u/lugbill-designs

Sharing a full transformation on a condo renovation our design-build did in River North, Chicago. The fireplace wall turned out awesome on our opinion.

The original room had dark walls, an ornate gold-framed painting, a traditional stone mantel surround, and zero cohesion. Functional, but it felt like three different design eras collided in one room.

We stripped the fireplace wall down to the studs — surround, built-ins, everything gone. Roughed in the TV niche, ran HDMI and power, and started fresh.

New floor-to-ceiling textured marble tile surround, recessed TV niche, floating dark wood shelving on both sides with integrated LED underlighting, and concealed wiring throughout. The sputnik chandelier ties it together and keeps the mid-century modern vibe going.

The wall now anchors the whole living space. It visually connects the seating, dining, and kitchen areas in a way the original never did.

Other scope on the project included a full kitchen rebuild, primary bath renovation (steam shower, heated floors, wall-mounted fixtures), new hardwood throughout, and deck updates.

Happy to answer questions on the tile, shelving details, or how we handled the electrical routing.

I can send the project page with more pictures, if anyone wants it.

Sharing a full transformation on a condo renovation our design-build did in River North, Chicago. The fireplace wall in the living room turned out awesome on our opinion.

The original room had dark walls, an ornate gold-framed painting, a traditional stone mantel surround, and zero cohesion. Functional, but it felt like three different design eras collided in one room.

We stripped the fireplace wall down to the studs — surround, built-ins, everything gone. Roughed in the TV niche, ran HDMI and power, and started fresh.

New floor-to-ceiling textured marble tile surround, recessed TV niche, floating dark wood shelving on both sides with integrated LED underlighting, and concealed wiring throughout. The sputnik chandelier ties it together and keeps the mid-century modern vibe going.

The wall now anchors the whole living space. It visually connects the seating, dining, and kitchen areas in a way the original never did.

Other scope on the project included a full kitchen rebuild, primary bath renovation (steam shower, heated floors, wall-mounted fixtures), new hardwood throughout, and deck updates. For more on the project, here's the project page.

Happy to answer questions on the tile, shelving details, or how we handled the electrical routing.

Sharing a full transformation on a condo renovation our design-build did in River North, Chicago. The fireplace wall turned out awesome on our opinion.

The original room had dark walls, an ornate gold-framed painting, a traditional stone mantel surround, and zero cohesion. Functional, but it felt like three different design eras collided in one room.

We stripped the fireplace wall down to the studs — surround, built-ins, everything gone. Roughed in the TV niche, ran HDMI and power, and started fresh.

New floor-to-ceiling textured marble tile surround, recessed TV niche, floating dark wood shelving on both sides with integrated LED underlighting, and concealed wiring throughout. The sputnik chandelier ties it together and keeps the mid-century modern vibe going.

The wall now anchors the whole living space. It visually connects the seating, dining, and kitchen areas in a way the original never did.

Other scope on the project included a full kitchen rebuild, primary bath renovation (steam shower, heated floors, wall-mounted fixtures), new hardwood throughout, and deck updates. For more on the project, here's the project page.

Happy to answer questions on the tile, shelving details, or how we handled the electrical routing.

This was a full gut renovation of a penthouse primary bath in Chicago's Lakeview neighborhood. The clients came to us wanting something bold and Memphis-inspired.

The vanity cabinetry is custom in a vibrant electric blue with vertical fluted detailing, positioned along the window wall so natural light plays off the texture throughout the day. Caesarstone quartz countertops were used for the vanity. The mirrors are mounted directly in front of the windows which create layered reflections that make the space feel significantly larger than it is.

Shower features two tile zones: green horizontal tile wrapping the lower walls, a graphic patterned tile on the upper section, terrazzo underfoot. All Kohler and Delta fixtures in matte black. Freestanding soaking tub with a floor-mounted filler is positioned toward the windows as a quieter counterpoint to the more expressive vanity and shower zones.

This was a full gut renovation of a penthouse primary bath in Chicago's Lakeview neighborhood. The clients came to us wanting something bold and Memphis-inspired.

The vanity cabinetry is custom in a vibrant electric blue with vertical fluted detailing, positioned along the window wall so natural light plays off the texture throughout the day. Caesarstone quartz countertops were used for the vanity. The mirrors are mounted directly in front of the windows which create layered reflections that make the space feel significantly larger than it is.

Shower features two tile zones: green horizontal tile wrapping the lower walls, a graphic patterned tile on the upper section, terrazzo underfoot. All Kohler and Delta fixtures in matte black. Freestanding soaking tub with a floor-mounted filler is positioned toward the windows as a quieter counterpoint to the more expressive vanity and shower zones.

Full project write-up and more photos can be found here: https://www.lugbilldesigns.com/projects/lakeview/southport/

We designed this kitchen around contrast: flat-panel white uppers to keep the wall light, balanced with walnut lowers and tall storage for warmth and texture. Open shelving breaks up the run and keeps everyday pieces accessible without cluttering the space.

We kept the backsplash minimal with a horizontal window to bring in light and expose a bit of brick, then anchored the room with a slab island and integrated cooktop. Brass details and a sculptural chandelier add just enough edge without overpowering the palette.

Goal was simple: highly functional layout, clear sightlines, and materials that stand the test of time.