This “Lifelong Maximalist” Transformed a Rental Apartment into a “Modern Country Estate”
“Although some challenge the idea of placing so much time and effort into a rented space, I firmly believe that artistically created and beautifully curated surroundings enliven us as people, and one doesn’t need to wait to be a property owner to enjoy this enlivenment,” begins designer Johnny Coleman (@threadbareandmohair on TikTok) of the 950-square-foot apartment he’s been renting for three years.
Can't-Miss House Tours Straight to Your Inbox
Keep up with our latest house tours each weekday with our House Tour of the Day newsletter
Johnny explains that he “wanted to honor the original intention of the Hyde Park neighborhood of Chicago in this space, which was used as a getaway from the noise and pollution of downtown in the late 19th and early 20th century.” He describes his design aesthetic in the apartment as a “modern take on the east wing of a country house.”
> Ask a question & discuss this Tour in our Community Forum!
Looking at Johnny’s apartment today, it’s hard to believe that this space was ever just “all white,” but that’s exactly what Johnny says the apartment started as when he first moved in. “Elegant but simple. All white, but with good bones. Unique crown molding in every room, ornate window and door trim, lovely wide base molding, high ceilings and wood floors — all original,” he writes of the space’s historic charm.
Johnny says that he’s been a lifelong maximalist. “I have collected antique furniture and artwork since I was 14,” he admits. “I love color drenching and period mixing. I like to bring out the natural beauty of the architecture while making the space distinctly my own. I like to cohesively blend different periods and styles and create striking but harmonious contrast.”
> Ask a question & discuss this Tour in our Community Forum!
Resources
BLUE DRAWING ROOM
- Solid marble postmodern coffee table, c.1970
- Chinese lily pond rug, 1980s
- Sputnik light fixture, 1960s
- Original oil portrait of the Duchess La Valliere, by Marc Nattier (father of Jean Marc Nattier), c.1695
- Pair of wicker porter chairs with custom candy striped cushions
- Portrait of a Napoleonic era lady, c.1805, artist unknown
- Late 1920s Odeon Shell hanging-fixture
- Custom tailored Persian rug pillows
- Nepalese rug, c.1930
- Fireplace found at an architectural salvage and upcycled to fit the room
- 1920s brass sconces
- c.1900 portrait of a lady
- c.1890’s maritime portrait by John Olsen Hammerstad
- French rococo ormolu fireplace screen
- Self portrait of Louis Burgade, 1836
- Wainscoting added
YELLOW CHINOISERIE ROOM
- Hand painted flower-and-bird motif throughout
- A Chinese oil portrait of a courtesan reading a book, c.1820, sits on a Napoleon III gilded easel, c.1865
- Murano glass chandelier, 1950s
- Gilded-bronze and porcelain flower sconces by Maison Baguès c.1940
FRANKFURT KITCHEN
- Completely redesigned with pine-paneled walls
- Wedgwood-inspired cabinets
- Made lemon toleware chandelier, c.1960
PINK ROOM
- Polonaise canopy bed
- Chinese Aubusson-Art deco rug(s)
- 1950s rococo revival lamps
- Oil portrait of a Frenchman c.1765
- Rosette quits by Lazybones
- Wedgwood jasperware throughout
- Venetian panel with dupioni silk backing and 1930s Italian mermaid sconce
- Upcycled electric fireplace originally from Amazon
- c.1890s floral oil painting
- Carved jade flower sculptures, Wedgwood throughout
This tour’s responses and photos were edited for length/size and clarity.
Share your style: House Tour & House Call Submission Form
> Ask a question & discuss this Tour in our Community Forum!