Name: Dana Joy
Location: Logan Square
Size: 1700 sq. ft.
When Dana moved to her current apartment last August she started over - she moved in only two pieces of furniture. She has collected everything else this past year, utilizing all the shopping resources Chicago has to offer from the thrift shops and antique malls to DWR's warehouse sale. She compliments the furnishings she has chosen with long-loved pieces from her childhood and an enviable collection of contemporary art. The apartment is sunny and inviting, with windows on all three sides and a deck overlooking the garden.
Years lived in: Approaching my first year anniversary.
Inspiration: The feel of my 70�s childhood and the natural world.
My style: Sunny, relaxed, plush and colorful with sophisticated touches thrown in.
Favorite room: My bedroom. It�s got big windows, great light and a tree lined view. The colors are soothing and it�s incredibly restful. The bedding is rich and textured and makes me so happy.
Most talked about element: I hear all the time that the place just feels good or that it has good energy. I couldn�t ask for a greater compliment.
Most embarrassing element: I don�t know if embarrassed is the right sentiment but I�m not a fan of the Amityville Horror blood red walls in the entryway. The former tenant, painted them, but she painted over existing wallpaper and I guess I�m dreading that project the most. It�s next on my list.
Proudest DIY: Tie: the gold painted pressed tin ceiling in the living room and my collection of 60�s & 70�s ceramics.
Dream source: Art galleries around the world. If only. But I�d also take a shopping spree at Todd Merrill in NYC any day of the week.
Reality source: The Ark, Brown Elephant, Mt. Sinai thrift stores and various and sundry antique stores and malls. I�ve also bought some pieces at DWR and Knoll but those are few and far between.
Best advice: There is nothing I�ve found quite so satisfying as surrounding myself with things that move me and getting to wake up to and live amongst them every day. It�s not about quantity either, but I would advise anyone to search out those things, trust me, it will change your life!
Found treasure: My 1960�s Nagel candelabra
Had forever: I have so much great stuff from my childhood -the needlepoint pillows were hand made by my mom circa 1972. I just had the backs replaced and re-stuffed with fresh down. Many of my housewares are from that time, also passed down to me from my mom. She was this incredibly modern woman with amazing taste and vision. I have original Dansk wood bowls, enameled Copco oven-to-table cookware in great shapes and colors, handmade earthenware bowls and serving pieces and then there�s my prize - my mom�s brick red porcelain Villeroy & Boch china; it was her wedding china. OK, it was her third wedding but it �s still so hip.
Just got: My living room sofa. It�s from the Ark Thrift store. The tag attached to one of the pillows said it was custom made for a Mr. Martin Price and I�d guess it�s from the 60�s. It�s in near mint condition with beautiful, soft upholstery; it probably lived most of its life in plastic seat covers. I�m going to replace the casters with cylindrical polished chrome legs to push its look into the 70�s. I�m completely jazzed about it.
I met Dana at an event she invited AT to last month and she expressed interest in having AT:Chicago do a House Tour. It was a pleasure to visit and photograph her home. Thanks Dana! -janel
Do you have an idea for a house tour?
Let us know - chicago(at)apartmenttherapy(dot)com - thanks!
(Re-edited from a post originally published 07.20.06)
How can you talk about the bedroom without mentioning that wonderful ceiling?
A great apartment with some nice architectural details.
Oh, to have a bedroom that fits the bed AND a couch!
Beautiful light and warmth, Dana.
Really nice work you have done there.
I love the rainbow pillow on the couch!
Wow what a place! Could it be more light filled, cozy and clutter-free? I love all the artifacts of her 70's childhood. This lady has some seriously passionate good taste...what would it take to get her over to my place to give it the magic touch? I'm now truly envious and inspired.
Lovely. And thank you for the photos of the after-dinner and of the kitchen in use- it's nice to see that homes are lived in.
those ceilings! how wonderful. your place really seems great.
Dana,
We love it. So different from what you left behind, and that was gorgeous too!
Such a lovely, warm inviting space. The gold ceiling is so glamorous!! Just beautiful!
Dana-
I am so envious of your light and airy apartment! The cross-stitched pillows on the sofa are fantastic, but my personal favorite is the candelabra on the dining table. A real treasure!
Boy I love it! Great apartment! You have done a marvelous job. I love how light it is. I am getting ready to move back to Chicago soon and now I'm even more anxious to be there.
Great place...great taste!
The ceilings are fabulous, and the dining room chairs are wonderful.
Your place makes me pine for my old vintage apartment -- and I never thought anything could ever make me do that! Simply wonderful, from the bright and lived-in kitchen to the comfy and spacious bedroom. Congrats on making such a fine home!
Wow, you've done a fabulous job, Dana! The bedroom is definitely my favorite. I am in love with the D above the drawers, and I can't imagine how wonderful it must be to curl up on the bedroom couch on a sunny afternoon with a good book. It's beautiful and personal -- exactly how a home should be.
