Vin’s Very Hands-On Chicago Home

Name: Vin
Location: Chicago, Illinois

I have always thought of my home as my safe space, and so no matter what the physical space I hope to create something comfortable and something to love. When I bought this condo three years ago, it was nothing like it is now—it was mostly a boring box and the lower level felt outright dingy. With a lot of patience, thought and care it is now a place that is both mine to take care of and takes care of me. When people come to my home, they tell me they feel the warmth and reflection of me.

I am very hands-on. Every inch of this home has my stamp on it—the paint (walls and ceilings), the crown molding (done by hand in the living room—what a project!), furniture that has been recovered, and even cabinets in the kitchen re-designed into drawers. It has been a long three years, but the result is one of which I am so proud. And of course there is always more in my head…

My style is an outgrowth of the things I love and naturally gravitate towards, which means it includes anything. Years of collecting and editing have resulted in a curated collection of nothing matching but hopefully everything having its own place. I like there to be room for change, but I tend to tweak rather than redo whole rooms. This lets my home grow with me.

My space is approximately 2000 square feet in the Ukranian Village neighborhood on Chicago’s west side. I own a duplex in a three-flat building. It is a large enough space that it was difficult to choose only five pictures, but I think these show my sense of style and the pretty features of a 120-year old building. Also, the powder bathroom is just fun.

Thanks, Vin !

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