Reader Design: Kaitlin's Chi-Town Nest

Today, we're off to one of the only cities in the country that is actually being seasonally authentic. I don't know about you guys, but I'm a four season person - and I'd like for things to stay that way! 

Kaitlin is a new mom and design and lifestyle blogger and editor living in Chicago, Illinois who has used all those learnings from her day job to create the most perfect space for her family. 

And with so many influences, it's no wonder that Kaitlin is a style mutt to her core. She incorporates mid century, traditional, modern, and bohemian styles effortlessly in a way that still feels cohesive. Sometimes all those varying styles can breed some insecurity, but Kaitlin totally owns it. 

I’d call my style ‘modern vintage.’ I love clean-lined modern pieces, but I also love antiques, quirky art, and thrifted finds. I try and mix it all together in a way that works. I live in a city where you can literally find a mix of anything and everything, and I think my style is a reflection of that. A lot of the things in my house have come from fellow Chicagoans via Craigslist and local vintage stores.

That quirkiness still leaves plenty of room for mixing in both those items that you will never, under any circumstances, part with and items that are trendy, even just for a short period of time. 

Kaitlin was lucky and found pieces that met both requirements - totally on trend, but also totally perfect for the space and quite timeless. 

The leather chairs in the living room are from West Elm. I wanted them for about 6 months before I actually committed and bought them, because they’re in a chestnut leather color that happens to be trending, and I wasn’t sure if they would look dated in a few years. I couldn’t find anything else I liked better, though, so eventually I just caved and bought them.
 
 

Of course, though, trendy items don't have to be a splurge, which Kaitlin knows well as a design writer and new mom to her adorable son.

I write about home decor for a living, so I’m always aware of the latest trends, but I don’t let them dictate my style, because I also know how fleeting they can be. But I’m also not immune to trends, either! Generally, I make sure that most of the big-ticket furniture I buy is more timeless, and then I incorporate trends through inexpensive things like textiles, DIY projects, or swapping out the wall art in my frames.
 
 

In the nursery, those trends come alive with the Scandinavian rocking chair (good taste, Kaitlin - I have the same one!), the luxurious fur rug, and the Graham & Brown wallpaper

Kaitlin, what a dream to not only write about beautiful design for a living but to LIVE IT every day with your family. Thanks for showing us around! 

Follow Kaitlin along on Instagram @kaitmadden or her site. 

And now for me? I'm headed off to a weekend in Florida with my girlfriends. See you all next week, and cross fingers that I don't come back with a sunburn.

Reader Design: Janie's Timeless Traditional

Janie was ready to trade up from the small rental she shared with her boyfriend plus a roommate in Los Angeles, California. First on the list, for Janie and so many of us city-dwellers, was space. Space to spread out, space to be. 

 
 

From Janie:

My style is dictated by creating a beautiful space that is our haven from all that life throws at us. This meant our home had to feel clean and fresh while balancing form and function. Our home is not a “McMansion,” but it definitely is a huge step up. So the above philosophy made it easy for me to find my style rather than falling for trends since we really had to take into consideration the space available.

Then, Janie made use of those clean, minimal lines this 1950's traditional has to offer to the best of her ability.
She considered the light during their airy renovation:

As much as I would love to have dark forest green cabinets in the kitchen, it just wouldn’t make sense since our goal is to open up the kitchen and make it bright to make the space feel bigger.

She considered the needs of her family: 

And as much as I love the look of having poufs on our living room floor, it just won’t work for us with our dog. She’s a Pomeranian, meaning lots of shedding!

And then, it was time to focus on style. The design is timeless and traditional just like her home but still packs a punch by incorporating some "on trend" elements - namely, indigo and brass.  

One design trend I absolutely love is the use of brass in homes. I had to make sure not to go overboard with it because originally I wanted to use brass fixtures in the bathroom and bedroom but eventually I let our bedroom take the spotlight. It’s all about taking trends in moderation.

This home is intentionally simple - and makes for a perfect landing place to recuperate and relax in between Janie's avid traveling. Thank you, Janie, for letting us in! 

For more design and travel inspiration, follow Janie along on Instagram @janiejoyfuleigh

See you next week!

 

 

Reader Design: Lisa's Global Retreat

This one is for the travelers. The ones out there who have insatiable wanderlust like myself. Or even those who just like to dabble in some global cuisine every now and then.

Lisa's Chicago home represents years of travel. Her home tells us where she's been and gets more unique with every trip she takes and item she brings home.

The feeling hits you the second you come through the door. And it's not just one thing. But the thing that jumps out at me is that gallery wall. Now, we all see a lot of gallery walls. But this is something else. 

It's a lovingly curated collection of works from one of Lisa's favorite artists as well as some of her own work and will be something she adds to throughout her life. It perfectly represents her aesthetic philosophy.

From Lisa:

I love spaces that are functional and classic, with meaningful keepsakes, souvenirs, and artwork sprinkled in there. If an object/piece of furniture doesn’t serve any sort of purpose in the space or if a souvenir/piece of artwork doesn’t evoke a feeling, then it shouldn’t be there.

In the living room, you notice the textiles. 

I have a few blankets that I bought in Peru that I LOVE. I came home with a new suitcase full of Peruvian textiles but still felt like it wasn’t enough...
 
 

All those global influences make a place feel special but can be difficult to bring together.

I’ve been fortunate enough to do a good amount of traveling in my life , and most places have influenced me in some way. It can actually hinder me a lot of times when I’m trying to put together a space. When I was in my early 20’s, I spent some time living in Italy and Southern France. I love the softness of French style, but I also love the ruggedness of an Argentine estancia. Those cultures influenced me a lot in the way I live and especially in my aesthetic choices. The key is to figure out how to make those contradictory elements work together.

So how do you do it? How do you take influences from literally all over the place and make it feel cohesive, unified, homey? It's a question Lisa has a pretty good answer to. 

When designing a space, my starting point is always going to be Function. What is the point of this room? What are people going to be doing in here? Once you’ve established the function of the room, you can start figuring out what layout and styles will make the most sense.

Well done, Lisa. This home functions beautifully. I know that I for one will stay tuned on Instagram @lisalaurens to see where your travels lead you next! 

Thanks for following along, mutts!