This IKEA-Filled 410-Square-Foot Studio Looks So High-End
Steven Russell says his apartment — this 410-square-foot studio apartment in Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood — is a big part of his life. “Not only is it the space in which a lot of my life happens, I also see it as a reflection of my personality and the things I care about,” he begins. “I have been fully WFH since the start of COVID, and spend a large portion of my time at home, so having a space that can accommodate multiple functions and moods is incredibly important.”
“I have a variety of interests, and I love collecting physical things like books and vinyl records, so figuring out how to find a balance of all of those that feels authentic without being cluttered in a smaller space has been a challenge that I’ve enjoyed undertaking.”
“Despite valuing the ethos and aesthetics of minimalism, I’m a collector and a lover of physical things at heart,” Steven admits. “I think that provides an interesting tension for how I go about designing my spaces. I’ve focused a lot on how to organize my things in a way that puts them on display without feeling cluttered or excessive, and have gotten a lot of inspiration from different small-space Instagram accounts and YouTube channels.”
“I think my guiding design principle is to allow any/all objects or styles that I like into my space, and subsequently create a context for them that feels comfortable and restrained. The color palette I’ve employed involves a lot of blacks, whites, and other neutrals, and then my possessions provide the color and character that make it interesting. I also have a lot of Chicago-related things that make me feel at home in the city I love. Essentially, my advice is to bring in anything that brings you joy, and find a way to make it all work together!”
ENTRYWAY
- Shoe storage — IKEA
LIVING ROOM
- Tizio Lamp — Lightology (a local lighting store)
- Couch, record shelves, storage/display units, and rug) — IKEA
- Lift-top coffee table — Amazon
- Accessories — Etsy and different shops around Chicago
- Samsung Frame TV
- Console table — Amazon
OFFICE AREA
- Standing desk frame — Amazon
- Desktop — IKEA
- Desk chair — Office Depot
BEDROOM
- VARMBLIXT mirror/light from IKEA
- Bed and bookshelves, with add-on cabinet doors — IKEA
- Nightstand — Gehry Twist Cube from Design Within Reach
Thanks, Steven!
This tour’s responses and photos were edited for length/size and clarity.
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