A Chicago-style Apartment gets a Colorful Makeover / 800 sq ft 1 bedroom in Chicago, Illinois

Description

Name: Alex | The Bareback Contessa https://www.instagram.com/the_bareback_contessa_/ Location: Chicago, Illinois Size: 800 SQ FT / 74 SQ METERS Type of Home: 1 bedroom apartment Years Lived In: Since 2021 After a mere 2 weeks into the apartment search, Alex secured this 1 bedroom 800 sq ft classic Chicago apartment and moved in with nothing but a coffee table to his name. He says, "I made a promise to myself that I wouldn’t go into credit card debt to furnish this home. I have spent a LOT of time scouring Facebook Marketplace, thrift stores, the alleys in my neighborhood, to turn this apartment into the home it is today." Alex loves to cook, host friends, and experiment with home decor, describing his home as collected, maximal and welcoming. We love the color palette carried throughout the home– foundations of green, pink and burnt red, unify the eclectic furniture pieces and vibrant artworks. The big bay windows in the dining room (a classic Chicago feature) lead you into the real show stopper– Alex's lemon tree kitchen. Alex says, when he "saw Drew Scott of Lone Fox Home use this same lemon wallpaper in his apartment kitchen and couldn’t get it out of my head. That was the biggest inspiration. I was originally going to wallpaper only one wall, but once I started, I knew it needed to cover the entire kitchen." It's fantastic and immediately sets the stage for a delicious meal and lively conversation. The centrally located dining room, which Alex stresses is the most versatile room of the apartment, is anchored by a long black dining table which can seat up to 12 people. It's where Alex often works and hosts his friends. Alex's word of advice is to ("above all") choose comfortable dinning room chairs. Instead of feeling the need to choose one fabric color for the set, Alex purchased the same model in multiple colors! This is a great trick for any maximalist who also wants to find unity within the unexpected. Two of our favorite small space tricks: Alex's use of floating shelves for his spirits collection (rather than a cabinet or bar cart that takes up valuable floorspace). Secondly, use dressers, armoires and any other antique furniture staple to hold whatever the hell you want– break the rules, but do it stylishly. Take a closer look and see the many other gems in this detailed, collected and savvy home. Thank you, Alex, for sharing your delightful home with us! CHAPTERS 0:00 -Intro 0:25 - Alex's style 0:51 - Living Room 1:25 - The color palette 1:40 - Dining Room 2:37 - Bedroom 3:17 - Kitchen 4:27 - Office 4:50 - Closing thoughts RESOURCES LIVING ROOM Coat Rack - Amazon Dresser - Facebook Marketplace Art - Thrifted, museum gift shops Record shelf - Found in the alley Chrome Chairs - Facebook Marketplace, from the 70s Sofa - Facebook Marketplace, Arhaus Kimpton sofa Coffee Table - Passed down from my grandmother Chartruese Chair - Passed down from an ex’s parents DINING ROOM Table - Facebook Marketplace, discontinued Ikea Round table - Estate sale Woman lamp - Found in the alley Dresser - Facebook Marketplace Bar shelves - Found in the alley Small table - Facebook Marketplace Bookshelves - Nathan James https://nathanjames.com/products/6-shelf-ladder-bookshelf-white KITCHEN Island - Facebook marketplace, discontinued West Elm Wallpaper - US Wall Decor https://uswalldecor.com/products/lemon-zest-peel-and-stick-wallpaper-white China cabinet - Facebook Marketplace BEDROOM Bedframe - Wayfair Armoire - Facebook Marketplace Lampshades - thrifted Reading lights - Facebook Marketplace OFFICE Desk - Facebook Marketplace Chair - passed down Wicker storage baskets - Ikea ABOUT APARTMENT THERAPY Inspiring and helping everyone to live happy, healthy lives at home. https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/ MORE FROM APARTMENT THERAPY Subscribe to our channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/apartmenttherapy?sub_confirmation=1 Join us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@apartmenttherapy?lang=en Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/apartmenttherapy/ Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/apartmenttherapy/