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Jamie’s Wild Blue Yonder

Carolyn Purnell
Carolyn PurnellHistorian and Writer
Carolyn is a lover of all things colorful and quirky. She grew up in Texas and settled in L.A. by way of Chicago, England and Paris. She is the author of The Sensational Past: How the Enlightenment Changed the Way We Use Our Senses.
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updated Dec 19, 2019
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Name: Jamie Bayer
Location: Avondale; Chicago, Illinois
Size: 1,100 square feet
Years lived in: 1 year; rented

If there’s one word to describe Jamie’s apartment, it’s fun. Bright colors, vintage glassware, crafts, collections, and quirk — Jamie knows what she loves, and she has no fear in building her home around it. When I saw Jamie’s recent house call, I was practically drooling, and I knew that I had to see her space in person. Suffice it to say, I wasn’t disappointed.

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If the 1950s married the 2010s and had a woodland chic baby, that would be Jamie’s apartment. It’s a bright, happy home, filled with treasured objects and sunlight. Jamie’s been living here for only eight months, but it’s cozy enough to feel like she’s been in the space for years. The bright blue walls — the first project she tackled — are surprisingly soothing, and they make the loft feel spacious and airy. “I’m a nester,” she admitted, “and white walls are not for me.”

I’ve always thought that the adage “Know thyself” is a good rule of thumb when it comes to decorating, and it’s abundantly clear that Jamie knows herself well and has utter confidence in her own taste. The space is filled with collections that energize and inspire her: taxidermy, cameras, needlepoints, and woodland collectibles are among her many treasures. Additionally, she loves crafting and working with her hands, and signs of this DIY attitude can be found throughout the space.

Jamie’s home also reflects her passions in another, more subtle way. Jamie works as a freelancer in commercial photography, and her skilled editorial eye has clearly helped her organize her home in way that is streamlined but still cozy. The many knick-knacks are offset by plenty of free space on the walls and surfaces, making it easy for the eye to settle on these interesting objects without being overwhelmed by them. With its blue walls, soaring ceilings, and motley collection of creatures, Jamie’s apartment is the perfect mixture of forest and sky.

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Apartment Therapy Survey:

My Style: Mid-century with eclectic flair.

Inspiration: Treasure hunts.

Favorite Element: Fernando, my ten-point buck.

Biggest Challenge: Fitting all my stuff into one apartment!

What Friends Say: I wish my apartment was as cute as yours. You have an adult apartment.

Proudest DIY: The recovered Steelcase chair.

Biggest Indulgence: Marlon, my taxidermy fox.

Best Advice: Take a day off here and there to explore and find things that you enjoy to surround yourself with.

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Resources of Note:

LIVING ROOM/ DINING ROOM

  • Couch: IKEA, slipcover via Comfortworks
  • Rug: Overstock.com
  • Mid-century chair: Antique mall
  • Record cabinet: Antique mall
  • Blonde side table: Craigslist
  • Mid-century shelf: Estate sale
  • TV stand: Urban Outfitters
  • Lamps: Vintage warehouse sale
  • Pheasant art: Thrift store
  • Breakfast table: IKEA
  • Eiffel chairs: Baxton Studio Outlet
  • Hanging lamp: Estate sale
  • Paint color: Botanical Tint by Sherwin Williams

KITCHEN

  • Barstools: Olde Chicago Antiques
  • Kitchenware: Thrift/ antique mall
  • Paint color: Botanical Tint by Sherwin Williams

LANDING:

  • Table: Antique mall
  • Lamp: Antique mall
  • Shelves: Family hand-me-down
  • Paint color: unknown

BEDROOM:

  • Dressers: Crate & Barrel
  • Craft shelves: IKEA
  • Bed and night stands: IKEA
  • Comforter: Saffron Marigold
  • Mid-century ottoman: Estate sale
  • Taxidermy fox: eBay
  • Taxidermy chicken: Family hand-me-down
  • Taxidermy deer: Craigslist
  • Taxidermy flying pheasant: Randolph Street Market
  • Taxidermy golden pheasant: Antique mall
  • Bed lamps: IKEA
  • Standing lamp: Estate sale
  • Wall table: Craigslist
  • Paint color: Shallow Sea by Sherwin Williams

OFFICE

  • Desk: Estate sale
  • Lamp: Target
  • Desk chair: Recovered steelcase via Craigslist
  • Craft table: Repainted thrift table
  • Craft chair: Thrift store
  • Paint color: Springtim by Sherwin Williams

BATHROOMS:

  • Downstairs bathroom paint color: Whole Wheat by Sherwin Williams
  • Upstairs bathroom paint color: Unknown
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Thanks, Jamie!

• HOUSE TOUR ARCHIVE: Check out past house tours here.
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