A Woman, a Snowstorm & a Perfect Apartment

Name: Jess
Location: Ravenswood — Chicago, Illinois

When I moved to Chicago for a job I looked at a ton of apartments. I had a couple showings on a Sunday I was in town, but Chicago was hit with one of the worst snow storms that day and all the brokers canceled on me but one. I told him I really wanted to see the place and he said if I made my way up to the apartment from the Loop he would be there as well. The second I walked into the place all the ideas of how to decorate it came rushing in. A few days later I was offered the job in Chicago. I pretty much called the realtor to ask if it was still available before I called any friends or my parents to let them know. Luckily it was available still so I immediately filled out the paperwork and it was mine.

My style has changed dramatically over the years and as an interior designer, I’m sure it will keep changing. I’m mostly inspired by different designers out there including Amber Lewis, Lauren Liess, Nate Burkus and Vanessa Alexander. I would say I have a modern traditional and eclectic style. I love when people can mix different styles and make it all look amazing when done. I’ve always been a thrift store shopper and love finding unique pieces that bring so much excitement to the room.

What I’m most proud of in my apartment is my dining table and bed frame, because they are both DIY to the extreme. I had no prior experience in building furniture, but when I found a photo of a bedroom on Pinterest I just fell head over heels for the bed frame. It took me one weekend and I busted out the bed frame and I’m super proud of it. A couple months later I was tired of my small IKEA coffee table that I had purchased in my New York apartment days. Once I built the bed frame myself I found a dining table that I loved and said to myself, “hey if you can make a bed frame you could probably built a dining table.” Sure enough over a couple weekends I had it finished and could not be more proud.

I love how far I’ve come with this place. Before this apartment, I lived in New York City and bounced around a lot but Chicago was my time to really pull my home together. I love how I’ve worked so hard to bring in special pieces that have so much meaning to me. It’s a work of art that will be ever changing but I love how after moving around so much and collecting fun pieces along the way, I’m feeling really proud of my home.

Thanks, Jess!

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