A Study in Craft, Comfort & Architectural Legacy

At first glance…

this Winnetka, Illinois residence feels quietly confident—layered, soulful, and entirely of the moment. Located on the North Shore and among the earliest homes built west of Sheridan Road, the property carries a deep sense of place within one of the area’s most established neighborhoods. What isn’t immediately apparent is that the home is more than 100 years old, originally built for a lumber magnate and rich with architectural detail.

When Rebel House Design was brought on by a fabulous, fashion-forward young young family to renovate the historic structure, the goal was never to erase its past. Instead, the studio focused on evolving the home in a way that honored its origins while reflecting how the family lives today.

Craft, quality, and a deep respect for materials guided every decision. Artisans and custom fabricators played a central role throughout the project, ensuring that the finished home carried the warmth and character of work done by hand. As the Rebel House team puts it, “Behind every beautiful photo of a completed Rebel House project is a lot of intention and teamwork.”

The family den…

sets the tone for the home’s thoughtful balance of history and comfort. Original wood paneling—once worn by time—was carefully refreshed by darkening the stain and replacing the interior veneer, allowing the natural material to feel rich and enveloping once again. Rather than fighting the inherent coziness of the space, Rebel House leaned fully into it.

A custom U-shaped sectional anchors the room, designed specifically to maximize seating for family and guests. Upholstered in a nubby, deep navy fabric, it introduces texture and depth against the wood-paneled walls. Bespoke ottomans with stained wood legs and mohair upholstery add another layer of tactility, reinforcing the sense that this is a room meant for unwinding, not just admiring.

What were once two underutilized furniture nooks were reimagined as built-ins, transforming the den into a space that is both elegant and highly functional.

One of those…

new built-ins now houses a discreet wet bar—an intentional nod to how the family entertains. Complete with drink drawers for easy access, the bar blends seamlessly into the architecture of the room rather than standing apart from it. The result is a space that feels intuitive and effortless, where modern convenience enhances, rather than disrupts, the home’s historic character.

The dining room…

reveals one of the most dramatic transformations. What was once a three-seasons room has been converted into an expansive dining space with volume, and presence. From the outset, the brief was clear: this room needed to be more than a place to gather—it needed to make a statement.

A hand-painted mural by local artist Julie Lawrence envelops the space, setting an unmistakable mood. The artwork was personalized to include flowers from the client’s wedding bouquet, weaving personal history into the fabric of the home. Overhead, a Silvio Mondino Studio Chemistry Trapezi Chandelier composed of hand-blown glass orbs sprawls organically across the ceiling. Its modular nature allowed the installation to be tailored precisely to the room, creating a sculptural focal point that draws the eye inward. This tension—between old and new, refined and daring—is exactly what gives the dining room its energy.

Flanking…

the opening between dining room and living room, bespoke brass-wrapped credenzas underscore the project’s dedication to craft. Designed to read as furniture rather than cabinetry, each piece is meticulously finished and topped with sealed limestone, chosen to withstand the realities of entertaining and cocktail making.

These consoles were developed early in collaboration with trusted millwork partners, whose expertise made the complex brass wrapping possible. The result is a pair of functional art pieces that feel timeless, tactile, and entirely specific to the home—details that quietly elevate the everyday experience of living there.

Beyond the dining room, the living room offers a lighter counterpoint to the home’s moodier, more intimate spaces. Airy and open, it centers around a marble fireplace that grounds the room while allowing light to bounce freely throughout. This transition—from dark and cocooning to bright and expansive—was intentional, creating a rhythm that mirrors the way the family moves through the home.

Throughout the renovation, Rebel House Design remained focused on preserving the integrity of the early-1900s structure while modernizing its function. The result is a home that feels layered and personal, where historic bones and contemporary life coexist with ease—designed not just to be seen, but to be lived in.