When a Missouri‑based couple swapped a conventional single‑family house for a 14th‑floor condo in Chicago, they asked designer Lauren Svenstrup to turn the unit into a boutique‑hotel sanctuary that could serve both work and leisure.
Design brief rooted in lifestyle, not just aesthetics
The partners, who previously ran a business together, wanted more than a view. “Clients bring a way of living, a set of habits, preferences, and priorities,” Svenstrup said, noting that uncovering these unspoken parameters shaped the entire project. Their desire to “live with abandon” and to entertain guests guided the design toward layered, experiential spaces rather than a plain high‑rise box.
Located on the 14th floor with direct elevator access, the condo offers sweeping lake and skyline views. Yet the interior initially lacked identity. The owners specifically asked the designer not to limit her creativity, trusting her to push the design “as far as possible.” That freedom led to a home that feels immersive, art‑forward, and filled with surprising details at almost every turn.
Creating rhythm in an open‑plan layout
Svenstrup focused on “distinct vignettes within the open floor plan” to give the space rhythm and variation. The result includes dynamic seating clusters, multiple entertaining zones, a built‑in bar, and sightlines that frame the view. Because both partners work from home, a shared workspace was integrated, separated subtly by an architectural pillar that keeps them together yet distinct.
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Stylistically, the interior leans toward a retro, slightly decadent ’70s feel rather than strict mid‑century modern. Undulating curves, layered materials, and mixed prints add energy and softness, counteracting the unit’s originally flat, high‑end finishes. “The curves weren’t intended to celebrate the architecture so much as counteract it,” she explained.
Every surface feels considered, yet the overall feel remains approachable. “It’s expressive without taking itself too seriously,” the designer said.
From a practical standpoint, the design also addressed mechanical constraints like varying soffit heights and hard lines typical of high‑rise units. By using curves as a visual antidote, the team turned those challenges into opportunities for movement and color.
The finished condo now offers a series of curated experiences: a bar area where friends can gather, a lounge that invites quiet reading, and a workspace that balances collaboration with privacy. The design’s layered approach allows the homeowners to unwind, entertain, and enjoy the city’s skyline—all within a space that feels personal and intentional.