"collected" not cluttered

I'm always so impressed with those that can strike this delicate balance so well.    I know everyone has their own level of tolerance for any type of "clutter" but there's something to be said for surrounding yourself with things you love and this homeowner does it just right.

This is the Chicago apartment of Devin Kirk, as seen in this month's Elle Decor...Enjoy!

 About picture-hanging Kirk says, "I agonize over it and then I just dive in with a hammer." :)

Kirk says, "I like great-looking old things, and things that will look great when they get old."

This black & white poster came from the Gap where the homeowner worked back in college.  I'm pretty sure I spot blue ceilings here and Kirk, being from the South, says that Southern front porches inspired this foyer.

This version of their kitchen was originally just meant to be a temporary "quick fix", but they ended up liking it enough to keep it.  The original appliances were oatmeal-colored and rather than replacing them, they just painted the cabinets the same color (Ralph Lauren's Peony).  The countertops are Ikea butcher block.

 The trusty old Expedit bookcase from Ikea looks great filled with books and treasures.


All images from Elle Decor, March 2011.  Photography by William Abranowicz.