Private Residence
Evanston, Illinois

Formerly a rental property, this 1893 farmhouse was a run down two-flat when the current owners purchased it.  A primary goal in the conversion to a single-family residence was to open up the space, improving the natural light and air flow.  The design concept takes full advantage of the placement of the existing bearing walls.  Non-bearing walls have been eliminated where possible, and the division of space is implied by free-floating planes and lighting patterns.

Positioning the kitchen in the center of the home provides the cook direct involvement with family life.  Multiple cooks work simultaneously at various stations within the kitchen- main sink, mixing area, cook top or coffee bar/prep sink.  Simple detailing, restrained materials palette and new zone-controlled lighting create a setting for a variety of dining experiences from the most casual to a holiday feast.

Photos of this residence were taken by Ken Gutmaker for “Inside the Not-So-Big House” by Sarah Susanka and Marc Vassallo, published by the Taunton Press.  www.notsobig.com