Warm MCM on Chicago's North Shore

We were not considering a move from our atomic ranch until friends of ours told us about this amazing MCM home that was going on the market in June 2017. It was a one-owner, all original mid century modern home designed by a local Lake Forest architect, Norman Millett for Don and Bette D. (the "D" does not stand for Draper, Mad Men fans). The preliminary photos taken by our friend Philip were amazing and we had to see it for ourselves. As we pulled in the driveway we both simultaneously thought "we're in trouble now". The house offers walls of floor to ceiling windows bringing the outside in, exposed brick walls, walnut and butternut wood paneling, tongue and groove wood ceilings in the kitchen and family room, and Philippine mahogany custom kitchen cabinets. There is a lot of clever built-in storage, including a hidden door in the walnut paneled living room designed for storing a bridge table and folding chairs.

We took a tour, made an offer the next day, had to compete with multiple offers, made our best and final and got the house. Copies of the original architectural plans were given to us at closing.

The only work that we've done on the house is painting, replacing carpeting in the bedrooms and a few minor repairs. Recently the need to replace a 38-year old Sub-Zero refrigerator has got us thinking about a adding a few modern touches such as replacing original laminate counter tops (with original cigarette burn holes) and updating major appliances. Unfortunately, the original Char Glo indoor grill may have to go to accomodate a more functional gas cooktop. The challenge is how to update without detracting from the original feel and intent of the space. We can assure you that there will be NO subway tile back splash included in our kitchen update!