In Partnership WithThe Home Depot

3 Big Ideas That Helped a Chicago Renter Make Sense of Her Open Floor Plan

Written by

Courtney BalestierSenior Writer, Creative Studio
Courtney BalestierSenior Writer, Creative Studio
Courtney Balestier is the Apartment Therapy Creative Studio Senior Writer. She holds a master's degree in magazine journalism from NYU and lives in Pittsburgh, where you'll find her doing DIY projects in her new house with her dog and cat (who are not being very helpful).
updated Aug 8, 2022
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Credit: Photo: Christopher Broe; Stylist: Amanda Wolfson Davis

Our design styles are always evolving, but perhaps most of all in our mid-twenties. That’s when we start to look around at the random furniture, family hand-me-downs, and sidewalk scores we’ve gathered since our first apartments and say to ourselves: “Huh?”

Samantha was ready to swap her assortment of furniture for new pieces that felt more cohesive and sophisticated. Because The Home Depot’s online collection has hundreds of on-trend designs for every room, she was able to find furniture, decor, and accessories that work well together across her open layout — and that better reflects her style. These are some standouts that helped do just that.

A Kitchen That Really Cooks

Samantha’s sunny kitchen had a lot going for it: bright, modern, with an island for extra prep space. She just needed to outfit it more intentionally. Samantha picked up a matching dinnerware set in classic white because sets are easier to stack and store. Then she picked up drawer organizers and clear storage bins to keep her ingredients organized and easy to spot. To leave more room for food prep, she rethought the counter to include only the essentials: a cute retro coffee maker and kettle, an air fryer, and an elegant marble canister of cooking utensils. Behold: a kitchen that makes her excited to cook again.

A Living Room That Commits to Color

Samantha set a chic foundation with neutral (but never boring) anchor pieces: a warm jute beige rug, a buttery faux-leather camel sofa, and a crisp white TV stand with coordinating leather drawer pulls. For a cohesive look, she stuck to accents in orange and gold. A pair of velvet ottomans add storage and style, and a slim gold floor lamp adds elegance without taking up too much space.

A Dining Area Fit for Entertaining

No more meals on the sofa! Samantha didn’t have a dining area, but with a little creativity, she made one (and did it without adding clutter). The star of the show: a modern glass-top table with a striking and slim footprint, plus coordinating minimalist chairs. A glam bar cart subtly continues the gold theme and keeps the space happy hour-ready.