When interior designer Brianne Bishop first met with clients ready to decorate their new unit in The Renelle, a luxury condominium building on the Chicago River, a few things were clear. The empty-nesters wanted a design that accommodated their baby grand piano, their extensive wine collection, and the amazing views of the city’s famed Tribune Tower.
They also were ready to give up the traditional accouterments of the home in which they raised their kids. “We got rid of the Oriental rugs—the reds, oranges, and yellows that they’ve lived with for 30 years—and gave them the opposite of that,” says Bishop. In place was a much more contemporary look with a neutral palette that echoed the historic limestone-clad skyscrapers outside, and a luxurious feel that would give the residents the sense of being on a permanent staycation.
Bishop says her clients were quite involved in the selection of furniture to fill their new home, and often accompanied her shopping at theMART. In the Holly Hunt showroom, her client sank into a sofa and immediately fell in love with it, as well as a C table nearby. Laughs Bishop, “He didn’t even want to get up!” The pieces were ordered immediately, and barrel chairs from A. Rudin completed the space. The chairs, says Bishop, have a small footprint but are comfortable and versatile, swiveling to face the sofa for conversation or the TV for a watch party.
The narrow dining room boasts floor-to-ceiling windows with yet another view of the Tribune Tower. Bishop lined one wall with a custom, temperature-controlled wine display, and selected a slim-profiled light fixture that wouldn’t distract from city views. In the open kitchen, more wine storage is available in the Sub-Zero wine refrigerator below the counter. The kitchen also boasts a cooktop, oven, and microwave drawer from Wolf.
The master bedroom is tailor-made for a restful sleep. Bishop chose a textural wallcovering from Phillip Jeffries and wall-to-wall drapes from Holly Hunt for a sumptuous, cocoon-like environment. The bed is made up with Romo textiles, and a vintage chair got a funky facelift with lacquer and bold printed velvet from Dedar. The master bath offers a spa-like refuge (and more stunning views) with Dornbracht fixtures and mirrors from Arteriors.
These days, her clients feel like they’re on an extended vacation, especially when admiring their coveted view from various vantage points throughout their home, glass of wine in hand.
Dig deeper into this Chicago gem by Brianne Bishop in our partner publication, Design Chicago.
