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Name: Jess Constable
Location: East Lakeview — Chicago, Illinois
Size: 725 square feet
Years lived in: 1 year — rented

Jess has striven to turn her plain-Jane rental into a lovely comfortable home. Along the way, she often referred back to Summer Thornton's house tour, which we posted way back in 2008. (Further proof that traditional elegant style is timeless.)

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Jess is one busy lady. With a blog dedicated to designing a life with intention and a line of jewelry and bags, called Jess LC, I'm amazed that she has had the time to turn her apartment into such a gorgeous space. Of course, working from home as she does, having a comfortable and attractive home is important.

This is actually Jess's second apartment in this building. When she moved to this unit from one on a lower floor, Jess replicated the same look as in the first unit. One of the treats of moving up to this unit: the view of the building's deck, which features giant checkers and chess boards, along with a gazebo. As I peeked out the window at the deck below, I was delighted to notice that the colors seem to flow with Jess's apartment. This wasn't intentional, I'm sure, but I love it nonetheless.

Apartment Therapy Survey:

My Style: I like to think of my home in terms of how I'd like it to feel; modern, happy, and just a bit glossy.

Inspiration: I am inspired by the work of Summer Thornton, and magazines like Rue and Lonny. I also love the way Kate Spade has designed their boutiques and pop up shops as well.

Favorite Element: My Italian white marble farmhouse table (currently being used as my desk) that I found for $150 at the White Elephant on Lincoln. I love it and hope it never leaves my side.

Biggest Challenge: Trying to make the space unique despite the builder basic structure.

What Friends Say: They love coming to my home and are always surprised at how it's always so clean.

Biggest Embarrassment: I really like my space, but the giant mirrored closet doors are not quite my thing.

Proudest DIY: I think the gold and white chevron canvases are my favorite.

Biggest Indulgence: The giant nine foot sofa. It was huge and not that inexpensive, but totally fills out the space and acts as a divider perfectly.

Best Advice: Be sure to really figure out what kind of feel or vision you have for the space before decorating. The clearer you can be on how you want to feel in the space or how you want it to look, the better you can be at knowing what is worth splurging on, and what is worth saving on.

Dream Sources: Dwell Studio and Madeline Weinrib

Resources of Note:

LIVING ROOM

    • Bookcases - Ikea LACK
    • Coffee Table - Thrifted, topped with a Pier One tray
    • Black and Silver Floor Lamp - Z Gallerie
    • Marble Farmhouse Table - White Elephant
    • Desk Lamps - Ikea
    • Yellow Print Chair - Target.com
    • Chicago Pillow - SG Grand
    • Blue Velvet Pillow - Pier One
    • Love Pillow - Honey Pie Design
    • Blue Chevron Curtains - Plush Studio
    • Gold Domed Mirror - Berry Hill

KITCHEN

    • Lamp - Home Goods
    • White Cork Boards - DIY Project

BEDROOM

    • Pink Painting - DIY Project
    • Bed - West Elm
    • White Nightstand - Found on the street, painted
    • Marble and Gold Nightstand - Thrifted
    • White Loveseat - Ikea
    • Bedroom Furniture - Thrifted and repainted
    • Chevron Canvases - DIY Project, details here
    • lStriped (Shower) Curtains - West Elm
    • White Ceramic Lamps - CB2

BATHROOM

    • Yellow Towels - World Market
    • Pink Art - DIY Project

Thanks, Jess!

Images: Jason Loper

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