Name: Craig & Sam Figtree
Location: Lincoln Park, Chicago
Size: 1050 square feet
Years lived in: 18
During our outdoors event on Apartment Therapy this summer, we shared a look at our neighbors Craig & Sam's wonderful walled garden. We were happily invited to tour their small townhouse as well - it was built in 1883 and houses two apartments. Craig and Sam live on the top floor with their French Bulldog, Chou Chou...
... and they rent out the bottom apartment. Visiting this home is like a vacation to an exotic locale; there is so much to look at and admire. It is truly filled with treasures.
This is not a house for minimalists, clearly. But what it may lack in wide open spaces, it makes up for in pure enjoyment of life. Craig and Sam have surrounded themselves with things that they love. If you look closely enough you find out all sorts of history; from an early trip to Disneyland (the year it opened), a fascination with goodies from Chinatown (we share this love) to a passion for both Sherlock Holmes and Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Bits and pieces of what speaks to them find their way into the decor. From the wall to wall images that line the entryway stairs to the music playing on a sunny afternoon (Cole Porter), it's a complete package.
We enjoyed every moment spent photographing their home - hope you enjoy the look inside as well.
Apartment Therapy Survey:
Our style: Eclectic, with emphasis on asian and french antiques
Inspiration: Louis XIV, Walt Disney, John Soane and Tony Duquette
Favorite Element: Color to match the style of each room
Biggest Challenge: Returning house to its original state
What Friends Say: This is like a museum, you should charge people and put in turnstiles!
Biggest Embarrassment: Cheap 1970's kitchen cabinets
Proudest DIY: Sherlock Holmes sitting room miniature
Biggest Indulgence: Herend China and Vienna Bronzes
Best advice: Use color, arrange collections in groupings of three, NO OVERHEAD LIGHTING
Dream source: Dandelion, a store in San Francisco
Resources:
Dandelion, Gump's, POSH, Paris flea markets, Portobello Road market in London, E-Bay, auction houses and estate sales.
(Thanks, Craig & Sam!)
RELATED LINK:
(Images: Janel Laban)
© 2009 Apartment Therapy
Wow! It's like a Parisian maisonette. I love it.
view Lisa (Montreal)'s profile
The green wall color is so perfect.
view brittanykate's profile
Amazing!!!! This would be a dream house for children. (If you haven't watched Bergman's Fanny and Alexander, you should. There's a wonderful scene where a boy wanders through an antique shop filled with hand made puppets, etc. Such a dreamy, magical quality to that scene and, similarly, to your house). And I wholeheartedly agree with your lighting advice--overhead lighting is inefficient. I use lamps in the different corners of my apartment and find it illuminates the space quite well. I probably could spend hours exploring your apartment. Your friends are right--you should open it to the public as a museum.
view saucymonkey's profile
This is awesome; it makes me think there are probably secret passageways and magical portals.
view Jenny in DC's profile
Wow, uber-cool space! Where were you guys during the color contest??? Very nice. Beautiful antiques, too.
view mirandabee's profile
Lovely. And, as a writer, it warms my heart to see so many books in the house.
view ricestein's profile
I think Craig and Sam need to be my new Chicago friends.
view rosenatti's profile
It's so over the top - but in a good way.
I'm loving their Crimson Room...
view bepsf's profile
The rug in the green sitting room is marvelous! The spaces here are like places I've only dreamed about as a child.
This is one of those house tours where I wish I was friends with the owners. Sigh....
view KidMoe's profile
Viewing this tour is like a holiday for my eyes! It's such a treat to see something so beautiful and unique. Thanks for sharing!
view Mavesse's profile
Are those stuffed animals on their bed doing it?
view thebev's profile
Yes!!!!
view mei-ling's profile
Most wonderful!!So inspiring! I love all the little details!
view mschina's profile
You're right: it's not for minimalists.
OTOH, the bold colors, the carefully and stylishly arranged tchotkes and books are a treat for the eyes. Artfully done and inviting.
view aychihuahua's profile
Over the top, in the best possible way.
view hrhprincessfiona's profile
My favorite things about this place are the books, and the cozy ambiance they give to the home -- I think the bookshelf placed on the mantle is ingenious. The little garden must be such a wonderful place to sit in, it's small size makes one able to enjoy every single thing about it at once.
view RJD's profile
I feel I've just walked through 7 or 8 booths at an antique mall! Sensory overload! Nice decorations -
view krunkinator's profile
Craig & Sammie.................
You two do incredible work............your California cousin is very impressed & proud of your accomplishments.
Love,
Cousin Wilma
view CousinWilma's profile
Craig and Sam,
Your house made me smile. The colors are so lovely, the collections so fairy tale-perfect...it's like Narnia used to make me feel as a child. I'm now inspired to get off the computer and do something to make my house more beautiful. Thanks so much for sharing your home with us.
view HCVMama's profile
This reminds me of the quote, "Over the top is just enough for me." I freaking love this.
view ChryssF's profile
It's very well done Victorian.
That dragon and lanterns would be great over a patio!
view webherring's profile
Agree re: charging admission; it's very P.T. Barnum (in the best sense)! An amazing, amazing space. I love the pressed-tin ceiling in the kitchen and the "Household Wants Indicator."
view contralto's profile
There are two kinds of people in the western world; those who get Sinophilia and those who don't. I'm with the latter group.
view Blandwagon's profile
I love this place more than any other I've seen on your site. That flower box installed all the way around the balcony is a great idea!
view whitepeacock's profile
smile-worthy for sure. thanks for sharing your home with us.
view jeanneadele's profile