In Chicago, this late 19th-century home was totally transformed to welcome a new chapter in its rich legacy. Interior designer Cari Giannoulias shares with Sona Decor Singapore the property’s history and makeover.
This historical mansion became an obsession for both the homeowners and me,” confesses Cari Giannoulias, founder of Cari Giannoulias Design.
“Having worked together on a previous home, we went to see the listing and it was love at first sight. The condition of the space would have been a deterrent for many, but this only drew us in further.”
Despite the cracked and stained ceilings, the mildewed walls and the unsalvageable floors and wainscoting, “the house was magnificent” according to the interior designer. “It just needed saving.” And that is exactly what she did.
![9-ip198_cg_wickerp_sittingrm3_heroc-1024x683-1 The updated interiors within this historical home enjoys plenty of natural light and clean, modern lines.](https://sonadecor.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/9-ip198_cg_wickerp_sittingrm3_heroc-1024x683-1.jpg)
Runs a Family-Owned Steel Company
Cari recommended the homeowners — one of whom owns a steel company with his family, while the other is an artist — to hire the studio En Masse for the architecture.
“The house was very segregated — staircases that lead nowhere, rooms that didn’t function — and the team at En Masse did an incredible job of making the home current.”
![8-ip198_cg_wickerp_stairs3_heroc-682x1024-1 The main staircase in the home was preserved and updated with new banister caps.](https://sonadecor.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/8-ip198_cg_wickerp_stairs3_heroc-682x1024-1.jpg)
Roman Revival Style House, Built in 1894
Located in Chicago and built in 1894, the house features a Romanesque Revival style with signature characteristics, such as rusticated ashlar stone walls, picturesque massing with a two-storey front bay, foliate ornamentation and arched openings.
Spread over 7,502 sq ft (697 sqm), it comprises a main floor, a basement and a second floor, with the third level used for guests. While the living room/kitchen is characterised by its open floor, the rest of the home maintains separate living spaces.
![ip198_cg_wickerp_sittingrm4_heroc-656x1024-1 Large double doors open onto the main entrance foyer.](https://sonadecor.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/ip198_cg_wickerp_sittingrm4_heroc-656x1024-1.jpg)
Famous People Lived Here
Several renowned people once resided in this iconic property — including successful entrepreneur of German and Scandinavian heritage Paul J. Benson, who gave his name to the house, and Agnes Nering, who ran her school of singing and dancing in the attic until her death in 1922.
“To access the basement, you could walk down a ramp used to smuggle in liquor during Prohibition,” Cari says of wanting to pay tribute to such a rich history through the renovation. Preserving the original character while introducing a more modern twist guided the whole project.
![6-ip198_cg_wickerp_nook_hero-683x1024-1 The area at the front of the home was converted into a casual dining spot, flanked by lush greenery.](https://sonadecor.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/6-ip198_cg_wickerp_nook_hero-683x1024-1.jpg)
Balancing Modernity and History
“The biggest design challenge for this home was [finding] how to make it feel current and curated without compromising the historical integrity or appearing disingenuous,” she recalls.
“Whether it was redesigning the large staircase window, refinishing the front doors or selecting lighting for the foyer, the narrative had to be the same or related.”
![ip198_cg_wickerp_dining_hero2c-1024x682-1 Textured wallpaper and upholstery help to tell an interesting story in each room.](https://sonadecor.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/ip198_cg_wickerp_dining_hero2c-1024x682-1.jpg)
Grand Panel Doors
The house itself was the main source of inspiration. The grand paneled doors with brass hardware, the fireplace millwork, the original staircase and the front door metalwork were preserved in the different spaces that came alive through materials and textures.
“The lighting and furniture could live in any period — some [pieces were] crafted years ago while others newly forged by current creative minds,” Cari says. “These carefully purposeful moments blending styles and eras allow the house to feel timeless.”
In the common areas, the idea was to focus on natural light so very little color was used. Instead, the darker rooms such as the lounge and the powder room were adorned with richer tones.
![3-ip198_cg_wickerp_mbed_heroc-1024x683-1 In spite of its colourful past, the bedroom in the house evokes a contemporary and chic atmosphere.](https://sonadecor.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/3-ip198_cg_wickerp_mbed_heroc-1024x683-1.jpg)
Main Bedroom
The main bedroom, office and dining room reflects a sense of calm and depth without being boring thanks to the use of textural wallpapers.
Vintage pieces from all over the world offer visual surprises in every nook.
“They grounded the space and gave it a base from which to develop,” the interior designer says, “From there, I shifted focus to creating a comfortable atmosphere with upholstered items and utilising textural fabrics that are easy to maintain. Working with materials that have a patina or a history to them is a priority for me; they help tell a story.”
In this gentlemen’s retreat that feels intimate and fluid between the rooms, Cari managed to find a way to honour the spirit of a bygone era while adding the necessary ingredients for its contemporary renaissance.
Photos by Isabel Parra