The current issue of House Beautiful features a Chicago apartment designed by Alessandra Branca. According to the article, the age of the building was vintage, but the apartment itself was "a concrete box" - it was previously an office building. Branca set out to add in the interesting design details that her clients wanted...
...such as the antique columns that now break up the space in the living room (shown above).
Branca says, "...my clients wanted detail, so we began by imagining one of those big old apartments on Lake Shore Drive that were built in the 1920s and '30s. We put in crown moldings, columns, a coffered ceiling — the details that give it that wonderful prewar feeling."
The design detail that we like the best in this home? The ultra-luxe wallcoverings...
The dining room features custom Fromental Wallpaper.
The library walls are covered in a paisley-patterned wool.
The bedroom is upholstered in silk.
Check out the article by Lisa Cregan and complete slideshow at House Beautiful or pick up the latest issue on newsstands now.
Photos: Thibault Jeanson/House Beautiful
© 2009 Apartment Therapy
I wanted to not like this place because it's so very very layered and a little more traditional than even I like. But in the end, I think it's great. I'd choose different lighting and that's really the only think I'm not crazy about.
view kimg924's profile
Thanks Janel for posting a high-end, aspirational and traditional interior. I get a little DIY- and Etsy-overdosed some times.
There's plenty to be inspired by here regardless of budget.
view patrick (the other one)'s profile
Wow. This isn't my style at all, and still I love it
view idiotdogbrain's profile
Call me an amateur, but this is way too overwhelming. And not in a positive way. The first picture, though quite busy with the oversized branches, has so many mixes. The rooms are so busy with the wallpaper and colors. I would be immediately nauseated awaking in that tiny, heinous green colored room.
I will give it credit, however, that the dining room and library have a nice, rich red color that is inviting and cozy. That green dungeon keeps haunting me.
view zuke's profile
How could anyone be happy in these rooms? I find them incredibly busy, crowded and overwhelming. Also, what about that flat zebra? These "rugs" are something I will never understand...
view jjanul's profile
I love this apartment! The way the designer used the plain white duvet in the green and white room was brilliant! It just calls you to jump into the bed. Mine is just the opposite; white walls, green and white pattern on the bed.
This is a good reference for adding character and age to a neutral space.
I love the layering of the rugs, the zebra is for "visual" texture , drawing your eye into the area.
view royaltygirl's profile
I agree w/ Patrick - some of the choices are not one's I'd make, but it's nice to see an elegantly done traditional interior...
...tho some of the details are a bit crazy: Just how many red lampshades are in the Living Room?
view bepsf's profile
The red lampshades were the first thing I noticed out of that top room. Kind of a few much. Glad to see something elegant and out of the usual types of rooms we see here. It's far more than I'd make up for my own space, but it's good to see how comfortable a traditional style can look.
view K T G's profile
This is a place I'd love to be invited for a visit, it's interesting yet still comfortable. But I wouldn't do my own home this way. But I'm so glad some people would.
view AZkathy's profile
"How could anyone be happy in these rooms?"
SERIOUSLY????
Oy.
view patrick (the other one)'s profile