Tour Steve and Rachelle Wilkos' Connecticut Home

Steve names the basement media room as his favorite spot in the home. “We just renovated the whole basement last year, and my wife and I worked really hard at making this our place to unwind and relax at night,” he says. Created by Michelle Peterson-Albandoz, the artwork on the wall is made out of reclaimed wood from historic buildings in Chicago. “I felt like it was a nod to Chicago, where I was born and raised,” Steve adds.

Steve says the open layout drew him and his family to this home. “Knowing that the house had to be ‘kid-friendly,’ we liked that it was roomy enough and had a place for everything, but also that our kids could be comfortable in every room,” he says. “We wanted something with a modern feel, and this house just really fit our needs on every level.”

When designing their home, Steve and Rachelle opted for calming, neutral tones and natural wood finishes, as seen in the spacious kitchen.

Steve’s favorite feature in the kitchen is the huge central island. “Everyone hangs out there, whether we’re talking to the kids about their day or helping them with homework,” he says. “It’s really just a great place to talk and unwind when we’re all home after our busy schedules.”