SPRINGTIME AT HOME
This issue features a variety of homes located throughout the western suburbs– from charming cape cods and marvelous masterpieces to classic colonials and spectacular small spaces, each is just as adored as the next with a unique story to share beyond its entryway.
KURT AND PAULA KELLER of NAPERVILLE Transforming Renovation Paula and Kurt love their peaceful and private 4 bedroom, 3.5 bath Naperville home backing to a serene pond; although the first thing most guests are awed by is the vintage wide-planked distressed French Oak flooring, updated kitchen, and décor with modern colors. Years after purchasing a builder spec home, in close proximity to the neighborhood pool, elementary and middle schools, Kurt and Paula originally wanted to renovate the entire house by taking down walls and more; but realizing that was not financially feasible, Pamela Coslet of Vineyard Chic in Geneva helped the Kellers create a more functional kitchen that aesthetically gave the entire home the look and feel of a big renovation without changing the footprint, simply by flipping the location of the pantry and double oven. Paula loves her newly expanded island, marble countertops, updated and extended whipped cream finished cabinets with X-mullion glass doors, farmhouse sink, tile backsplash, and beautiful lighting. While the couple takes pride in how their overall house looks, more importantly for them is that they want to live comfortably - and with three very active boys, ages 13, 10, and 7, they choose personal style and furniture accordingly. –Kristen Kucharski
MIKE AND HEIDI MITERA of SUGAR GROVE A Home to Live and Relax This gracious executive home for sale on a quiet cul-de-sac was the ideal spot for Mike and Heidi Mitera to raise their children. Located in Black Walnut Trails, their backyard has a serene view of large trees and a picturesque barn. For more relaxation, the Miteras finished their basement with a large entertainment area and a custom tiled bathroom including a fantastic 6-head shower run on electronic key pad. They consider the kitchen, though, the heart of their home where they can help with homework and cook at the same time. They will be sad to leave, but trust that Kristy Sreenan from Baird and Warner Fox Valley will find the next happy owners. –Mindy Kyle
THE SLAVKIN FAMILY of DOWNERS GROVE Custom Built Entertainers Dream The Slavkin family fell in love with everything about this home– from its spacious feel (5,000sq Ft / 6 bed/4 bath) with beautiful built-ins and details, to its fenced yard and the short distance to downtown Downers. After living in the city for 10+ years, the couple wanted a safe, diverse, and fun neighborhood that would be ideal for their growing family. The home, which is currently on the market through Caroline Neveril of Platinum Partners Realtors, has multiple levels with a grand entry including a beautiful fireplace located off the spacious porch. The family calls this room “The Parlor”. “The space above the fireplace has been perfect for the artistic photo of Chicago graffiti that my brother-in-law, a professional photographer, created for us. It has been a beautiful focal point,” said the current homeowner, Stephanie Slavkin. “The main living level is open with the sink and the island facing the family room. This has made it easy for me to visit with friends while entertaining and watch the kids while preparing meals, etc. Storage is plentiful in the kitchen, allowing the kids to have their own drawers & cabinets, too,” added Stephanie. The various levels make this home truly exquisite. Adding to it’s unique appeal, the basement has a guest apartment including a bedroom, full bath, wet bar, kitchenette and a sitting room.
LOU AND LAURA GEORGELOS of NAPERVILLE
24 years and 3 houses later, Lou and Laura loved raising their daughter, Tori in Naperville - the perks of a small town feel and excellent special education system with all the amenities of a big city.They were hooked as soon as they walked in the front door and saw the graceful, dramatic sweeping, mahogany staircase, the open family room, and gourmet kitchen. The 4 finished floors provided Tori with her own third floor hangout, Lou with a finished basement inclusive with wet bar, wine room, and recreation area, and Laura with a romantic master suite. A beautiful in-ground pool brings the entire family together to create memories for a lifetime! -Kristen Kucharski
JAN AND MIKE MCCARTEN of GLEN ELLYN Quintessential Glen Ellyn Farmhouse Pattie Murray from KoenigRubloff Realty Group was thrilled to be selected to present the sale of Jan and Mike McCarten’s vintage farmhouse. The home, which is currently on the market, has a cozy feel with its arched doorways and giant molding and yet, new appointments throughout. It sits on an enormous in-town, professionally landscaped yard with a great patio looking over a wide variety of old growth trees and outdoor water feature. If you want to know how old the home is, it depends on where you are standing. The core is vintage with 2 different additions from different decades, but all tie together seamlessly. –Mindy Kyle
DENNIS AND MARY KOSTIC of NAPERVILLE French Countryside in Suburbia After living in Naperville for 21 years, Dennis and Mary finally built their perfect family retreat – a modern farmhouse masterpiece of design and craftsmanship – with the help of Meyer Design and Lakewest Custom Builders. Gorgeous finishes include a barrel ceiling foyer, grey wood paneled den, crystal chandeliers, marble floors, and a chef’s kitchen wide open to the family room allowing Mary to cook while enjoying family and friends. The elevator will lead you to an old world wine cellar, theater, exercise, and craft room below or head upstairs to a bunk room suite built especially for the grandchildren. This six bedroom, 6 ½ bath is exquisite and welcoming. -Kristen Kucharski
FRED AND MANDIE CONFORTI of WHEATON Functional Fairytale Home Fred and Mandie’s kids grew up watching a real-life episode of Bob the Builder while their home was being built – witnessing demolition, excavators, cranes, and concrete trucks. Now that the kids are 8 and 6, they live in a home that was designed around the family’s lifestyle including a kitchen and screened porch which share a floor-to-ceiling accordion window wall that can be entirely folded away so that both rooms become one contiguous entertaining space. Four lockers, a dog wash station, bedroom play lofts, and a finished media area keep the kids and pets contained and entertained; while the entire second floor is dedicated to the master suite and office space. -Kristen Kucharski
