My Houzz: A Rented Home in Chicago Gets a Charming Makeover
Rosy hues, lively patterns and an ever-expanding art collection bring approachable sophistication to a DIY lover's light-filled home
Cynthia Lynn
18 June 2014
Alaina Kaczmarski has a knack for design. The proof is in the DIY touches that enhance her Chicago rental home’s original architectural details. Kaczmarski, a stylist, writer and cofounder of the blog The Everygirl, used her signature colour palette of pinks, blacks and greys to jazz up elements like floor-to-ceiling cupboard units and exposed wooden beams. The result is a style that’s bright, dark, casual and funky all at once.
Houzz at Glance
Who lives here Alaina Kaczmarski, her roommate and her two Cockapoos, Tucker and Fiona
Location Chicago, USA
Size 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom
Houzz at Glance
Who lives here Alaina Kaczmarski, her roommate and her two Cockapoos, Tucker and Fiona
Location Chicago, USA
Size 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom
This feature wall in Kaczmarski’s office is an ever-growing collection of online finds and travel souvenirs. ‘There’s a painting I purchased in Montmartre, my first real work of art, and my personal-mantra “Live what you love” letterpress poster that serves as a daily reminder to do what makes me happy,’ she says.
Her beloved dogs, Fiona and Tucker, enjoy lounging on her couch while she works.
Lamp: Neenas; rug: Sabine, Lulu & George; pouf: Amazon; throw pillows: Caitlin Wilson Textiles; ‘Live what you love; print: Heartfish Press; ‘I feel you’ print: Birdaria; wall paint: Middleton Pink, Farrow & Ball
Her beloved dogs, Fiona and Tucker, enjoy lounging on her couch while she works.
Lamp: Neenas; rug: Sabine, Lulu & George; pouf: Amazon; throw pillows: Caitlin Wilson Textiles; ‘Live what you love; print: Heartfish Press; ‘I feel you’ print: Birdaria; wall paint: Middleton Pink, Farrow & Ball
Kaczmarski, shown with Fiona, loves the location of her Chicago flat. ‘There’s always something new to do, and each of the areas all offer such different energy and types of people,’ she says. ‘I never get bored or feel like I’m always going to the same place.’
Desk: parson’s, West Elm; rug: Rugs USA; pencil holder: Furbish
Desk: parson’s, West Elm; rug: Rugs USA; pencil holder: Furbish
A large notice board across from her desk holds invitations and decorating ideas. ‘My advice to other homeowners is, don’t stress over ‘finishing’ your home,’ Kaczmarski says. ‘Slowly acquire pieces you love and enjoy the process of making it your own.’
The blush colour on the walls - Middleton Pink by Farrow & Ball - complements this white built-in cupboard unit, which Kaczmarski uses as a minibar.
The home office space was originally the dining room, but Kaczmarski had little use for a big dining area. Now she uses the space - seen here from the kitchen - for Everygirl team meetings.
Dining table: walnut, Fashion for Home; kitchen shelves: Target
Dining table: walnut, Fashion for Home; kitchen shelves: Target
Kaczmarski took advantage of the flat’s built-in fireplace, personalising the shelves and mantelpiece with knick-knacks and keepsakes.
She added a small dining table to the oversize living room to create more space for entertaining guests. The vintage chairs are Craigslist finds.
Dining table: Docksta, Ikea; wall mirror: Sunburst, Layla Grace; Paris Ferris Wheel photo: Etsy
She added a small dining table to the oversize living room to create more space for entertaining guests. The vintage chairs are Craigslist finds.
Dining table: Docksta, Ikea; wall mirror: Sunburst, Layla Grace; Paris Ferris Wheel photo: Etsy
In the living room, Kaczmarski painted the walls grey to keep a neutral palette, layering in a zigzag floor rug and vertical bookshelves to let the spines of her books serve as graphic accents.
Rug: Rugs USA; pouf: Lulu & George
Check out more geometric patterns
Rug: Rugs USA; pouf: Lulu & George
Check out more geometric patterns
Two of Kaczmarski’s favorite designers are Erika McPherson Powell of Urban Grace Interiors and Brad Ford ID. ‘Their designs are both rooted in neutral, traditional style, but each of them adds interesting, fresh elements that take them to the next level,’ she says.
Lamp: Euro Style Lighting; lacquered box: Furbish
Lamp: Euro Style Lighting; lacquered box: Furbish
Kaczmarski is always on the hunt for a good bargain. She picked up her coffee table at a Jayson Home & Garden warehouse sale. Her most recent splurge, and her first major investment piece, is this Carlisle sofa from Pottery Barn.
Coffee table: Chelsea, Jayson Home; ostrich print: The Animal Print Shop; pillows: Serena & Lily
Coffee table: Chelsea, Jayson Home; ostrich print: The Animal Print Shop; pillows: Serena & Lily
In her bedroom she went with an unconventional colour - pitch black. ‘I had a black wall in my old office and absolutely loved it,’ she says. ‘I thought it would be unexpected to bring that colour into the bedroom. This could have been very hit or miss, but it ended up being a very cosy, den-like space.’
Bed: Skyline Furniture; linens: Serena & Lilly; “Lust” pillow: Jonathan Adler; paint: Pitch Black No. 256, Farrow & Ball
Be inspired by more dark colours
Bed: Skyline Furniture; linens: Serena & Lilly; “Lust” pillow: Jonathan Adler; paint: Pitch Black No. 256, Farrow & Ball
Be inspired by more dark colours
The bedroom is where she feels most at home. ‘It’s so cosy - I never want to leave it! Sometimes I just work from bed,’ she says.
Nightstand: West Elm; lamp: Euro Style Lighting; mercury bottles: Jayson Home
Nightstand: West Elm; lamp: Euro Style Lighting; mercury bottles: Jayson Home
On her dressing table Kaczmarski uses vintage teacups to display and organize her jewelry. An antique brass mirror rests on top, with a snapshot of her and her dogs tucked into the frame.
Kaczmarski’s biggest challenge was to convert the wood-paneled bathroom from its log cabin style. She transformed the space with a few coats of white paint and by painting the center beam a striking black colour.
Rug: Layla Grace; tote bag: Feed; accent paint: Pitch Black No. 256, Farrow & Ball
Rug: Layla Grace; tote bag: Feed; accent paint: Pitch Black No. 256, Farrow & Ball
Hand towels: West Elm; topiary: boxwood, New Growth Design
Keeping everything white on white in the bathroom made the somewhat narrow space brighter.
‘My home is a means to express myself as I grow older - to change and adapt to new tastes and interests as they unfold,’ Kaczmarski says.
Shelving unit: Expedit, Ikea
What is your favourite part of this home? Tell us in the Comments below.
‘My home is a means to express myself as I grow older - to change and adapt to new tastes and interests as they unfold,’ Kaczmarski says.
Shelving unit: Expedit, Ikea
What is your favourite part of this home? Tell us in the Comments below.
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such a bright cheery home.