Name: Sage and Austin
Location: Lincoln Park, Chicago
Size: 1400 s/f
Throughout Chicago, typically on corners, one can see a unique type of residential space - the converted storefront. What were once markets now provide the bones of great living spaces - huge windows, high ceilings and minimal interior walls.
We were lucky enough to photograph a beautiful example, the home of Sage and Austin. They moved into their condo last year and quickly created a home that is very well thought out; it seems as if they have lived in it for years. Austin’s expertise helped with the space; he is an architect, with an office walking distance from home.
The commercial window bays create cozy spaces in a large open room. To one side of the door are two chairs and a half-moon game table (cleverly created by leaving one drop-leaf down on an oval table). In the niche on the other side there is a spot for reading, with a comfy armchair and standing lamp.
A partial wall centered directly across from the double front door ensures privacy for the main room and creates a formal entry way. It is useful on the living room side as well, blocking the view of the doorway, and providing a spot for the wall-hung television.
The fireplace, sofa and two overstuffed armchairs centered on an area rug comprise the living room. A classic Noguchi coffee table and two Asian end tables balance the light neutrals with their shots of black lacquer. Pillows, a throw, rugs and multiple table lamps provide texture and warmth.
A narrow table behind the couch marks the transition to the dining area and holds a gallery of family photos. Over the rustic dining table, a framed map is a focal point. The map is one of many in the home, along with photographs and antique aquatints of old Chicago. Sixteen framed pieces of art in all dot the walls of the main space, hung thoughtfully to create interest in the negative spaces between the architectural details such as the windows, fireplace, and doorways.
A small enclosed office helps to separate the kitchen area, which features another drop-leaf table, a large island with storage, and creamy white painted cabinets with black granite counters.
The colors of the bedroom reflect the palette used throughout the apartment, white, a range of beiges, warm wood, black, and bits of vibrant color. A four poster bed, Asian cabinets, lambskins and woven rugs make for a calm retreat from the large main space.
Thank you Sage and Austin!
You have a beautiful home! kuddos!
Wow, that's really beautiful. It makes me want to paint everything in my house white.
Wonderful. Those stools in the kitchen, the saddle-like ones with the narrow depth- where can one get those? They're great.
Sage and Austin, your home is lovely, very inviting! I particularly like that you chose to use two different counter top surfaces for the kitchen. Love the floor finish, the long wooden bench -- I want one -- please share a resource for that wonderful bench). Many thanks.
Stonelake,
The stool looks like the Walnut Saddle Seat Bar Stool at Target for $80:
http://www.target.com/gp/detail.html/ref=br_1_6/602-8176911-3722202?%5Fencoding=UTF8&frombrowse=1&asin=B000AUG9K0
I've had my eye on it too!
Lovely apartment S&A!
Believe I've found the bench at Pottery Barn and it's on sale!
Love this apartment! Where did you get the game table? I'm looking for something just like that! (By the way, love this site. This is my first comment. Not an apartment dweller, but inspired by your ideas just the same!)
Jeanne, I believe the card table is an antique, it appears to be an oval gate leg table. Their home is a good example of eclectic, a nice mix of traditional/contemporary.
Beautiful apartment! I have been looking for a dining table like yours. Where did you get it?
Sage and Austin have become our personal shoppers.
Thanks for the tip on the stool!
Absolutely lovely. I'd love to see what this "storefront" looks like from the outside.
May I move in with you?
Thank you all for your wonderful comments! The dining room table came from Vintage Pine off of North Avenue.
Vintage Pine is a fantastic place to find cool antiques.
Oooh, quick question:
How did you guys finish your floor?
Lovely home! :) I am pretty positive this place is on my street because I walk by that beautiful Husky outside the door and always wonder how you would go about decorating a converted storefront like that. I have some very creative neighbors!!
I know it's pretty common, but can someone please tell me the name of that plant?
Looks like a jade plant to me. I just killed one.
Sage and Austin,
My fiancee and I are about to embark on a storefront renovation project in Detroit, MI.
I would love to see any exterior photos,a nd talk to you about what you did with your front windows for privacy?
Could you please email me if possible.
Thanks!
Liz
LOVE LOVE LOVE the dining room table!
Sage and Austin, my comments might arrive a little bit late as I have just discovered this website...
The palette of shades you have achieve is very subtle and soothing, as well as discretely elegant. I love the amount of small objects and details that all seem to tell a story. Your apartment has a soul, which is a rare and difficult achievement.
I have often read comments on this forum about people making too safe choices, or not being bold enough when it comes to innovation and design. I can understand their point, but I would like to pick your apartment and underline it as the perfect example of soul and originality using neutrals and classical style furniture.
Congratulations on a lovely, lovable and inspired home. You prove that style and elegance can go with fuss-free, modern lifestyle.