Chicago Renters Created an “Eclectic Modern Haven” in Their 1920s Factory Loft

Living room area with exposed beam ceiling and large windows
Grey living room area with exposed beam ceiling
White shelves with various books and objects
White and gray kitchen space with island and exposed beam ceiling
Paint and art supplies on table
Dining area with dining set in front of large window and exposed brick
Gray bedroom with black and white bedding
Gray office space with various objects and painting

ABOUT THIS TOUR

HOME TYPE: Historic Home, Loft

LOCATION: Wicker Park, Chicago, Illinois

STYLE: Industrial, Organic Modern

BEDROOMS: 2

SQUARE FEET: 800

For Chicago-based creative director and abstract artist, Briana McNamara, this rental loft apartment in a 1920s factory in Wicker Park was a perfect fit for her artistic vision. “The space is full of character — exposed brick, towering ceilings, and original wood beams — which adds its own story to the decor,” she writes of the home she’s been renting with her boyfriend, Sean, for one year.

Unfortunately as a rental, Briana and Sean were faced with the challenge of restrictions on what they were able to do with paint and remodeling, but that was just a puzzle to solve. “I’ve embraced creative, nonpermanent solutions, like playing with textures, statement pieces, and utilizing the built-in shelving to craft a homey atmosphere without altering the architecture,” Briana describes. “After years in high-rise apartments, we were excited to transition into this loft, drawn to its rich history and character, which gave me the perfect canvas to express my design sensibilities.”

Resources

Grey living room area with exposed beam ceiling

LIVING ROOM

  • Sofa — CB2 Tablon Sofa (no longer available)

  • Chairs — Field Chair, Leanne Ford for Crate & Barrel

  • Coffee Table — Crate & Barrel (no longer available)

  • Accent Table — Ogden Burled Wood

  • Accent Table — Threshold designed with Studio McGee

  • Table Lamp — CB2 Scrunch Black And White Table Lamp By Kara Mann

  • Artwork — Crate & Barrel (no longer available)

  • Rug — Rugs.com

  • Shelving decor — Briana McNamara original paintings, books from multiple sources, decor items from Crate & Barrel

Gray bedroom with black and white bedding

BEDROOM

  • Bed — CB2 Alchemy Matte Black (no longer available)

  • Bedding — CB2 Estela Black And White Full/Queen Organic Cotton Duvet Cover

  • Floor lamp — Thrifted

  • Rug — Boutique Rugs

  • Dresser — Wayfair

  • Vase — Leanne Ford for Crate & Barrel (no longer available)

  • Artwork — Crate & Barrel (no longer available)

Gray office space with various objects and painting

OFFICE

  • Desk — Crate & Barrel Spotlight Desk (no longer available)

  • Rug — Crate & Barrel indoor/outdoor (no longer available)

  • Chair — Crate & Barrel Ojai Chair

  • Sideboard — Thousand Oaks Wood Scalloped TV Stand, Threshold designed with Studio McGee

  • Lamp — Thrifted

  • Art — Briana McNamara Original

Dining area with dining set in front of large window and exposed brick

DINING ROOM

  • Dining table — Astrid Mid-Century Round Extendable Dining Table – Threshold

  • Dining chairs — Threshold (no longer available)

  • Rug — CB2 Cowhide Rug (no longer available)

  • Bar cart — West Elm (no longer available)

Thanks, Briana!

This tour’s responses and photos were edited for length/size and clarity.

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Further Reading

We Tested (and Rated!) All the Living Room Seating at Burrow to Determine the Best for Every Space and Need

We Tested (and Rated!) Every Sofa at West Elm — Here Are the Best for Every Type of Need

I Just Discovered the Smartest Way to Store Paper Towels in Your Kitchen (It’s a Game-Changer!)