Lakeview

This Chicago apartment went from “dusty humid roly-poly graveyard” to “dreamy plant-filled bohemian artist’s sanctuary.”

Steven Russell describes his Chicago studio apartment's decor style as "Frasier, but a studio."

Name: Rene Valdez Location: Lakeview — Chicago, Illinois Size: 320 square feet Years lived in: 2 years, rented The tiny size of this studio apartment hasn’t stopped designer Rene Valdez from hosting and entertaining friends. He actually hosts a Christmas party for 30+ people every year. In only 320 square feet! For everyday gatherings, he removes the books from the coffee table, transforming it into a cocktail table. The closet stores over-sized pillows for extra seating.

Name: Bridget McCullagh Location: Lakeview — Chicago, Illinois Size: 750 square feet Years lived in: 1 year, renting If Mary Tyler Moore moved in with the Golden Girls, their home might look something like Bridget’s vintage-inspired Chicago apartment. “I love the natural wood and plant-heavy look of the 1970s,” she says. Luckily, Bridget inherited a lot of decor and furniture from her mother and grandmother.

Name: Travis Location: Lakeview — Chicago, Illinois Size: 1000 square feet Years lived in: 2 years, rented Travis grew up in Louisiana and Texas, but has been living in Chicago for a medical residency for the last couple years. He made sure to bring his southern roots with him in the form of decor. Travis’s apartment has a sort of dark & gothic feel to it. He attributes this to all the “dead things” around the apartment. He has taxidermy, bones and shells in every room.

Name: Ashley Gerou & Emily Drake Location: Lakeview; Chicago, Illinois Size: 800 square feet Years lived in: 3 years; rented Cousins Ashley and Emily grew up in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and attended college in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula. After graduating from separate schools, they moved to Chicago. Now they rent a condo together in Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood. The ladies’ personalities shine in their own rooms.