deep to allow convenient access to their contents, while conserving precious space. The dish storage cabinets have glass inserts in the doors, and are lit within. The countertops in the kitchen are a unique gray and cream patterned granite that compliments the stainless steel top of the line appliances. The island, which has no overhead cabinets, gives additional counter space and room for the sink, without obstructing the view. Across from the kitchen, conveniently accessible, is the bedroom which is enclosed by 8 foot walls. Since the ceiling height in the condominium is 12 feet, the ample natural light from the wall of North facing windows in the Living and Dining areas can pour over the bedroom walls to give a pleasant open feel. The exposed brick of the East wall of the condominium provides a warm, rustic backdrop for the sophisticated furnishings of the bedroom. The Master Bath is convenient to the bedroom and relatively large for such a conservatively sized condominium, and the closet space is also ample. The Dining and Living rooms provide an unbroken vista of Lake Michigan. In the Dining Room there is plenty of seating for occasional guests who will enjoy the splendid view while dining. There is also ample storage for dinnerware in the beautiful mirror fronted buffet which adds breathtaking sparkle against the West wall of old Chicago brick. In the Living room guests can revel in the view and talk, or kick back and enjoy the LED HDTV and a roaring fire on a snowy day. The light flowing through the 120" tall windows can easily be managed with remote controlled blinds that can be lowered with the touch of a button. The addition of various accessories throughout the condominium adds just the right amount of interest and whimsy to appeal to Richard’s sense of good taste. All in all, this condominium provides every comfort and a sense of luxury to a modestly sized living space. The aesthetic appeal of the lake view, coupled with the historic charm of the old Chicago brick along with the calming color scheme and luxurious materials all combine to surround Richard with a unique living experience during his retirement in Old Chicago. 22