MOODY + MODERN IN DOWNERS GROVE

Location: Downers Grove, Illinois

Moody + Modern in Downers Grove, Illinois

A layered, light-filled renovation for a bold and creative family of three.

What began as a traditional split-level home with dated finishes and a disconnected layout has been completely reimagined into a moody, modern, and highly personalized residence. Our clients came to us wanting more light, more function, and more expression and we delivered all three, with architectural moves that opened the home from the inside out.

We began by removing the wall between the kitchen and living room, dramatically improving flow and allowing for an open-concept space where the family could gather, cook, and entertain with ease. Vaulting the ceiling and adding new windows introduced height and daylight, giving the entire main level a sense of expansion.

Upstairs, a previously cramped bathroom was reconfigured into two distinct spaces: a private ensuite and a hall bathroom, each with its own bold identity. These jewel-box moments gave us an opportunity to lean into saturated color, striking wallpaper, and expressive tile, while maintaining cohesion through scale, proportion, and timeless materials.

Throughout the home, rich textures, sculptural forms, and warm finishes provide contrast to the lighter envelope, creating depth without excess. From the matte black cabinetry and fluted hood in the kitchen to the velvet furnishings and curated artwork in the living space, every detail was layered with purpose.

This home doesn’t pick a side. It embraces contrast. Moody and bright, structured and soft, playful and refined. It proves that bold choices, when grounded in thoughtful design, can create spaces that feel both elevated and entirely livable.

Project Scope

Full interior renovation of a split-level home
Converted one bathroom into two (hall + ensuite)
Vaulted ceiling, reconfigured kitchen and living space
Custom finishes, built-ins, and interior architecture

Collaborators
Architect: Widler Architecture
Interior Design: SuzAnn Kletzien Design
Photography: Dustin Forrest