We collaborated with the architect and client, a family with two young children, to create a simple, family friendly home in the historic Lakewood Balmoral neighborhood on Chicago’s north side. The house is decidedly contemporary and unadorned, but blends harmoniously with it’s surrounding by taking cues from the language of neighboring homes; strong gabled roofline, wide front porch, and simple architectural details. This honest language of the home’s exterior is brought into the interior with a reductive finish palette of rift white oak, white walls, natural stone and quiet accents of color. Simple contemporary furniture profiles hint at the client’s love of Scandinavian design and a desire for a classic quiet interior. The kitchen eliminates traditional upper cabinets to feel less utilitarian and blend easily with the other main living spaces. The book-lined Library presents a warm and casual front room that opens to the street as a friendly gesture to passer byes.  Muted colors and natural walnut and dark metal finishes introduces warmth and texture throughout the bright and airy home.