Take A Tour Of $700K Chicago Home That Hasn't Been Touched Since The '80s
Those who live in glass houses — or mirrored ones — should not throw stones. This mirror-adhered home might be a mistake or a masterpiece, but that's not for us to judge since it just sold for $699,000. Located in Oak Brook, a suburb less than 20 miles from downtown Chicago, the four-bedroom and five-bathroom residence was lovingly decorated over a ten-year period beginning in the 1980s, per Realtor.com, and having had only one owner, hasn't changed much since.
Mirrors adorn almost every surface included in the 4,256 square feet, from a majority of walls to the fridge, pool table, bathroom vanity, and a bed frame. Other reflective materials, like chrome, lucite, and glass, are featured as well. Finishes and colors are light tones, with ceramic tile flooring, plush carpet, and textured ceilings. The previous homeowner did all of the interior decorating herself in a very specific style, according to Kathy DiValerio, the property's listing agent, and somehow knew how to keep all of those mirrors absolutely spotless.
The house had fans exactly as it was, with an offer coming in mere hours after it was listed. According to New York Post, one prospective buyer wanted to purchase the whole kit and caboodle, while others inquired whether the furniture and art were available for sale. The buyer, though, has plans to update; here's hoping the crew on the demo aren't superstitious.
The home's exterior is traditional
Tucked away in the Brook Forest Subdivision, the two-story brick home is unassuming from the street; it sits on a slight incline and appears smaller than the square footage would suggest. The landscape features just over a grassy half acre with several mature trees and a stamped asphalt circular drive. The seller was a car buff, and there is a large attached garage to the side with another driveway. The facade features a covered porch on both levels, with semi-circular steps from the yard to the double front door and lower porch. Clad in a traditional palette of russet bricks offset by neutral beige trim, the only hint given at what's inside is by way of the gold-framed front door.
At the back of the home, there is a sizable tiered patio with room for several seating arrangements, which Zillow explains includes a gas line and motorized awnings. The patio is surrounded by perennial gardens, evergreens, and a private yard. It's an amazing outdoor area for entertaining, and the lawn is perfect for children to play in; there's already a set of swings and a slide in the back corner.
The five bathrooms are insane
The home features five bathrooms of varied sizes, all gleaming with reflective finishes and brass fixtures; three full baths are on the second floor, along with the bedrooms. The primary suite features a sunken tub, a stand-alone shower, double sinks set in a mirrored vanity, and a walk-in closet. This bathroom deviates from its use of a dark color for the sink bowls and tub. Modern chandeliers float overhead, and glass sculptures disappear into the background — they add glitz nonetheless, while skylights flood the room with daylight. Another of the bedrooms has an ensuite full bath as well.
The main bath in the hall is outfitted with a jacuzzi tub and an ample linen closet, but it's not all practical. The walls and cabinet are, no surprise, dressed in mirrors, while a large floral motif is etched into the glass, and a brass ballerina pirouettes near the pedestal sink. This all takes place on a stage of white ceramic floor tiles embellished with bronze metallic.
The rec room is inviting
We were beginning to feel that living in this home would be like living in a museum — inside a strange and disorienting art installation of repeating images, where thwarted attempts to escape leave sets of smudged fingerprints behind. And then we saw the rec room, with games, soft carpeting, swivel stools, and two bars. This room says, "It's ok to have fun here!" The style of the ivory leather furniture and the sculptural cocktail table is trendy again in a certain L.A. + Miami Vice meets young professional way. Arcade games and a mirrored billiards table beckon, with or without a blue cocktail, and a half-bath means we can stay awhile.
The mirrors are a bit less ostentatious here, some having been frosted to create a striped and softened design, and like in the upstairs living room, the feeling is more relaxed. There, a corner stone fireplace and a huge white leather sectional promise almost cozy evenings.