Lined in BLack  -  Mudroom addition and bathroom remodel

Lakeview,    Chicago Illinois    Completed 2017

Renovations in this home were completed in a large bathroom and mudroom addition. At the mudroom, we converted a small deck into a light filled glass entry space. Located directly off the kitchen, this new space projects into the backyard of the home and captures light on all sides.  A stained wood storage bench and a coat closet provide a much needed spot to keep the clutter of the everyday out of the kitchen and a space to drop belongings when entering the home from the garage.

The large cedar clad overhang provides protection from rain and snow while also creating a welcoming feeling of enclosure. The partial height cedar wall flanking the stair landing is a sharp edge condition which separates public and private space. The landing itself become a transition area between these two zones. By layering these spaces both with vertical and horizontal elements such as glass, partial walls and overhangs, the transition between the public exterior and the private interior of the home becomes more subtle. 

Tight site setback restrictions and working around an existing back stair kept the space small and efficient. As can be seen from the interior photos, the space floods with light compared to the original set of three glass doors. In 2014, the open porch above the addition was filled in with for a master closet.  

This bathroom renovation shows that the use of simple lines and a pop of color can make a bold statement.  White field tile is accented with black grout. A simple subway tile was used on the walls while a more detailed floor pattern lines the floor. That sharp black grout creates a strong graphic on the floor to complement the simpler walls.  In the soap niche, the subway tile is tuned 45 degrees to add another level of detail.  

It's always tough to work within a dormered space.  The solution here was to reconfigure the room and reduce the open space, but improve the overall geometry of the floor plan. We filled in the awkward angled space under the now hidden roofline with a tall deep cabinet while a stand alone tub sits neatly under the other.  The new blue/green vanity with two sinks is brightly lit by new sconces and it's proximity to the window.

Another big move was opening up the shower.  In many cases, we use a frameless shower door, but the new black frame maintains the black and white storyline. 

G.C. PO Construction (bathroom)
Allways Remodeling (Mudroom Addition)
Photos by Matt Mansueto Photography