Erica Blawat Architecture

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United States
Elmhurst, IL
Erica Blawat Architecture

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Design in Play was created to share resources and inspiration with parents and teachers as they design engaging spaces for children.

From historical renovations to modest home remodels to luxury new-construction homes, I approach each house as a unique design challenge to discover a creative and meaningful solution that is both beautiful and functional.

10/05/2026

The bright autumn colors of this stunning seasonal decor pop on a classic dark brick and paneling backdrop at sparkelmhurst 🍁🍁🍁

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09/11/2026

Our house is lit up purple this week in honor of the amazing work of the Alzheimer's Association as we prep for our second annual Covers for a Cause fundraiser tomorrow!
If you are in or near the Elmhurst area tomorrow (9/12), please stop by on your way to Rock the Block and join us for “Covers for a Cause” 1-4pm at 93 Octane in Elmhurst!
Live music, free food and drinks!
Line up includes local musicians Cary Kanno Kanno, School of Rock Elmhurst , and Cargo Road !
This event supports the work of the Alzheimer’s Association which leads the way to end Alzheimer’s and dementia — by accelerating global research, risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. We share these goals and Covers for a Cause aims to raise money that is put towards these life-saving initiatives.
Please reserve your spot so we can provide a venue head count. Tickets are free and going fast!
For tickets, event info, or to make a donation to our cause, just tap the link in my story or copy and paste the link below:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/covers-for-a-cause-tickets-1992162496655
Hope to see you there! 💜

09/10/2026

At this extensive home renovation, even the basement will undergo a full transformation.
Taking advantage of the lower basement slab at the new addition, the new stair spills down into an inviting media room with higher ceilings, paneled walls, and new built-in cabinetry. While the open stair allows this room to feel like an extension of the main floor living spaces, the new passage to the original basement provides separation and privacy. Featuring a guest bedroom, bathroom and lounge/playroom, this portion of the basement functions as an extension to the media room for entertaining or as a private guest suite when the passage doors are closed.
Swipe thru to see more renderings of the media room and play room as well as the existing and proposed basement floor plans.
Architecture: Erica Blawat Architecture
Interior Design: Artfully Home Design
Construction: Maglux Construction
Renderings: Maglux Construction

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09/08/2026

To minimized the size of the new addition while also creating a generous primary suite in this home renovation, we utilized both the new and reconfigured existing spaces. The new bedroom fills much of the addition, featuring a cathedral ceiling, backyard views, and clever trim details (swipe to last image). The primary bath however straddles both new and old taking existing structural alignments into consideration and leaving the main circulation paths uninterrupted for the most efficient use of space.
Two south-facing windows are aligned over the vanity, each with a mirror suspended to provide privacy while washing the space in natural light. A separate water closet and a generous shower showcase matching arched doors. The bedroom door and passage to the new walk in closet flank the vanity. With attention to alignments and flow, even a modest space can be beautifully balanced as well as highly functional.
Swipe thru images to see renderings of the new bathroom, new bedroom, and the before and after floor plans.
Architecture: Erica Blawat Architecture
Interior Design: Artfully Home Design
Construction: Maglux Construction
Renderings: Maglux Construction

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09/04/2026

With framing complete, we can start to see the new spaces taking shape! A new rear addition will hold a generous kitchen with an island, perimeter floor to ceiling cabinetry, a pass-thru bar window over the sink, and many pretty focal points and features. A perfect spot for everyday function as well as entertaining, the new kitchen is open to the adjacent dining room, but still nicely defined as its own space.
The dining room remains in its original central location, but a new wall recenters and improves the scale of the room. A recessed buffet cabinet pairs well with original corner cabinetry and repeats the arch detail we’ve introduced to the house.
Swipe thru to see before, proposed, and the vision of more to come!
Architect: Erica Blawat Architecture
Interior Design: Artfully Home Design
Contractor: Maglux Construction

09/02/2026

A true design team collaboration, this home renovation will transform a previously poorly “flipped” house into a cohesively designed home with careful attention to architecture, interiors and craftsmanship.
While the living room remains in its existing location, a new arched passageway flanked by built-in shelves will now separate the room from the adjacent foyer while also holding functional storage and concealing an awkward soffit in the corner of the ceiling. The arch also introduces a design feature that compliments the original architecture and will be used elsewhere in the home.
A wide cased opening between the living room and dining room offers the convenience of open-concept living with a more defined traditional design approach. A second opening beyond frames the view into the new kitchen and the windows overlooking the back yard.
Architecture: Erica Blawat Architecture
Interior Design: Artfully Home Design
Construction: Maglux Construction
Renderings: Maglux Construction

̇nteriorarchitecture

08/31/2026

One of the homeowner’s goals for this extensive renovation and addition included addressing the existing steep winding staircase. While original to the home, the shallow treads and steep risers paired with sharp winders lead to plenty of trips and stumbles. Rather than attempting to revise the stair in its current restrictive location, we relocated it entirely to the rear of the home for better access, space, and light, while repurposing the old stair location for a much needed mudroom and closet.
The front and side entries will remain in place, but new interior passages, partitions and architectural details, will now define distinct spaces and improve function and flow through this main circulation point. Intentional alignments will create clean lines and frame views. The new foyer will open to the living room as well as serve as a hallway to the mudroom, study and the stair beyond.
Swipe through to see renderings of the proposed design, before views, progress photos and floor plans. Much more to share soon!
Architecture: Erica Blawat Architecture
Interior Design: Artfully Home Design
Contractor: Maglux Construction
Renderings: Maglux Construction

08/25/2026

Happiest of birthdays to my wonderful daughter. She’s the one who made me a mom and it’s been a fantastic 19 years - way too much to capture in a few pics!

Here’s to a happy birthday and a wonderful year ahead as you kick of your exciting Sophomore year! 😘

07/21/2026

I am thrilled to see this home renovation + rear addition design become reality! A modest 2-story home will be completely transformed with creative space planning that pairs clever reconfiguration with a new rear extension.
The original winding stair was narrow, awkward, and stumbling hazard for the family’s small children. By relocating a proper staircase at the rear of the home we improved circulation, more efficiently used valuable square footage, and let natural light down to the new finished basement. The previous stair space will become a conveniently located mudroom (tucked between the foyer and side entrance), while the former kitchen now holds a cozy study and the dining room. The rear addition features the new generous kitchen with a primary suite above and media room below. With attention to alignments and framed views, the living room, dining room and kitchen balance defined rooms with an open concept appeal.

07/10/2026

This 80 year old home renovation is starting to take shape as framing is nearly complete for our new addition and strategic interior reconfiguration of spaces. While expanding the size of this modest home to fit the homeowner’s program goals, we created a more functional layout, added architectural enhancements that are complimentary to the style and size of the house, and let in lots of natural light.
For this client we are extending beyond standard architectural services to develop the interior architecture as as well as the interior design. Swipe through to see the current framing vs the “before” followed by the proposed design. A sneak peek of our tile selections for the home is at the end.
More to share soon!

Address

Elmhurst, IL

Website

http://www.architecture-eb.com/, http://www.designinplay.com/

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