Smart, sophisticated apartment remodel

The last time the century-old apartment in the heart of downtown Chicago had been updated was in the 1970s. "It wasn't exactly a dump, but it needed a lot of work," says interior designer Eva Quateman, who had restored other apartments for her family, but none to this extent. "It was full of Formica. The '70s remodeling really wasn't appropriate for the age and character of the building."

Eva solved structural problems, and husband Gary implemented her improvements. "We stripped off the fussy moldings, which had a lot of belling and ridges -- about three or four different angles," Eva says. "I replaced them with very clean custom moldings that are much more tailored. My goal was 'clean traditional.'"

Design:
Eva Quateman, Eva Quateman Interiors, 220 W. Huron, Suite 2002, Chicago, IL 60610; 312/255-8800, evaquateman.com.

Photography by Werner Straube
Text by Candace Ord Manroe
Produced by Hilary Rose