Words by: Codi Chen Photos by: Andrea Calo
A Hyde Park Remodel
When Amity Worrel, owner and principal interior designer of Amity Worrel & Co., first began working on this charming Hyde Park home, it had character and scale, but it no longer fit the rhythm of the homeowners’ lives. The family was growing, careers were demanding, and the home’s generous footprint masked an old layout that felt disjointed.
From the moment you step through the front door, the home now feels intentional; but that wasn’t without several remodel phases. The entry hall was reconfigured to offer both visual calm and practicality, with added storage and rugs that ground the space.
“Putting a real piece next to a copy, next to something truly old…makes everything feel more special. It’s a reminder not to take it all too seriously.”
Just off the entryway is a reimagined, light-filled playroom, and across the hall, a guest room was thoughtfully reworked to connect with a nearby bathroom, creating a comfortable main-level ensuite for visitors.
Next, the home opens into a large living room, that used to disrupt the flow. “[It] felt like three rooms in one,” Amity explains. “Once we reworked the furniture layout, added built-ins, and defined smaller areas, everything else—especially the kitchen—started to make sense.”
Upstairs, the focus turns inward, with spaces designed for rest and privacy. The primary bedroom is grounded by an upholstered wall that softens sound, while layered midcentury-inspired pieces, including a vintage chest of drawers, a schoolhouse chair, and a Turkish rug from 1940 that ties everything together. Two oversized leather poufs from the 1970s sit at the foot of the bed, adding an easy, relaxed presence. “Putting a real piece next to a copy, next to something truly old…makes everything feel more special,” Amity laughs. “It’s a reminder not to take it all too seriously.”
“Everyone has a different tolerance for drama.”
In the primary bathroom, the focal point is an organic-shaped, lava stone soaking tub. To make it possible, the team reengineered both the wall and the floor beneath it. The surrounding layout was reworked entirely, with a reconfigured closet, vanity, and shower that prioritize storage.
Anchoring the second level is the home office and multipurpose room. White oak shelving and cabinetry line the walls, leading to individual desks, while a corner sofa and TV offer a place to unwind. After the kids are in bed, the couple often finishes work here before settling in to relax together at the end of the day.
The result is a home shaped not by trends, but by comfort, intention, and the quiet joy of spaces that truly support daily life.
Go Bold
Deciding when to go bold in design starts with understanding personality. “Everyone has a different tolerance for drama,” Amity says. A well-balanced space relies less on constant impact and more on intention. Pick one unexpected element per room, whether that’s a vintage piece, meaningful artwork, or a standout fabric pattern. “Those moments keep a home from feeling flat or overly staged,” she says. “Design works best when it leaves room for personality, and even a little weirdness, to show through.”
