The neutral foyer in this Chicago home showcases interesting art and subdued colors and leads into the more modern living room, which mixes traditional furnishings with abstract art in a cohesive blend of old and new.

The client didn't want anything "old lady" in the redesign of his classic living room. "When the art dealer delivered the abstract painting that hangs over the fireplace, the customer and I hugged," said designer Tony Stavish. "We knew we had the heart of the room then." The interesting rug plays with other patterns in the room and was the ideal piece to tie the space together. "We waited over a year for the custom silk and wool rug from Pakistan," explains Tony. "One day it arrived unannounced with the morning mail. Somewhere in transit it had lost its wrapping and had unrolled, so there it lay in a heap on the doorstep covered in dirt, looking like a hopeless design loss. We prayed to the all-powerful patron saint of lost decorating causes, St. Rita (a fabulous decorator), had the rug picked up, and a week later, it arrived like new. Amen."

Entertaining was high on the list for these homeowners. The living room bay window seat offers a beautiful place to sit and read or enjoy a cup of coffee with friends and family.