Homepolish Design Challenge
Client Profile - Woman - 29-years-old - Live in Chicago loft apartment - Writer for Chicago Tribune - Androgynous, classic style - Personal style icon: Jenna Lyons - Favorite Movies: The Lion King & Best In Show - Responds primarily to texts with gifs - Only listens to Drake and R&B - Has 200+ books, but secretly only reads magazines - Go-to drink: Whisky & Coke - Pretends to know a few things about wine - Has a beagle named Charley - Wants home to be minimal, but inspiring - Willing to spend well on investment pieces
Mood: Living Room
My goal is to bring personality, warmth, and style to an otherwise cold, Chicago loft apartment space by listening to my client’s needs, learning more about her lifestyle, researching best options, and utilizing my design expertise. The living room will feel modern and full of personality while still paying homage to classic design.
Existing Space Concrete Floors White Walls Fireplace with Character Industrial Windows Open Concept Approx. 19’ x 21’
Bar
Side Table
Side Table
Coffee
Hand
Full Window Wall
Dining Room
Fireplace
Chair
Chair
Plant
Sofa Floor Lamp
Credenza Kitchen Note: Renderings available upon request. Per my application, I source them out to a contracted employee.
Deep, blue velvet sofa to be the standout piece in the space with a black three-headed floor lamp to the left for task lighting. Large, round coffee table to offset the boxy shapes of the chairs, sofa, and side tables. Black mirrored top to play off of both the side tables and floor lamp.
A subtle green, low pile Flor carpet tile rug to anchor the majority of the living space (11 x 13). Also, leather chairs to offset the softness of the sofa and add a little edge/depth. Side tables for style/function.
A wood hand chair added to the right of the fireplace for visual interest and function. A large scale plant should be added to the left to balance it out and add life.
On the back wall, add a credenza & mirror. For some extra depth/flare, add a green marble slab to the top of the credenza to act as a tray and make it feel more custom. A high pile, flokati rug can be added as well in front of the sofa to add some layering, warmth, and coziness.
Above the fireplace, add some large, high impact art (represented here: Stephanie Vovas). The colors should have a mix of flesh tone, blue, blacks, and green. Actual selection determined by client. Largest visual impact in the room as it’s the focal point. Framing is a 2� black wood + matte.
Mood: Bathroom
My goal is to bring personality, warmth, and style to an otherwise cold, Chicago loft apartment space by listening to my client’s needs, learning more about her lifestyle, researching best options, and utilizing my design expertise. The bathroom will feel vibrant and modern while playing off of classic shapes and finishes. Even though it’s a small space, the details and choices recommended will make it feel custom/luxurious.
Existing Space Gray Tile Floor/Shower White Walls Glass shower White Toilet/Sinks Contractor Grade Vanity Brushed Nickel Finishes Approx. 9’ x 8’
Vintage Runner
Sink & Vanity
Toilet
Stand-Up Shower
Window Wall
Note: Renderings available upon request. Per my application, I contract them out to a contracted employee.
In the bathroom, remove existing cabinet, shower tile, and floor tile. On all the walls, add a blue, palm wallpaper. This will make the small space feel artistic/ unique, but still classic. Add a long, narrow mirror with two interesting black wall sconces on either side (plays off the lamp in the living room, too). Keeping the mirror long and narrow is functional, but shows off more of the wall. It’s also a more modern look as opposed to the full wall mirror. The cabinet/sink should be added from Ikea (can help save some money for a classic, clean look), but splurge a little bit on the finishes of the black, matte faucets and drawer pulls to make it feel more custom. The shower should be white (like the sinks), but use a black grout to play off well with the large-scale black floor tiles (12” x 24”) in a Herringbone pattern. Add an overdyed blue runner for cushion and
Add two towel bars to the right of the door (and across from the bathroom. This will play off of the art well and add contrast/interest.
Finally, add an ornate, vintage painting hung over the toilet. It will be visible right when you walk in and provide a nice contrast to the otherwise pretty modern space,
So, what’s this going to cost me? With the exception of designer fees, shipping on some items, and sales tax, you’re looking to spend approximately:
Living Room: $10,163 Bathroom: $8,346 Please see additional attachment with links to sources and breakdown of cost. Additionally, if you’d like renderings produced, please reach back out!
Kelley Howley Hunt & Gather 740 Curve St. SW design@huntandgatherGR.com