A professional couple sought to have their lakeview apartment transformed into a tranquil aesthetic, contracting Space Architects in collaboration with Elizabeth Krueger Design for the project. Located in Chicago, Illinois, this home was completely gutted and rehabbed to allow for the clients vision to take effect. The original floor plan featured a more traditional aesthetic with smaller, closed off rooms. The homeowners wished for a calming, spa-like environment with a harmonious floor layout. Every room needed to have a purpose.

The first step was to take the original entryway that had an oval-shaped design and open it up to the dining area; while the kitchen needed to have a relationship with the living area. The spaces now have an open plan kitchen and living area that showcases views of Lake Michigan and downtown Chicago. The overall aesthetic is serene and welcoming, perfect for hosting and entertaining family and friends.

Unique to this home: The windows, which were originally white, were painted bronze to match the exterior railings and add warmth to each room.

Instead of competing with the spectacular views from outside, the designer infused the apartment with a multi-textural palette of earthy tones. The spaces feature cozy, layered textures with an edgy note.

What We Love: This lakeview apartment offers an authentic, lived-in feeling with a serene environment. A neutral color scheme helps to not detract from the beautiful lake and city views outside the expansive windows. The newly renovated apartment has a more spacious and open layout, making it more conducive for entertaining. The open kitchen and living area creates a nice flow between spaces. Overall, a very desirable outcome… especially the master bath, love the soaker tub!

Readers, what do you think of this apartment transformation, would this make you re-consider apartment living if you had this home’s incredible views? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

One of the biggest dilemmas with the original kitchen was its galley-style design. By removing the wall between the kitchen and living area, it enabled more natural light into the space. It also offered unobstructed lake and city vistas. Additionally, a waterfall style dining table that attaches to the island bridges the gap between the iceberg quartzite countertop and the living area. The designers wanted the kitchen to feel like it was part of the living area. Floating steel shelves were designed in place of upper cabinets, creating a more attractive aesthetic, as viewed from the living room.

RELATED: Striking Chicago Loft Condo Renovation by Besch Design

RELATED: Chic modern high-rise apartment in Chicago

Above: Built-in seating was designed around a concrete column that was exposed in the renovation process.

RELATED: Contemporary Olympia Center Penthouse in Chicago

Above: In contrast with the cavernous living room, the master bedroom suite was designed to be scaled down to be more of an intimate retreat. The additional square footage was given to the walk-in closet and master bathroom that soaks in the views.

RELATED: Three-story West Loop Loft renovation in Chicago

Above: A sculptural soaking tub sits on a raised platform to cleverly conceal the plumbing; at the same time maximizing views. An oak-paneled accent wall creates visual contrast to this all-white space. While a glass pendant light adds a touch of glamor.

Photos: Mike Schwartz