Name: Tim Lally
Location: North Center — Chicago, Illinois
Size: 1,250 square feet
Years lived in: 15 years — owned
Knowing that Tim is a landscape designer, I had a hunch he would have beautiful outdoor spaces. And, of course, I was correct. What I didn't know is that inside his home would be just as beautiful and tasteful as outside.
Tim's apartment has the typical layout of a classic Chicago two-flat. The entrance is in the dining room, with a living room and small office in the front of the building. The back half of the apartment contains two bedrooms, the bathroom, and kitchen.
Tim kept many of the vintage details in his top floor apartment when he rehabbed the building. The kitchen has the lion's share of these vintage details. The tile and the farmhouse sink are original to the unit. The only addition was two small pieces of granite countertops near the sink. And rather than add a bulky island to the middle of the kitchen, Tim used a vintage table. The table retains the room's vintage qualities whereas an island may have been too modern and cumbersome for the space.
The garden room in the back of the apartment overlooks the beautiful landscaping in the back yard. I'm lucky to have gotten to witness this little hidden oasis in the waning days of summer. It will all change for the season in the coming months. As beautiful as it is looking down from the garden room above, I wasn't expecting how peaceful it would be in the backyard. Once we descended the back stairs, I was delighted to step into a little green oasis. The only interruptions to the tranquility were the airplanes passing overhead on their way west to O'Hare.
Apartment Therapy Survey:
My Style: Classic Modern, clean lines, eclectic.
Inspiration: FLW, Richard Meier, Gehry, Calatrava, Dan Kiley, Georgia Okeefe, Chicago architecture, Danish design, nature, art.
Favorite Element: Garden
Biggest Challenge: Inside: Updating electrical. Outside: Removing existing concrete.
What Friends Say: My home is warm and welcoming. The garden is an oasis.
Biggest Embarrassment: Basement
Proudest DIY: Garden/Garden room.
Biggest Indulgence: Bluestone patio
Best Advice: Design the way that you would ultimately like to have it. Buy the best quality items that you can afford.
Dream Sources: Merchandise Mart, Richard Wright Auction
Resources: Sandwich Antique Market, Crate & Barrel, Jayson Home & Garden, Antique stores
Thanks, Tim!
Images: Jason Loper
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Now, while I"m not feeling the interior much, that garden? Lov-e-ly. Would it be possible to get an outdoor tour on that alone? No, wait, more of the front yard too, please. It looks like this guy really knows his stuff and is in the right business!
I love the kitchen.
THANK YOU for having a house tour without the need to rip out a gorgeous vintage kitchen. I'm not sure why so many feel the need to do that. the table island is perfect in the space.
I love the kitchen-- and those pigs!
I love how simple the place is. No clutter, which eases my OCD. I could sleep sooo well in that bed. It's so fresh!
That garden is EVERYTHING!!!
Great job!!
I absolutly _love_ this kitchen. Thank you for this picture for my inspiration folder.
Oh, and i do like this leather chair! You didn't happen to find it at an international store? (i live in europe [non-uk]) thx.
Not a lot of decorative accents here - a very plain house. This adds to the charm - just beautiful.
Simply beautiful. There is a calmness to this space that makes me think I could enjoy mundane chores like washing the dishes with a smile on my face. Maybe make some fresh squeezed lemonade in gingham apron. So lovely and unpretentious. p.s. I covet that flat file.
Simple and serene. Just the way I like it.
Nice! I love how you had the self control to stick to the same wood tones in all that wonderful old (and probably new) furniture. I don't have that self control! (but at least each of my rooms has mostly one tone)
And of course...love the pigs!
Also love the Kitchen! And the sunroom! All of it really.
O.M.G. Look at the Russel Wright AM collection!!! I gasped aloud and made my husband jump.
Such a sweet kitchen. I have a feeling I might like the bathroom too.
The garden is gorgeous, but you knew that. :-)
This house (and garden) are perfection. Adopt me.
Beautiful, this house is very welcoming and the garden is just lovely.
I want to marry that kitchen... love, love, love it! I would probably hang some artwork on the bedroom walls to dress them up a bit, but I appreciate the simplicity and I am so glad he either kept the original finish on the woodwork or went through the excruiating process of stripping it and bringing it back to its former glory!
I agree with previous comments re: the kitchen, it's a real kitchen in a real home.
Someone said there's not much decorative detail. Um, yes there is, it just doesn't *demand* the way we can see in the colourful art-filled home, but the space lets its inhabitants breathe on their own in a soothing atmosphere. Furniture and decorative details fit very well with the house and the garden. Well done!
Great balance of interesting elements and clean and uncluttered space. Not into all that light wood though. The house is very sweet and inviting, but the garden steels the show.
I am embarking on a major de-clutter. This house is an inspiration, a breath of fresh air. I doubt I keep things this spare long-term, but I just want to try something different. I'll come back to these pix. Thanks!
Beautiful and serene. I agree with ninakk, breathing room is nice! Love the colors and the woodwork. Nice job.
A place with sense of calm & my very favorite color -green. I love the green bedroom and the green tile. I wish I could have seen the art work that had glare on it. The garden is wonderful. A great escape.
ahh. love it. the oak everywhere just makes me smile. i also appreciate the original details. and the back yard is gorgeous.
beautiful landscape, love it!
Is the top unit rented? Love that area of the city and vintage 2 flats, beautiful place you have...nice job!!