Natural Wonder(2)
Natural Wonder
During renovation of her 1920s Mediterranean-style home that is tucked into a Chicago suburb, Kandis’s passion merged with her vocation. The entrepreneur collaborated with designer Gail Plechaty to transform the house from dark and formal into light and serene for her and her children—Cameron, 13, Kristen, 11, and Travis, 10. “As we looked for furnishings, we were able to identify sources and fabricate pieces from a wide variety of unknown vendors and suppliers, which I was then able to use when we launched San Juan Ventures,” Kandis recalls.
Reclaimed Balinese teak flooring, which is certified green, and furniture from fallen trees are the among the company’s offerings. Both made their way into the home during the update, which was largely cosmetic except for the reconfiguration of the master bedroom suite and the replacement of all flooring materials and exterior windows. Designer Plechaty says, “We never had to have a discussion about using sustainable products; my style is organic, so it was a given.”
In the living room, contrasting the deep tones of the reclaimed teak floors are pale seating options and lively spots of art.
Sources:
Floors (reclaimed Jati Manise Teak); coffee table (“Reclaimed Teak Checkerboard Table’’); table behind sofa (“Asem Wood Slab Sofa Table’’ with reclaimed teak pedestal bases); stone statues (antique): San Juan Ventures, 847/234-2908.
Wallpaper (“Great Wall’’/Natural #6037-01, by Larsen): Cowtan & Tout, 212/647-6900, trade only.
Drapery: Randolph & Hein, 800/844-9922, randolphhein.com, trade only.
Rug: Minasian Oriental Rugs, 847/864-1010.
Chairs; table between matching chairs: Thomas Jolly Antiques, 312/595-0018.
Chair fabric (“Strata’’): Holly Hunt, 312/661-1900, hollyhunt.com, trade only.
Sofas (“Wellington’’ #G0901): Dessin Fournir, 785/434-2777, dessinfournir.com, trade only.
Sofa fabric (“Belfast’’/Cashmere #611209): Nancy Corzine, 212/223-8340, trade only.
End table beside sofa: Dennis & Leen, 310/652-0855, trade only.
Fireplace screen (antique); chandelier and sconces (antique, Waterford); art; lamps behind sofa near window (antique): owner’s collection.
