Embracing the Drama: A Lesson in Accent Wall Design
If I didn’t already have a huge appreciation for what interior designers do, I certainly would after going through our own home renovation this past year. In the midst of running the business and managing 20 ongoing client projects, my husband Mike and I stumbled upon the perfect spot for our next move and decided to embark on a renovation project of our own – why not, right?
We always knew that we wanted our next home to have a unique story to it and to be something we could completely customize. However, I thought Mike was crazy when he showed me a listing for a 2-bed, 2.5-bath condo and said, “This is it.” We were already living in a 2-bed, and the reason we even began the search was so that we could gain more space. What Mike then pointed out to me completely changed the game.
This unit was in an old high school and therefore came with some unique bones, including a double-height living space and kitchen. We ran over to the unit that same day to see if our theory was correct, and confirmed that yes, we could build out over the kitchen and powder room to add a third bedroom and ensuite bathroom. We were sold. From there, we spent the next two months fantasizing, designing, and yes, arguing about the design for our new home.
Crafting a Cohesive Aesthetic
Right from the start, we agreed we wanted the palette for our home to be light, airy, and textural. We wanted to incorporate natural white oak, fluted wood details, and dramatic stone accents. The home was in great shape when we got it, but we needed to add our own touch to it, and we mostly needed to create more usable space.
Above the kitchen, the empty double-height space was the perfect area to fit in a third bedroom and bathroom without sacrificing any space. The laundry was originally behind a barn door in the kitchen, and we wanted to enclose it into its own space. We also needed to replace all the windows and decided to take the opportunity to enlarge the third window by the stairs so that it would be the same size as the other two.
Designing the Dramatic Accent Wall
The first thing we designed, which was the sounding board for the rest of the home, was the fireplace wall. We had to keep the firebox in its current location because we were working around chimneys from the units below us, so we created an asymmetrical layout with the fireplace and TV on one side and storage on the other.
We went through a few different iterations for the kitchen. The original one shown here had an island and symmetrical cabinets mirrored on either side with open shelves tying them into the hood. We decided we needed more of a work-surface, so instead, we made the island into a peninsula and made the hood into more of an oversized focal point.
In the bathrooms, we wanted to carry in the same materials and textures in unique ways. 2021 started with hammers swinging. The original unit was in decent condition, so we donated all of the cabinets, countertops, appliances, and light fixtures to Evanston Rebuilding so that they could get a second life and not end up in a landfill.
Bringing the Vision to Life
For the next eight months, we experienced a renovation the way our clients do and ran over every chance we could get to see the progress and daydream about what’s coming – and stress out a little too. In order to build the new bedroom and bathroom above the kitchen, we needed to crane a beam in through the windows. Our neighbors were thrilled.
Once the beam went in, things moved quickly, and we got to finally experience what it felt like from the new bedroom. Because it’s an interior room, we added a big picture window to the bedroom that allows plenty of natural light to pour in. Once construction began, we layered furniture and décor into the design.
The Stunning Reveal
This main living area is truly the heart of the home. The living and dining room are filled with natural light from the double-height windows, and the kitchen feels like an extension of the space. We get asked about our floors all the time and have actually put these on a few projects since ours because we love them so much. We chose a natural white oak Boen floor from Legno Studio – engineered, of course.
The focal point of the living room is the dramatic fireplace wall. We chose a book-matched stone to go behind the TV and a satin black porcelain to wrap the fireplace beneath the mantle. We carried the black across the bottom with 4-foot wide fluted wood cabinets because you can NEVER have enough storage in the city.
At the fireplace, we knit a few different elements together in one cohesive design. On the right side, book-matched stone slabs create a focal point behind the TV, while black porcelain frames the fireplace and ties in with the black cabinets beside it. On the left, we carry fluted wood cabinet doors from the floor to the ceiling, hiding extra storage and carrying in some natural texture.
It’s It’s Oksana who created custom linen drapes for the space to carry the eye all the way up to the ceiling. They create a soft backdrop for the cozy, loungey sectional. We kept the furniture low profile in the living and dining room so the spaces feel unified and modern.
Above the dining table, we dropped oversized sculptural globes that act as a light fixture to bring the ceiling down a bit above the table but also become an art installation in the space. One of our favorite parts of the design is the gallery wall that we curated above our staircase. We filled almost every inch of the wall, and that’s the only place we have personal photos in the whole home.
Layering in the Details
The kitchen pulls in Japandi-influence with rift-cut white-oak cabinets, a simple textural backsplash, and an oversized stone hood. Mike and I HATE clutter, so it was really important to us to be able to hide small appliances out of site when they aren’t in use. We incorporated two 4-foot long appliance garages on either side of the range wall, so when they’re open, we have access to all of our small appliances, and then as soon as we’re done using them, we can close them back up.
Above the range, we incorporated the same stone from the TV wall and created an oversized yet simple hood. The backsplash throughout the kitchen is a simple ceramic tile that adds a soft texture to the space without competing with the wood and stone accents. Beside the refrigerator, we tucked in some open shelves to provide a coffee station for easy access during busy mornings.
In an effort to tie the two floors together and not add any visual clutter, we incorporated a new glass stair rail. Yes, we are aware there will be fingerprints galore once there are kids in the home, and we have made peace with that.
Cohesive Design Throughout
The other bedrooms and bathrooms throughout the home continue the cohesive design aesthetic. In the third bedroom, we incorporated an oversized picture window to allow natural light into the room. Blackout drapes provide privacy when guests are in the room, and we’ve since learned that this doubles as a fun stage when kids are visiting.
The bathrooms feature a consistent palette of natural wood tones, dramatic stone accents, and matte black fixtures for a luxurious spa-like experience. Even the powder room embraces a bold, dramatic look with black walls, brass accents, and an antiqued mirror.
A Dream Come True
As I leave our bedroom every morning, I still pinch myself that our dream came true. The process was full of ups and downs, but the end result is a space that truly reflects our personal style and provides a warm, welcoming haven for our family and friends.
So, if you’re considering incorporating windows into a dramatic accent wall, take inspiration from our journey. Embrace the opportunity to create a cohesive, layered design that brings your vision to life. And don’t be afraid to get a little creative – after all, your home is your canvas. Happy designing!
