This newer-build house on a coveted Lincoln Park street was beautifully constructed and finished. The stylish owners chose it for its modern functionality and generous size to accommodate a large family and frequent entertaining. But they wanted to add some color and fun, to tie the house to historic homes in their neighborhood, and to reflect their young, fashionable vibe and love of pop-art and travel. We replaced a too-large and nondescript wood fireplace mantle with a creamy 150-year-old limestone mantle shipped from France, and lined the firebox with herringbone brick, for a bit of patina, and a more fitting visual centerpiece for their bright living room. We added statement lighting in the form of oversized swing-arm sconces, a modern bronze sculptural fixture, a vintage Italian lucite chandelier, and gleaming solid nickel and glass sconces. We lacquered the front door in glossy blue and pulled in a mix of edgy brutalist, modern and classical art. To balance the new furniture we were sourcing, we reupholstered antique carved club chairs in soft velvet, papered two glass cabinets in a dark, moody floral to showcase a beautiful collection of new and old objects, and added bold abstract and animal print accents throughout.