The Johnson family had been living in their Lincoln Park apartment for three years, and while they loved their neighborhood with its tree-lined streets and proximity to the lake, their living room had become a constant source of frustration. With two children under the age of 7 and a 65-inch TV that dominated one wall, they needed a media solution that could handle their modern family life without compromising style or functionality.
Like many Chicagoans living in apartments, the Johnsons were working with limited square footage. Their living room measured just 14 feet by 18 feet, with the TV wall measuring approximately 10 feet wide. Their previous console was only 60 inches wide, leaving their 65-inch TV hanging off the edges and creating an awkward appearance. "In Chicago apartments, every inch counts," explains Sarah Johnson. "We needed something that could span the width of our TV wall without overwhelming the space. Our old console looked like it was drowning our TV."
With two young children, toys, remotes, gaming equipment, and media accessories quickly accumulated. Their previous console had minimal storage and no cable management, resulting in a tangled mess of wires behind the TV. "We had baskets on the floor collecting remotes and cables snaking everywhere," said Michael Johnson. "It didn't just look bad—it was a safety hazard with little ones running around. We needed something that could hide our mess while still providing easy access to what we need."
The Johnsons knew they needed something that could accommodate their 65-inch TV while spanning most of their 10-foot TV wall. "We measured everything carefully," Sarah noted. "We needed at least 180cm to properly support our TV, but ideally something between 200-220cm to make the TV look properly sized in our space. And it had to be low-profile—our apartment has standard 8-foot ceilings, and we didn't want something that would make the room feel cramped."
With active children, the Johnsons needed something durable that could withstand daily use. "We've had our share of spills and bumps," Michael admitted. "We wanted something heat-resistant for hot serving dishes during movie nights, scratch-resistant for when toys accidentally hit it, and easy to clean. Our old laminate console had permanent marks from just a few years of use." In Chicago's humid summers followed by dry winters, they also needed something that wouldn't crack or warp with changing humidity levels. "Our previous wood console started showing signs of damage during our first Chicago winter when the heating came on," Sarah recalled.
The Johnsons had been researching options for months before they stumbled upon MIDHILL, a furniture retailer known for quality contemporary pieces. "We were getting frustrated with the limited options at big box stores that didn't have the aesthetic we wanted, and custom pieces were way out of our budget," said Sarah. "MIDHILL's collection had exactly what we were looking for—modern design without sacrificing functionality." They scheduled a consultation at the MIDHILL showroom in the West Loop, where they saw the Italian Minimalist Sintered Stone TV Cabinet in person. "When we saw the floating design and the marble top, we knew this was it," Michael said. "The salesperson explained how durable sintered stone was and how the extendable options could work for our space. We were sold."
What made this console stand out for the Johnson family was its combination of style and practicality. "The clean lines and minimalist design perfectly matched our modern aesthetic, but the features were what really sold us," Sarah explained. "The fact that it could extend from 180cm to 240cm meant we could customize it exactly to our space. The floating base gave it this architectural quality that made our living room feel more open, and the marble top gave it that luxurious touch we wanted without being too fussy for family life." The hidden handleless storage was another key selling point. "We love the clean look of no handles," Michael said. "Just a gentle push to open the doors and everything is hidden away. It's perfect for keeping the living room looking tidy even when we have company coming over."
The Johnsons opted for the 200cm version of the console, which perfectly accommodated their 65-inch TV with about 8 inches of overhang on each side for a balanced look. "The extendable feature was genius," Sarah noted. "We could customize it exactly to our wall width. When we need more space for entertaining, we can extend it to 220cm." At 18cm high and 45cm deep, the console provided ample storage without protruding too far into the room. "It sits perfectly below our TV mount, and we have room for soundbars and media boxes," Michael explained. "The weight capacity of the top is also impressive—we've had serving dishes and even a small plant on it without any issues."
The sintered stone top with Calacatta marble finish has been a game-changer for the Johnson family. "It's completely heat resistant, so we can put hot coffee cups or serving dishes directly on it without worrying about damage," Sarah said. "And the scratch resistance is amazing—our toddler once accidentally hit it with a toy car, and there wasn't a mark." The floating metal base adds both visual appeal and practicality. "The slim black metal supports make it look like it's floating, which makes our living room feel more spacious," Michael explained. "But they're also incredibly sturdy—we've loaded it up with media equipment and it doesn't wobble at all." In Chicago's climate, the non-porous surface of the sintered stone has proven invaluable. "Unlike our previous wood console, it doesn't absorb moisture," Sarah noted. "We've had no issues with warping or cracking through our humid summers and dry winters."
Installation was surprisingly straightforward for the Johnson family. "MIDHILL arranged for delivery and assembly," Sarah explained. "The team arrived on time and had it set up in about 45 minutes. They were professional and cleaned up after themselves, which was great since we had our kids at daycare that day." The only challenge was getting the 200cm console through their apartment door. "Our building has standard 36-inch doorways," Michael said. "The console came in two pieces, which made maneuvering it much easier. The installation team knew exactly how to handle it."
"The transformation is incredible," Sarah said. "Our living room looks like it's straight out of a design magazine now. But beyond aesthetics, the functionality is what makes us happiest. We can finally hide all our media equipment and have organized storage for everything." Michael adds, "The marble top is the perfect centerpiece for our living room. We've gotten so many compliments from friends and family. Plus, it's so easy to clean—a quick wipe with a damp cloth takes care of any spills or dust." The Johnsons also appreciate how the console has helped them maintain organization. "We have designated compartments for our kids' tablets, remotes, and game consoles," Sarah explains. "Everything has its place now, which means less clutter and more relaxing movie nights."
"Absolutely," says Sarah. "If you're living in a Chicago apartment and need a media solution that's both stylish and functional, this console is worth every penny. It's an investment piece that will last for years." Michael adds, "We've had it for six months now, and it still looks as good as the day we got it. For a family with young kids, that's saying something. The quality is exceptional, and the design elevates our entire living space." The Johnsons estimate that the console will last them for at least 10 years, making it a smart long-term investment for their home. "When we eventually move to a house, we'll definitely take this with us," Sarah says with a smile. "It's that good." For the Johnson family, finding the Italian Minimalist Sintered Stone TV Cabinet wasn't just about upgrading their media setup—it was about creating a living space that works for their family's lifestyle while still maintaining the sophisticated aesthetic they desired. In a city like Chicago where space is often limited, this console has proven to be the perfect solution for modern family living.