Bringing a California style project to a place like Highland Park may seem like a bit of a non-sequitur, however, I have found that maximizing outdoor space and integrating that space with the indoor spaces makes sense whether you live in the Chicagoland area, or California. We design houses that embrace the outdoors and the outdoor spaces are as carefully designed as the indoor spaces. Highland Park Modern was intentionally designed to have private, manageable outdoor spaces with dining, lounging and gardening areas. Houses still available for under $1.2 million, close to downtown Highland Park, beaches. For full information, go to HPModernhomes.com

Access to outdoor dining and green space at Highland Park Modern

Roof deck overlooking private garden space below at Highland Park Modern

Other projects by Nicholas Design Collaborative in and around Chicago take full advantage of outdoor space whenever possible.

Alignment with the front entrance and incorporation of water elements create clues to what is next in the Cortland Residence

Where water is the theme of one courtyard, fire activates another at the Cortland Residence

Periscope House extends living space of family room to the outdoors

Folding glass wall opens the family room to outdoor seating pool access at the Cortland Residence

Sun, water and outdoor living at the Sawyer Pool House in Michigan