One of the benefits of living in Riverwoods, Illinois—a small enclave outside of Chicago—is the strict tree removal guidelines in place. “It has yielded a really beautiful forest quality,” says architect Ellen Whitehead. “Homes are tucked amongst the trees, and all houses in this area are unique.”
Properties for sale in Riverwood are infrequent, and when they do hit the market, are sold quickly. This house was purchased by Ellen’s clients sight unseen during the 2021 real estate boom. “The owners were living in California and wanted to move back to Chicago to be closer to family,” Ellen explains. They reached out to her architecture and design studio, Dew Design Co., for the renovation.
Their top request for the home was to bring in more light. “The sheer number of trees and the rambling ranch architecture made for very little natural light,” Ellen explains. “They wanted a family home, with a big open kitchen/dining/living space, plus plenty of bedrooms and bathrooms for them and their families.”
Ellen and team acted as both architect and designer, assembling a full drawing set for the project with very detailed selections. Style-wise, the family requested the home be soft, neutral, and textured. “The wife’s vision really directed the design. She is a collector, Facebook Marketplace aficionado, and has incredible taste. We helped pull everything together and tailor everything to the owners.”
Unfortunately, the process hit a snag halfway through. “Renovations are usually far from perfect, but this particular project took on another level of bad luck,” Ellen admits. “The contractor went out of business mid-project—yikes! So, we scrambled to find vendors to help wrap up, which is not most people’s favorite way to be brought into a project. It took a long time, and a lot of headaches to get the project completed, and there are still lingering items on the to-do list. The clients are incredibly lovely and were wonderful partners through the chaos.”
Luckily, the current state is blissfully serene—with treetop views and plenty of moments of Zen. In fact, stepping inside the primary bathroom brings the feeling of “forest bathing” to a literal sense, with a beautiful bathtub that feels like it’s floating in the trees. Take a tour in the slideshow.
ADDITIONAL CREDITS:
Cabinetmaker: Encore Fabrication and Design
Stone: Masters Countertops
Primary Bath Plumbing: Phylrich – Studio 41
Windows: Marvin
Metal Pantry Doors: Dolly Fox Metalworks
Kitchen + Guest Suite Plumbing: California Faucets – Studio 41
Hall Bath Plumbing: Newport Brass – Studio 41
Tile Vendor: Prosource of Elk Grove Village
Paint Colors: Benjamin Moore White Dove OC-17 Throughout
Primary Bath Wall Tile, Hall Bath Floor Tile: Zia Tile
