This eclectic Chicago hi-rise dining room, proves that a few key pieces can totally make a small space feel collected, layered and interesting.
This gorgeous corner unit in the heart of Streeterville, Chicago, came into our lives completely by accident. Our previous apartment was being sold and, while we liked it, we didn’t love it enough to buy. So after just one short year, we found ourselves on the hunt again. We spent weeks touring disappointing listings—dark units, awkward layouts, buildings that didn’t feel like “us.” Then we stumbled across this one.
The listing had no photos, which felt like either a huge red flag… or a hidden gem.
After some digging and looking at other units in the building, we decided to take a chance. What’s the worst that could happen? We scheduled a tour—and the moment we stepped inside, we knew. It was incredible. A true corner unit with floor-to-ceiling windows on two sides, a balcony, a bigger kitchen and living area, amenities we’d actually use, and somehow… a lower price tag.
What were the odds? We signed the lease on the spot and moved in shortly after.
While the whole place felt special, the dining area—tucked into a bright corner of the main living space—was my favorite. With natural light streaming in from both sides, it managed to feel airy and open during the day and cozy and intimate at night.
MORE: Want more dining room ideas?
Since it was another rental, we decorated using pieces we already owned, and I ended up loving how collected and eclectic the space felt. The star of the show was the woven rug from Lulu & Georgia, which brought instant warmth, pattern, and personality into the room.
The bold color palette balanced beautifully with our marble-topped tulip table—sleek and modern without feeling cold. Paired with natural wishbone chairs draped with faux-sheepskins, the whole setting felt casual and comfortable while still polished enough to host a little dinner party.
Get the Look
White Marble Tulip Table
Comes in 3 different sizes and has options for the base if white isn’t your thing. Perfect for small spaces because of it’s sleek profile that doesn’t feel heavy.
Pink Woven Rug
A pink rug might feel like a bold move, but unexpected color in this space is what pulls it all together. It gives the room a collected vibe.
Wishbone Chairs
These classic chairs will never be out of style. Comfortable, chic and interesting, we continue to love them.
Storage was one of the biggest challenges in this apartment—aside from the bedroom closet, we only had a tiny coat closet up front.
To make up for it, we added an open-air console/buffet along one of the window walls. It gave us a landing spot for books, collected décor, and a few sentimental pieces, while woven baskets underneath held extra plates, napkins, and entertaining essentials. I added small lamps to the console so we didn’t have to rely on the overhead light in the evenings. That soft glow against the city backdrop turned the space into the coziest nook at night.
We kept two extra chairs tucked into the corners of the dining area—partly because we didn’t have anywhere else to put them, but they quickly became our favorite little perches. I used them constantly for morning coffee, long calls with my mom, or flipping through a book in the afternoon sun.
Eventually, when we found out we were expecting our first son, we knew it was time to say goodbye since the unit only had one bedroom. But to this day, this apartment remains one of our all-time favorites—bright, cozy, effortless, and perched high above the city. A little slice of sky we were lucky enough to call home.
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