Since I couldn't you see on our recent visit I am thrilled to get a peak at your new space. The apartment is dynamic and soothing in the same breath -just like you.
Lucia
I love your bedroom, too. Would you share what colors are on your walls?
Thanks--
WOW, Dana! What a gorgeous apt...I share your feelings on the red wall...I'd love to help you change it..I have a steamer that would help...Missed seeing the floor lamp in your d.r....Love you!...congratulations..it's truly great.
Anna & Dan said it before me: love the couch in the bedroom but, boy, does it make me envious. The sunlight in your place is really great and makes me kick myself for going garden level. But I don't leave this post filled with jealousy, really. I like what you've done and how you did it. Makes me smile.
LOVELY. one of my favorite tours yet!
This is the kind of place that needs to be featured in a magazine because it looks artful and not professionally styled. Yoo hoo, Domino! Elle Decor! Wake up!
just wanted to say a big thank you to all the people who've commented on my space-it means so much to me, you have no idea.
To answer the paint color question, the walls in the living room are Ralph Lauren studio white and the bedroom is (I only have the number left on an old can of paint) Ralph Lauren GH61. It's a pale sage green. Hope that helps.
Love your home!
Is the paint color in your dining room studio white as well?
Beaytiful apartment! And I love that coffee table! Do you know anything about it?
Love the Peter Max-like needlepoint pillow on the sofa (and everything else!), boy does that bring back memories!
I LOVE your place - so open and sunny. Your friends are right - great energy and very welcoming. I love the contrast of the victorian-type ceiling with your modern mix. Love your 'D', too - that's a great letter! Really nice...thanks for sharing.
geri
Did you click on the slide show link?
That's the Spun Light by Flos...
I got the coffee table at the Ark on Lincoln Avenue and I know nothing about it's orgins. I would guess it's from the 80's? It's so glam. It's a heavy mother too.
Someone else asked about the color in my dining room and I am so sorry but I don't have the can or remember the name, it's a soft grey, has some blue in it. It's Benjamin Moore.
I can't believe there have been two house tours this week that have managed to avoid getting any nasty posts whatsoever - astounding!
Really nice work Dana!
That's cuz there's no photo of the Amityville Horror wall...
ooo creepy the code I have to enter has 666 in it!
The entire place is absolutely beautiful; very light and airy. I love the "D" in the bedroom. Very Laverne & Shirley-esque.
very nice space - this looks like the kind of place that would have a clawfoot tub - does it? I didn't notice any bathroom pics.
Love "D" over your dresser - and the pillowcases. I also love the lamp to the left of your bed - is that an Adler lamp?
Love the tin ceiling and the openess - high ceilings are amazing when you can get them.
question - where is logan square? my family is from wicker park - my grandmother went through the great depression in chicago - some of my family are still living there. My uncle was raised there and my great aunt still teaches ballroom weekly at 82 yrs old.
Holly
Dana:
Love your place! Your home just glows -- and it is not merely a quality of the light or the colours, but the naturalness and sensitivity with which it has been put together. Your home radiates harmony; it makes me feel good just seeing it over the computer screen! (actually, it is quite fitting your last name is Joy, come to think, because that is the quality your home has...)
I know this is probably a useless question, but I'll ask anyway... I am particularly taken by your acqua/turquoise D -- where did you find it?? The font is really great! I am desperate to find a T (for my daughter) in something similar. If you ever manage to find one, please, please think of me! I have been looking for something like this ever since she was born, but just haven't come across anything...
Really Beautiful Job. You have managed that incredibly difficult balance of decorated without being "overdone" and lived in without being sloppy...this means you have talent.
I too liked the green color in the bedroom and have found it: Ralph Lauren Greenhouse Collection, Allium Green (GH61).
i like the way this space feels cohesive -- using the same color palette throughout the apartment helps bring it together despite the eclecticism of the furniture and knicknacks. i also love how even though you don't have tons of art hanging on each wall, and the few pieces you do have are very small, AND the walls in the living and dining areas are white, the walls still don't seem bare. i think that's a really difficult balance to maintain and one that i'm really trying to work on in my own space.
I really love the paintings that are hanging over that great couch in your bedroom, I'm curious to know who painted them. Thanks for sharing your home, it's so light and beautiful!
Beautiful.
I believe I'm smitten with the rug under the dining table. Any chance we could see a close up. The colors are fantastic and I'm assuming there is tufting and texture.
You have great stuff... Just the right amount of 70's without it being a pastiche or "out of the box" modern. Well done!
Ok.
Just looked at the slide show... Not sure how I missed that...
Those needlepoint pillows rock.
