Modern Living with a Classical Soul

Location: Lincoln Park, Chicago, IL
Type: Full-Scope Residential Interior
Completion: Autumn 2025
Design House: Ardenel Studio

In the heart of Chicago’s historic Lincoln Park district, Ardenel was brought in to transform a classic townhouse into a curated sculpture of daily life. This home doesn’t shout—it whispers in texture, light, and quiet form. Merging vintage sensibility with architectural modernity, we created a dialogue between organic shapes and refined historical details.

1. Living with Shape: Organic Forms in a Linear World

The living space is an interplay of curves and lines, where raw stone meets soft wool and matte ceramic. The undulating wooden coffee tables ground the room, while a plush boucle armchair and marble fireplace provide tactile contrast. Above it all, asymmetrical mirrors framed in blackened bronze reflect daylight in unexpected ways.

Each object was chosen for its sculptural presence—not simply functional, but emotive.

2. Dining as Theater: Geometry and Heritage

In the dining room, we leaned into verticality. A carved pedestal dining table anchors the room with subtle grandeur, while vintage-inspired candleholders rise dramatically toward the light. The oversized linen pendant hovers like a cloud, softening the bold geometry below.

This moment captures what Ardenel believes in—modern drama tempered by architectural poise.

3. Timeless Layering: From Molding to Pattern

To honor the home’s classical bones, we preserved and highlighted original moldings, trim, and ceiling medallions. Custom floral-patterned screens nod to chinoiserie aesthetics without feeling ornate, providing visual depth and privacy in the open parlor.

We balanced these traditional notes with deep green velvet seating and warm mid-century accessories—bridging eras with tact.

4. Minimalist Volume, Maximum Warmth

In the upstairs sitting area, restraint becomes the language. Pale walls, warm natural light, and minimalist furnishings bring visual calm. Sculptural chairs in black leather and walnut sit atop a floral embroidered rug, a perfect contrast of volume and delicacy.

Here, Ardenel embraced "quiet luxury"—spaces that feel emotionally still, yet sensorially rich.

5. Intimacy by Design: The Bedroom Retreat

In the private quarters, we introduced darker tones through moss green textiles and vintage nightstands. Sculptural florals soften the architectural wall paneling, while a playful cone sconce adds an unexpected note of modernity.

This space captures the Ardenel philosophy: to design rooms that live like poetry, not performance.

Conclusion: The Art of Warm Sophistication

This Lincoln Park townhouse project is not a “look”—it’s a feeling. At Ardenel, we believe home is a living sculpture—shaped by your rituals, memories, and sensibilities. Every finish, every silhouette here was curated to evoke calm, curiosity, and continuity.

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