We’re all for getting to know our neighbors.
Especially when those neighbors are friendly enough to open up their not-exactly-humble abodes for an in-person gander.
That’s the idea behind the annual City House Style Tour, the self-guided walkabout that grants you access inside the Gold Coast’s ritziest homes, returning May 15th with tickets on sale right now.
This is your chance to see the city’s most prime real estate, including what we’re previewing here today: an ultrasleek modern penthouse that flaunts major character thanks to the consummate art-collecting homeowners involved.
So, guaranteed: serious eye candy.
The family-friendly home in the former Ambassador Hotel is a showcase for an incredible art collection and a fearless approach to mixing styles. The living room balances soft-hued furniture with funky dashes of ivory, while French armchairs upholstered in vintage silk Ikat fabrics from Istanbul are but two showstopping pieces that draw the eye. Joan Miró’s Equinox hangs above the fireplace for added pop.
Connecting the living room and the kitchen is the dining room, which features a rock crystal chandelier by San Francisco’s Therien Studio Workshops picked up at Holly Hunt. Tasteful art, from left — fashion photography from Cathleen Naundorf and Crash by John Matos — overlook the dining table.
The kitchen was appointed an inviting neutral look with a white oak veneer island bar top. The cabinetry and table are by Bulthaup. The bar stools are from Janus and Cie. The family calls the corner of the home their “command center”.
A nude painting (left) — a commissioned piece by Bruce French through the Scream Gallery in London — hangs in the master bedroom; the homeowners worked with British artist on a custom palette, which determined the color scheme of the room. The bed’s custom headboard is by Prairie Interiors and upholstered in silk by Holland & Sherry; the chaise is from George Smith.
In the foyer a dramatic art installation by Mauro Perucchetti of clear urethane shoes encrusted in colored Swarovski crystals surveys the home’s main entrance, while a sculptural staircase finished in Venetian plaster leads up to the home’s best feature.
Up here: the guestroom and family room. The sectional sofa is from Vioski in L.A. and upholstered in grey linen from Clarence House. Also: lots of light play.
The family room is flanked by glass doors that open up to a jaw-dropping outdoor terrace. Boxwood hedges line the perimeter, and the outdoor sofas, chairs and cocktail table are Janus and Cie. The fam calls it their “manicured English garden in the city”. Looks about right.
The City House Style Tour is presented by the Chicago Day School Parents Association and all proceeds go directly to the school. It all goes down May 15th. Grab your tickets here.
Photos: Tony Soluri
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