Name: David Handschuh & Megan Ross + Arrow the dog
Location: Bucktown — Chicago, Illinois
Size: 1,500 square feet
Years lived in: 1½ — rented
One of the things I love about shooting House Tours is seeing all the places people call home. From two flats to high rises, I've seen every kind of permutation of living quarters possible. Or, at least I thought so. David and Megan's tour was my first time in a converted storefront space. And now, of course, I'm totally obsessed with the idea!
As the owners of the design business 11hundred, David and Megan were looking for a space where they could live and meet clients. What they found was this old storefront that serves both needs. The main floor of the space is one, large open room with a kitchen at the back. The long dining table near the kitchen is a primo spot for client meetings. And the fact that a white board folds down to cover the kitchen pass through makes it even more perfect.
Lofted above the kitchen space is the small bedroom area. It's from this lofted area that you're able to really appreciate the height of the ceiling. It's also the perfect spot from which to survey the space.
As fun as it is to live in a storefront space, there are drawbacks as well. There's the fact that the lofted bedroom area doesn't have any electrical outlets. And then if you happen to forget to lock the front door, nosey passersby may very well walk right in. These drawbacks pale in comparison to living in such a unique space.
Apartment Therapy Survey:
Our Style: Shiny and dull.
Inspiration: Simplicity.
Favorite Element: How the natural light creates a separation from the city life outside.
Biggest Challenge: Our lack of outdoor space.
What Friends Say: Do you have a blanket I can use?
Biggest Embarrassment: That our space, being an old storefront loft is never truly clean.
Proudest DIY: Refurbishing much of what we have.
Biggest Indulgence: Our metal coffee tables.
Best Advice: There can always be less.
Resources of Note:
Thrift stores and nature.
Thanks, David & Megan!
Images: Jason Loper
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What a beautiful ceiling! And I actually really love the pink stove--did they paint it themselves?
The living area does seem, however, a bit too sparse. With so much space you could do a lot more. Even though I live in Chicago, too, I'm still constantly impressed by what large, beautiful spaces we have available.
As I drive by old storefronts in the small town where I live, I have always fantasized about what it would be like to live in there. Thanks for giving me a glimpse into that reality.
Beautiful, and loving the pup--such a sweet old guy.
Where could I find some chairs like the orange ones at the dining table? They are so unique.
P.S. Is there a bathroom??
there's a lot of terrible, illegal storefront conversions into residential-only in the city I live in.
If they were live-work spaces like this, I wouldn't mind a bit.
For a cold space, I really like this place! I'm normally all about cozy rugs and blankets and small rooms for a homey feel but this is gorgeous and inspiring.
Ahh, I love this! I live in a live/work loft in Cincinnati, but the one thing we can't really use it for is meeting clients. This space would be perfect!
I love the tour, but I would like to know more about the process of converting the storefront into living space. Did they have to put in the kitchen from scratch? Did they build the loft? Is there a bathroom? And so on....
Also, I love the dog! What a sweetie.
Beautiful spareness - Yes, "there can always be less." I'm removing a vase from my living room right after I submit this . . . .
Like the dog,the quilt and the whiteboard room divider. Thanks for the tour.
Love Arrow.
Great home (Arrow really makes it a *home*)!
There is only one thing that doesn't quite work for me: the colours and gloss of paint in the bedroom. Aside from that, it's fabulous.
I want to live here BADLY!
Where is the bathroom?
i love everything about this loft! including the dog!
I live in a similar set-up and really like what I see here. My compliments would only be redundant, but I do have a question about the stove and ventilation. Does this space require a range hood? I have yet to install mine and have gone with out. I feel I "get away" with it, though I cook often, I rarely fry anything at very high temperatures.
Does anyone know where to find the quilt on the bed & the throw on the sofa?
or something like it?
What a beautiful place!
and I LOVE Arrow!!!
notes:
- stove is original pink and was already in the space
- orange chairs are french vintage
- the bathroom is on the first floor behind the kitchen
- the loft, kitchen and bathroom were mostly built
- there is no hood range on the stove, it could use one for sure
- the quilt on the bed is from 1910 and made of of men's work shirts
- the throw on the sofa is from a weavers co-op in Antigua, Guatemala
- Arrow thanks you for your comments
I really love this place! The space is light and large enough to include a ton of plants (even potted trees), bringing some of the outdoors into the space.
Really neat space. Industrial, thifted, designed but relaxed. I bet your clients like meeting here.
Did you paint the floor? and if so is half plyboard? it looks great done this way
lovely job with a challenging space. and that stove!!! ... it was made in 1959 and came in three colors: that light pink, a pale yellow, and i know this because i actually own one in the third color it came in, turquoise blue. i haven't used mine in years but it still works like a charm.
Love this! So industrial, yet so warm and inviting. A hard mix to get right, but they nailed it!
lovely place, reminds me of the scandinavian style: simple, with lots of light and wood.
Where do you keep all your clothes, etc?
11 Hundred was exciting to explore. Thanks.
Love the shirt quilt and the pink stove.
Inspired me to order The Point for my grandson.
Now everyone join in and sing
Me and my Arrow taking the high road........
So warm and inviting, I could live here. Love it!
Oh my, I love it. The coffee table is fantastic! Where did you find that?
www.handjobsforthehome.com
love the space, but I personally might not like living in a place that is flooded with city dust (been there, done that). that said, I especially liked seeing your extremely well-loved mccobb desk, and the white chair with chrome tubing is a Burke-- don't ever get rid of that-- you can always re-cover, when time and budget permits. (mine was saved from garbage pick up day, and recovered in black leather, and I'm happily sitting in it while typing. so comfortable.)
I, too, sometimes dream of living in a storefront. but I'd want to find a way to frost or cover the bottom 2/3rds of windows...
in any case: well done!
I too love the coffee table! Super cool!
This is beautiful, and I agree, the coffee table is so smart and looks great!
Well, of course I am in love with the darling stove!! I also really love the accents on the ceilings, however I feel the flooring needs a coat of some kind of shiny substance on it or something.
Lovely home. Beautiful, beautiful Arrow.
what a handsome dog
I'ld have loved to see more pics of David & Megan's art--from the glimpses shown, it looks like they have some really cool pieces, particularly the photos.
this is why i heart apartment therapy
love LOVE those "coffee tables" and much more about this place!! ♥
i absolutely love this home.
Especially those coffee tables... Now I've been looking everywhere for similar ones and can't seem to find any