David & Megan’s Storefront Live/Work Loft
Name: David Handschuh & Megan Ross + Arrow the dog
Location: Bucktown — Chicago, Illinois
Size: 1,500 square feet
Years lived in: 1½ — rented
One of the things I love about shooting House Tours is seeing all the places people call home. From two flats to high rises, I’ve seen every kind of permutation of living quarters possible. Or, at least I thought so. David and Megan’s tour was my first time in a converted storefront space. And now, of course, I’m totally obsessed with the idea!
As the owners of the design business 11hundred, David and Megan were looking for a space where they could live and meet clients. What they found was this old storefront that serves both needs. The main floor of the space is one, large open room with a kitchen at the back. The long dining table near the kitchen is a primo spot for client meetings. And the fact that a white board folds down to cover the kitchen pass through makes it even more perfect.
Lofted above the kitchen space is the small bedroom area. It’s from this lofted area that you’re able to really appreciate the height of the ceiling. It’s also the perfect spot from which to survey the space.
As fun as it is to live in a storefront space, there are drawbacks as well. There’s the fact that the lofted bedroom area doesn’t have any electrical outlets. And then if you happen to forget to lock the front door, nosey passersby may very well walk right in. These drawbacks pale in comparison to living in such a unique space.
Apartment Therapy Survey:
Our Style: Shiny and dull.
Inspiration: Simplicity.
Favorite Element: How the natural light creates a separation from the city life outside.
Biggest Challenge: Our lack of outdoor space.
What Friends Say: Do you have a blanket I can use?
Biggest Embarrassment: That our space, being an old storefront loft is never truly clean.
Proudest DIY: Refurbishing much of what we have.
Biggest Indulgence: Our metal coffee tables.
Best Advice: There can always be less.
Resources of Note:
Thrift stores and nature.
Thanks, David & Megan!
Images: Jason Loper
• HOUSE TOUR ARCHIVE Check out past house tours here
• Interested in sharing your home with Apartment Therapy? Contact the editors through our House Tour Submission Form.
• Are you a designer/architect/decorator interested in sharing a residential project with Apartment Therapy readers? Contact the editors through our Professional Submission Form.