Holly,
Logan Square is just Northwest of Wicker Park, bounded by Diversey on the North, Armitage on the South, Western on the East and Pulaski on the West. These are approximations, of course: I've seen apartments well in the heart of the Puerto Rican Humboldt Park area advertised as Logan Square. (This is changing as Humboldt Park becomes more desirable - that's Real Estate for you.)
Anyway, Logan Blvd, part of Chicago's Boulevards Landmark spaces, ends at an actual square where it meets Milwaukee Ave. The houses facing the square are truly gorgeous. Click my name for more.
where did you find the pillowcases on the bed...i have been looking for something modern and brightly colored like those!
thanks!
Hey Dana,
Just visited your site and congrats you have achieved where you are, a wonderful place to be. You have taken your time in picking the right peices and it shows, can't wait to see it in person.
First i want to say again, THANK YOU everyone for all your comments. This has been so awesome for me. Forgive me for being MIA these past few days, now I'm ready to answer some questions:
Veronica - I got the pillow cases at ABC Carpet and Home in NYC. They have a great website where I'm sure you could find them.
Corbet- the rug is from the Ravenswood Antique Mall and it's a Rya rug which is a Finnish rug, this one's from the sixties. I don't have a tighter shot unfortunately but it's lime green with white, red, orange and yellow in it. It would be even brighter if I would take it to get professionally cleaned one of these days.
Holly - Logan Square is an old neighborhood very close to Wicker Park-just north and a touch west with lots of turn-of-the-century mansions on an historic boulevard that runs through it. Logan Boulevard. It's got a great preservation society- one that guards and values it's architecture from tear downs which I really appreciate. It's very green and beautiful and as yet under-developed and I hope it stays that way.
Lizzy - yes! Allium Green-that's it! and thanks so much for your words...
Jen- the paintings I found at of all places - Paper Boy on Belmont. It's a stationery store owned by the same guy that owns Uncle Fun. He found all these primitive/naiive paintings by a man who signed his paintings MANAS. They were all of women and were painted in the 50's and 60's. he found them all I believe in a basement of a buidling he bought. He showed them in the small gallery space in Paper Boy and I bought them a few years ago.
Monika - my boyfriend saw an old light industrial building coming down that had the words "Painting & Decorating" in the sign. He went by and took all the letters and gave me the D as a gift. He thinks he has a "t" that he'd be interested in parting with for a small price. I would be happy to put him in touch with you. Just let me know how.
Lastly, Anna - thanks for being so generous and cordial and helpful in answering questions in my absence.
Most sincerely,
dana joy
Dana!!!
AWESOME!!!
Just email me at monika@web.ca !!!!
monika, he will be emailing you direct.
dj
For some strange reason, I feel like I already know you. I think it's because the house looks so damn inviting. Have to ask though, where did you find the candleabra (slides 20 and 22)? I've seen variations of it where the pieces are placed randomly together creating an interesting sculptural display. I've also seen them on ebay, but all were in the UK. Thanks for the help in advance.
Oh, by the way, I just painted a red wall in my foyer also -- and no, it was not a fun project.
¡gracias snra.!
mark, that is the most awesome compliment yet I do believe.
why, thank you sir. the candelabra was purchased at Modern Times, formerly on Milwaukee and now on Grand and Leavitt. It was in the window when I first saw it and it haunted me for quite a long time. Then I went back and it was still there and I snapped it up. I have seen other variations as well and individual pieces here and there, too. Ravenswood and Edgewater antique malls have had the individual pieces for sale, I've seen them a few times here and there. Ebay too, like you, I've seen them. There was a spread in Met Home recently that featured a man who used the pieces together as his fireplace screen, it was very cool.
Dana,
You have incredible taste. I loved everything, including the wonderful ceilings. You mention you did them yourself. Do you have any suggestions on where to look for how to do this? I live in a vintage apartment with some nice period details, but there is a drop ceiling in the bedroom! I'd love to do away with it.
Thanks!
well, Kerry the beautiful ceilings and all the architectural details were here when I moved in, I just spackled and painted the ceiling in the living room. So my DIY is really just the paint. My only thought for you is to peak under the drop ceilings, see what's there and if possible, install pressed tin yourself.
Say, has anyone out there installed tin ceilings themselves?
I'll ask Janel if she knows too. Hang on a sec...
Hi Dana,
I was wondering where you got the dining room table- it is awesome! I would like one just like that but in white. Any hints would be helpful!
Thanks!
Hi, I got the dining table at the Mt. Sinai thrift store on Diversey. It looked close enough to a parson's table but with rounded edges. It is white. Yo mean the dining room table not the marble low coffee table right?
Hi,
I was just wondering where you got your dresser from. I have been searching far and wide for a simple dresser and I love the way yours works with your bedroom!
