Though you wouldn’t know it, this Chicago suburbs home was a completely new build. It honors classical design principles and timeless traditional architecture while embracing a colorful, livable spirit. Formal elements—columns, moldings, a sweeping stair, and a grand two-story library—are paired with bold palettes, playful patterns, and antique furnishings to create rooms that feel both historic and fresh. The result is a home that balances proportion and permanence with warmth, wit, and modern comfort, standing as a testament to Chicago architecture and design.
I love the contradiction of formal and whimsical elements in this house. Serious, but nah, just kidding. Design: Summer Thornton; Photos: Thomas Loof; Architecture: Heidi Lightner Architects
