This Chicago Apartment Boasts Amazing Views, a Cozy Feel, and Effortless Serenity

Renting Outside the Lines is a series that spotlights gorgeous rentals and how people make their rentals feel more like a forever home, even if it's a temporary space. You don't need to own a house to have a home, you can easily make your rental feel like your dream space with just a bit of imagination and renter-friendly updates.

Cassandra Noel is an interior decorator and content creator living in Chicago. She's been a renter for 10 years and has a passion for interior design. What once started as a hobby has now grown into a full-blown business, allowing Noel to curate people's dream spaces—both residential and commercial—along with her own.

Meet the Expert

Cassandra Noel is an interior decorator and content creator who shares her 1,075 square feet, two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment with her husband Peter in Chicago. They've lived there for two and a half years.

How long did it take you to get your apartment to where it is today? Is there anything else major that you’d like to do to your apartment?

Two and half years and counting—it's a journey. My style is always evolving and my apartment evolves with it. The design of my apartment is super modern with floor-to-ceiling windows showcasing the city, which is beautiful!

That being said, my personal style is more eclectic and vintage. Marrying those two opposing design styles has been a fun challenge and pushed me creatively.

How would you describe your style and approach to decorating your apartment?

Such a tough question, because it's such a mix! It's a combination of organic modern, Hollywood regency, and vintage. Imagine if Kelly Wearstler and the Golden Girls designed an apartment together—that's my vibe. 

My approach to decorating my apartment is to first think about how I want to feel when I'm in that space. I want every space I create to evoke a feeling.

For example, in my guest bedroom, I wanted a feeling of serenity and coziness. I used a beautiful shade of green limewash paint on the walls and ceiling, which instantly made the room feel cozy. From there, I selected furniture pieces that were muted in color but had a lot of texture. That helped keep the feeling of serenity, without it being boring. It's one of my favorite spaces I've ever created.

Who or what are your biggest design inspirations?

I know I already mentioned her, but Kelly Wearstler is just phenomenal. I am so inspired by her use of texture and color to bring a space to life. I also get a lot of inspiration from vintage furniture designers—Milo Baughman, Charlotte Perriand, and Alvar Aalto are some of my favorites. I actually found a magazine holder by Alvar Aalto at an antique market in Chicago this past year and it's one of my favorite pieces ever.

Also, can't forget our queen Martha Stewart! We don't necessarily have the same decorating style, but I love how intentional she is with her spaces and that she always adds a touch of luxury.

What has been the most challenging part of making your apartment a home?

All of the windows are beautiful, but sometimes it does make it feel like you're living in a glass box. It really limits your options, because you can't paint or add artwork to 75% of the apartment. That's challenged me to find other ways to make the space feel cozy and warm. I've found that big cozy rugs, lots of candles, books, and fresh flowers have added a lot of warmth to the space.

Apartments, for most, are temporary. How did you juggle the idea of “this could be a temporary space” with wanting to make it as personal as possible?

For me, it's all about small changes that make a big impact. Curtains, light fixtures, new hardware, plants, etc. are all examples of ways that you can personalize your space that are not only reversible but can be taken with you to your next apartment or house and used there as well.

If I do change out a light fixture or hardware, I keep the original rental fixture in a labeled box. That way, I can easily swap them back before I move out.

Fast Facts

1. Favorite part of your apartment? Guest bedroom.

2. What’s something that you had to get rid of to make space for your new things? I had a giant egg chair that I used to love, but it just didn't fit in the space.

3. What's a design trend that you hate? Eek! I don't hate any, but modern farmhouse isn't my favorite.

4. Biggest challenge when decorating? Balancing function and form.

5. Biggest splurge when decorating? Mario Bellini sofa.

What's your biggest tip for any apartment dwellers trying to make their home the oasis of their dreams?

Mix vintage and modern pieces. I would say 50% of the furniture in my home is thrifted and costs way less than you would think. Facebook Marketplace, estate sales, and thrift shops have become my go-to for finding pieces that I love that don't break the bank.

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Read the original article on The Spruce.