With an eye for sophistication, it’s no wonder design firm Lozano Jolas Interiors was invited to redesign a featured home in the 54th Annual Cooks’ Tour benefit, a one-day tour of four magnificent properties across Chicago’s North Shore in support of the Rush University Medical Center. Partnering with PAGODA RED to create an unforgettable experience, the Lozano Jolas team reimagined a modernist retreat in East Winnetka as an oasis of calm, elegance and quiet luxury.
Coined the Elevated Empty Nest, the custom-built property was cool and contemporary, a space defined by clean lines, abundant natural light and stark, white walls ideal for bold works of art. To balance the home’s modernist aesthetic, designers Lauren Lozano Ziol, Michelle Jolas, & Nicole Ruzbasan grounded the sleek interior with storied objects from PAGODA RED, each selected for its warmth, texture and authenticity.
Furnishing the open layout home from kitchen to patio, Lozano Jolas Interiors was thoughtful and intentional at every stage in their design process and installation. Ruzbasan told PAGODA RED, “Every element brought into the space was specifically selected to play off of the other and balance the space visually so as to not overstimulate the mind. So many PAGODA RED pieces provoke a sense of spirituality, meditation and awareness of the beauty that various cultures create in their daily lives.”
Lozano Jolas has offices Chicago, London, and Palm Beach and is creatively motivated and inspired by the culture and design community of each city. It’s led their team to a confident approach when mixing disparate pieces. In their Cooks’ Tour space, there’s something intriguing in every direction: the stamped texture of a 19th c. Yunnan pot, the gleam of a custom bronze hood, the twists of a rootwood table. Yet, the room never overwhelms. Everything is harmonious and welcoming.
Their Cooks’ Tour home is filled with rare objects, but still feels like a comfortable family home, truly meant for gathering with friends and family. Lozano Jolas says this is because, “we listened intently to what our clients were looking for in their home, adding a sense of warmth and practical elements that would help them in their everyday life while also being appealing to look at.”
Natural light and polished architecture keeps the space modern, even when layered with tactile elements and objects with history, such as the sculptural African blades that accent the minimalist fireplace. Lozano Jolas often chooses antique and vintage objects that “… bring a beautiful warmth and curiosity into a space, especially knowing there is a story behind each piece. It creates a unique, educational experience for the client. We love to mix in something unexpected that creates a certain juxtaposition and feels like the perfect fit.”
One standout favorite of those who attended the Cooks’ Tour was the rough-hewn wabi-sabi dough tray on the island. Lozano Jolas told us they “partnered with Paper White Florals to come up with a gorgeous arrangement that fills the tray. The way it made a statement in the space and brought such a grand feel while also being so natural among its surroundings was incredible.”
To keep the design fresh and balanced, Lozano Jolas chose contemporary art for the walls. The sitting room and bathroom feature works by several PAGODA RED favorites, including Michael Thompson, Patrick Fitzgerald, and Toyoharu Kii. Lozano Jolas told us that they’ve “… been fans of Michael Thompson’s work for many years. When sourcing for this project the colors of the “Sawyer” kite worked in such harmony with the other pieces of art in the room that it all fell into place.”
While they were familiar with Thompson’s kites, Lozano Jolas says that “Toyoharu Kii is an artist that was new to us. We were looking for pieces of art that would be eye-catching, but not too heavy for the light and airy feel of the primary bath. After learning Kii’s history and his process for making these mosaics, we knew he was an artist who had to be showcased.
“An added bonus was the incredible intricacy of his work where we did not see the glimmer of the crystals throughout the mosaic until they were hung next to the lights and sparkled as you walked by. “
For Lozano Jolas, making clients feel self-assured at home is a primary goal. They believe that “Environments matter tremendously in your everyday life. When you feel good in your space, it evokes a certain confidence and motivation that you otherwise may not have in a space that does not inspire you.” This philosophy underlies every aspect of their Cooks’ Tour kitchen, where daily inspiration is evoked through artistry, craftsmanship, and history.
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