Stunning Mies van der Rohe Interior Design and Remodel

This Mies van der Rohe condo interior design and remodel in Chicago was so stunning that the final result was much like a butterfly born from a caterpillar.  Done by Habitar Design Senior Designer Kapan Shipman, it was the creation of a unique unit unlike any of the parts it came from. 

The bones she started with were two units previously combined by eliminating the party wall.  The result was a large central space and numerous small outdated rooms including 2 small kitchens.  None of this fit the client’s lifestyle. 

 Before:  The Caterpillar

2 units previously combined in an iconic 1960’s Mies van der Rohe building.   Plenty of space, badly out date with low ceilings 

Mr. G, a senior bachelor, loved to entertain and cook for not-for-profits.   An excellent kitchen with commanding cooking capacity and making use of the central area to provide a wonderful entertaining environment were of key importance.  He also required a master suite that would both enjoy the views of Lincoln park optimally, provide audiovisual possibilities and a sauna.  Mr. G also loved light and the color purple.

Here’s the Butterfly:

The main room.

Furniture arrangements created numerous places for conversation and the multilevel ceiling created visual interest, warmed up the room, diverted attention from the low ceiling and provided nooks for lighting. 

Dinner guests can enjoy the stunning view of Chicago and watch art projected up on the left wall from a ceiling mounted projector visible on the right.

Ceiling projectors and ceiling mounted speakers met audiovisual needs without visible electronics and screens.

This sleek kitchen has multiple ovens.  It’s perfect for coffee and the Sunday times or cooking for 60 people which Mr.G does often.

The master bedroom takes in the beautiful Lincoln Park view but when it’s time to binge, a screen lowers across the windows and the projector above the bed goes to work.

Master bathroom and Sauna befitting of this great suite.

Bedroom

Entry hall.

Shipman says: “The trick to combining two units in a high rise is to figure out what you can and cannot move while keeping the budget in mind.  The goal is to make sure the layout makes sense. You never want to have odd dead space or awkward paths. No one should be able to tell there were ever two separate units.”

She adds, when it comes to accessorizing: “It’s important to always make sure the client’s personality is represented in the space.”

Kapan Shipman is a senior designer at Habitar Design, a leading interior design firm in Chicago.

Written by Mitchell Newman, Principal, Habitar Design.   Photos by Brad Meese