“I would apartment hunt every morning on all of the ‘usual’ sites like Zillow, Apartments.com, Facebook Marketplace … and then when nothing felt right, I had the idea to start checking Craigslist,” Catherine begins. “My (now) apartment was listed as a ‘sublet with option to renew — junior one bedroom’ and the price was unbelievable. So much so, that I thought the post was fake.”

“I knew I wanted to find a space around the $1,000/month range. But I was also willing to pay a little more to be in a more outdoors-friendly area if necessary. I lived in a studio for six months in Paris — I actually love small apartments! Something about them really gives me that city feel, which I love. It also forces you to get more creative and minimize the material things you have. When I found my place on Craigslist for $800/month next to the park, I couldn’t believe it. I just resigned my lease, and the rent has gone up to $960/month with new management, but it’s still a steal for the location!” 

“The mid-century modern fireplace is what sold me immediately,” Catherine continues. “In addition, I loved the hardwood floors, quirky/retro bathroom tiles, and the fact that it still managed to be a one-bedroom despite the small size! Another factor that I loved was that it is in my dream area of Chicago — steps away from the lake and the park.”

• Skye Peyton Pearl 2-piece modular sectional — Lamps Plus 
• Hannalill curtains – IKEA
• Decorative ladder — Restoration Hardware (thrifted from Marketplace but originally from RH) 

• Linen sheets — Quince
• MALM dresser — IKEA (thrifted from the alley but originally from IKEA)

Thanks, Catherine!

This tour’s responses and photos were edited for length/size and clarity.
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