Very Nice, I am a big fan of the white on white, with the art being the object of color.

Oh, to have so much space.... My 525 sq ft would fit in their living room alone.

Very, um, precise.

I wonder, does anyone live in this apartment, can it even sustain human life?

I'll give 'em that it's clean and highly deliberate. There are elements that are gorgeous yet after slide 32 I clicked "back" as I was beginning to loath the laack of evidence that this is a home rather than a showroom.

I believe they are putting Scott Miller's children through college. I understand being loyal to an artist or a style/genre as collections thrive with the complexity of comparison and contradiction but this is less of a collection and more of a universal statement of their unwaivering devotion to one man's notion of art. I would have loved to see their passion for colecting art developed (and showcased among those fantasic views) to include many artists with which they can deveolp a narrative of what they feel is art; develop a collection that challanges the viewer and forces an exploration not only of the individual pieces but of the rational and logic behind them existing together; an exploration of the dialogue between the pieces.

I can totally appreciate the clean lines and focus on art but people are suppose to be living here yes? no family pictures, no warmth felt from my viewpoint.

Live a little and throw a pillow or two on that very grey couch please! maybe find one or two more artists to collect divvy up the love a little.

I do love the white boxes in your hallway though. I also have an obsession for neatly stacked things all in the same type box.

oh ... what the hell do I know. if you love living in it who cares what I think.

Wait let me wipe the drool off my face................
then maybe I can comment.

i admire the white cube, pristine gallery aesthetic. if you've got some more money to throw around, i'd like to see some different art.

so cold
that is all i could think
and feel
i agree they are putting scott miller's kids through college
that is what it reminds me of = a scott miller gallery
NOT A HOME
sorry no warmth.
even the animals are cold hard alien objects

i am not bothered by the cold! i admire the fact that some people actually keep their places so clean and empty. if i did white on white it would fast become gray on off white. this place is nice looking but i am disappointed with it because there are no elements of surprise. all of the high end furniture are pieces i have seen before, the art does not look like something i would give a second glance.

I think it is absolutely stunning! I love the minimalism, the art and that kitchen -- that is my dream kitchen!

I don't see anything wrong with being loyal to one or two artists. If we learned anything at all during that "I've Got Art" contest, it should have been that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. What you display on your walls is a very personal decision. I think Jim and Derrick have a fantastic collection and they have displayed it beautifully in their home.

Awesome job!

C'mon, guys! Clearly someone must live there, judging from the butt print on one of the chairs in the front-page picture!

I envy these fellows for getting in on the South Loop boom at the exact right time. This place, while not quite my style, is a shiny, sparkly diamond. I can only imagine the bank they'll make when (and if) they sell.

Wow, guys! I admire your discipline in simplifying and keeping clutter under control. I imagine being in your space is very calming, allowing for a lot of interesting things to happen in your lives otherwise. It feels very Zen and full of things that hold a lot of meaning for you both (or at least keep you entertained). I think this reflects that you both know what you like, and that you have eliminated the superfluous 'stuff' our consuming culture is known for. But is it always this perfect? :) I think a post-dinner party shot would hush up the naysayers.

hey sassy,

you just dont get it,the place is amazing.
rachel ashwell at shabby chic is calling you

Absolutely love the couch in the den. Beautiful.

I too can appreciate the aesthetic, but I can't like it. The picture of the living room with the lowered screen reminded me of a corporate boardroom... expected the next picture to be somebody in a suit firing up their Powerpoint presentation. Not a book, not a magazine, not a personal photograph-- and I know that this is by choice, and that the entire design here hinges on rigour and minimalism. But I have a strong desire to throw a bunch of colourful pillows on the couch, and drop a towel or two on the bedroom floor (not to mention add a nice patterned bedspread or something, as well) and leave some evidence of actual cooking and eating in the kitchen. Again, this place is a superbly accomplished example of a particular style; it's just not for me.

A patterned bedspread???!! Are you kidding me??

I'd love to see some accessories that picked up on the wild color in the art. And what I really want to know is, who is going to eat all of those apples?

Personally, I can appreciate the gallery/minimal look they were going for and achieved. Instead of looking at it as "they didn't design it exactly how I would have" I would rather be constructive.

