Just when I begin to think that there must be no more time capsule houses left, we a get a wave where they are coming at us from every direction. I try to parse them out on the blog, but lately I can’t keep up — so I’m grooving to the beat, and here’s our third time capsule house in the span of a week. Outside, it’s: deceptively ‘normal’. But inside, it’s: A 1970 gem of an original-owner home in Skokie, Illinois, where listing agent Sarah Rothschild tells me she entered and won her first and only disco dancing contest! Yes, the was the coolest house in the neighborhood, party central. I’d call this interior design exceptionally refined 1970s — oh my word, is that a set of Warren Platner coffee- and side tables? And those sofa sectionals, you’re gonna swoon! Come inside and join the party –>
From the listing:
- Price: $425,000
- Square footage: 1,720
- Bedrooms: 4
- Bathrooms: 2 full/1 half
- Year built: 1970
Grand, contemporary custom-built with oversized rooms, one of Skokie’s finest homes. This is a great Devonshire Highlands split in terrific condition. 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, sub-basement, 2 car attached garage, several open entertaining spaces. The open floor plan, huge eat-in kitchen and huge family room are unlike most of what you see these days. Fantastically well-kept & mechanically up-to-date. Master bedroom with bonus space, two over-sized closets and en suite full bath with walk-in shower. Sunken Living Room, Spacious Dining Room, Double Ovens, Wet Bar, Large Foyer, A 10+!
Above: See! Gorgeous! Sarah says the interiors are all original, including the paint colors. Is that an Arco floor lamp? Oh my! These babies are $3,000 today at Design Within Reach.
Above: Those are likely Platner coffee and side tables — one of my all-time favorites.
Above: This art panel (?) is used to create a visual break among three rooms, the living room, dining room and wet bar.
Above: The sunken living room steps up to the foyer on one end, the dining room on the other. Bold and stylish wallpaper is used to create accent walls in many of the rooms.
Above: That ceiling fixture — I’ll guess it’s an expensive Lightolier. And I’m sure some knowledgeable reader can ID the dining room set.
Above: There is a wet bar on the third side of the living room. Matchy-matchy wallpaper and roman shade. And ferns that I betcha have been there the entire time — 46 years!
Above: On the other side of the foyer, a den?
Above: The kitchen. Simple and almost utilitarian, in contrast to the high style of the other rooms.
Above: The master bedroom, we presume. Lots of built-ins.
Above: Timeless design: Sorts pennants arranged in wheels in kids’ bedrooms and family rooms, too. Never goes out of style. Those dressers are properly called “campaign chests” style, I believe.
Above: Day beds with bolsters arranged at 90-degree angle to each other so that you could use them as a sofa. Look carefully [click the photo to enlarge it if you’re on a desktop] and see how the one on the right tucks under the specially-sized end table. My mother-in-law had this exact arrangement in her apartment. I wish I had that table! This is a brilliant way to do a guest room/office. Oh. And that wallpaper. Oh and: We finally see some shag carpet!
Above: Bathrooms. Vanity in first photo looks to have been updated. Otherwise, ya got yer 1970s dark woods and some dark marble laminate too.
Above: This looks to be the basement. This must be where Sarah won the disco dance contest. She told by phone that this was a friend’s house. It was unlike any other house in the neighborhood, an it’s where all the kids hung out. The dad owned a chain of blue jean stores. “He was the cool dad,” Sarah said. Indeed.
Link love:
- See the listing here.
- Thanks to listing agent Sarah Rothschild for permission to show the listing photos. See her website here.
Mary Elizabeth says
Wonderful understated ’70s design–colors and style just what I was into at that time.
Kathy says
Light, bright, classic with a few well-placed funky touches to keep it fun. I hope the furniture can be bought with the house to someone who loves it as much as we do. At least that arabesque tile is back in style!
Amypie says
I would die to have zebra in my living room!!!!! High-end early 70’s decor is heaven ????????????
ninakf says
I believe that’s a waterbed in the master bedroom. That would have to go.
pam kueber says
party pooper!
Katie says
I’m not a huge fan of ’70’s design, but this is done right. All the “cool” parts, with a lot of timeless elements.
While I’m not a fan of open plan or sunken living rooms, lots of people like them, and hopefully someone will see this place and love it. And not knock down walls in a ’50s or ’60s ranch!
maria says
You can tell some areas have been refreshed (kit/bath), but done tastefully and in keeping with the house. Wish everyone was mindful enough to do this. Such a stunner!
pam kueber says
Yes: I’ll agree that one bathroom was updated. But I am not so sure about the kitchen. I think that could be/is original.
maria says
The cabinets are painted, the floor looks updated, can’t tell about the counters, but the faucet and window are newer. The appliances look original, but I can’t recall when they came out with white microwaves. The first over the range micro came out in 1978 from GE and this commercial from 1982 has it still looking like mine: woodgrain (it was the only color option – we bought it for mom for Christmas from the then local GE factory! – and it still works like a champ. It’s smaller than today’s style and much more clearance over the stovetop than newer models with turntables.)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SeWxeV7LQSo
It would be interesting to see if the backsplash is tile or wallpaper. I’ve seen 70’s kitchen wallpaper that looked like that. Overall it looks really great. Thanks for another wonderful post!
Jay says
70s? Where’s the avocado green and harvest gold? This is ultra high end 70s – great lighting and furniture. A real time capsule, thanks for sharing!
Sally says
I love looking at the time capsule house that you share with us! Even if I would never choose to decorate my home this way, I enjoy stepping back in time.
Amarissa Parker says
WOW! This stylish home lives LARGE! Loving the fact that it is sooooooo 70’s, yet carries that ‘homey’ feeling without being overdone.
Susie Q. says
I wish there were a better photo of the wallpaper in the dining area/bar. I love it! From what I can tell, it’s a print of viking (?) ships tossing on huge waves. It’s so glamorous…. I’m also wondering if that brown accent wall (behind the zebra) was painted more recently. That shade of cold taupe doesn’t strike me as very 70’s.