North Shore Renewal: Updating a Traditional Home for a Modern Way of Living by Erica Lugbill
- Jun 18
- 3 min read
On a residential street in Winnetka, this home starts with a familiar look, classic exterior, balanced proportions, and details typical of newer North Shore construction. Inside, the goal was different. The homeowners wanted a space that felt more current, more personal, and less predictable than what’s typically seen in homes like this.
Instead of taking on a full renovation, the project focused on strategic updates. The layout stayed the same, but key elements were reworked to shift how the home looked and felt. Floors were refinished to add warmth and consistency throughout. Walls were repainted to create a stronger foundation for the furnishings. Lighting was replaced across the home, turning something often treated as an afterthought into a major driver of the overall design.
This approach allowed the design to focus on the details that have the biggest impact, color, material, and how each room is put together.
The living room is where that shift is most noticeable. The existing fireplace already had presence, so the design leaned into it. The walls were color drenched, finished in a saturated tone, giving the room more depth and making the fireplace feel intentional rather than incidental. Furniture choices balance that richness— lighter upholstery keeps the room from feeling heavy, while pieces with more sculptural shapes add interest without clutter.
One of the more distinctive features of the home is a curved turret in the living room. Instead of downplaying it, the design highlights it with full-height drapery that follows the curve. It draws attention to the shape of the space and turns it into a clear focal point.
In the dining room, the palette shifts slightly but stays connected. Warmer neutrals, wood tones, and darker accents create contrast without introducing too many competing elements. The room is designed to handle both everyday use and hosting, with enough structure to feel finished but not overly formal.
The family room takes a more relaxed approach. A large sectional anchors the space, set up for how the family actually spends time—watching movies, gathering, and entertaining. Layers of pillows, rugs, and upholstery bring in texture, while greens and softer tones connect the room to the outdoor views.
Lighting ties everything together. Fixtures were selected not just for function, but for how they shape each space. Larger pieces help define key areas like the dining room and stair, while smaller fixtures add detail and consistency from room to room. The result is a home where lighting feels intentional, not leftover.
Upstairs, the primary bedroom shifts toward a calmer palette. Soft grays, layered textiles, and controlled contrast create a space that feels comfortable and finished without being overly minimal. Custom elements, like built nightstands and tailored window treatments, reinforce that sense of cohesion.
What stands out in this project is how much was achieved without changing the structure. The homeowners were less focused on sticking to a traditional look and more interested in creating a home that felt right for them. That flexibility allowed the design to prioritize feel and function over convention.
The result is a home that still fits its surroundings from the outside, but feels noticeably different once you step in—more current, more layered, and better aligned with how the family lives.
Erica Lugbill is the co-founder of Lugbill Designs, an Interior Design and Remodeling Firm serving Chicago and the North Shore.
