What is Old Chicago and Why Are We Still Chasing It?

While today’s homes often start as clean, minimal boxes, homeowners and designers alike are reintroducing the timeless charm that once defined city living.

There’s something about the homes built in Chicago between the 1920s and 1960s that refuses to fade from memory. You can feel it in the weight of a solid wood door, the curve of a hand-carved bannister, the warmth of brick that’s been aged by time rather than factory-made perfection. These homes weren’t just built — they were crafted.

In Old Chicago, craftsmanship wasn’t a bonus — it was the baseline. Crown molding wasn’t a trend. Built-ins weren’t optional. There was pride in the work, and it showed up in every window casing, fireplace surround, and original tile pattern.

Fast forward to today, and much of what’s built is efficient, fast, and — let’s be honest — a little lifeless. The market is flooded with white boxes lined up in a row: blank canvases that feel more like staging areas than homes. But here’s the beautiful twist — we’re bringing soul back.

More and more homeowners are reaching for those time-honored details. They’re installing archways where drywall once ruled. They’re layering textures, mixing metals, and adding trim, beams, built-ins — anything that says “this house has a story.” Because the truth is, even if we’re not building with the same old-world methods, we’re still craving the feelingthose homes gave us.

Maybe that’s the real magic of Old Chicago — not just in how it was built, but in how it taught us to care. To craft. To layer. And to never be afraid of a home with character.

Why It Still Matters to Us

For us — Chris and Alli — Old Chicago isn’t just an architectural style. It’s a feeling. A quiet elegance. A sense that someone put time, care, and intention into the space. When we walk into a home with those touches, we don’t just admire it — we feel grounded in it. Safe. Inspired.

That’s why, no matter the project, we always look for ways to bring that feeling forward. Whether we’re designing in a newly built home or reworking a space that feels a little too sterile, we’re asking the same question: “What can we add here that will make this feel like it’s been loved for a long time?”

We don’t add charm for the sake of nostalgia — we add it to elevate. Every piece of millwork, brass fixture, or arched detail is chosen to bring depth and story. But just as importantly, we design with respect to the home’s original structure. We’re not trying to turn a simple box into a vintage replica. We’re trying to craft spaces that feel timeless — rooted in history, but personal to the people who live there now.

Old Chicago taught us that homes can be both strong and soft. Purposeful and beautiful. That’s the standard we’re always chasing.

What About You?

Are you someone who craves that charm and craftsmanship in your own space — even if your home was built decades (or days) later? Do you find yourself chasing that same feeling, adding layers of history and personality to bring your rooms to life?

Let us know in the comments — or tag us in your favorite inspired spaces. We love seeing how others reimagine the past in the homes they live in now.