Modern living room with large windows, high ceiling, and vertical blinds, featuring a built-in bookshelf, black television, reading chair, and a dining table with multiple chairs.

contemporary nest /

  • Scope: residential interiors, remodeling

    Location: Wilmette, IL

    in progress

  • Contemporary Nest is a 3,900-square-foot home in Wilmette, IL, originally designed in 2015 by Osterhaus McCarthy Architects. With its tall windows, polished concrete floors, and clean architectural lines, the house offered a striking modern framework, but it lacked the warmth and cohesion needed for family life. The clients, a young family of five, came to us seeking a transformation: they wanted a home that felt elevated yet approachable, modern yet warm, and, above all, suited to the rhythm of daily living.

    Our goal was to reimagine the space without compromising its strong architectural foundation. We focused on softening the home’s minimalist shell through a considered layering of natural textures and tactile materials. A palette of warm woods, linen, and wool was introduced to create a sense of comfort and visual continuity. Custom millwork throughout the home not only unified the spaces but also carved out purposeful moments for gathering, pausing, and functional storage.

    Thoughtfully integrated elements, bespoke cabinetry, built-in seating nooks, soft lighting, and rich textiles—added intimacy and depth. Every design decision supported the family’s everyday life while elevating the visual language of the home. The result is a refined yet grounded environment that balances clean lines with softness, and openness with warmth.

    Contemporary Nest is a modern family sanctuary: a space that celebrates architectural clarity while embracing the textures of real life. It feels personal, intentional, and quietly luxurious—a home designed not just to be seen, but to be lived in.

  • A.d: Jon Fante, Frank Jose

    Architect: Osterhaus McCarthy

    Contractor: studio A.d design-build team

Floor plan of a house showing rooms labeled as dining room, living room, kitchen, library, walk-in closet, family room, kitchen bar, meeting room, closet, office, and powder room, with furniture and fixtures depicted in each room.
Modern living room with large windows, gray curtains, black sofa, wooden dining table with chairs, TV on wall, potted plants, and contemporary decor.
Modern living room with a window covered by a beige Roman shade, a white couch, a black desk with a computer, a chair, bookshelf with books, and beige textured walls decorated with circular mirrors.
Modern bedroom with beige bed, dark wooden accent wall, white cabinets, and large windows letting in natural light.
Modern bedroom with a white bed, beige headboard, wooden wall panel, vase with dried flowers on shelf, abstract artwork, small side table with a flower, gray chair, and framed pictures.
Modern bedroom with a low bed, dark wood accent wall, white wardrobe, and a ceiling light fixture with three round bulbs.
Wooden built-in wall with illuminated display shelves, a framed artwork, and closed cabinet doors, next to black staircase.
Minimalist hallway with wooden walls and a glass door at the end, allowing sunlight to filter in.
Modern living room with a gray sofa, yellow corner bench, and wall art, illuminated by a ceiling lamp and wall light.
Modern living room with gray sofa, black and gray cushions, a yellow dining bench, wall art, a large TV, a circular ottoman, and a wall-mounted storage unit.