This Artist’s Home Is in a Sunny Chicago Suburb Rental

Name: Kennan del Mar, my partner, Allan, and our dog Marsha
Location: Lombard, Illinois
Size: 1,035 square feet
Years lived in: 9 months, renting

I live with my partner, Allan, and our girl dog Marsha, an American Cocker Spaniel. Allan is working as a data analyst and I’m an independent artist. We moved into this apartment about nine months ago when we were looking for a place that’s not too far from downtown Chicago but still has that suburban vibe and we fell in love with it right away. Lots of light, wood floors, and a nice kitchen. It’s a two-bedroom, two-bath apartment, which we like so we can use the other bedroom as a TV room. We don’t like having TV in the living room or master bedroom.

Describe your home’s style in 5 words or less: Eclectic mix with old and new.

Our living room is decorated with mid-century style furniture. Some new, some old that we get from thrift stores and antique shops. I like to mix and match our decor. As long we feel comfortable and cozy. I love paintings, so I have all my paintings hanging on every wall. They are large so it makes the space look bigger, I think. Plus it really gives a bold statement.

Our dining area is tiny but we still have enough space to invite friends over and enjoy home cooked dinner. The kitchen is where I spend a lot of time. I try to keep it simple here. Less is more. I enjoy cooking so I need a lot of space to move around.

Our bedroom is simple. It’s mostly white with less stuff. I love to dress our bed all in white because I want it to feel inviting and cozy. Just a place where we can relax.

What is your favorite room and why? My favorite room in our apartment is the guest room. We use this room a lot to watch TV at night and it is where I do all my paintings. Also, where I can be a little disorganized. We sometimes turn it into a guest bedroom when we have guests. So, it’s really multi-functional.

If you could magically change something about your home, what would it be? Bigger dining area so I can entertain more guests. I love cooking and having friends over.

Any advice for creating a home you love? Keep it personal. Fill your home with pieces that inspires you. Make it an extension of yourself where you can freely express your creativity and just be your self. Make it a place that you can call a sanctuary, where you can relax and call your home the best vacation spot.

Thanks, Kennan!

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