Influence of Design: 1200 Sunset Rd Residence
After little success in selling their home, the owners and Mekus Tanager undertook a project to update and renovate this French country style home so that it would compete in a luxury home market, where the competing houses are typically spec-built or built-to-suit luxury homes. With a set budget in mind, the design solutions implemented sought to maximize the ROI for the owners while enticing prospective buyers to vision the house as their future home.
Winnetka, Illinois
After little success in selling their home, the owners and Mekus Tanager undertook a project to update and renovate this French country style home so that it would compete in a luxury home market, where the competing houses are typically spec-built or built-to-suit luxury homes. With a set budget in mind, the design solutions implemented sought to maximize the ROI for the owners while enticing prospective buyers to vision the house as their future home.
To modernize the layout of the house, one design goal was to create a more open floor plan. The removal of the wall between the kitchen and the family room created the desired effect of really opening up both the flow between interior spaces, increasing family and guest interaction between rooms, allowing natural light to penetrate throughout the space, and also improving interior views to the yard and nature preserve behind the house. Additionally, the house was equipped with a full security/entertainment system throughout the house, all kitchen cabinets and appliances were replaced, and environmental controls were updated and improved.
Upstairs, the second floor plan was also renovated to create a more contemporary, inviting master bedroom with a refinished master bath, and new his/hers closets with ample amounts of storage space. Five other bedrooms, bathrooms, and additional spaces were updated as well to continue the modern luxury theme throughout the house.
Finishes throughout the house were selected to convey a modern luxurious feel while maintaining a comfortable and inviting atmosphere. The palette was designed to be neutral yet warm in tone so as to be appealing to prospective buyers.
On the exterior, worn finishes and light fixtures were replaced or updated, which included updating the front door to a mahogany entry. In the back yard, the patio was completely rebuilt to drain water away from the house and create an extension of the interior spaces for enjoyment and entertainment.
The result was a total transformation and updating of the house without losing the character and charm of the original architectural style.
Quick Facts
- Project Size: 5289 S/F, 6 Beds, 5 Bathrooms, 3 Half-Bathrooms
- Services Performed: Architecture, Interior Design
- What They're Saying: “[The house] is a masterpiece and someone will be as lucky as we were to raise their family there. Meanwhile, we look forward to enjoying the house through the Fall season!”