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Back to the Future kitchen in a Lincoln Park duplex renovation by Jaffe Architecture, blending modern and traditional details with a marble island, bronze-framed glass doors, and a warm, refined palette

Back to the Future

Chicago, Illinois

Top-down view of a sculptural curved staircase in a vintage Lincoln Park co-op renovation by Jaffe Architecture, highlighting the continuous wood handrail, soft geometry, and layered modern detailing
Back to the Future detail of a sculptural curved staircase in a fully renovated vintage Lincoln Park co-op, a zoomed-in view highlighting the blend of traditional forms and warm modern detailing by Jaffe Architecture
Foyer in a vintage Lincoln Park co-op, fully reimagined through a gut renovation by Jaffe Architecture, featuring a sculptural curved stair, warm wood treads, and refined modern detailing

Set high above Lincoln Park with sweeping lake views, this vintage duplex co-op was reimagined for a young family with global ties, deep Chicago roots, and a love of art, flexibility, and function. Originally segmented into formal front rooms and rear staff quarters, the apartment offered generous proportions—but little flow.

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The clients knew a gut renovation was needed when they purchased the home. Jaffe Architecture responded with more than cosmetic updates; it was spatial too—transforming the main floor into something both timeless and tailored to a youthful lifestyle. The team introduced a new layout that honored the building’s traditional architecture while supporting modern family life.

Back to the Future living room in a Lincoln Park duplex renovation by Jaffe Architecture, designed for a young family and blending modern and traditional details with warm wood millwork, a stone fireplace, and curated built-ins

“I cannot say enough good things about Lisa Jaffe and her team... I would work with them again in a heartbeat and would recommend their services unconditionally.”

Back to the Future fireplace detail highlighting layered stone surround and custom wood millwork, blending traditional craftsmanship with warm modern detailing by Chicago architect Lisa Jaffe of Jaffe Architecture
Back to the Future living room detail featuring built-in bookshelves styled with the young family’s eclectic collection of books, objects, and art, adding personality and layered warmth to the custom millwork by Jaffe Architecture
Back to the Future library in a Lincoln Park duplex renovation by Jaffe Architecture, featuring custom wood millwork, a flush paneled door concealing a hidden powder room, burnished brass cabinetry, and a warm, collected atmosphere shaped by the family’s everyday living
Bar area in a Lincoln Park duplex renovation by Chicago architect Lisa Jaffe of Jaffe Architecture, featuring veined stone, mirrored shelving, and warm wood cabinetry with refined detailing
Pass-through bar connecting the library to the pantry in a Lincoln Park duplex renovation, with rich wood millwork, veined stone surfaces, and a seamless transition between spaces designed for everyday living
Custom shelving detail in burnished brass and wood by Jaffe Architecture, showcasing a young family’s eclectic collection of books and objects, with layered textures and integrated lighting adding warmth and depth

The kitchen, once tucked at the back, was brought forward to capture natural light and lake views—becoming a vibrant everyday hub. Adjacent, a playroom connects visually through sliding glass doors and is designed to evolve into a formal dining space over time. Cased openings, pocket doors, and jib doors recessed into adjacent jambs offer flexible transitions between open and private spaces, allowing the home to adapt as needed.

Lacquered green cabinetry anchors the kitchen, paired with an island designed for seating on multiple sides to support everyday living. Metal and glass sliding doors provide a flexible connection, separating the playroom—designed to evolve into a future dining room—while maintaining light, openness, and flow throughout the space. Back to the Future by Jaffe Architecture.
Back to the Future, Lincoln Park, Chicago — a kitchen defined by full-height slab backsplash and slab-clad drawer fronts, where clean modern lines are balanced with traditional detailing to create a space that feels both refined and effortlessly livable.
In Back to the Future by Jaffe Architecture, this Lincoln Park, Chicago pantry is filled with light and lake views, with integrated grow boxes supporting intentional, everyday living.

Throughout, every detail supports the family’s creative life. Art lighting was integrated with intention, millwork was layered for rhythm and warmth, and ceiling slots sculpted the experience of movement through space. Influences from Italy and Asia, along with custom touches like a meditation space, a jasmine grow window, and a laundry room inspired by the client’s childhood, infuse the home with personal meaning.

In Back to the Future by Jaffe Architecture, a Lincoln Park, Chicago duplex gut renovation, this cedar-lined dressing area reflects close client collaboration and precise detailing, inspired by the calm of Japanese baths.
In this Lincoln Park duplex gut renovation, Back to the Future by Jaffe Architecture, collaboration and attention to detail come together in a cedar-lined dressing area inspired by the ritual and calm of Japanese baths.
In Back to the Future, a Lincoln Park duplex renovation, her bath is shaped by a soft palette and subtle material shifts, bringing warmth and ease to everyday rituals. By Jaffe Architecture.
Back to the Future, a Lincoln Park, Chicago duplex renovation by Jaffe Architecture, features a fully marble-clad shower where stone wraps seamlessly from wall to ceiling, with a recessed light slot introducing a soft, ambient glow that elevates everyday living through thoughtful, precise detailing.
Back to the Future, a Lincoln Park, Chicago duplex renovation by Jaffe Architecture, features a custom walk-in closet with integrated lighting and glass-front wardrobes that protect clothing from dust while keeping items visible—an intentional, client-driven design that supports both organization and everyday living.

This custom renovation reflects Jaffe Architecture's client-centered approach—one that transforms not only space, but the life it holds.

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