A Small, $1400-a-Month Chicago Studio Apartment Cost $2500 to Furnish

Rodney Perez has been renting this 600-square-foot studio apartment for four months: I share my space with my 9-year-old springer spaniel, Abbi, and together we enjoy the charm the neighborhood has to offer. Andersonville is centered amongst the LGBTQIA+ community, so we let our pride shine free!

I’ve designed my 600-square-foot apartment to be a reflection of myself! I’ve been fortunate to collect from antique shopping and alley diving, and I’ve received pieces from my grandmother. All are pieces that stand true to my style and evolution; there are a couple of pieces in my apartment that hold strong sentimental value to me that were passed along that I could never part ways with.

I chose to go with a green, pink, and khaki aesthetic, as they are staples in my wardrobe at the moment. And when it came to sourcing artwork, I wanted to choose pieces that were created by women and LGBTQIA+ people.

Describe your home’s style in five words or fewer: Grandmillennial, but modern.

What is your favorite room and why? My favorite room is my living room (funny because it’s a studio, but, hey, imaginary walls are a thing). I designed this space based on my RH Cloud replica couch. And I built off the cozy vibes and sourced an amazing Jonathan Adler rug from Ruggable.

But my main focal point in this room is the framed shelving with antique figurines I was given from my grandmother. When I was growing up I loved these pieces and hoped to one day own them, and fortunately she passed them along to me to have forever! She still holds on to a couple of pieces I hope to acquire!

Any advice for creating a home you love? Create your space on your mood NOW, source pieces that make you happy. Paint that wall, dye that fabric, hang up that photo! If it makes you happy, that’s all that matters!

Thanks, Rodney!

This submission’s responses and photos were edited for length/size and clarity.
Share your style: House Tour & House Call Submission Form