Reviving a 1880s chicago victorian: crystal blackshaw's storage savvy

Chicago-based interior designer Crystal Blackshaw embarked on an ambitious renovation of her 1880s Lincoln Park townhouse, breathing new life into the historic Victorian home while cleverly addressing its notorious storage limitations.

A design challenge

When Blackshaw purchased the property, she discovered that the last major update had taken place in 1950. Newspapers found beneath the kitchen floor hinted at the home's age, and original features like a coal-burning fireplace, gaslight pipes, and tiger oak floors were still intact, albeit in need of modernization.

To bring the 3,000-square-foot, four-bedroom residence into the 21st century, Blackshaw stripped the space down to its bricks and rafters, preserving the original layout and stunning stained glass windows on the first floor. However, the biggest hurdle lay in storage – a perennial problem in Victorians.

A solution in custom carpentry

Blackshaw's ingenious solution involved custom carpentry throughout the home, seamlessly integrating functional storage into the architectural design. In the dining room, a beautiful cabinet now serves as both a stylish backdrop and a clever storage solution.

In the bedrooms, Blackshaw opted for a vanity that doubles as a desk, maximizing space while maintaining the home's historic charm. Even the kitchen got a clever eight-inch-deep pantry, capable of holding more than a standard cabinet, to keep essentials out of sight.