Purchasing a home without setting foot inside may still sound unusual. Yet for Jason Heyward, the newly signed San Diego Padres outfielder, and his wife Vedrana, it became a necessity. In mid-2020, with the pandemic limiting travel and eliminating open houses, the couple relied entirely on technology to find their new space. Fortunately, smartphones and a trusted assistant made it possible. Their search led them to a new-build brownstone in Chicago’s prestigious Gold Coast neighborhood.
Because of travel restrictions, the Heywards couldn’t visit in person. Instead, they trusted their assistant’s instincts. She called them excitedly, declaring, “These finishes are it!” Her confidence gave them the green light. As a result, they bought the home without physically touring it. Though the home’s structure and systems were sound, the interiors didn’t align with their modern, serene vision. Dark finishes and traditional tones left the space feeling far more somber than they hoped.
However, social media quickly played a new role. Vedrana stumbled upon the work of Michael Del Piero Good Design on Instagram. Instantly, she connected with the firm’s approach. Del Piero’s style transformed tight or dim rooms into spaces filled with air, softness, and calm. Because she loved the use of light wood, brass fixtures, and organic materials, she reached out. The Heywards, once again trusting their instincts, hired the design firm without ever meeting face-to-face.
From that point on, Del Piero worked alongside Tiptop Builders, Sutkus Painting, and Andrew Stansell Design. Over 18 months, they revamped the home to reflect the couple’s lifestyle and aesthetic. They replaced dark floors with lighter ones and brightened walls with soft neutrals. In addition, they reconfigured the kitchen and bathrooms for better flow and usability. The biggest challenge emerged in the primary bath. Del Piero needed to design a wet room that accommodated Jason’s height and Vedrana’s beauty routine. In the end, they achieved a perfect balance of luxury and practicality.
Throughout the home, Del Piero created an illusion of openness without tearing down many walls. This was accomplished through a soft, harmonious palette of butters, creams, and vanillas. She paired these with cozy textures like wool and cashmere, making the space feel both airy and grounded. Nearly every room reflects a commitment to balance, light, and personal expression.
Among the standout spaces is the prayer room. Designed as a cozy retreat, it draws from Vedrana’s Muslim heritage and features floor seating, mosque-inspired art, and gentle, layered textiles. This room, often used in the evenings for family wind-down time, includes an alpaca fur rug and modular seating in various neutral fabrics. Del Piero completed the space with sheer drapes that add softness and privacy. As Vedrana says, “The energy in there is amazing.”
This sense of peace extends into the primary suite. The area includes a bedroom, a large closet, an expansive bath, and an office. The home office, surrounded by windows on three sides, is particularly striking. A soft, pyramidal ceiling enhances vertical space. To balance the sharp angles, Del Piero used long drapes and a bespoke Carine Boxy rug in cowhide and sheepskin. Everything in the room contributes to a spa-like atmosphere that promotes rest and focus.
The children’s playroom also blends fun with refined design. Featuring plush textures for climbing and play, it maintains the home’s overall calm. Yet, the artistic light fixture by Rogan Gregory adds a whimsical, sculptural touch. Even in the most playful areas, thoughtful design remains evident.
Custom artwork and furniture appear throughout the brownstone. From a handcrafted mirror in the bathroom to a custom-upholstered bed frame, the home is filled with pieces tailored to the family’s taste. In the foyer, a painting by Seth Fite grabs attention. Originally featuring a nude subject, Vedrana loved it but worried how it would be received. So, Fite reimagined the work, adding a draped fabric to preserve both its beauty and appropriateness. That collaborative spirit echoed throughout the project.
For Del Piero, the process wasn’t just about furniture and finishes. “Design is a dialogue,” she explains. “It’s a conversation between the space, the objects, and the people who live there.” That philosophy guided every design decision. Despite the physical distance, the Heywards and their designer shared ideas, visuals, and feedback to co-create something deeply personal.
In the end, the Jason Heyward Chicago home became more than just a renovation—it became a story of trust, vision, and technology. The house reflects not only the family’s aesthetic but also their values. Through each room, one senses the calm, clarity, and comfort they set out to achieve—even without ever stepping inside first.
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