Thanks!
that is an old Heywood Wakefield dresser from the 40's. I purchased it many years ago at a now defunct antique store on Webster in Chicago. There's a place in Three Oaks, Michigan called Springdale that specializes in Heywood Wakefield so google them an dcheck them out. Hope that helps!
I know I'm about a year late. You have a beautiful place. If you ever want to sell your Nagel Candelabra, please know that I am interested. I have been looking all over for just that one piece to compliment my vintage Saarinen table.
Thank you.
crimdellacrim@gmail.com
view crimdellacrim's profile
p.s. or better yet know of a place where I can find one! :)
Thanks again!
view crimdellacrim's profile
Crimdellacrim-
A long awhile ago (over a year), I think I remember seeing some simliar candelabras at revival in chicago. They might still have them or, if not, they might know where to look.
view cardboard's profile
a year's worth of comments and no one said anything about the big peanut sitting on her coffee table? It is awesome!
view eeeck's profile
Wow...everything is so different but works amazingly well together.
view Keisha Kornbread's profile
I could stare at their ceiling all day with one heckuva a grin.
view gregory's profile
Hi Dana - I love your style, sense of placement, and unique flair. On slide 8 can you tell me what the pen and ink (or black paint) wall print is (maker, and where you found), as well as the "folk" art type portraits on slide 28 (maker, and where you found)? One more oooh, that wasn't mentioned in over a year were your luxurious white dining chairs. I'm drooling. Thanks so much for sharing your space, it made my evening!
view tanisjj's profile
tanisjj,
hi there, I had no idea that over a year later I'd acquired some new comments so I hope you get this. The black and white drawing that you liked in slide 8 is by a local artist named William O'Brien. His website is www.wobwobwob.com and he's represented by Western Exhibitions.
The other paintings are intuitive/outsider art that I picked up at a store owned by a man who foud a pile of paintings all by the same man from the 60's and 70's in a basement storage space of a building he bought.
I really appreciate your comments so thanks very much.
sincerely,
dana joy
view danajoy's profile
hi Dana,
Your apartment is extremely inspiring!
(I noticed it a while ago, when they first published this) I found the 70s/80s "theme" VERY well done. You have great eye!! The first question I can think of is where you got, and who did that picture in your third image in the slide show. The diagonal checkered picture. I LOVE it!! Your place is super inspiring! I know its been a while since you did this, so I'm curious what your place looks like now!! Thanks for sharing!
view anji's profile
Hi Dana,
If you ever see this again.... I LOVE the pillowcases on your bed, and I went hunting for them at ABC Carpet & Home today, but the salesgirl in bedding didn't even recognize their description =( They are also not on their website. Is there any label on them that would indicate who makes them or what the style is? Do you remember how long ago you got them?
Thank you!
Rachel
vhsdr@yahoo.com
view vhsdr's profile
Nevermind about the pillowcases - I found them! They're made by Area, part of their "Four" collection, the pattern is called "Burst" and the color is "Pool".
view vhsdr's profile
dana, i fear i'm years too late. but if you should happen to read this, i'd love to know where your stunning dining room chairs are from. i'd hoped that someone would have already asked you that, but i couldn't find any comments that asked about the chairs! my email: jennifermotre@yahoo.com. i would love to hear from you. and your design choices are absolutely fabulous. great home tour!
view jjmotre's profile
so pleased that this post was resurrected in maxwell's newsletter. what great inspiration! thanks dana (:
view lillie in the city's profile
Absolutely LOVE the dining room chairs.
view ltblmr's profile
Wow..............wow. Where o where did you stumble across a place that airy and so super nice in Logan Square??? The apartments I looked at in Logan Square all smelled like litterboxes and looked at brick walls. I'm jeolous!
view amiencc's profile
hello, dana. your place is lovely. by chance do you know the shade of yellow you painted the sun porch in photo 17?
view cherrycola's profile
Dana,
I am stumbling on this because of the yellow walls because I am in need of a good yellow and then enjoyed each and every picture of your place..you have great second hand buying karma my friend and you can pull it together.
view LoriSF's profile
OH MY GOODNESS DANA!
I CAN'T express how much i ADORE your home. I live in an extremely small box-like studio apt in NYC and see much of my decor style reflected in your home-- while I'm constantly aware of sources of inspiration, now I will look to your slideshow for ultimate inspiration!
Thank you, it's absolutely beautiful!
-j
view jsamoNYC's profile
70 comments and not one of them even slightly negative! That has to a once-off for AT!!! Well I certainly won't be changing that trend... loved every inch of this place... it's just perfect!
view AnastasiaBeaverhausen's profile
Help, how do I get that gold ceiling?
view tlcuningkin331's profile
In a kitchen, tin is awesome, but in any room that doesn't get greasy/humid (and don't tell me your kitchen doesn't get greasy. It does.) you can get wallpaper with similar embossing. And then you paint it gold.
view amanda bee's profile