Name: Emily & Scott
Location: UIC / South Loop
Size: 850 sq/ft
Emily and Scott haven't been in their converted fruit warehouse condo for long. But four months in and they have done everything themselves including painting, wallpapering, costructing shelving and storage, and grouting the bathroom floor (with slate they picked up in person at a Vermont quary). Their most beloved element of their new home is the "Belenos" textured retro wallpaper, which Emily found online from Wallpaper from the 70s. It was our favorite thing about their place, too. On to Emily and Scott's own words about their style and inspiration:
Years lived in: 4 months
Inspiration: Retro wallpaper; it was the first design element we added. When thiinking about paint colors and furniture, the wallpaper was our starting point.
My style: Mid-century, eclectic
Favorite room: It used to be the living room, but now it's the office, which we just finished up last week.
Most talked about element: Retro wallpaper.
Most embarrassing element: Also the retro wallpaper because we hung it ourselves...it's slightly crooked!
Proudest DIY: We drove to Vermont to get slate for our bathroom floors, and we're still working on the installation. Proudest DIY that's complete? The duvet cover I made from a Marimekko large panel.
Dream source: DWR. And our dream shopping spree would include hitting up De La Espada in New York, and Luminaire and Lightology.
Reality source: Marshall Fields outlet (we got our sofa there); Craigslist, IKEA, Home Depot.
Best advice: Just get things you love and don't worry about them "matching." They will match through your own taste and style.
Found treasure: Bertoia chairs and steel coffee table on Craigslist.
Had forever: Scott's parents' dining table that we painted red.
Just got: Our sofa (Marshall Fields outlet) and area rug (Century Tile).
(Thanks, Emily & Scott!)
love it!
and i totally agree about the matching business - if you love it, it will all work together.
p.s. i have 4 cats and love them all magnificently, but there truly is something about the personality and aura of a black cat, isn't there? my own, olive, just makes my heart ache with his intense love and loyalty! they are so special.
Looks amazing Emily! I can't believe you've only been there 4 months. Now I'm really going to have to spruce up my place before you guys come visit this weekend!
xx,
Katie
Very nice! I love the wallpaper!
Emily it looks fabulous! I cant wait to see it in person! By the way everyone....Emily is an Interior Design student (as you can tell)and is going to be hot so get her before her schedule is booked! ;)
Fun wall paper! And I love the Last Days of Disco poster in French. Super fun.
I love this place! Thanks for sharing Emily.
I think my favorites are those awesome fabric panels covering the closet and your designated Scrabble corner.
Can I ask what your wall color is in the bedroom behind the bed? It's such a nice dark blue.
Mags
I'll let you in on a little secret if you promise not to tell...
Those "fabric panels" are actually Isaac Mizrahi tablecloths from Target converted into curtains craftily by my wife.
She's a smarty.
i love it!!! and i also can't believe you did all that in 4 months!! i love the scrabble area and the rug in your living room. where did you get it?
THANKS!!
Hi! Love your space. Would you mind sharing what paint color you used for slide 14 (the dark brownish neutral in what looks like the livingroom?)
Emily & Scott -- Amazing art work. You have some pieces that would be the prize of any collection. How did you do it? Baghdaddy
Thanks for all the comments! I will post the paint colors on Monday when I'm back in Chicago... the bedroom is a very straightforward medium gray though but your eye does perceive it with a bluish tint.
Beautiful home, where did you get the Last Days of Disco poster?
I also really like the mauvey color in slide #14. Grown up but still has a little kick. Nice. I'd like to see the dining table & chairs "go" together a bit better. Maybe paint the edges of the chairs in a softer shade of the same table red? Or maybe paint the edges of everything with gold (disco?)? I dunno. As you can tell, I'm really into painting edges right now. In general, I think there's a disconnect between the two-tone table & chairs and it's all feeling slightly Michael Jackson "Bad" album (in furniture form). But, overall, really great job. Envious deck space!
Oh! And that metal grated cabinet along the wallpaper wall causes me to drool (in a good way).
Could you tell us what those four posters are of in the dining area? They look like '60s psychedelic rock posters-- which my boyfriend loves, but I find it clashes with my tastes. I love how they work with your space, especially the wallpaper and colorful table. nice job!
-mr
Congrats mama!! I'm so proud of you!! The place looks great and I can't wait to see it in person. I love the shelving unit. Can you come decorate my place soon?
Is it true you had someone fly in From Boston, to install new retro shower enclosure, over your beautiful Vermont Slate? Diad
Wow, you guys did a great job, the office looks terrific. Hey I even noticed the windo treatments Everythings blends together, with great color contrast, at the same time giving a cozy feeling of comfort, that welcomes you home at the end of a busy day. Diad
I love your place, especially the living room rug. Do you mind posting the price? I don't live in Chicago anymore, but I may have to grab that when I'm back in town. Thank you!
I love what the two of you have done to the apartment. It was great to see it in person. I noticed the curtains are up, now. They look great. You did a great job!
Hi Emily and Scott! Wow! You have really gotten a LOT done! We'd love to come and see it in person! I really like your colors and the rug in the living room! And, of course, I'd love to see the slate that you slaved over for hours. I'm sure it looks fabulous! We love you!
~Christiana (for all of us!)
P. S. I'm sure the Vespas add a nice retro touch, too!
love the colors Em!
rock on !
Loo-oooo-oooove the headboard
the dining room area is perfecT! and i love the bedding/pillows combo!
fun fun place!
brilliant IM tablecloth curtains! right now i have black and white houndstooth and i'm sick of it - i'm totally jacking your idea, thanks!
I LOVE your apartment--tres chic--and very hip! Emily, I'm so impressed with the work you and Scott have done. Wish I could hire you to do my place!
--Jen
i dig the cinder blocks, the matching wall, and the red painted table. also...i totally went to check out your building (complex) the other day! though i don't have the words to describe the decor in the 'model' homes. would you mind telling me how you like your new home, what you think of the triangle patio, and how is that freight train??
Hi guys,
Your place looks warm and fun and inviting. I gotta say, I love the red table. Sounds like you are truly enjoying life - it's evident in your style.
Great place! I like your bookcase and have been looking for something similar. Where is it from? Thx!
i know you posted this long ago, but i just found it. love your place. i'm curious about your headboard. do you mind posting where you found it? or did you make it... very nice job! Thx.