This Chicago Rental Apartment Is the Epitome of Comfortable and Tasteful Style

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Bedrooms
Square feet

1200

Sq ft

1200

Living room with large white sectional sofa with lots of pillows, wood cube coffee table with white art objects, stack of books, white walls and one exposed brick wall, large, tall windows, natural color area rug
Credit: Maddie Hilbrant

Maddie Hilbrant, her fiancé, and their golden retriever have been sharing this Chicago rental apartment for one-and-a-half years: My fiancé and I both really value a warm, welcoming home to come back to at the end of the day. During the pandemic we were both working from home; although we now are both back in the office, our passion for creating our own space has continued to grow. He’s less inclined to redecorate, while I’m constantly finding new pieces, throw pillows, vases, coffee-table books, etc. to add into the mix. We make a great team!

Credit: Maddie Hilbrant

Describe your home’s style in 5 words or fewer: Comfortable, tasteful, thoughtful, welcoming.

Credit: Maddie Hilbrant

Both of our identities are very much reflected in our home. We like to keep the rugs and furniture pretty neutral, but adding elements with color and our art are what we are most proud of. They’re all pieces that we love; with our different design aesthetics, it made it fun to purchase pieces we agreed on.

Credit: Maddie Hilbrant

What is your favorite room and why? Our bedroom is my favorite room. It’s gone through so many iterations as we’ve grown into our collective style and I think it really reflects that. It’s now a sanctuary with neutral bedding, lots of white, but pops of soft color, which feels so true to us. It’s a space that feels so tranquil.

What’s the last thing you bought (or found!) for your home? A pink Jonathan Adler vase! It’s acrylic and has a pink center, but it’s so fun and I bought it for my desk.

Credit: Maddie Hilbrant

Any advice for creating a home you love? Take risks and buy the things you truly love (not what someone’s Pinterest board tells you to!). I think everyone has an aesthetic, but sometimes they can’t tap into it. Spend some time poking around stores and Pinterest boards and figure out what excites you and what makes your space special, and lean into that.

Thanks, Maddie!

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