Walking in to the contemporary home of stylist Benjamin Cottrell, you have the feeling you are entering a unique romantic space in which a past era meets modern. The 900-square-foot attic is filled with modern fashion trends and a hint of 1960s Manhattan glamour. Accessories from Cottrell’s family add a sophisticated, classic character to his space.
Cottrell uses chocolate and cream as the base colors for his residence, including a vibrant accessory choice every season. This season, it is orange.
Houzz At a Glance
Who lives here: Benjamin Cottrell
Location: South Loop neighborhood of Chicago
Size: 900 square-foot attic; a single bedroom, one bathroom
Light cascades to the open-floor-plan living area. Two Swarovski crystal chandeliers selected by Cottrell hang from the 14-foot timber wood ceilings. The plush sofa provides a comfortable place to relax and amuse.
Sofa: Boston Store Furniture Gallery
Natural light flows in and offers quiet moments of inspiration in the workspace in the desk.
Iron glass writing desk and telescope: Bombay Company
Lucite lamps with black sunglasses: Lamps Plus
Black lucite Ghost armchair: Design Within Reach
Cottrell’s biggest design issue was how to hang the extremely heavy zebra mirror. It took four men to hoist it up, then it tore through the studs in the wall. Cottrell’s daddy suggested hanging it on a string from a ceiling beam. The plan decision took some getting used to, but Cottrell has come to love it.
Below the mirror is a classic gold Italian rope and tassel beverage cart paired with classic barware pieces.
The living area leads right into the kitchen inviting open layout. The flow joins the 2 spaces.
Two leather slipper chairs assist Cottrell get cozy by the fireplace. The classic cowhide area rug is the latest addition. Cottrell added the chrome side lamps from Macy’s to finish the space.
Ban seats: Components
A photograph, Ralph Lauren book, gentle throw, florals and odor accessories rest on a high gloss white coffee table from West Elm.
Down the hallway to the bedroom is draped black fabric from 21st Street. On the console table are classic pieces in the glass set of Cottrell’s grandmother.
Console table: Crate and Barrel
Hide horn and skin bench: Art by God
Round mirror: Z Gallerie
Cottrell’s bedroom has a luxurious brown leather tufted bed from Z Gallerie. The bedside tables are from Design Within Reach, and he discovered that the classic lamps in his grandmother’s cellar.
The side seat and wooden stool with leopard-patterned top are classic. Cottrell needed the walls to look like worn leather, so that he had them custom-finished at a charcoal gray-colored faux metallic plaster.
Faux finish: Katherine Tuefel of Kath’s Creations
A kelly green cabinet in the bathroom functions as a resting area for decanters and a tray of colognes. The toilet pays tribute to 1960s glamour with black and white tiled floors. The blue color on the walls is from Ralph Lauren Home.
Cottrell personalized his space including his family background and displaying his powerful family ties. In the bathroom, black-and-white photographs and old postcards from Cottrell’s family are displayed near the sink. The writing leaves one with a feeling of wonder and nostalgia.
Cottrell believes the contemporary layout of the home a sanctuary. If he could have four dinner guests he would select:”Ralph Lauren (my icon), Karl Largerfeld (he’s genius), Ellen DeGeneres (each dinner party demands a comic ) and my grandfather (he’s famous in my own eyes ).”
Some advice to other people in designing their own area:”Be sure not to hurry! I’m a professional designer, therefore I’m quicker to understand what will function in the area. I tell my customers to live at the area and feel it before making impulse purchases. Buy classic. It provides the home personality. Nothing is worse than walking into a home that seems like it was purchased out of a catalog”
More Dramatic Houzz Tours:
A Modern Romance at Ontario
Modern Bucktown Beauty
Modern Home, Full of Character