Name: Michael &Karen
Location: Hammond, Indiana
Size: The main house is 2000 square feet, 3 bedrooms from 1930. SideCar Gallery is 900 square feet, 2 bedrooms and believed to be built in 1890.
Years lived in: 5 years — owned
When Mike and Karen were in the market to buy a house five years ago, their search brought them just south of Chicago to the town of Hammond, Indiana. Hammond is connected to the city by a 40 minute ride on the South Shore Electric Line, making the weekday commute comparable to many neighborhoods within the city limits.
SideCar's first floor is outfitted with gallery-typical whitewashed walls and track lighting, yet retains the character of the old home. The upstairs attic, which feels like a log cabin, (and is accessible only through a very interesting bathroom staircase,) is reserved for site-specific installations.
On my visit to Mike and Karen's home, I was lucky enough to catch a few artworks that were yet to be installed in SideCar's latest exhibition, 'Fire: New Work and a Collaborative Installation' by Paul Perkins and Jeremy Price. The show runs from March 5 - April 2 with an opening reception on March 5 from 5:00 - 10:00 pm. Please see SideCar's website for open hours and directions.
Apartment Therapy Survey:
Our Style: Eclectic
Favorite Element: The dining room in the main house.
Biggest Challenge: Persistence/money/time
What Friends Say: What's it like living in Indiana? I say 'Here be dragons'.
Proudest DIY: Committing to gutting the kitchen.
Biggest Indulgence: Refusing to rent out the second house (SideCar Gallery)
Best Advice: Don't be afraid to buy, just buy smart.
Dream Sources: I don't really know. I just say 'Let me dream if I want to'.
Thanks, Michael and Karen!
Images: Smith Schwartz
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The original woodwork is amazing. I also like the subdued feel of the finishing with the vintage twist.
But most of all I was left wanting to see a pic of the owners.
I'm a bit surprised. From their amazing contemporary artwork, I would have expected something not quite-so-traditional in their home space. But the bones of the house are indeed amazing, and they've done a great job keeping the Craftsman scheme continuous.
I grew up near Hammond and am so excited to see this home featured. Michael and Karen have a really neat style and its great to see they made this classic house their own.
So very beautiful. What gorgeous furniture and bones - without a lot of pretense. What did the kitchen look like before?
Swoon! I love, love, love, love the unpainted woodwork. I literally get goosebumps when I see a home like this one.
I agree with ACharmer - LOVE the unpainted woodwork and the built-ins. And when I read "Here be dragons" I laughed. Funny. Thanks for sharing!
The architecture is wonderful, and there's an incredible collection of furniture, art, plants, and accessories. Unfortunately, I feel there's a certain lack of focus or warmth to a lot of rooms. It may just be the lighting in the photos.
If it were me, I would paint the walls light but warm nuetrals to play up the awesome woodwork, and pull the furniture out into the rooms for more engaging groupings.
I absolutely love the character and originality in this home! I can't believe how lucky a find this was for the owners to be so thoroughly unmolested. That being said, I feel that some paint on the walls (but not the trim) would go a long way. Or maybe some brightly patterned wallpaper, even if not period-appropriate. Also, the window treatments throughout strike me as a bit dreary, would love to see the windows bare actually. Well, that's just me, congrats on having such a cool place!
Character is awesome but how creepy is the robe in the Jesus pose on the bedroom wall?
The robes isn't creepy, it's creative. There's artist living there.
Not to appear defensive and just for a bit of info; the 'robe' is a vintage silk kimono, probably early 20th c., possibly late 1800's. It is hung on an authentic bamboo kimono hanger and has absolutely nothing to do with the Christ.
Long term, we intend to paint and wallpaper in period colors and patterns ....... and I would love to go towards period window treatments. Of course this is all dependent on money and time ..... Thanks for the compliments and please visit SideCar.
mk
im so glad to see this! I also have a house with LOTS of original dark woodwork. I would love to see what colors you choose for the walls. In a world where everyone paints woodwork white...natural is so refreshing.
I think the Kimono is lovely. It's large size adds a bit of grandeur.
maybe i just don't have enough appreciation for vintage, but this place just looks grandma-ish to me. i love the bones of the house but the furniture and the empty rooms with pictures randomly lying on the floors just doesn't do it for me.
love the place - thanks for the tour !!
Sorry but I am a bit with Cutey Pie on this one.
I like how clean the living space is, but I'll probably be more comfortable here when I'm 70.
Beautiful! I love it.
What is the little room in the Attic?I heard some old houses have these rooms where disabled children were hidden away.
Michael and Karen should be commended for getting out of the way of the architecture unlike so many bungalow-destroying owners.
@cutey pie, The empty rooms with artwork on the floor are in the second house. This is where Mike runs SideCar gallery. When I visited, he was preparing for an exhibition that opens this Saturday. If you're interested in seeing a fantastic installation, I suggest heading over to Hammond for the opening!
-Smith
I love that they have embraced the woodwork and the style of their home. Their furnishings go perfectly with the architecture and it looks fabulous!
Beautiful old house. Would be great to see exterior. Why don't they build houses like this today? Needs some paint colors and furniture editing but understand that takes time....
I would love to see it again when you've had a chance to paint!
The part of all this that I love is the artwork!!!
I have always walked away from a home with dark woodwork as it seems to chop up a space and breaks up the flow.