In terms of Art placement and use of space, I would say it is fantastic. However, since it is a Gallery feel, I would like to see a little more variance in the art work. But it still is a great place to live.

I hope the people who comment by immediately saying "I don't care for it" or "Eww" are not designers. Design should not be personally biased, but rather what the consumer/customer wants.

Those Scott Miller paintings are freakin cool!

Can you divulge what material you used for the backsplash in the kitchen? I love it.

"A patterned bedspread???!! Are you kidding me??"

Of course I am. I should have put a little smiley face there or something. :) I was trying to make a joke out of "defacing" that pure white canvas with evidence of actual living (or one slipup of questionable taste).

I don't get the complaints about this space being "cold". What's "warm" about cluttering up a space with lots of supposedly-decorative junk? I find this space calming and inspiring. With a view like that, anything more would serve solely to detract.

"Can it even sustain human life?" That's a funny line. That cracked me up! :)

It's interesting seeing this apartment because it completely takes me back to when I was living in Chicago. Then, this was TOTALLY my aesthetic ideal. I still like it - I find the emptiness calming - well, even though it's not exactly empty, it is calming. But when I was living on the 47th floor of a Streeterville building, this would have been exactly the look I was trying to achieve! Is it something about Chicago??

Hmm, maybe it is. Maybe the amazing views you can get in Chicago make you want to tread lightly around those views, leaving the city as the focus, surrounding it with clean, light, unfussy lines.

Anyway, I like it and it's making me miss Chicago. Not the winters, though.

I really enjoy this space for the focus that has went into creating the aesthetic. I myself would not particularly emotionally thrive there because I have a very different aesthetic, but I can sympathize with the desire to adopt a very rigorous lifestyle in order to obtain such a bombastic effect. I wouldn't mind having a friend who I could oft visit with a place like this. Is gallery minimalism a particularly popular style in Chicago these days?

I've always been interested in what kinds of personality types, careers, or living circumstances drive people to create or desire such monastic ivory towers..? Where does such a singular vision come from?

I love every bit of it, especially the kitchen. At first I was a little taken aback by the whiteness of it, thinking it might be impossible to keep clean. But it is clear to me that the homeowners have a fastidious nature and I'm sure it's not a problem. To me it's plenty warm. I don't understand the need to have clutter or toss towels on the floor (how would they ever dry out?). It has everything it needs already.

Hey, if you ever need a house sitter...

Like it or not, you've got to appreciate the strength and cohesiveness of their vision. The place makes quite a bold statement. Personally, I'm a bit daunted by the almost fetishistic approach to design and art; and wouldn't feel comfortable living in this environment. But it's more than obvious that the place suits the tastes and lifestyle of the owners. And there's no denying that the apartment is incredibly well-done.

Oh no!!! Not another overpriced new construction in the south loop!!

Its missing something. Despite everything so perfectly put together it is seriously lacking something. I do admire them for the neatness and clutter free living space but I couldn't live in such a sterile place.

Modern (or ultra modern) does not and should not equal sterile. If there is no "life" to a design, then why design at all?

As I posted before, Very Nice...
This home is all about two things, art and the view. The only think I would change would be a bit more carefully placed and edited color. Like a single wall of color, or a panel of color. But still, I am inspired.

After reading other's comments, I don't see why people would think of it as cold either. I agree that a buch of bric-a-brac everywhere, or a bit of clutter, or (God forbid) papers stuck to the fridge with magnets, isn't required to make a home feel warm.

I also doubt that their home is this perfect all of the time. Why is it so wrong to tidy up for photographs? I would be cleaning my home to perfection if I knew it was going on the internet for others to see. This is about the design of their home, not their clutter.

Stunning, simply drop-dead stunning.

LOVE the encrusted animals. (Who above said "no surprise"? Jesus!)

The "cold, monastic, no-one lives here" complaint is so cliche. If it had a cat, and a ton of kids crap all over the living room floor, would y'all whine less?

Some people (obviously these enviable gents) are committed to live this (enviable, gorgeous, curated, stunning, organized) way. LET THEM.

I'm TOTALLY with Juliet on the den sofa lust. Throughout, your furniture choices keep this from being "lifted from Luminaire" (NOT that there's anything wrong with that!! But you transcended that potential trap nicely.)

