Inside Chicago Homes: What Works (and What Doesn't) in Real Spaces
If you've spent any time house hunting in Chicago, you've probably noticed one thing: no two homes are alike.
From charming vintage condos in Lakeview and Lincoln Park to historic brownstones in Wicker Park and modern new construction condos in the West Loop, Chicago's housing stock is incredibly diverse. That's one of the reasons we love being a Chicago interior design firm; every project presents a unique opportunity to create a home that truly reflects the people living there.
But every home style also comes with its own challenges.
As interior designers in Chicago, we've seen the good, the bad, and the surprisingly fixable. If you're buying a home, remodeling a condo, or planning a renovation, here's our honest take on what works, and what doesn't, in some of Chicago's most common home types.
Interior Design: Sarah Jacquelyn Interiors
Vintage Chicago Condos: Full of Character, Short on Storage
Let's start with one of our favorites.
Many vintage Chicago condos feature beautiful architectural details you simply can't replicate today:
Original millwork
Hardwood floors
Decorative fireplaces
Crown molding
Built-in cabinetry
Arched doorways
These homes often have incredible character and charm.
What Works
One of the biggest strengths of vintage condo is their sense of personality. The architecture already does much of the heavy lifting, allowing homeowners to focus on furnishing and styling.
Interior Design: Sarah Jacquelyn Interiors
We often lean into:
Interior Design: Sarah Jacquelyn Interiors
Interior Design: Sarah Jacquelyn Interiors
Interior Design: Sarah Jacquelyn Interiors
Interior Design: Sarah Jacquelyn Interiors
Rich paint colors
Layered textiles
Vintage furnishings
Statement lighting
Original architectural details
The result feels collected, timeless, and authentic.
What Doesn't
Storage.
Almost always storage.
Many vintage condos were designed before modern lifestyles required home offices, oversized televisions, walk-in closets, and extensive kitchen appliances.
Common challenges include:
Tiny closets
Limited kitchen storage
Small bathrooms
Awkward room layouts
Lack of overhead lighting
Design Solutions We Love
As Chicago interior designers, we frequently solve these issues with:
Custom millwork
Built-in storage
Furniture that serves multiple purposes
Improved lighting plans
Space planning that maximizes functionality
The goal is preserving character while making the home work for today's lifestyle.
Chicago Brownstones: Beautiful Bones with Hidden Surprises
Few home styles are as iconic as the Chicago brownstone.
These historic homes often attract buyers looking for architectural character, larger footprints, and classic city living.
What Works
Brownstones typically offer:
Incredible ceiling heights
Large windows
Historic detailing
Generous room sizes
Beautiful staircases
Formal entertaining spaces
These features create a wonderful foundation for luxury interior design.
Many of our favorite Chicago home renovation projects involve restoring original details while introducing modern functionality.
What Doesn't
While beautiful, older brownstones often come with challenges behind the walls.
We commonly encounter:
Outdated electrical systems
Limited outlets
Inconsistent floor levels
Inefficient kitchens
Closed-off floor plans
Insufficient lighting
Many homeowners move in expecting cosmetic updates and quickly discover larger renovation needs.
Design Solutions We Love
When renovating a brownstone, we focus on balancing history with modern living.
Some of our favorite improvements include:
Enlarging kitchens
Creating better traffic flow
Adding custom storage
Updating lighting throughout
Restoring original architectural features
Reimagining underutilized rooms
Done thoughtfully, these homes become incredible long-term investments.
New Construction Condos: Modern but Sometimes Missing Personality
Chicago's new construction market continues to thrive, especially in neighborhoods like the West Loop, River North, South Loop, and Fulton Market.
These homes are move-in ready and often highly desirable.
But they come with their own challenges.
What Works
Interior Design: Sarah Jacquelyn Interiors
Interior Design: Sarah Jacquelyn Interiors
New construction condos typically offer:
Open floor plans
Modern kitchens
Updated mechanical systems
Energy efficiency
Large islands
Floor-to-ceiling windows
For many homeowners, these features provide an excellent starting point.
What Doesn't
The challenge with many new construction condos is that they can feel generic.
We often hear clients say:
"It looks nice, but it doesn't feel like me."
Common issues include:
White-on-white finishes
Lack of architectural character
Builder-grade lighting
Limited storage
Poor furniture layouts
Rooms that feel cold or unfinished
Design Solutions We Love
This is where interior design makes a huge difference.
We help clients transform builder-grade spaces through:
Custom millwork
Wallpaper
Architectural detailing
Statement lighting
Color palettes
Window treatments
Layered furnishings
Original artwork
These elements create warmth, personality, and a sense of home.
The Biggest Mistake Chicago Homeowners Make
Regardless of the home style, one mistake shows up again and again.
Homeowners focus on finishes before addressing functionality.
It's easy to get excited about:
Paint colors
Furniture
Tile selections
Decorative accessories
But before any of those decisions happen, you need a plan.
Great interior design starts with:
Space planning
Storage solutions
Traffic flow
Lighting design
Furniture layouts
Lifestyle needs
When those foundations are addressed first, everything else falls into place.
Thinking About Buying a Home in Chicago?
If you're shopping for a vintage condo, historic brownstone, or new construction condo, remember that no home is perfect.
The key is identifying what can be changed, and what makes the home special.
As a Chicago interior design firm, we help homeowners look beyond surface-level issues and see the potential in a space.
Sometimes a small layout adjustment can completely transform how a home functions.
Sometimes custom storage solves years of frustration.
And sometimes a little color and personality can turn a builder-grade condo into a home that feels uniquely yours.
Looking for a Chicago Interior Designer?
At Sarah Jacquelyn Interiors, we specialize in full-service interior design, home renovations, furnishings, and remodeling projects throughout Chicago and the surrounding suburbs.
Whether you've just purchased a vintage condo, historic brownstone, or new construction condo, our team can help you create a home that is functional, beautiful, and authentically you.
Ready to start your home design project? Book a Free Design Discovery Call Today!
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