Pushing the boundaries of conventional design comes easily to Markus Schubert, founder of Phillip Harrison Interiors based in Chicago. “The main goal of Phillip Harrison Interiors was to create spaces for our clientele that are truly one-of-a-kind and a direct reflection of their personalities,” Schubert said. “Because of this, we strive to develop relationships with each of our clients, focusing on listening to them and understanding what they want to achieve out of their space, then developing the perfect mix.” This collaborative design philosophy is also reflected in the home he and his partner recently renovated in the Rogers Park section of Chicago, where color-drenched spaces are infused with rich textures and thoughtful design elements. The transformation radiates enormous charm and whimsy, an irresistible combination in the hands of this design innovator.
As one of the most-used parts of the home, the living room is a central hub for the couple whether they are watching TV and playing with their dog Leo, hosting a game night with friends, or celebrating a cocktail hour with neighbors. “When we initially viewed this home with our realtor, the living room was the selling point,” Schubert explained. “We decided to create a space that had a duality of formal and casual living. This was accomplished through a more structured furniture layout where each sofa flanked the fireplace around a large custom coffee table with a stone top. The addition of the two velvet barrel chairs in a deep merlot color not only created visual interest but also allowed for fluid movement from one conversation to another. We wanted to ground the space with an oversized rug, and we decided on a custom wool and silk rug in a design we created with a playful, abstract geometric design.”
In the dining room, a fresh, contemporary mood is set by tangerine-upholstered dining chairs, a bright blue cabinet and plush lavender rug, the same tones also displayed in the artwork. Schubert said his favorite piece balances the vibrant color palette. “If I had to choose just one element of this space to be my favorite, it would have to be our dining table. We worked with a local table manufacturer to design it to fit our space perfectly as our dining room is a bit narrow. We decided on a solid ash wood tabletop in a black stain with a white ceruse to add depth and character. We paired the top with a custom brass base for an airy, lighter feeling.”
Cleverly wallpapered in a cheeky feline pattern, the dining room’s adjacent dry bar is a well-appointed amenity. “We use this space numerous times a day, whether we are crafting our morning cappuccino or perfecting a new cocktail recipe in the evenings,” Schubert noted. “When we are hosting a gathering, this is the perfect bar as it has ample counter space, a wine refrigerator, plenty of storage and is easily accessible for our guests as it is just outside the kitchen, and we all know how people love to gather in the kitchen.”
Two facing walls of blue cabinets flank a darkly-toned center island in the kitchen, a distant memory of its former configuration. “The existing kitchen layout had only one wall being utilized and was in a large open space; as an avid cook I knew this space had to be addressed,” Schubert revealed. “We redesigned the entire kitchen to embrace functionality foremost. I previously worked in restaurants during my college years and knew that I wanted a similar layout to a restaurant kitchen where everything is always within arm’s reach and accessible. The island divides the space into two areas: one side is for prepping and cooking, while the other side is for plating and serving.”
The opulent primary bedroom is clad in deep green tones, graphic black and white wallpaper and richly-hued linens. “My partner and I knew that we wanted a dramatic and darker bedroom from the start,” Schubert noted. “The blackout shades and soft velvet drapery create the perfect conditions for sleeping, and the dark green color was added to the walls and ceiling to make the space feel larger and give a sense of the room enveloping you. The design exudes luxurious comfort and is the perfect place to let the day’s worries melt away as you climb into bed each night and wake each morning with a renewed optimism for the day ahead.”
Now fully settled into their new home, the couple is enjoying the new, more traditional layout they envisioned together. “Honestly, I love that we have dedicated rooms in our home and that it is not a completely open-concept space. The formality of our home was there even before we moved in. The idea of a separate living room from the kitchen and dining room was one of the most appealing features and is reminiscent of how past generations would live in their homes. It also provides the opportunity for my partner and I to focus on our own interests and hobbies while not directly interfering or annoying each other,” Schubert concluded.
Photography by Michael Alan Kaskel.
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