I’m taking a look back at my first Chicago apartment, located in a brand new, very modern high-rise in River North. The actual unit wasn’t very “me” – it featured modern, dark, kitchen, a wall of very large, modern windows, but I loved it. I was new to Chicago and wanted to feel safe in a high rise, and loved that everything was new and clean (and the in-unit washer and dryer ultimately sold me). This little place was home. My first home in the city I’ve made my home – where I started my second and third businesses, met my husband, and grew my family.

When I look at the decor, it still feels so like me, even 10+ years later. A younger me, but it’s still me. A white sofa, jute rug, vintage lamp and mirror, and the same lacquer media stand that is currently in our basement playroom/family room. I loved that sofa and only sold it after coming out with a collaboration with a furniture brand, and honestly regretted the sale since. This sofa was so comfortable and so well-made. It’s still available and I’d still recommend it. I wanted to invest in quality pieces that I’d own for a while, so I slowly purchased something new every few months, when my budget would allow for it. This was shot more than a decade ago, so I’ll link what I can at the bottom of this post. 

My First Chicago Apartment

About My Apartment

It was a jr. one bedroom, coming in at just under 600 square feet. I lived on the 7th floor facing a park and river, and could see movies in the park from my little balcony all summer. Just thinking about it makes me miss being downtown. As much as I love the charm of an old home, this apartment really was the perfect place to start my life in the windy city over a decade ago. Although my living room is just a few steps away from my “office” (a small area between the kitchen and living room) I did my best to make it feel like its own little space. 

Buying a white sofa made me a little nervous, but the slipcover is washable and Buddy knows three important commands.

1. Get off the couch / he is allowed everywhere, but I prefer that he not jump on the cushions after a walk
2. Get on your blanket / said so he will sit on his blanket on the sofa as opposed to my cushions
3. Take your treat to your bed / he now takes his treats directly to his bed to avoid getting crumbs everywhere