If any complaint, I'd love to see a *touch* more variety with the sources of art.

But primarily to see what other cool stuff you guys would find!

Congrats on a spectacular successful place. Can I make reservations for your next cocktail party??! This place at night has to be even more jaw-dropping...

Yuck!

One artist? No evidence of human life, other than a bowl of apples? It looks like a show house. Its the idea of an apartment, rather than something you can actually live in; a potemkin loft.

Was Scott Miller having a special sale? Really, what a waste of space.

To those who say "I want to see evidence of life" ... um, you DO get that these shots were carefully taken, not just casually snapped? They are *styled* carefully, and prepared as carefully as one would prepare for a guest.

On the styling note, though, if I were styling this place for a photo shoot, I'd consider some more ironic, casual propping... like watermelon wedges on the counter instead of the green apples (the pink and green relating back to art, and its casual feel being a funnier/more ironic visual. Something about the shapes in the hallway paintings also led me there.) Something to say "high/low"... and that hip young guys live here. (The place says that already... just talking what else could be done with the photo styling.)

Same with flowers, though not sure what I'd do instead of the beautiful (but expected) lillies.

But this is just me fantasizing, playing, living vicariously. And only because you have such a beautiful canvas and interesting vibe to play against.

as a first time visitor to this home (and the photographer of this tour), i just wanted to chime in with my experience. as someone with a mix-n-match style and no "pairs"- let alone full sets - of anything or any art, it was such an interesting experience to enter a home that has a single artistic vision. i couldn't do it, because my brain (and visual interest) is somewhat like a pinball machine, but i had never been in a home that showcases the work of only one artist. there was something about *that* which i found surprising and unexpected.

and we all know a home's warmth comes from how one feels in it (and how one is welcomed by those that live there), and this was an incredibly warm place to be...even though it's the opposite of what my home looks like.

it's great to see the range of opinions here, i just wanted to add my firsthand one.

that said, we are looking for more house tours: any style, any size. if you are interested in sharing, send us an email! thanks, everyone.

Sorry to disagree with most of you, but this apartment lacks personality. Even though esthetically pleasing, the artwork, furniture and layout look far too corporate.
In the end, it looks very expensive without substance.

heather--

SERIOUSLY beautiful shots! Nice job. And VERY nice range of detail and establishing shots.

Photographer by training?

"No personality??!?" Dear god.

Great, fabulous place. I love the animal sculpture peaking around the corner and all the art, esp. in the second pic above. The kitchen, the windows, the views, the organized closets--walk-in and bath--are to die for. I haven't read all the entries here, and although I realize you've made a choice to put all color and pattern into the art, I look at this and long to add a few pillows on the couches or maybe some additional color elsewhere, to warm it up just a bit. Or maybe some colorful art in the LR?

Loves =
* Coffee table with chairs and view - I could picture lounging with the newspaper Sunday morning with a cup of espresso…with the sun coming in….
* The home theater - I love your solution to being in the living room without the tv in open view, but still have the ability to see the view and a movie at the same time.
* The side tables in the bedroom. Simple.
* The kitchen - clean, shiny, lovely! The bar stools are fab along with the open bar.

Additions =
* The art is so similar, the viewer gets a limited view of your art aesthetic. I vote for changing it up.
* The white boxes are ok, but I would also add matching straw boxes in a light color.
* May Add photos of each other, friends, family in the bathroom or bedroom.

The great part of having such a minimal home is that any addition or subtraction will make a big difference so you will not get bored with the space. Overall, I think it has a very relaxed feel. I get the feeling that the people living there are enjoying all of Chicago - in and out of the house!

thanks, p (too)-
definitely not a photographer by training...i am learning as i go thanks to the needs of apt. therapy, (and thanks to my lovely co-editor janel and photographer friends who have given me some great pointers!)

h.

Patrick (too),

I was waiting to read your comments, because I thought you would love this apartment. I agree with everything you said - even though I do not live like this, I can certainly appreciate it and also like it very much.

Patrick, we can always count on you to give great supportive comments.

JAW DROPPER.
Thanks,

Gad-Zooks!

