Tour a Centenarian Home Filled With Charm

Like most home buyers, Reem and Hesham Hassaballa had a wish list. More space topped it, along with new construction, just like their previous homes had been. “That was the look we always loved,” says Reem, who runs the blog Reem’s Design. Then their realtor suggested they check out a five-bedroom home in a great location in the Chicago suburbs … that was built in 1910. “As we walked up the steps, Hesham said, ‘You know I’m just humoring you, I’d never buy a home this old!’ ” Reem recalls. Sure enough, it had humongous radiators and inoperable windows. But most of the house had been renovated, the ceilings were high and the light abundant, and white oak floors and seven fireplaces proved irresistible. After updating the windows, Reem decorated with timelessly chic pieces in soft colors, mixing in funky shapes for flair and plenty of crash spots for the kids. And she got used to the radiators, which give off awesome heat. Now, she says, “Hesham goes around showing off the original details to guests like it was our plan all along!” (Pictured: Reem and Hesham with, clockwise from left, Sereen, 15; Zac, 9; Minna, 20; and Lianna, 11)

When their children gather in another room to watch TV, homeowners Reem and Hesham retreat to this cozy space. The limestone fireplace, with its arch and rosette details, had seemed formal at first; the asymmetry of custom shelves (decorated with books from Booth and Williams) on one side and a gallery wall on the other relaxed it. Barrel chairs from RH, a triangular coffee table from Article, and a striped rug from Revival also transport the room to 2021.

The previous owners had installed a subway tile backsplash and quartzite counters, and they had painted the cabinets and island. Reem put in brass-finished globe pendants by Hudson Valley Lighting and hung a landscape painting from McGee & Co. on the hood for an unexpected pop. Rattan counter stools by Serena & Lily and a vintage runner warm up all the white. There’s a butcher-block top for food prep at the other end of the island. Reem’s tabouleh is a family fave.

“The built-in bench seats 10, and, not surprisingly, that was a huge selling point for us,” says Reem. A trestle table by RH and cane chairs from Lulu and Georgia lean traditional; an assortment of patterned pillows is very current. Paintings from a consignment store on the right and Target art on the left personalize the area too. A four-arm chandelier by Currey & Company is a sleek take on candelabra style.