Interesting because of the variety of its architecture, and attractive because of the harmony with which it has been executed, is the residence of Mr. and Mrs. A. Olis, 10721 Hoyne Avenue. Since its completion last November, the house, charming in itself, has been enhanced by artistic landscaping so that it has become one of the distinctive newer homes of the Ridge District.
While carefully avoiding slavish imitation of foreign models, the architect, Charles D. Faulkner, 309 N. Michigan Avenue, has embodied in this unique dwelling features adapted from the architecture of various European countries in different centuries.
Of Flemish design is the exterior, with its steep pitched roof and its narrow windows. The walls are of yellow face brick, with a white stone trim. The slanting roof, the long, thin windows, the slender chimney with its three parts,—indeed, everything about the exterior of the building tends to create the effect of an unusually tall, narrow building.
On entering at the side, one feels again the height of the building, for there is a two-story reception hall, whose groined arches and gothic window emphasize its lofty character. The hall is plastered with a rough sand finish. The floor of the hallway, as well as the steps of the curved stairway leading to the second floor, are of a composition which resembles marble. The ribs of the arched ceiling are decorated with hand painted designs, executed by Louis Weinzlebaum, 410 N. Michigan Avenue. Mr. Weinzlebaum planned the interior decoration of the entire dwelling, with suggestions from Mrs. Olis, who has herself studied interior decoration.
Painted plaster beams, unbelievably perfect in their imitation of wood, comprise the ceiling of the living room. The walls are of medium rough green plaster. Hewn oak floors give the impression of mellow age to the room. A marble fireplace adorns the north wall of the living room.
The rough floor is repeated in the dining room, entered from the hall through an iron gate. This room, also of green, is done in the antique manner. The plaster ceilings are panelled and painted with gay colored shields to resemble wood. A tarnished silver chandelier hangs from the center.
Also opening off of the reception hall are a lavatory and a small octagonal den, or library. An unusual effect is gained in this latter room by panels of dull red, edged with gold, and black woodwork.
A tiny semi-circular breakfast nook and a very modern kitchen, equipped with a dishwashing machine, a Kelvinator and an incinerator, complete the first floor plan.
Upstairs are four comfortable bedrooms, a linen closet and two baths, one of tile and the other of composition, to resemble marble. The front bedroom, of generous dimensions, has a fireplace. All of the bedrooms are separated by conveniently arranged hallways.
The building in its entirety embodies individuality, convenience and harmony.
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