This Chicago Apartment Is a Perfect Mix of Modern, Classic, Eclectic, and Colorful

Name: Evan Cole and my partner Jonathan
Location: Lincoln Square — Chicago, Illinois
Type of home: Apartment
Size: 900-ish square feet
Years lived in: 1 year, renting

Tell us a little (or a lot) about your home and the people who live there: This is the third apartment that my partner Jonathan and I have shared and it is by far our favorite. I’m an art director for an agency and Jonathan is a prep school music teacher and department chair. Not only does this apartment include amenities we had never enjoyed on our own before (open floor plan, large bedroom, private outdoor space, elevator, and heated garage parking) but it’s the space that has made us the happiest.

After years of noisy neighbors, in two different apartments unfortunately, this place truly has been the peaceful home we’ve wanted for so long. It includes an eclectic mix of modern, mid-century, traditional, and bohemian pieces that represent us and fits our needs perfectly. The art in our apartment is the element I’m most proud of. Each piece has a story and many are one of a kind.

Describe your home’s style in 5 words or less: Modern, classic, eclectic, and colorful.

What is your favorite room and why? I would say our open living/dining room is my favorite room. It’s where we spend the most time and it’s the perfect representation of my style. I love every piece, every color, and every print in the room. It’s taken a year to get everything right but I’m so happy with how it turned out.

What’s the last thing you bought (or found!) for your home? The Jonathan Adler throw pillow on our couch. I’m a firm believer in rotating throw pillows on a piece of furniture rather than adding and adding. Curation over collection. I stumbled upon a sale and found that pillow and had to have it. I think it complements the space so well and reflects some of the more colorful and shape-oriented pieces I’ve injected into the room recently. Also I love Jonathan Adler and I’m so happy to finally have something from him.

Any advice for creating a home you love? Your space should reflect you. Don’t try to emulate someone else’s space or an interior design catalog. Fill it with things you truly love and that speak to you. Your space will be so much more interesting and personal because of it.

This submission’s responses were edited for length and clarity.