Tim’s Classic Chicago Two-Flat

Name: Tim Lally
Location: North Center — Chicago, Illinois
Size: 1,250 square feet
Years lived in: 15 years — owned

Knowing that Tim is a landscape designer, I had a hunch he would have beautiful outdoor spaces. And, of course, I was correct. What I didn’t know is that inside his home would be just as beautiful and tasteful as outside.

Tim’s apartment has the typical layout of a classic Chicago two-flat. The entrance is in the dining room, with a living room and small office in the front of the building. The back half of the apartment contains two bedrooms, the bathroom, and kitchen.

Tim kept many of the vintage details in his top floor apartment when he rehabbed the building. The kitchen has the lion’s share of these vintage details. The tile and the farmhouse sink are original to the unit. The only addition was two small pieces of granite countertops near the sink. And rather than add a bulky island to the middle of the kitchen, Tim used a vintage table. The table retains the room’s vintage qualities whereas an island may have been too modern and cumbersome for the space.

The garden room in the back of the apartment overlooks the beautiful landscaping in the back yard. I’m lucky to have gotten to witness this little hidden oasis in the waning days of summer. It will all change for the season in the coming months. As beautiful as it is looking down from the garden room above, I wasn’t expecting how peaceful it would be in the backyard. Once we descended the back stairs, I was delighted to step into a little green oasis. The only interruptions to the tranquility were the airplanes passing overhead on their way west to O’Hare.

Apartment Therapy Survey:

My Style: Classic Modern, clean lines, eclectic.

Inspiration: FLW, Richard Meier, Gehry, Calatrava, Dan Kiley, Georgia Okeefe, Chicago architecture, Danish design, nature, art.

Favorite Element: Garden

Biggest Challenge: Inside: Updating electrical. Outside: Removing existing concrete.

What Friends Say: My home is warm and welcoming. The garden is an oasis.

Biggest Embarrassment: Basement

Proudest DIY: Garden/Garden room.

Biggest Indulgence: Bluestone patio

Best Advice: Design the way that you would ultimately like to have it. Buy the best quality items that you can afford.

Dream Sources: Merchandise Mart, Richard Wright Auction

Resources: Sandwich Antique Market, Crate & Barrel, Jayson Home & Garden, Antique stores

Thanks, Tim!

Images: Jason Loper

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