Merging Styles in a Victorian Outside Chicago, IL
Opposites definitely attract when it comes to design. And when they do, oftentimes the results are stellar and surprising. In fact, some of the most eye-catching homes I’ve ever seen have been ones where two styles cohesively merge into one, causing me to wonder, “Why didn’t I think of that?!” One couple who has famously done just this is artist and designer Mindy MacNeil and her finance-savvy husband Scott. With Mindy’s interior design expertise, and a little help from her friend/designer Shaleah Soliven during the construction phase, they’ve decked out their Victorian in a look that equally represents their respective sides of the design coin.
Located in the suburbs of Chicago, the 2,000-square-foot, century-old house boasts many historical details including original ceilings, wooden elements and hardware. Obviously, given the home’s bones, one approach to outfitting it was to lean into its character and amplify these vintage touches. Without a doubt, collector and flea-market regular Scott was down. Mindy, on the other hand, saw potential to modernize the home, adding sleek touches and bright accessories with a minimalist hand.
In order to satisfy them both, Mindy first designed a “curiosity room” to efficiently house her and Scott’s beautiful taxidermy and throwback mementos. Guarded by a glistening suit of armor, the museum-like space is transportive, the perfect place to read a book and beckons the couple to come inside and let life simmer for a bit. Secondly, she searched for accents to pepper throughout the home that would satisfy her desire to keep things streamlined but that also tiptoe the line between modern and retro. Turkish rugs, oil paintings and Schoolhouse Electric & Supply Co.’s offerings did the trick.
All in all, the process took a lot of time and quite a bit of creativity, but the compromise and collaboration that went into this project have definitely resulted in one house that’s very easy on the eyes. More importantly though, their efforts have resulted in a home where their daughter Isla can thrive. They say whenever she’s away for a bit, she always comes in and kisses the walls. Now that’s the ultimate seal of approval. Scroll down to check it out. Enjoy! —Garrett
Photography by Canary Lane & Jamie and Eric Photography
Image above: Upon entering Mindy and Scott’s home, you’re greeted by a vintage rug and wooden accents in a wide range of tones. In some spaces this array of stains could appear haphazard, but under the watchful eye of Mindy the shades come together to turn the dial to “relaxing” and “laid back.”















Source List
Entryway
Rug – Canary Lane
Bench – Homegoods
Light fixture – Lamps Plus
Curiosity Room
Sofa, slipper chair, light fixture, side table, coffee table – West Elm
Bookcases – vintage
Wicker chair – IKEA
Rug – Canary Lane
Paint- Farrow and Ball “Railings”
Dining Room
Table, sconces – Restoration Hardware
End chairs – Pier One
Bistro chairs – Maison Midi
Barstools – World Market
Light fixture – One Kings Lane
Bar hardware – Bronzes de France
Bar cabinet mesh – Frank Allart & Co.
Kitchen
Rug – Canary Lane
Hardware – Katonah Architectural Hardware
Lighting – Schoolhouse Electric & Supply Co.
Family Room
Lighting – Custom from Lamps Plus
Sofa – Gus Modern
Poof, coffee table – West Elm
Throw pillows – Marimekko and Target
Powder Room
Sink, toilet – Kohler
Wallpaper – Tempaper “Branches”
Light fixture – Shades of Light
Mirror – Pottery Barn
Office
Paint – Benjamin Moore “Galaxy”
Desk – vintage
Desk chair – West Elm
Cowhide rug – IKEA
Lamp – Homegoods
Scott and Mindy’s Bedroom
Bed, bedding – West Elm
Rug, throw pillows – Homegoods
Light fixture – Lamps Plus
Bench – Crate & Barrel
Rug – Canary Lane
Isla’s Bedroom
Bed, blanket, sheets, lamp, rug – Land of Nod
Duvet – Dwell Studio
Chandelier – Pottery Barn Kids
Wall Paint – Sherwin-Williams “Loyal Blue”
Ceiling paint – Sherwin-Williams “Charming Pink”
This is the real art! Mixing two styles! The result here is stunning!
Beautifully designed home and well-produced story. One for the DS ages!
Lovely, lovely, lovely and what a gorgeous limitless girl!