Remaking History on Chicago’s Gold Coast

When the former maids’ quarters in the old McCormick Mansion on Chicago’s Gold Coast came up for sale, Joann and John Stephens jumped at the opportunity to own a piece of history. Built in 1893 by architect Stanford White for the owner of the Chicago Tribune, the four-story mansion was turned into condominiums in 1978. Having always loved historic buildings, the couple turned to Marita Simmons and Krysta Gibbons of Kipling House Interiors to restore their new home to the old mansion’s former glory.

“This unit had been stripped down and modernized, but we knew it could be restored to the building’s former grandeur,” Joann told Traditional Home. “We had a vision for the look and the vibe. Marita and Krysta helped guide us to achieve that vision.”

The apartment’s original parquet flooring was restored, traditional moldings and trim appropriate to the building’s era were added, and original fireplaces were revived and revealed. The decor embraces classic style with a nod to the past, but with amenities suited for modern living. Let’s take a tour with photography by Aimée Mazzenga, as seen in Traditional Home and Kipling House Interiors’ portfolio.

Located in Minneapolis, Kipling House Interiors was named by Traditional Home as a 2021 New Trad Designer. I love their work and look forward to sharing more soon! In the meantime, please visit their website and follow @kiplinghouseinteriors on Instagram.