This Rental Apartment’s Color-Drenched Blue Bedroom Is Drop-Dead Gorgeous

published Oct 15, 2024

This Rental Apartment’s Color-Drenched Blue Bedroom Is Drop-Dead Gorgeous

published Oct 15, 2024
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Bedrooms
Square feet

750

Sq ft

750

Hollie Lewandowski’s current apartment — this 750-square-foot rental in Chicago’s Streeterville neighborhood — was not in her plans. “I thought my previous space was a dream until a huge rent increase turned it into a nightmare — something I think a lot of renters can empathize with. After a weekend of mourning my floor-to-ceiling windows that overlooked a park, I decided to turn the situation into an opportunity. I sold most of my furniture, put everything else in storage, and spent the summer traveling and designing a whole new space,” she writes.

Credit: Hollie Lewandowski
Hollie says this chair is refurbished from Warehouse55 and on top is a hand-stitched pillow from a local artist featured at Colores Mexicanos.

“A good friend of mine is in real estate and has a great eye for hidden gems,” Hollie continues. “One weekend, with my mom tagging along for fun, we saw a few places — including my current apartment. It was an immediate no for mom when we first walked in. The previous owner could best be described as ‘finance guy with a furry dog.’ Lots of dark curtains, black leather, and metal. But there was a good-sized bedroom and an 8’x5’ walk-in storage closet. Mom did not see the potential, but I did.”

Credit: Hollie Lewandowski

Hollie says it’s taken her a year to design her rental apartment. “I knew I wanted a cheerful living room that needed to double as a home office; I’m an event manager for a nonprofit who works from home four days a week if I am not traveling.” She also wanted to “prioritize vintage and DIY refurbished pieces. And to maximize use of my space to entertain.”

Credit: Hollie Lewandowski

“I live by myself but am surrounded by family and the closest of friends. Although 750 square feet is a relatively small space, I am always looking for an opportunity to host. Small does not mean you can’t welcome people into your home. I’ve thrown floor pillows around my coffee table to host a 10-person Galentine’s tea. Each fall I rearrange my living room into a cozy space for a spooky movie marathon. Many martini cheers have happened under the sparkle of the disco ball. I love my home and I love sharing it with my community.”

Resources

Credit: Hollie Lewandowski

LIVING ROOM

  • Sofa — Joybird
  • Rug — Rugs USA
  • Coffee Table — Local resale shop
  • Faux Fireplace TV Stand — eBay
  • Monstera Plant — Local greenhouse
  • Desk — Warehouse55
  • Courtside Chair from the 1991 Chicago Bulls — Inherited from my grandfather
  • Armchair — Warehouse55
  • Hand-Stitched Pillow — Colores Mexicanos
  • Side Table — Joybird
  • Table Lamp — Thrifted
  • Wallpaper — Antique store
Credit: Hollie Lewandowski

HALLWAY

  • Light Fixture — Habitat for Humanity
Credit: Hollie Lewandowski

BEDROOM

  • Paint — Behr “Periwinkle”
  • Dresser — Antique Store
  • Canopy Bed — Amazon
  • Matching Lamps — Habitat for Humanity

Thanks, Hollie!

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