It was time to see the light.
After life put the renovation of their fixer-upper on hold for 15 years, a Chicago-area couple decided to enlist the help of architect Catherine Osika and interior designer Steve Kadlec to transform their 1960s builder-grade Tudor into the bright, open-concept space they desired.
“The landscape was beautiful, but it was the darkest house I had ever seen,” Osika says of the property in the Hinsdale neighborhood.
To achieve the 10-foot ceilings on the homeowners’ wish list, the team proposed moving forward with all-new construction, which would allow for more design flexibility. The clients agreed, and Osika began work on developing a French Provincial style that would exude casual elegance.
Today, pink brick, a gray slate roof and limestone trim make up the exterior, while the interior showcases a classic contemporary look, with modern interpretations of traditional pieces–including wingback chairs, leather seats and chandeliers–peppered throughout the home.
The dramatic windows that now flood rooms with natural light are accentuated with sleek coverings that act as points of visual interest. Peering outside, the owners are greeted with evergreens that offer a sense of privacy.
It’s a look they say was a joint effort in accomplishing.
“We had design principles,” the wife says, “but it was our design team that took what was in our hearts and minds and made it come to life.”