A queen-size, four-poster mattress controls attention in a space designed as a getaway from cold Chicago days. "I thought it had a lot of character but was very clean-lined," says interior designer Vern Yip.
Spectacular (and space-saving) resin wall sconces, made by Barbara Cosgrove, include an exotic component. "I really like the idea of having sconces on the wall for bedside lamps instead of taking up property on bedside tables," says Vern.
A customized cotton sateen duvet and shams, made by Vern, are piped in rich chocolate trim. Reversible items can be changed up each season.
The tapestry of textures in the master bedroom comprises a long-haired Mongolian lambskin pillow, a cuddly bed topper.
Both the headboard and bed panels are upholstered in a gentle, neutral-toned cotton chenille.
A classic candelabra, placed atop a crochet table-turned-nightstand, adds visual attention. "It was my tribute to the population of Chicago," says Vern.
Walls are hand-painted by fine artist Michael Boudreault, who worked together with Vern to ideal the scale and size of the design, inspired by renowned Chicago design. "When you examine the Carson Scott Pirie Building, you see these gorgeous organic forms, these counter and curves bends," says Vern. "I wanted to take that wealthy blueprint and abstract it on our walls."
Low-pile, recyclable area rugs section off the bedroom to chairs and sleeping areas.
Vintage Baker dressers in walnut offer 12 closets of storage. "I had to have plenty of drawer space since Michigan Avenue is stocked with a few of the best stores in the country," says Vern.
A walk-in closet, at the entry to the master bedroom, features both shelf space and hanging rods. Interior walls share the living area's vibrant paint color.
Extra-plush bath robes lend spa style to the master suite.
Classic Japanese woodblock prints which grace the entrance to the master bedroom reference that the Prairie School. "Frank Lloyd Wright was inspired by Japanese style that he became one of the country's biggest collectors of Japanese woodblock prints," says Vern.
A trip to the yearly Chicago Botanic Garden Antiques & Garden Fair created two garden cloches, one stuffed with birdwing butterflies and one filled with antique game-bird eggs. "Again, it's a reference back to Chicago's tie with nature," says Vern.
Cast-cement garden sprites stand sentry atop custom wood pedestals. The characters are reproductions of Frank Lloyd Wright's original layouts for Chicago's Midway Gardens.
A rosewood secretary houses a collection of books, an antique toolbox and also an Ingraham self-starting mantel clock, salvaged from a Chicago ice cream parlor.
Storytelling is predominant to Vern's layout strategy. "I always look at HGTV Urban Oasis as being a celebration of all the things that are special and unique about that particular city," says Vern.
An aluminum and mango wood, milking-stool-style side table doubles as a pedestal to exhibit a more postcard-filled trinket box. "It's fun to open up the box and read what somebody wrote years ago and look at this older picture of Chicago," says Vern.
The bedroom overlooks Chicago's Riverwalk. From April through November, visitors board Chicago's First Lady in the southeast corner of the Michigan Avenue Bridge to enjoy the city's famed Architecture Foundation River Cruise.
A twin sleeper sofa, upholstered in performance velvet, accommodates an overnight guest. An air mattress stowed in the foyer closet offers space for one additional guest.
Motorized window dividers, controlled via a remote, allow the user to control light and solar gain throughout the day.
Millennium Park, Opening Night, Downtown Chicago, an aerial picture by famous Chicago artist photographer Terry Evans, commands attention in its spot over the sofette. "I wanted to have this special moment actually captured in that pictures," says Vern.
The sofette is personalized with lattice-print cushions that echo the design of this bed duvet.
The room's next framed picture -- the job by aerial photographer Alex MacLean -- showcases Chicago's Buckingham Fountain. "The frequent thread that ties those parts of art together is capturing special Chicago minutes, and the Buckingham Fountain is such a Chicago icon," says Vern.