Another "Julian" posting as me. Crap, I guess I'll have to start signing my posts "Julian (v1.0)"

I am curious to hear from the owners as to the building-up process. They mention difficulty in dealing with city codes and that makes me wonder if they bought the condo (this is no loft ladies and gents) raw and then designed/built it up etc...

I think one thing that's clearly evident with this condo is that they bought it empty and new and started fresh with respect to their stuff. I also suspect they were not limited by budget in any respect. I for one would kill to live in a new building with straight walls and proper working plumbing, electric etc...

Perhaps if this place was shot at sunrise/sunset with warm orange light cascading through the space we would have a different view... or if instead of being perched above a flat, industrial part of the city it was nestled in the woods juxtaposed with rich organic form we would find it more appealing... Just some thoughts.

I still have to maintain that it appears they went into the artist's studio and bought the lot to "decorate" as it seems they did with the furniture...

Eh, what does it matter ayway, I have dishes in my sink right now and my floor could use a good sweep..

Consider these thoughts about mimimalism: One function of a beautifully designed space like this is to be a "stage for living" that enhances and highlights the occupants/visitors. In the same way lighting highlights art, the minimalism and serene beauty in this apartment benefit the people in it.

One would not criticize an illuminated space on the wall absent the art, because it is the art that deserves the criticizm. Similarly, criticizing the design, furniture and space in this apartment, without considering what it is like to occupy this space with other people, is misplaced criticism.

Museums and galleries are popular places for receptions/parties because people tend to feel beautiful and special in those spaces. Those spaces make people feel better about themselves and that facilitates human interaction. This apartment is a similar kind of stage.

You know...this place is the exact opposite from my house in EVERY single way - colour, lack of clutter, everything matching, but I still think it looks great.

To those who say it lacks personality, think about it - can't you imagine the personality of the guys who live here? I feel like I've met them already...

i agree with P(too) although I will say that I was kinda hoping to see their "Biggest Embarrasment" of products in the kitchen just to break the perfection a little bit.

Would be TOTALLY funny to have a cluster of the detergent-bottle inspired vases (from a recent thread) on the kitchen counter!!

"Biggest embarrassment" embodied by art. That would totally work! That's how I'd style this kitchen for a shot!!

Art IS personal, so if a person wants to invest in only one or two artists, what's wrong with that?. A collection formed over time, shows the artist's range.

I think everything about this apartment is pristine, fine-tuned to precision and austerely gorgeous.

It is fabulous that Jim and Derrick act as patrons to Scott Miller; certainly no one begrudges an artist--of all people--to make a living from his or her work!

I'm kind of annoyed by the breeder-centric assumptions in a previous comment that they are "putting his {Scott Miller's} kids through college" which, if they are or are not is not really relevant at all.

In a word, "YUM!"

hey! I look at that window every day! (seriously. my building's in shot #18, I think). cool. thanks for the chance to see what those glowing white things are (the forms in #10 are lighted at night). the painting in that room is interesting.
nice place.
best.

Rumor has it that in the eighties Scott Miller made a girl drink out of a toilet in Cleveland.

Yeah, but who didn't?

i posted a comment before and it didint't come up. I love Jim and Derrick's apartment. It is cozy and welcoming and fun to be in twenty four hours a day. they know what they are doing and it doesn't have anything to do with MONEY. Julian is just JEALOUS! look at his art!

I love the apartment. I also love the art and know what it's like to be keen on one person (I have five large (5' x 5') Dana Boettger paintings in my 800 sf apt.). However, that being said I still think having some art by some other artists would be a good idea.

many things about the wonders of this loft don't come across from the photos; not that i expect everyone to know this, but having spent lots of time here, i could never say the space was "cold" or think it had "no substance" after physically *being* there. the moment you step through the door, one thing always happens: you decompress. jim and derrick have high-stress jobs of their own, and they've worked hard to create a serene atmosphere that would promote a feeling of peace and well-being--according their OWN unique vision of what that means. when one is a guest in their home, their level of graciousness is something we should all aspire to. so, there is plenty more than what you see here: there is an "experience" to be had, and i am fortunate that jim and derrick have always welcomed me into their little oasis in the city.

