Reader OMG! is a series showcasing home tours from my favorite people…The DIY Playbook readers! Every month or so, I’ll highlight the home of someone with some serious design style. I’m hopeful that these swoon-worthy spaces will make you say “OMG”…hence the name! It also gives me a chance to feature home styles outside of my own, so you can take away some fresh ideas for your space.

So far we’ve featured three amazing homes in the series…

• Jan’s Feminine Condo
• Ryan & Sarah’s Contemporary Condo
• Kristin’s Eclectic City Condo
• Brittany’s Family-Friendly Home
• Erica’s DIY Townhome
• Kerri’s Vancouver Home for Five
• Tracey’s Beach House
• Sarah’s Victorian Across the Pond
• Dina’s Farmhouse Style
• Jon & Christina’s Modern Home
• Lauren & Kam’s Renovated Chicago Condo
• Vanessa’s DIY Cabin in the Woods
• Cindu’s Historic Chicago Home
• Britney’s Modern Farmhouse
• Jacob’s Budget Bachelor Pad
• Ranjini’s Modern Bohemian Home
• Alesha’s Farmhouse Condo
• Jody’s Moody Condo
• Lydia’s Historic Whimsical Home

Liz’s Mid-Century Modern Condo

• Homeowner: Liz and Arash (and Rex, her sweet pup!)
• Location: Chicago
• Home Type: Condo
• Year Built: 1920
• Describe your Home Style: Mid-Century Modern meets Scandinavian Minimalism
• Favorite Spot in your House:  My favorite space is our master bedroom because it’s the room that feels most authentically me. It’s a refined space that relies on texture, organic materials, and shapes, plus, it has lots of natural light to convey interest and depth. It’s also home to my favorite piece of furniture, my Scandinavian made desk.

I’m so happy to finally share Liz’s stunning home here on the blog. I first met Liz back in May when she reached out to inquire if I was in need of a summer intern for the blog. I wasn’t looking for any help, but figured I would grab coffee with her and chat. What’s the harm in that? I instantly fell in love with this sweet and charismatic woman and was in awe of her courage to start a new career in interior design.

Liz actually had a decade long career in another field before realizing that she wanted to go back to school to pursue a career as a residential interior designer. As I discussed in this blogging update, Liz has been a great help with some of the technical blog series (like One Room, Three Ways and Reader SOS).  We’ve had an awesome summer together and I will be sad to see her leave me in just a few weeks. Liz recently launched her own website so if you need design services you can reach out there!

Before she heads back to school, I knew I had to showcase her mid-century modern home here on the blog. Because of her love for all things home, I knew it was going to be good, but I was blown away when I first stepped into her cool pad. It’s full of lots of vintage finds, curated art, and every inch is styled to perfection. I know you’re going to love it just as much as I do…

Entryway

Paint Color: Benjamin Moore “Pale Oak”

Like many city dwellers, Liz’s home isn’t huge. But she sure as hell maximizes every square inch of the place…starting with the entry. This gray and gold console (a steal from World Market!) adds some storage and a place to display a few cool accessories (like the thrifted art and the brass candlesticks). To add some light and function, Liz has a full-length mirror (old from West Elm) that you can spot immediately when you walk through the door. Not to mention, she swapped out a dated fixture for a gold one.

Just down the hall, you’ll spot a vintage record cabinet that she converted into a bar. I know we chatted all about creating makeshift bar carts in this rookie mistake post, and Liz styled hers to perfection.

Living Room

Paint Color: Benjamin Moore “Simply White”

Liz’s living room is spacious and cozy. The large sectional anchors the space and she livens it up with such beautiful pillows (like this). Her couch area makes me want to seriously up my pillow game! I also love how she effortlessly combines new and old. The vintage bookcases, Eames chair, and plant stand bring in a little old, while the coffee table, chaise, and media stand (no longer sold) bring in the new!

I adore the styling on her mantle and how the TV isn’t the centerpiece of this space. And how about that chaise? Looks like the best spot for naps!

Main Bedroom

Paint Color: Benjamin Moore “Simply White”

Serene, calm, and full of texture. That’s how I would describe Liz’s master bedroom. Even though it’s neutral, it’s anything but boring. The pattern and texture on her bedding keep things interesting, the bed frame brings in those mid-century modern vibes, and the wood nightstands add warmth. And how about those concrete looking lamps? They were a steal from HomeGoods! That rug is sooooo plush and how about the fun light fixture?!

This room was actually a dining room when they bought the place, but they converted it into their master bedroom (for good reason, the room is huge!). They added the IKEA PAX closet system (just like we installed!) since there wasn’t a designated closet in this room and it works beautifully.

Office/Sunroom

Paint Color: Benjamin Moore “Simply White”

This bonus room off their master serves as Liz’s office space. It streams in so much natural light and must be an inspiring spot to get work done! As Liz mentioned, her favorite piece is the antique teak desk that she had refinished. That wood is gorgeous and I love that it’s one of a kind. It’s also nice that she has room for a petite couch in here and a table…so much space for this little sunroom.

Guest Bedroom

 

Paint Color: Benjamin Moore “Simply White” | Wallpaper: Opalhouse at Target

The guest bedroom is a funky spot with that showstopping wallpaper and the olive pillows. It’s totally different from their master bedroom and proves that you should go a little bold in a guest room! The leather headboard (old from West Elm) is reaaaalllly making me want one for our bedroom. It feels masculine, but not overtly so, when paired with the right accessories. The burlwood nightstands are another vintage find (I told you this girl is good at shopping!).

TV Room/Man Cave

Paint Color: Benjamin Moore “Newburg Green”

Just like in the master, this room also has a sunroom. Gotta love older homes and their quirky layouts! This space serves as Liz’s husband’s “man cave.” The dark walls were such a good call, especially with the bold art popping off the walls! Arash is a big sci-fi fan, so Liz incorporate art that reflects his interest in this boy space. This is another great example of having your home tell your story. What a cool conversation piece when guests visit.

Kitchen

Paint Colors: Benjamin Moore “Simply White” | Upper Cabinet Paint Color: Benjamin Moore “Simply White” | Lower Cabinet Paint Color Behr “Calligraphy”

Liz has big plans for a kitchen renovation in the future, but she has already done sooooo much to improve this space. She removed some upper cabinets and installed these open shelves. Then, she painted all of the cabinets herself to bring in some color. I love that blue! And her coffee bar setup is the RIGHT way to showcase your love for coffee (unlike the rookie decorating mistakes from this blog post). Awesome job, Liz!

Shop Liz’s Mid-Century Modern Style

A big thanks to Liz for giving us a glimpse into her mid-century modern home. I know I left feeling inspired and ready to shop for more unique items for my own space. How about you?!

Submit your Home for Reader OMG!

Want to see your home featured on The DIY Playbook? Send an email to [email protected] with the subject line “Reader OMG!” including lots of photos of your gorgeous home.

Casey