See Inside a Chic, Colorful Chicago Apartment That Rents for $1,500 a Month
When Deandra Cadet moved into this three-bedroom rental apartment in Chicago’s McKinley Park, the apartment had recently been updated with new flooring and “simple all white walls,” she writes. “My landlord was very kind and agreed to let me paint all the rooms to make it feel like home for us. He often let us use the ladder and other equipment to get the painting and other DIY projects done!”
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Deandra shares the home with her partner, who “single-handedly painted many of the rooms himself because he is so detail-oriented and patient,” writes Deandra, who also shares the home with their dog, Roxie.
“Now our home is very cozy and filled with so many memories, art by BIPOC artists and friends, many plant babies, and lots of earthy and grounded colors,” Deandra describes of their home. “I wanted everywhere you look to be of interest and capture the eye. A lot of the items I’ve had since my first apartment and when my partner and I moved in together we brought together our belongs for a cohesive and harmonious look. I spent a long time thinking through made-to last items for purchase and vintage and thrifted pieces that I loved. I would say our home is colorful, curated, inspired and comforting.”
“Our home is such a grounded and inviting place for our friends and loved ones who come visit. Having the opportunity to design and decorate this home was the creative outlet I have been wanting for a long time. It gave me the push and confidence to start taking interior design classes and expand to helping others design their spaces. A lot of how I see myself is building spaces and environments for BIPOC, femmes, queer and young people to feel safe, acknowledged and affirmed in their being, and building my home felt like an extension of that,” Deandra writes.
“I love the TikTok that goes, ‘I wanna see a Black house, with Black Art, and Black music, and Black everything!’ I hope my home exudes that energy!”
Resources
LIVING ROOM
- Couch — Poly and Bark
- Coffee Table — Article
- Rug — Ruggable
- Curtains — Etsy
- Paint — “Bay Water” by Behr
- Art — Justina Blakeney
- Lampshade — Etsy, Illuminated Hearts
- Dining Table — Thrifted
- Bookshelves — IKEA
- Accent Chair — Thrifted
- Art — Ernesto Yerena Montejano, Angelica Frausto, Kang Yoo A
KITCHEN
- Kitchen Island — Home Depot
- Stools — Facebook Marketplace
- Art Prints — Unapologetic Street Series, Peoples Paper Co-Op #FreeOurMothers
- Paint — “Saffron Sands” by Behr
READING NOOK
- Hammock — Amazon
- Pillow — Artisan Pillow from Mexico City
- Lamp — Facebook Marketplace
- Side Table — Facebook Marketplace
- Rug — RugsUSA
- Art Prints — Naimah Thomas
- Hanging Textile — Chile
- Side Dresser — Thrifted
- Art Print — Jean Claude Dominque
- Lamp — Facebook Marketplace
- Paint — Sherwin-Williams “Hunts Club”
DINING ROOM
- Stain Glass — Estate Sale
ATTIC MAIN BEDROOM
- Sconces — Wayfair
- Night Table — Facebook Marketplace
- Art — Unique Thrift Store
- Floor Lamp — Wayfair
- Record Player — Left over from previous tenant
- Accent Chair — Hand-me-down
- Rug — Joss and Main
- Night Table — Target
- Glass Writing Desk — Facebook Marketplace
- Paint — “Terracotta Clay” by Behr
Thanks, Deandra!
This tour’s responses and photos were edited for length/size and clarity.
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