An Arched Entry

By Lisa Arnett
Appears in the January 2026 issue.

Modernizing an older home is a balancing act when it comes to what to keep and what to change—and there’s a price involved with every decision. When working on this first-floor reno for a couple expecting their first child in Western Springs, interior designer Magda Petersen of Bolingbrook-based Magda Interiors wanted to preserve this original arched opening that led from the home’s entry into the living room at the front of the home. “We also wanted to add an arch going into the kitchen. However, that ended up being a load-bearing wall,” Petersen says. Though modifying the beam was possible, it would have been a very expensive endeavor. “Sometimes we have to pivot and choose what’s best for our clients and the budget,” she says.

Photo: DANET Photography by Aneta Danuta