Captivating Chicago Apartment Makeover in White, Light and Natural Stone

Nestled in a busy neighborhood of Chicago, the Water Tower Flat was recently renovated by Alexis Bednyak Design and Searl Lamaster Howe Architects to give its new 3200-square-foot interior a bright, light-filled look. The challenge here was to keep out the excessive natural light in through the east and south sides of the apartment that hold large classic industrial-style windows. This was done by revamping the floor plan inside the apartment, re-distributing the light beautifully and ensuring that the light is regulated in a smart fashion. On the other hand, the long corridor at the entrance was previously dark and a touch claustrophobic while it feels cheerful and bright in it new avatar.

Living room of revamped Water Tower Flat in Chicago with contemporary decor








Color palette inside the apartment is largely neutral with white shaping the backdrop and light and dark grays providing visual contrast. A bright couch in blue brings color to the large living area while bookshelves and indoor plants add additional charm to the space. Smart design in the bedroom and bathroom also relies on neutrals with natural stone backsplash in the shower area along with a floating vanity in stone stealing the spotlight. Custom accessories, gallery wall and other sparkling brass accents complete an apartment makeover that is modern, exquisite and distinct. [Photography: Alyssa Rosenheck]

RELATED: Spectacular St. Lawrence River Views Await at this Stunning Canadian Residence

Gallery-style long corridor inside the Water Tower Flat in Chicago
Large windows bring plenty of light into the living area and dining space
Lighting in the new entry corridor drives away any sense of lingering darkness
Open shelves with books, wall art and accessories add color and contrast to the setting
Stunning use of dark natural stone in the contemporary bathroom with minimal appeal
White and gray contemporary bedroom filled with ample natural light

The material palette of the apartment is a restrained combination of plainsawn white oak in natural, gray, and black open grain finishes; unlacquered brass; oxidized steel; matte black hardware; and various strongly veined stone slabs. Within the main rooms, crisp white walls stand in distinct contrast to accent elements in the palest of grays.

RELATED: Colorful Minimalism Meets Captivating Views Inside This Kiev Apartment

Black, gray and stone combine to give the revamped interior a whole new look
Closer look at the kitchen shelving along with the posh marble finishes and backsplash
Dark cabinets and marble countertops fashion a kitchen that is elegant and exclusive
Floating stone vanity in the modern bathroom instantly grabs your attention

You’re reading Captivating Chicago Apartment Makeover in White, Light and Natural Stone, originally posted on Decoist. If you enjoyed this post, be sure to follow Decoist on Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest.

Similar Posts

  • Villa Kivi

    VILLA KIVI Villa Kivi is a new generation log home on a tiny island in Finnish archipelago designed for himself by Finnish designer Vertti Kivi. Polar Life Haus, a Finnish wooden house manufacturer, was quick to pick it up for their collection. ‘The whole development process of the house was guided by our goal to bring the interior of the house together with the spectacular surroundings. We wanted to be part of sunset, snowstorm and even autumn storm on his tiny island in Finnish archipelago’, tells designer Vertti Kivi, the head of dSign Vertti Kivi & Co. ‘The starting point was a clear glass cube but we ended up creating glass walls reaching from the floor level up to the ceiling only to three sides of the structure. The north side with its separate sleeping rooms and bathroom is constructed of massive black wood beams that are in clear contrast to the glass and create feeling of cosyness and safety. Large terraces in one level create a sense of continuity between inside and outside. The floor plan is defined by Scandinavian clearness. The heart of the villa is the kitchen, located next to the entrance, and from there you can see the entire open interior and the surrounding sea. We like to think the kitchen island is like a DJ’s desk – the atmosphere of the whole interior space is created right there with the remote controlled lighting system. To guarantee the privacy of the bedrooms, they are located in the outermost corners of the villa, separate from each other. They too have one wall completely made of glass. An extra attention is paid on the details of the villa. Not a single molding can be found in the entire building. The doors have a hidden frame and they too reach from the floor to the ceiling. Drama and strong feeling are created by massive wooden surfaces and their color choices – snow white lacquer on the floor creates a contrast to the dark walls. To make the battened external walls coal black, we developed a special technique based on hundreds of years old Japanese traditions. In the evening, the atmosphere changes with different lighting schemes that can be timed to be in sync with nature. The end result is a clean-lined building in Scandinavian style which can be adapted to different needs and locations. It has a strong Finnish presence.