Chicago Renters Created an “Eclectic Modern Haven” in Their 1920s Factory Loft
Chicago Renters Created an “Eclectic Modern Haven” in Their 1920s Factory Loft
For Chicago-based creative director and abstract artist, Briana McNamara, this rental loft apartment in a 1920s factory in Wicker Park was a perfect fit for her artistic vision. “The space is full of character — exposed brick, towering ceilings, and original wood beams — which adds its own story to the decor,” she writes of the home she’s been renting with her boyfriend, Sean, for one year.

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Unfortunately as a rental, Briana and Sean were faced with the challenge of restrictions on what they were able to do with paint and remodeling, but that was just a puzzle to solve. “I’ve embraced creative, nonpermanent solutions, like playing with textures, statement pieces, and utilizing the built-in shelving to craft a homey atmosphere without altering the architecture,” Briana describes. “After years in high-rise apartments, we were excited to transition into this loft, drawn to its rich history and character, which gave me the perfect canvas to express my design sensibilities.”
Resources
LIVING ROOM
- Sofa — CB2 Tablon Sofa (no longer available)
- Chairs — Field Chair, Leanne Ford for Crate & Barrel
- Coffee Table — Crate & Barrel (no longer available)
- Accent Table — Ogden Burled Wood
- Accent Table — Threshold designed with Studio McGee
- Table Lamp — CB2 Scrunch Black And White Table Lamp By Kara Mann
- Artwork — Crate & Barrel (no longer available)
- Rug — Rugs.com
- Shelving decor — Briana McNamara original paintings, books from multiple sources, decor items from Crate & Barrel
BEDROOM
- Bed — CB2 Alchemy Matte Black (no longer available)
- Bedding — CB2 Estela Black And White Full/Queen Organic Cotton Duvet Cover
- Floor lamp — Thrifted
- Rug — Boutique Rugs
- Dresser — Wayfair
- Vase — Leanne Ford for Crate & Barrel (no longer available)
- Artwork — Crate & Barrel (no longer available)
OFFICE
- Desk — Crate & Barrel Spotlight Desk (no longer available)
- Rug — Crate & Barrel indoor/outdoor (no longer available)
- Chair — Crate & Barrel Ojai Chair
- Sideboard — Thousand Oaks Wood Scalloped TV Stand, Threshold designed with Studio McGee
- Lamp — Thrifted
- Art — Briana McNamara Original
DINING ROOM
- Dining table — Astrid Mid-Century Round Extendable Dining Table – Threshold
- Dining chairs — Threshold (no longer available)
- Rug — CB2 Cowhide Rug (no longer available)
- Bar cart — West Elm (no longer available)
Thanks, Briana!
This tour’s responses and photos were edited for length/size and clarity.
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