Lindsey’s Warm Bookworm Nest

published Jul 9, 2015

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Name: Lindsey Grissom
Location: Andersonville; Chicago, IL
Size: 1,400 square feet
Years lived in: 5 years; Rented

Lindsey has lived in her 3^rd floor apartment for 5 years, but she’s lived in this same building, in Chicago’s Andersonville neighborhood for a good chunk of her life. She grew up in the 1^st floor apartment where her parents still live, and now shares the 3^rd floor with her two tortoises, Yurtle and Olive.

Lindsey’s bright living room is filled with secondhand furniture from antique stores and things that she made herself. She says that she would love to buy a new couch, but she spends all her couch money on books. (Image credit: Kristan Lieb)

(Image credit: Kristan Lieb)

Lindsey left the state for college, and has lived in other Chicago neighborhoods, but the amount of time she’s lived in Andersonville has had a definite effect on the décor. The quaint Swedish neighborhood is known for having a large number of antique and resale stores. Lindsey has made a habit of frequenting these stores on the walk to and from her job, and much of her furniture was purchased from them.

Lindsey has a soft spot for mid-century modern pieces & Southwestern-style woven tapestries. The mint color that she chose to use in several of her rooms is a reflection of her personality: upbeat, cheerful and bright. It also matches the incredible light that streams into her apartment throughout the day.

Apartment Therapy Survey:

My Style: Mid-Century Modern, found and repurposed objects, friends’ and my own art and craftsmanship, color.

Inspiration: The people around me, the places I’ve visited and lived. Mixed materials, textures, rawness, and color. The old and the new seaming together.

Favorite Element: I live at the treetops and get a lot of sunshine.

Biggest Challenge: Keeping my many windows clean.

What Friends Say: That they feel at home.

Biggest Embarrassment: I can’t afford a better couch because I spend all of my couch money on books.

Proudest DIY: The cherry coffee table I made while working at my father’s woodshop.

Biggest Indulgence: Books. Cloth napkins.

Best Advice: Your home should be your nest, built piece by piece. Let it grow organically. It’s far more fun and reflective of you.

Dream Sources: Cassona couch, anything from Scout, Turkey.