Tours

Two Chicago Chefs Share a Warm, Sustainable Home

updated Apr 29, 2019
Tours

Two Chicago Chefs Share a Warm, Sustainable Home

updated Apr 29, 2019
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Home Type
Bedrooms
Square feet
1100
Sq ft
1100
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Name: Amanda McLemore and Guillermo Reyes
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Size: 1,100 square feet
Years lived in: 2 years, owned

Amanda and Guillermo moved into their Bronzeville two-bedroom in 2016. As first-time homeowners, they were very patient when looking for the perfect space, and even more patient allowing the home to evolve into the beautiful space that it is now. Amanda and Guillermo are both chefs so they’re always cooking for themselves and others. Amanda runs her business Baguette & Butter out of their home, teaching online cooking workshops on sustainable eating and dining out in the city, and Guillermo is Chef de Cuisine at the popular Logan Square restaurant, Mi Tocaya.

They enjoy having a home that is warm and inviting, as well as one that is very considerate of environmental impact. When they moved in Amanda saw the empty backyard and instantly envisioned her garden there. The majority of their food is grown in their own backyard, and when the weather warms up they plan to keep bees and chickens, too. Amanda gave up going to the grocery store for an entire year to better connect with local food, so you know they’re committed! Every step of the way, their home functions with environmental impact in mind.

“We love the large windows that let in so much light. Most days we go without turning on lights and love watching the sun move about the home. We entertain all the time! Thanksgiving is our largest bash. We go all out including handwritten menus and fresh flowers. Guillermo enjoys teaching himself woodworking. He built our beautiful kitchen island and dining room table. We owe an eternity of gratitude to Guillermo’s father who made the design and style of our home come to life.”

Apartment Therapy Survey:

Our Style: Industrial, natural, minimal, Spanish, sustainable, secondhand.

Inspiration: Classic minimal homes.

Favorite Element: The brick walls. They add texture to the house and bounce off the neutral color palette.

Biggest Challenge: Living on the third floor. It can be challenging entertaining in the garden because our kitchen is three flights up. Luckily our friends and family always help.

Proudest DIY: Guillermo making our dining table by hand out of reclaimed local farm wood for our first Thanksgiving.

Biggest Indulgence: Kitchen appliances because, chefs.

Best Advice: Be patient in creating your styled home. It’s a marathon not a sprint.

Resources:

PAINT & COLORS
Behr — Conifer Green (kitchen)
Behr — Blackout (bathroom)
Behr — Grey Coat (main rooms, office)

LIVING ROOM
Sofa — Target
Pillows — Herschel
Bookcase — World Market
Coffee Table — Secondhand

DINING ROOM
Dining Chairs — World Market
Table — Handmade from farm wood
Light — World Market
Small Cabinet — Target

KITCHEN
Sink — IKEA
Faucet — Kohler
Chandelier — World Market
Island — Handmade
Larder shelves — Made from offcuts of the countertop
Chairs — Target
Rolling Cart — IKEA

BEDROOM
Nightstand — TJ Maxx
Bench — HomeGoods
Frame — Macy’s

BATHROOM
Sink — IKEA
Subway Tile — Home Depot
Shower Head — Amazon

STUDY
Desk — Target
Shelf — IKEA

Thanks, Amanda and Guillermo!


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