Sexy urban loft with Chicago skyline views

In a private loft residence in Chicago, Illinois, an incredulous renovation was contrived by taking two old apartments, gutting them and merging them into one beautiful space. With voluminous ceilings and immense windows this loft transformation was completed by Chicago-based firm jamesthomas. The timber loft building was once used for commercial purposes, so the designers left the original duct work and Douglas fir ceiling intact to preserve some of the historical presence. Both of the units had mezzanine levels which were demolished in order to take advantage of the main room’s soaring 18-foot high ceilings.

Eliminating a brick wall between the apartments created a spacious 4,000 square foot apartment, offering a grand open entertaining space and a master retreat for the client as well as a guest wing which boasts two bedrooms and an office. In the living room, two sectionals and a large glass coffee table, with some pieces custom designed by the designers. The calm and neutral color palette — gray, cream, taupe, tan and camel — adds to the light, bright look of the living space and does not detract from the outside views. The original oak flooring was re-finished with a gray wash.

A double-sided fireplace that separates the living for the dining space was an existing element. It was resurfaced with a rough tile to give it more of a chimney effect. To emphasize the ceiling height, a storage divider was added to either side, which also helps to further delineate the space. On the living room side, a TV is concealed, while on the dining room side, cabinets house fine dinnerware. Both of the units also offered rooftop decks and private rooms for entertaining. These were also merged into one cohesive space, offering impeccable views of the Chicago skyline.

The library next to the dining area had been a separate room in the old floor plan. After removing the walls, a 42-inch-high built-in was added that the couple uses for buffet service during dinner parties.

The wine area is located just to the left of the dining and library space for entertaining.

The kitchen is a linen color and has textured wood cabinets.

The colors in the master bedroom are a bit richer than the rest of the apartment with more slate blue and gray to make the small space feel clean and cozy.

The terrace seating area has a firepit, offering wide open views to the north, east, and south. The birch tree branches add an ambiance of feeling like you are in a forest or bird’s nest. They also reference the wallpaper in the adjoining terrace room.

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