Looking Past the “Disaster” to Unlock the Loveliness of this Chicago Beauty

Name: Bridget
Location: Lakeview — Chicago, Illinois

Once Upon a Time in the Land of Chicago, a young woman named Bridget followed a magical road (Craigslist) to a big, yet unloved castle (a one-bedroom). She took one look at the space that many had overlooked and knew that with a little love care, and deep-clean magic she and the apartment could live happily ever after.

From Bridget: Welcome to my vintage 750 square foot apartment in the Lakeview neighborhood in Chicago. When I first saw this place on Craigslist it looked like a total disaster, but it was so much bigger than anything else I had looked at so I gave it a shot. Despite terrible paint choices and a serious need to be deep cleaned, this apartment was beautiful. I loved the arched doorways, South-facing windows, and the built-ins in the kitchen. I signed the lease that day and got to work repainting every wall and all the trim.

Most of my furniture was passed down from family members or found on Craigslist. I painted and/or DIYed much of this in an attempt at cohesiveness throughout my space. I am most proud of transforming my grandma’s non-working turntable console into a working record player and radio. Each project reminds me of the person who gave me the piece and it makes me happy that my home is so full of memories. My style could probably be best described as eclectic. I like decorating with colors and plants- the rest is just a mix of styles.

Thanks so much, Bridget!

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