Chicago-based attorney and content creator Blake Gifford lives in an elegant, small, but dramatically decorated apartment she’s been renting for three years. Being in a rental hasn’t stopped her from adding her own personality and style to the space, though. Blake says she’s added wallpaper to every home she’s lived in since college, and this space is no different. From the glossy and matted black print in the dining nook, to the wallpaper mural behind the bed, to the brand new wallpapered bathroom, Blake has used pattern brilliantly.

My Style: Moody, Masculine, Glam

Inspiration: Boutique hotels and British interiors

Favorite Element: The spiral staircase.

Biggest Challenge: Storage solutions.

What Friends Say: My friends always compliment the “coziness” of my apartment and they’re usually very shocked at the price point of the items in my home. Because I love a good bargain find!

Proudest DIY: My bathroom wallpaper. I’ve wallpapered in almost every apartment I’ve had since college so I’m pretty skilled at the application process. But because I’d previously only done accent walls, I really underestimated the amount of work that goes into wallpapering an entire room—especially with such an intricate pattern. My entire body hurt for days afterwards, but the space brings such a smile to my face that every knot and bruise was totally worth it. 

Best Advice: Take your time and find things you love! I also think it’s helpful to just focus on the individual pieces that catch your eye—as you come across them—rather than zero in on a “theme.” You might miss something really great! 

Dream Sources: Jonathan Adler, High Fashion Home, Kelly Wearstler

• Living Room ⁠— “Quaking Bog” – Valspar
• Bedroom ⁠— “Durango Blue” – Behr
• Kitchen ⁠— “Black” – Behr

• Vintage Italian Bar Cart ⁠— Craigslist
• Vintage Frame ⁠— Facebook Marketplace
• Vintage Phone ⁠— Flea market
• Chicago Artwork ⁠— Minted

• Velvet Chesterfield Sofa ⁠— Wayfair (also available on Amazon)
• Round Mirror ⁠— West Elm
• Sideboard ⁠— Home Goods
• Floral Table Lamp ⁠— Marshalls
• Ceramic Bust ⁠— Craigslist
• Glass/Mirrored Tray ⁠— Home Goods
• Live Edge Coffee Table ⁠— TJ Maxx
• Floor Lamp ⁠— Z Gallerie
• Black Cowhide Rug ⁠— IKEA
• Bird of Paradise ⁠— Lowe’s // Planter – IKEA
• Fiddle Leaf ⁠— Home Depot //
• Planter ⁠— Target (available online in white, in-store in black)
• Faux Fur Throw Pillow ⁠— IKEA
• Ceramic Deer Head ⁠— Target (sold out)
• Vase/Umbrella Stand ⁠— Z Gallerie

• Intersections Wallpaper ⁠— Tempaper 
• IKEA table ⁠— Craigslist; DIY painted black with faux marble contact paper (Amazon) applied
• Velvet Chairs ⁠— Amazon

• Headboard ⁠— World Market
• Shag Rug ⁠— RugsUSA
• Axel Fur Chair ⁠— Z Gallerie
• Mongolian Throw Pillows ⁠— Z Gallerie
• Pink Velvet Pillows ⁠— Home Goods
• Bird Flock Throw Pillows ⁠— Etsy
• Velvet Benches ⁠— Home Goods
• Black Dresser ⁠— Craigslist (DIY)
• Side Table ⁠— Craigslist (DIY)
• Vintage Trunk ⁠— Sidewalk find
• Ceramic Lamps ⁠— Target 
• Starburst Decor ⁠— HomeGoods
• Artwork ⁠— Shani Crowe
• Louis Vuitton Coffee Table Book ⁠— HomeGoods

• Leopard Removable Wallpaper ⁠— Milton & King
• Gold Frame Mirror ⁠— Amazon
• “Love” Neon Sign ⁠— Urban Outfitters
• Velvet Shower Curtain ⁠— Target
• Wicker Basket ⁠— Marshalls

Thanks, Blake!

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