Old Church Converted Into An Eclectic Family Home

When a building loses its functionality, it takes a while until someone discovers its potential but, when that happens, that building can start a new journey. A great example showing this cycle can be observed in Chicago, IL, where an old church was converted into a single family home.

Church Conversion into a Residence Interior
Chicago church converted into family home kitchen with stained window

The project was a collaboration between Linc Thelen Design and Scrafano Architects. Linc Thelen’s 13 year career in balancing architecture, interior design and visual arts helped him achieve a classic and unique vision which he applies when creating spaces that are timeless and eclectic, just like this project.

Chicago church converted into family home exposed brick walls

The church was converted in 2015 and it became a spacious home with seven bedrooms and six baths for a family with three young children. The 5500 sq ft interior offers plenty of room for everything a modern family could need.

Chicago church with tall black friplace
Church Conversion into a Residence Two sided

Given the history of the building, there had to be certain unusual features. For example, the great room has a 25′ high ceiling and this gives it a dramatic look. The fireplace wall is a focal point for the space, featuring built-in firewood storage niches and also holding the TV. The more intimate spaces have 7′ high ceilings which allows them to feel warm and cozy.

Chicago church converted into family home great room high ceiling
Modern white gallery kitchen in a church

A number of the original elements were preserved in the process. They include the stained glass windows, the bell tower, some exposed brick walls and a few other features. The architects managed to integrate them into the new design is a natural and harmonious way.

Chicago church converted into family home bedroom interior

The newly-converted house offers all the conveniences of modern living with a beautiful historic twist. The eclectic approach allowed the team to put the old and the new together and to get creative when designing custom features.

Chicago church converted into family home dining table

The list of custom-designed and fabricated elements includes things like the climbing wall in the kids’ playroom, the table in the dining room, the Murphy bed in the nursery as well as other pieces of furniture throughout the home.

Converted Chicago Church bedrooms
Bedroom wallpaper in a Chicago church
Chicago church home featuring a climbing wall in bedroom

Interesting wallpaper and bright colors add a fresh vibe to spaces such as the children’s bedrooms. These, combined with a series of custom-designed elements, contribute to a beautifully-personalized decor.

kids room with loft area and hanging chair
Single bed placed in corner
Church Conversion into a Residence Nursery

Everything was chosen with great consideration and the light fixtures are a very good example. They’re all eye-catching and interesting, featuring simple yet sophisticated designs and adding character to the spaces they’re in.

Church Conversion into a Residence Bedroom
Church Conversion into a Residence Freestanding tub

The stained glass windows make spaces such as the bathrooms or the bedrooms stand out. In additions, the bathrooms are eye-catching for several other reasons. They stand out through elements such as the patterned floor tiles or the carefully-chosen sconces, the mirrors and all the other fixtures and decorations.

Church Conversion into a Residence Bathroom
Church Conversion into a Residence Bath
Church Conversion into a Residence Walk In Shower
Church Conversion into a Residence Powder Room