On a narrow lot and an even tighter budget, a Chicago workers cottage found a new life that reflects both the simplicity of its origins and its owners’ crisp, contemporary style.
Chicago, IL (Ukrainian Village)
3500 sq ft
Full gut renovation
En Masse Architecture and Design
Studio Code
Simple materials were treated with intention: stock cabinetry was reworked into a continuous, tailored element; slab fronts and natural wood introduce warmth without ornament. These gestures echo the home’s origins while quietly elevating them.
Dark- painted trim adds a graphic note to traditional details, and the upper levels follow a lineage of historic cottages, where private rooms were pared back and public spaces carried more expression.
The redesign makes the most of every inch, creating a floor plan that feels open, grounded, and unmistakably livable. A full-height glass opening connects the kitchen to the backyard, bringing light deep into the home and allowing the family room to anchor the main level.
