Claren lives in a single family Chicago bungalow built in 1911 and renovated in 2013. She writes: “I am interior architect and this is my personal space. I consider my style to be transitional, mixing modern with more traditional pieces. The space has high contrast with dark floors and white walls as well as cooler tones with inky blue window treatments. I love the mix of geometric patterns and organic shapes. This is a space that calms me.”

“The furniture placement and light fixtures help with creating intimate vignettes while keeping the spaces connected and open. I have many unique craigslist finds that I treasure, such as my solid marble cocktail table that a gentleman inherited from his grandparents. The bottom is carved with the date and located in Italy that it was made. I also have an ideal console table, that I painted to look like malachite. The dining table has a glass top, making it possible for me to change the color and pattern by swapping different fabrics. I hope you love it as much as I do!”

Our Style: Transitional

Inspiration: Calm with a punch

Favorite Element: High contrast colors and found pieces

Biggest Challenge: A historic home, builder remodeled to be very traditional and wanting it to be more modern

What Friends Say: It looks done! Even though it never is

Biggest Embarrassment: A bad concrete job on the back deck, hoping to redo that soon!

Proudest DIY: Malachite table in the entry space

Biggest Indulgence: Solid marble cocktail table

Best Advice: Design for yourself, don’t worry about what other people think if you love it

Dream Sources: Kelly Wearstler, Jonathan Adler, Elle Decor

ENTRY

Lack Console Table — IKEA (hand-painted, shelf removed)

FAMILY ROOM

Horsetail Rush Grass Ottoman — Wayfair

CASUAL DINING ROOM

Banquette — IKEA Billy Bookcase (with custom ostrich upholstery)

BAR

Art Nouveau Poster — Amazon

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