Glam and Grit

By
September 2021 View more

Ditch your dated decor for an edgier vibe with pops of whimsy

Photos by Cynthia Lynn and Christopher Bradley

Living room

The Vertigo pendant by Constance Guisset is a bold detail on the coffered ceiling. A channel-tufted sofa aligns with modern chair upholstery creating dark and light contrast. African baskets are arranged with framed pieces by local artist Cleveland Dean. “He does incredible, edgy art that speaks our language,” says Project Interiors designer Lauren Warnock. “It’s textural and gritty with a raw sexiness to it.”

Pushing boundaries is a specialty of Chicago-based Project Interiors. In fact, designer Lauren Warnock admits, “We definitely get hired because we have a strong point of view. Our website either intrigues people or it scares them.” That edge is evident in this Hinsdale home, a project she took on after the homeowners had lived in what was a traditional spec house for five years. “When they came to us, they wanted a complete transformation,” she says. “It went from muddled to dramatic.” The result is a study in contrasts: embracing traditional infrastructure while juxtaposing modern and whimsical elements. 

Kitchen and breakfast nook

“We didn’t rip out original fireplaces or kitchen cabinets,” says Warnock, “we embraced them.” Traditional gray kitchen cabinets are paired with a modern island and furnishings in the kitchen, including these serpentine chairs from Ligne Roset and a custom Pindler banquette. 

Music room

Grafitti by artist Amanda Morrison revives a traditional marble fireplace, while a transparent acrylic bench
and fur pelt softens the visual impact
of a dark and large baby grand piano.

Primary suite

Deep bronze mirrors by Craft House reflect a concrete tub by Native Trails. A round bench in crushed velvet by Solid and Pattern creates a dramatic centerpiece of the glam room. Crisp white ripplefold draperies by Carnegie and tufted velvet upholstery by Pindler envelop the bedroom in soft texture. 

Guest bedroom

An oversize tufted headboard grounds the space while a Seletti monkey lamp provides whimsy. “We love to do something that’s playful and unexpected,” says Warnock.

Dining room 

Custom host chairs with fringe and leather-studded detail pair elegantly with a traditional ebony table. A framed art collection hung with Indian saris and African beads provides visual interest on the stark white wall, while green velvet chairs add soft texture to the entertaining space. 

Opposites Attract

  • Add both glam and grit to your space with these tips from designer Lauren Warnock
  • Be a mix master  Splurge on a main item and save on others.
  • Shop vintage  Something historical paired with something new is beautiful—there is always a story there. 
  • Collect when traveling  Even if it’s not the style of your home, those pieces can always be integrated. 
  • Mix textures and colors  Pair fur with structure, glossy with matte, dark with light.