Before & After – A dark 1970s house in Chicago gets a light-filled update

A’Design Award and Competition have released their World Design Rankings (WDR) in Arts, Architecture and Design, with the United States taking first place among 83 represented countries in 2015, with 249 design awards won globally.

A neglected 1970’s house in Chicago, Illinois, was left to just rot away until Nicholas Design Collaborative, and a brave home owner, decided to do something about it.

Acting as a designer, builder, and developer on the project, Nicholas Design Collaborative started work on the property as a spec house, but the home was sold to the buyer based on renderings and floor plans, just 2 weeks after starting marketing efforts, and prior to the purchase of the land.

Once purchased, they set about updating and adding additional living spaces to the home, and bringing it up to current living standards.

Upon entering the gate in the brick wall, you’re greeted by a small front courtyard.

Next to the courtyard, large sliding double glass doors can be opened, making it easy for the interior and exterior spaces to become one.

Inside, a chandelier hangs from the double-height ceiling.

The living and dining spaces use rugs to help define the separate areas.

The living, dining, and kitchen areas all flow from one area to another.

The kitchen has a large central island with bar seating.

Wood stairs lead to the second floor.

The master bedroom has floor-to-ceiling windows, allowing plenty of light to flood the room.

Before & After

The back of the home received a colorful update.

The backyard is home to a landscaped yard and outdoor dining area.

The garage is located on the other side of the backyard, with it being accessed from both the rear lane and garden space.