An international couple with a young son bought a large home in Lincoln Park that needed to be remodeled before they moved in. They hired Debra Weninger Design to create an elevated design that would reflect their taste, serve as a setting for occasional business dinners and accommodate long stays by family from abroad.

All four floors were redone with new floor plans. The bedrooms needed to be comfortable and the bathrooms easily accessible. The existing kitchen was awkward, and the couple wanted a space where generations could gather and cook together. The new layout includes several prep areas and informal dining. An added wine cellar and wet bar enhance the home’s entertainment factor and livability.

The staircase is visible the moment you walk in, so we redesigned it as a key feature, with custom balustrades, handrail and steps that set a strong, elegant, contemporary tone on every level. New windows and doors throughout bring in more light and give the home a more updated look. In the family room, reclaimed wood on the ceiling, a gas fireplace, art collected over years of travel and drapes made by the owner’s mother create a cozier, more relaxing feel.

The goal for the primary bedroom was a spacious retreat. We enlarged the windows to bring in more light and added a fireplace. Built-ins hold books, a TV and a hidden beverage refrigerator, and the suite has his and hers closets plus an extra closet for storage. A custom bed designed by Debra Weninger is the finishing touch.

On the lower level, an in-law suite with its own bath, kitchenette and washer and dryer gives visiting family a comfortable home base for long stays, and a workout room rounds out the space.

The top floor is an entertainment and game space, with open reclaimed-wood collar ties, skylights, a custom light fixture over a wet bar and access to outdoor space, making it the perfect hideaway for fun.