Brittany Purlee

Name: Elizabeth and Tom (and Walter the dog) Location: Logan Square — Chicago, Illinois Size: 1,800 square feet Years lived in: 1.5 years, renting Elizabeth and Tom have a fearless approach to decor and life. They had only been dating a few months before deciding to move in together. And I should mention that their version of moving in together was signing a lease on an apartment in disrepair and then spending a year fixing it up together.

Name: Victoria Pater Location: Bucktown, Chicago Years lived in: 2 years Victoria, her husband Joe, and their cute pup live in a colorful apartment bubbling with mid-century modern energy. After a look around their home, it comes as no surprise that Victoria is the owner of a charming pin business, Mid Mod Pin. In her day job, she designs brands, experiences and digital products. And in this home, her Mid Mod Pin headquarters is housed in a delightful mint green home office.

Name: Nara, John, Halina and Lars Location: Bucktown — Chicago, Illinois Size: 1900 square feet Years lived in: 2 ½ years While house hunting, home designer Nara and her husband stumbled across a short sale home with a very neglected interior. Although hesitant to take the plunge, Nara could envision the potential under the questionable (and very red) cosmetic surface. Now, two years and a lot of work later, the family cozily lives in their Scandinavian-inspired home.

Name: Brittany Skwierczynski and Brittany Purlee Location: Wicker Park — Chicago, Illinois Size: 1,070 square feet Years lived in: 3 years; Rented Graphic designer Brittany Skwierczynski and photographer Brittany Purlee, art school classmates and friends reunited in Chicago, have collaborated in styling a two bedroom apartment in Wicker Park. This bright, lively space is a direct reflection of both of their creative backgrounds and welcoming personalities.

Name: Liz Klafeta, Founder Bangtel Location: Lakeview; Chicago, Illinois Size: 1100 square feet Years lived in: 1 When Liz moved to New York two years ago, she started renting out her revamped home in Humboldt Park on Airbnb. She couldn’t bring herself to sell since she had gut rehabbed every inch of the space. Instead, she chose to share the fruits of her blood, sweat, tears and expenditures with Chicago visitors. You can experience the magic for yourself on your next Chicago visit.

Name: Sam Rosen and Linsey Burritt Location: Noble Square — Chicago, Illinois Size: 3,000 square feet Years lived in: 5 years; Rented Linsey and Sam met in 2008. In 2009, Linsey realized her new friend Sam was the best friend she ever made so she asked him to dinner on graph paper. At the end of 2014, Sam asked Linsey, on an index card (her favorite) if she would marry him. This June they wed at the Garfield Park Conservatory (they love plants).

Name: Kate Levinson and Mike Muschong and Snacks the cat Location: West Town — Chicago, Illinois Size: 1,200 square feet Years lived in: 3 years; Rented White walls and floors set the scene for Mike and Kate’s vibrant, patterned, curious, and classy home. Kate is no stranger to the interest of personalized space—her mother, Stephanie Wohlner, is a successful interior designer, and Kate is a location scout extraordinaire.

Name: Liz Klafeta, founder of BANGTEL Location: Chicago, Illinois Size: 1,000 square feet Years lived in: 9 years owned Often you hear people use words such as “daunting” or “time consuming” while referring to renovations. “Fun” and “having a blast” don’t come to mind. However, these are the exact words you’ll hear Liz use while describing the renovation process of this space.

Name: Leslie Lewis Location: Indianapolis, Indiana Size: 630 square feet Years lived in: 1.5 years; rented The big windows are Leslie’s favorite thing about her apartment. A corner unit with a great view of downtown Indianapolis, the light streams in, illuminating a cozy home full of unique (and mostly vintage) decor.

Ty and Lynne are the owners of the award-winning furniture store An Orange Moon, located in the West of Western district of Chicago.

Name: Anna Zajac and her cat, Isaiah Location: Lincoln Square — Chicago, Illinois Size: 800 square feet Years lived in: 2 years; Rented Anna Zajac is a talented wedding photographer in Chicago with a background in design. Both she and her lovely studio apartment could not be more welcoming. The space is truly a reflection of her: warm, sweet, positive, and stylish. Delicate thrifted pieces are carefully juxtaposed with bold, dark walls and modern elements.

Name: Ty & Lynne McDaniel Location: Humboldt Park; Chicago, Illinois Size: 1,200 square feet Years lived in: 3 Ty and Lynne McDaniel, owners and founders of the fantastic Chicago furniture store An Orange Moon, have created a hip and airy crash pad in the back of their shop. Located in the heart of Humbolt Park, the store/studio is brimming with history and charm. Lynne has been a pioneer in the advancement of the neighborhood, and has used those same skills in transforming their personal space.

Name: Stephanie and Ryan Sievert Location: Wicker Park; Chicago, Illinois Size: approx. 900 square feet Years lived in: 2 years, Rented Walking into Ryan and Stephanie’s top floor Chicago apartment, you are immediately greeted with a wealth of light and music. The stylish, tidily arranged furniture and decor is a direct result of the superb taste shared by the couple. For two years they have inhabited this artful space with their two cats, Meatloaf and Vom.