HomeOpen Fortress: Pow! Bam! The Adventures of Stephanie and Reed! (Special Collectors Item Post)
08. Apr, 2009 
27 Comments
I recently met Leo Designs co-founders and Interior Designers Stephanie Wirth and Georgeann Rivas, who are two of Chicago’s most amazing but still relatively undiscovered talents. Worry not folks, because you’ll be seeing their projects in upcoming issues of Chicago’s best home design magazines, but in the meantime I thought you’d like a sneak peek at Stephanie’s home (which can also be seen in an upcoming Flor catalog AND a future issue of Chicago Home + Garden). Oh, by the way, Stephanie’s son Reed is a superhero (HEY, keep your lips sealed! The lad wears a mask to maintain some semblance of a normal kid’s life).
For now Stephanie is his Lois Lane . . . or should I say his Lucy Ricardo? Same dif? She’s always getting into jams and the MIGHTY Reed’s always there to save the day. Like his namesake, the Fantastic Four’s Reed Richards, however, I’m sure Reed is going to grow up to marry a woman who’ll love saving him as much as he loves saving her!
Stephanie’s entire house is fab, European luxury right here in Chicago, but I have too many photos to reveal in one story so consider this a prequel of sorts, an origin story (just like in the comics, folks) featuring some of Reed’s favorite home haunts. You’ll LOVE the ASTONISHING photos from the following rooms:
REED’S SECRET LAIR in the basement is AMAZING, INCREDIBLE! UNCANNY!! While the Woody Allen poster may seem atypical for a caped crusader, it’s really the same thing as Batman’s playing card or giant penny, just a souvenir from a past case (involving Manhattan, a murder and a mystery perhaps?). Without spending much money, Stephanie has worked wonders with her unfinished basement. And with no drywall, flooring, built-ins or other subterranean accoutriments, floods pose no threat! Trust me on this one, I get a stomach ache and break out in a cold sweat every time it rains and my basement is only half finished. Methinks Stephanie’s got powers of her own – design skill and common sense.
REED’S BEDROOM!!! SIMPLE AND SOPHISTICATED (yet FUN!!), just what you’d expect from a young superhero. Keep browsing to see where Reed chills when he’s not battling zombies and mad scientists.
REED’S MAGICAL ENCHANTED FOREST! Even heros like to curl up and enjoy a story read by dear Mum. Did you have a forest on your back porch when you were a kid??? I thought not. Then again, you probably weren’t a superhero.
Here’s SuperReed’s superhero stat card complete with origin story. Enjoy.
- Hero Name: Mighty-Super-Laser-Guy
- Secret Identity: Classified
- Height: Classified
- Age: Classified
- Weight: Classified
- HQ: Chicago’s Northside
- Superpowers: Wit, intelligence, kindness, strength, flight . . . it might be easier to list the powers he doesn’t have.
- Origin: Bitten by a radioactive pre-schooler, Reed soon exhibited powers and abilities far beyond those of normal little boys.
Crime doesn’t pay true believers! Especially when Reed’s around to collect on the debt. ‘Nuff said.
You can view Reed’s playroom (not seen here) in the May / June issue of Chicago Home + Garden (on sale soon). And to see more of Stephanie’s gorgeous home, stay tuned here SAME REED TIME! SAME REED CHANNEL!
Click here to see past Open House tours.
By the way, this nifty wall decal is available at Etsy seller DirtyDecal, an unfortunately named source for this kid’s oriented story, but que sera, sera (it be what it be).
Heroes need disguises and lots of gadgets (they don't all fit in that belt), so Stephanie devised a clever storage system.
To see what lies beyond this doorway (portal?), check out the May / June issue of Chicago Home + Garden
Even a superhero needs some downtime and even one like Reed sometimes leaves a mess for Mom to clean up. Thanks Stephanie and Reed!
fantastic post! love the photos!
That second to last picture is fantastic. Like, gallery-worthy, someone pays hundreds of dollars, published in a magazine fantastic.
The photography is breathtaking. Good job. The home is incredible!
Reed’s bedroom is adorable. The window treatments
are fantastic!!!!
Think he should meet my Princess, and save her from the dragon.
Tate: Can we do arranged marriages on your site?
A great air of mystery about that last photo! What an adorable, er, dashing and brave, superhero is young Master Reed! I love the black and white bedroom. Whoosh! Off I go!
Bold yet inviting! A combination of sophistication and fun. Appealing to both young and old. Stephanie and Reed make a dynamic duo!
What beautiful pictures and such a creative home. Love the mix of modern and european flavored antiques. Can’t wait to see more from these designers.
Clean lines, simple, bold and each room has its own flair.
I love how they managed to make black and white striped bedding for a child whimsical. The inclusion of the Medieval superhero (knight) decals on the walls just speaks of the designers’ creativity. Love the found objects throughout and the punch of color in the fourth picture!
Great use of space. very livable spaces. overall excellent
Clever, artistic, yet practical! Who can argue with creative storage? I can’t wait to see more of this exquisite home and the adventures of Reed! Give us more!
More will be coming your way Chrysa. Thanks for commenting everybody!
What a great space! Clean and open for Reed to practice his flying lessons
)
hi reed i miss u i love ur house!!!!!!
This house is like no other house I have seen. Completely original with whimsical touches along with elegant European influences. The window treatments are wonderful by bringing the outside–in! These pictures are glorious!!
It’s hard to pick a favorite picture, but I love the magical enchanted forest. What a great space to relax in and let one’s imagination fly.
Both the story line and home are warm and funny….both leading me down a path that i want to never end! Reed is a great “super” and what an amazing environment to play in. The house is beautiful! More of the story and home please!!!!
Amazing! These designers are so creative. Love it, love it, love it! Can’t wait to see more:-)
I love the wicker baskets and neutral colors.
As a long time friend and satisfied client, I can attest to the 1) superhero powers of Reed and 2) incredible talent of Stephanie…love the article Stephie!!
Quick question: where can we find the black and white striped fabric? These spaces are so special. Thanks for the inspiration.
looks great!
Great job Stephie!
What an amazing little superhero, living in an amazing space, with an amazing superwoman mom!
Can attest to the incredible artistic talent of both Reed and Stephanie! Gorgeous shoot!!