OMG, that red animal at the end of the hallway is GENIUS. I need to find me one of those in Morocco. Hmmmm....

I heard that Mr. Miller also pushed a cripple down a flight of stairs. And what about the horrid way that he treated his own dear, decrepit grandmother?

What is the point in collecting/owning/displaying some other artist's work if what you love is what you have? Should one accept or acclimate oneself to bad taste simply in the name of "variety"?

I have been a guest in Jim and Derrick's home many times. I have cooked meals in their lovely kitchen. I have lounged on that wonderful bed-like sofa. And, yes, I have viewed a film on that projection screen. Not once during any of these times did I feel "cold" or "unwelcome" or "uncomfortable. Far from it. It felt homey and cozy and dreamy. I find that when a person refers to someone else's clean or organized house as "anal" or "cold" it means that the insult-slinger is a disorganized slob. Just my experience.

i cracked a grin at that first photo in the slideshow, with the deer tentatively poking around the corner... that's the perfect place to display it.

and that kitchen is boss. suddenly i want an apple.

Wow - looks comfy, clean and contemporary. Whoever you worked with at Luminaire really knew his stuff.
This loft has the same warmth and sophistication as Kathryn's - even though they have entirely different looks.
Well done.

Looks great!

Congradulations Jim & Derrick!

i love the cleanness of it with the splashes of color.

the views are to die for and i love that you chose to make them a focal point i also love the usage of green in various tones.

I love your place! You have done a wonderful job. I love how you have pulled off using very graphic art, but still achieve simplicity by not overdoing it.

I am a big fan of lamps as art and love your little cluster of lamps - where did you get them? Are they Noguchi? I also love the Capellini lamp. Anyone know where I can get a knock off of this lamp?

Your place is just fabulous. I would love to sit on your sofa at night and see the light the cute cluster of lamps provides. Great job!

where is that sofa from? i love it!

Incredible.
That's the dream loft. Everytime I want to go somewhere else in my mind that's where I go. Jim and Derrick are the best. In every dinner, every bottle of wine, every painting hanging just takes you to heaven. "Cold"? If you actually see it, you'll definetelly feel different about it. Scott Miller is THE painter, why buy others?

Hi Guys,
Beautiful place. I just bought a loft near your neighborhood in pilsen. A couple questions. First, somebody said you ran into problems with city codes? What kind of problems. Did you move plumbing or gas? Also, who did you have pour the epoxy? square footage price on epoxy? also, i didn't notice a hood in the kitchen. do you cook much? even a little grease residue will settle on all of your nice stuff. maybe you have a telescoping downdraft system? you been in this place for 5 years--did you buy it new and renovate everything right away or did you renovate after awhile?
nice job, enjoy your space.

This is my dream style. They just beat me to it. This is a wonderful space free of the clutter that occupies many homes, and lives.

I think it is absolutely stunning! White is gorgeous and not too clinical in this space due to the beautiful light and extra colourful touches added. I echo a previous poster's question - CAN YOU TELL US MORE ABOUT THAT FABULOUS SHINY BACKSPLASH?? Is it glass? How did you put it up?

SLEEK! I love this decor. The minimalism and clean lines, subdued colors are what makes the place a dramatic but not overwhelming background for the bright artwork. I would love to live in a place like this, in fact, I'm in the process of redoing my new townhouse and will try to "borrow" motifs from this sleek loft. It's a different look for a "home" than what my grandma would want, it's definitely a bachelor pad decor that whispers elegance and simplicity. I love it!

Its a little lifeless...but i also understand the idea of wanting a serene escape, so i appreciate this. I detest clutter and mess and that perfect closet is my ocd wet dream! (me drools)

However, I'm not sure this place is so much "apartment therapy" as im sure there are single pieces in here that cost more than most of our cars, monthly salary, etc.

Love your home!!!! Just wondering where the storage boxes in the closet were purchased. thanx.

This place is absolutely gorgeous! Great job.

I still love this place...

You guys, where do you live? My boyfriend and I are relocating from New York to Chicago and are looking for a place like yours (to rent, not to buy just yet), and I would appreciate any suggestions you might be able to give us.

Many thanks!

Over 50 comments, but no one said anything about the terrazzo. That's my favorite floor.