The RightStep
Traditional Home|Fall 2023
A HISTORIC CHICAGO HOME RECAPTURES ITS CLASSIC CHARM WHILE ALSO TAKING A BIG STRIDE INTO PRESENT TIMES
JODY GARLOCK
The RightStep

Fate may have been at play for Lisa Cotton and her husband to end up in their 1800s Chicago home. Lisa had spent a day looking at homes as the couple contemplated a move from Michigan.

The historic house that sat on a large lot on a quiet street was the final one on the list. Uninspired by photos, Lisa was ready to call it a day until her real estate agent persuaded her to at least take a quick look. That was all Lisa needed. "We walked in, and immediately I knew," she says. "It just felt right." It wasn't what she saw that gave her that feeling, but rather what she could envision. The grand home had lost some of its luster with millwork that had been stripped and additions that didn't suit the era. Yet the home's classic bones were there, its old soul waiting to emerge. "My husband and I have a passion for old homes and the craftsmanship that goes into them," Lisa says. "I knew in the back of my mind it had potential." A second fateful move brought the Cottons together with the Chicago firms of En Masse Architecture and Design and Michael Abrams Interiors. In a collaboration that spanned more than two years, architects Mike Shively and Lucas Goldbach restored character and better integrated the additions.

The design team of Michael Abrams and Gina Valenti brought in what Abrams describes as "layers of luxury" through surfaces, textures, and furnishings.

The goal was a home that respected the past but had livable ease for the couple and their two kids. "We didn't want anything to be too precious," Lisa says. "We wanted it to feel comfortable and be functional."

Esta historia es de la edición Fall 2023 de Traditional Home.

Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.

Esta historia es de la edición Fall 2023 de Traditional Home.

Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.

MÁS HISTORIAS DE TRADITIONAL HOMEVer todo
HOW SWEET IT IS
Traditional Home

HOW SWEET IT IS

A HISTORICAL CONNECTICUT VICTORIAN BOASTS THE INTRICACIES OF A GINGERBREAD HOUSE AND EMBRACES THE SPIRIT OF YOUNG CHILDREN

time-read
2 minutos  |
Winter 2024
VIEW TIMES TWO
Traditional Home

VIEW TIMES TWO

IT'S A LESSON IN ‘TAKE YOUR PICK' FOR A PALM BEACH COUPLE WHO ENJOY A SPECTACLE IN EVERY DIRECTION THEY LOOK

time-read
3 minutos  |
Winter 2024
CLASSIC CHRISTMAS
Traditional Home

CLASSIC CHRISTMAS

A YOUNG FAMILY OF FOUR SAVORS THE SEASON IN THEIR RENOVATED HOME WHERE QUIET BACKDROPS WELCOME HOLIDAY SPARKLE

time-read
3 minutos  |
Winter 2024
HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS
Traditional Home

HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS

A MICHIGAN DESIGNER AND HER FAMILY TURN TO THE MAGIC OF TRADITION THIS CHRISTMAS SEASON

time-read
3 minutos  |
Winter 2024
holidays to a t
Traditional Home

holidays to a t

Fashion design power couple Michael and Alex Toccin approach tables for their multifaith celebrations with a best-dressed spin

time-read
1 min  |
Winter 2024
CHEF'S TABLE
Traditional Home

CHEF'S TABLE

This warm and inviting kitchen is designed for serious cooking while dishing up conversation with guests

time-read
2 minutos  |
Winter 2024
EVER GREEN
Traditional Home

EVER GREEN

TIMELESS GIFTS AND THE DEEPEST SHADES OF NATURE'S VERDANT HUE PAIR FOR A SEASON THAT WILL BE REMEMBERED ALWAYS

time-read
2 minutos  |
Winter 2024
BIG ON TRADITION
Traditional Home

BIG ON TRADITION

IN HER HOLIDAY CELEBRATIONS AND HER HOME, A DESIGNER EMBRACES CONVENTION WITH A NUDGE TO MODERN TIMES

time-read
2 minutos  |
Winter 2024
I Am Traditional
Traditional Home

I Am Traditional

Leanne Morgan Comedian, actress, and author currently promoting her sold-out stand-up tour Just Getting Started.

time-read
1 min  |
Summer 2024
HOME TO STAY
Traditional Home

HOME TO STAY

A CALIFORNIA COUPLE MAKE WAVES WITH COASTAL STYLE THAT PUSHES THEM TO STAY PUT

time-read
3 minutos  |
Summer 2024