MICHAEL AND TRENA COFFEY of NAPERVILLE Their Perfect Family Home Naperville felt like a dream come true for former California residents, Michael and Trena Coffey and their three children, Hudson (5), Ella (3) and James (1). When Dan Firks from Defined Realty Group showed them the 2-story Georgian home in West Wind, they fell in love with the open living room floor plan that centers around a floor-to-ceiling brick fireplace where their family could gather. The fenced backyard with a large deck and fire pit was a perfect area to relax. Naperville’s highly rated schools, great neighborhoods, restaurants and shops assured them this was a great place to raise their family. -Mindy Kyle
MARK AND HEATHER YEAGER of DOWNERS GROVE Modernized Mid-Century Cape Cod When Mark and Heather Yeager decided to renovate an investment home just down the street from them in Denburn Woods, they called upon Cupboards Chicago Design Group to give the mid-century cape-cod home all the amenities of a new home but keep the character of the old home. The private backyard is a nature-lover’s dream, and the 2nd floor master suite has huge windows that make you feel you are sitting in the treetops. The beautiful modern home with its cozy kitchen and versatile great room still have the “old soul” they hoped to capture. –Mindy Kyle
RENEE AND SCOTT PAWLOSKI of ELMHURST Kid Friendly Glam For the past 7 years, Renee and Scott Pawloski found Elmhurst to be the quintessential perfect town to raise their three kids in their glamorous, yet kid-friendly custom home. Details include a leaded glass front door, sparking chandeliers in the kitchen, coffered ceilings in the family room, gaming and exercise areas in the basement, and an outdoor living area inclusive with a television and lounge seating. Renee says she loves her house because it offers enough space to entertain large groups, but feels cozy and homey when her family of five is curled up in front of the fire, on their big sectional, snuggling, and watching a movie. -Kristen Kucharski
CRAIG AND LAURI ARTHURS of WHEATON Dream Kitchen Layout Craig and Lauri Arthurs have lived in their home in Orchard Cove for 18 years, and over those years, as resources have become available, they have made renovations they feel are a reflection on their family. The kitchen is Lauri’s favorite room because it is where the family gathers to eat and talk. Her dream kitchen recently became a reality with the help and vision of Caroline Freeda from Total Kitchen and Bath. Together, they designed a new layout including her cook-top on the center island. Now, instead of having her back to everyone, Lauri can be a part of the family conversation while she is cooking. –Mindy Kyle
GREAT FOR FAMILY FUN in BATAVIA Perfect Location, Beautiful Finished Basement, Ideal for Entertaining The family fell in love with this unique home in Batavia’s prestigious Tanglewood Hills on Alberosky Way for many reasons. Now on the market through Tamara O'Connor of Premier Living Properties, it’s loved for overlooking the prairie and path. It is inviting to all who visit with a dramatic foyer leading into the two-story family room accentuated by the stone fireplace. Always bright with gorgeous windows on both sides of the fireplace, the family room has always been a favorite gathering place for the family. The home has a chef's kitchen including state-of-the-art applicanes, an island/bar area, butler's pantry with wine refrigerator, walk-in pantry and more–the kicthen is truly a cook's dream. The family has loved spending time on the large deck overlooking the prairie where they loved having family get-togethers and spending time with amazing neighbors. In addition to all of the space this home offers, the professionally finished basement (pictured) has always been a favorite for guests. Complete with a media room and a curved seating-bar area custom designed for this space. With countless high-tech extras throughout, this home really does have it all.
UPSCALE CONVENIENCE in AURORA/BATAVIA SCHOOLS Ideal for Single Parents & Empty Nesters The owner has loved the elegant conveniences this village home on Nicole Circle in Aurora offers. With a luxurious first floor master suite and more, the home is now available through Tamara O'Connor of Premier Living Properties. Perfect for empty nesters, small families or a single parent, this serene Ginger Woods residence has Batavia Schools. The extraordinary village home is beautiful throughout with rich hardwood floors, glass transoms, upgraded trim/molding features, soothing palette & design. The Chef’s dream kitchen is the focal point with Bosch stainless steel appliances, upgraded cabinetry with crown, natural granite counter tops and island making it a distinctive & striking space. The family room opens to the kitchen and offers a beautiful gas-log fireplace. The owner has enjoyed spending quiet time in the screened-in porch with peaceful garden views, along with the first floor master– a fabulous retreat with spa shower, dual vanities, and walk-in closet. Simply gorgeous!
PEACEFUL HOME in LISLE Beautiful Property, Beautiful Location In our search for a unique home that is perfect for growing families, we came across this beautiful home in Lisle on Devon. Now available through Virgil Kinder of Berkshire Hathaway Home Services/Koenig Rubloff Realty Group, we’re excited to share it with our readers. New and refinished hardwood floors combined with an open floor plan and scenic lot will make you fall in love with this home. The first floor includes a large kitchen w/custom cabinets, hardwood floors & granite that opens to a huge family room w/ hardwood floors, fireplace, skylights & custom built-ins. The new family that chooses this property will surely enjoy the trees & landscaped yard from the 4 season room with cozy heated floors (our favorite). Lower level has a media room, gym, custom sauna and full bath, making it truly one of a kind.
Photos by Veronica Adams Unless Otherwsie Submitted
