#7- Michael and Mindy's Sunny Chicago Loft

Name: Michael and Mindy
Location: Chicago, Illnois
Type: 1 bedroom loft

Why I use color:"Color is the most dramatic way to make a bold, mood altering impact on your space. On a cold, gray day last spring, we repainted our burgundy walls a warm sunny yellow. The result was a little scary at first, but we soon realized how well the color complemented our white and black accessories. "

"We would love to modernize our apartment by installing hardwood floors, updating our 1987 white laminate kitchen/bath, replacing our dated track lighting, and installing window treatments. Unfortunately, we are encumbered by the realities of living in a rental apartment. For now, we will continue to paint accent colors that reflect our changing moods and the seasons."

2 Good color tips:

"Keep it simple. Varying shades of the same color palette can change moods throughout a room without creating visual clutter. If used correctly, white can make a powerful and elegant statement."

"Color can help define a space. In our open loft, for example, we created an intimate dining setting by highlighting a section of a large wall. "

Favorite type and brand of paint:"Benjamin Moore paint is nice, but if you change the color of your walls as often as we do, Ace brand paint is a cost effective solution. Be careful with semi-gloss and gloss paints. They work well for small accent walls, but on larger areas they show every defect on the wall. "

Comments (32)

Wow! Love this. The yellow is so hot!

very hip.

I love this, it's just the right amount of bright colors without going over the top.

bold colors used judiciously...
love it!

Wasnt this entered last year? Not saying thats a bad thing - if this is the same apartment these photos are much better -and you got rid of the tired old Shoji screen :)

I still think this is a little calm in terms of color use. The stripe behind the bookshelves is inspired, but the rest of the house takes a rather cautious approach. If you're limited in what you can paint why not bring in some extra color with an area rug under the noguchi table (maybe a brown cowhide to pull some of the warmth from the ceiling beams) or some bold window treatments. Same thing in the bedroom - a different colored duvet would add some zest!

Thanks for the comments so far. Modfan, we entered our apartment in DWR's Smallest Coolest contest last spring. Since the competition, we repainted our kitchen yellow and added the puck lights, purchased some new accessories and modernized our tired old Shoji screen (we purchased some new fabric from ReproDepot).

Not my thing. Has one from every foodgroup: eames, noguchi, etc, but not really pulled together in a cohesive way. Sort of a floor-show of modernism, but can't get a real feel for the personalities of the people living there.

The yellow rectangle behind the bookshelf is cool, but I think it would be a billion times more interesting if it wasn't centered behind the bookshelf. Shifting the shelf to the left or right might be something to try.

I'd like to see you add some huge, funky, raucous art to the space, especially for the space above the couch.

Overall, though, a really neat space. And a cute cat!

Wow! what a difference clicking back and forth from this entry to the smallest coolest entry.

This shows the power color has to transform the space.

I love the way the light yellow brightens the place up and makes seem "sunnier."

I also liked the sophistication of the old look with that bold green accent behind the bookshelf.

Either way I think it's refreshing to be able to change the look and feel of your space with a couple gallons of paint.

Good job!

I thought I recognized the apartment. I loved it then and love it even more now. I find that yellow is a difficult color to work with, but you have pulled it off expertly by using just the right amount of it. It will be interesting during the winter, because it will seem like sunshine. I love how you have balanced it with white. I also love the ladder shelf with the wall painted behind it.

Great work!

P.S. - I have a tired Shoji screen too. How did you do the redo? Really nice.

The bold stripe of yellow behind the open-backed bookcase gets my thumbs up!

What is that yellow?

The way you lit the ceiling is fantastic!

Modernizing the Shoji screen was an easy weekend job. First, we removed the wooden grid by breaking a section of wood and carefully removing the rest piece by piece. Afterwards the frame lost almost all structural integrity. I cut the fabric 1" larger in all directions and sewed 1/2" pockets on all sides. I inserted 3/8" x 3/8" basswood sticks into the pockets and sewed the ends shut. This made a sturdy frame of fabric that we attached to the original black Shoji frame with finish nails from the back.

The pictures are great and the apartment is sunny and bright. It is a space I could wake up to every morning.

Good job!

I remembered this from the other contest too, still very nice. It's like showing the seasons of your home. I especially like the yellow in the kitchen, it must brighten your mood every time you see it.

I think (as my sn implies) that the collection of modern pieces works pretty well together. The dining arrangement impedes a little bit into the sitting area - but thats a necessity of the space.

This is LOVELY. I have to disagree with the person ragging on the inclusion of the modern classics. They are classics for a reason--and are used very well in this space. I DO think it could use more personality--more art, books, more of the people that live there. But I like how simple and airy and bright it is is. The yellow has really transformed it.

The only thing I would change is the carpeting. The space would be so much warmer with beautiful hardwood floors, and a couple of modern rugs. But still, nice space!

I adore this space. The owners did a fantastic job.

I have the same cabinets and countertops. I dislike them, but this kitchen looks sophisticated. Is that a beige-y color on the walls with just a yellow painted backsplash?

A wonderful space. I think it looks fresh and comfortable.

Is the yellow behind the bookcase and above the backsplash the same yellow as the one fronting the open kitchen? They look very different in the photos and I'm wondering how they look together if they aren't in fact the same color shot in different lighting.
Agree that yellow can be a tough color, and one you've done well with.

I adore your home! Yellow can be a hard color to work with and I think you have put it to great use. The yellow against the black furniture is striking. Your kitchen looks warm and totally inviting.

Thanks again for all the comments.

Shannon- The yellow behind our bookcases and on the kitchen blacksplash is two shades darker than the yellow on our two larger walls.

I LOVE this loft! Well, the space itself, that is. Where is this in Chicago, if you don't mind me asking?

I am looking for a loft, but everything seems to be either overpriced or in a less-than-wonderful area. Anyone have any recommendations?

very sharp!

Pretty excellent space! You've done a fine job decorating.

Drat, I was too late to vote - I love this one! I wanted this to win Smallest Coolest too... I'm just about to start decoring my very small apartment, and this is making me seriously consider yellow!

this looks like an ikea showroom. good? bad? i don't know.

NIce color mix and surprises, and nice Eames...a treasure.

Well done. Bold colors in the right increments. Lovely contrast of a natural wood and white palette to offset the bold tendencies of color.

I love your home. I think you two did a great drop arranging all your furniture, picking the colors, and not cluttering it up. Looks wonderful!!!! I love how your kitchen is in the corner like that.

the kitchen is like a showroom for kitchen furniture/appliances :D love it, lol! :D