My Houzz: A Chicago car repair garage Revs Up a Home

My Houzz: A Chicago car repair garage Revs Up a Home - A cool car repair garage built in 1905 does not look like something that could be turned a light house and fun. But creator Nicholas Moriarty drew on reinforced concrete floors, thick brick walls and high ceilings to create an industrial space that is full of nice color. "It was difficult to add a lot of character without making the space feel like a scene in Willy Wonka says Moriarty. "By that I mean we still wanted the space to feel sophisticated and refined, but playful.

Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here A banker in his early 30s
Location Chicago, United States
Size 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms

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clean lines pass through the open layout. The loft had a good structure, but it lacked character, Moriarty said. "The overall objective was for each room to make a statement but always work harmoniously with everything else in space.

Pendant: Pendant The Sun

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When the owner is not functioning at work in finance, he spends most of his time in a music studio. Moriarty has embraced the love of his client to music drawing inspiration from alternative rock and punk rock British era. He then added depth, color and texture with catchy illustrations.

For balance, I looked to the traditional British tailoring and made sure that every piece we placed in the house has been well studied and perfectly proportioned, "he said

Sofa :. Brooks Sectional; Presidents: Zinc president, Room & Board; pouf: custom design by Michael Richman; ottoman bench: custom design by Bladon Conner

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in winter, the owner feels comfortable in her living room. The large windows facing north and west allow plenty of natural light in the room, a great help during the winters long Chicago

Pillows :. Maharam, handy design

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Presidents: Dub Dining Chair by Florense, upholstery: Paul Smith Maharam, Bespoke Stripe coal; dining table: walnut custom, Bladon Conner Design and NM Interiors

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Bubbles , a work of art by Polish artist Krzysztof Wladyka, hangs above a sideboard in the dining room. Moriarty from photos of Castell Photo Gallery in Asheville, North Carolina, and was framed by Wall to Wall Framing.

Buffet Buffet place by Florense, Arctic gray oak; light table: Steven Haulenbeek; sculpture: Richard X. Zawitz

Browse 9 ways to be bold with color

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with the desire to go big with colors, Moriarty bought this mural installation of Chicago artist Connie Noyes. The graphic piece covers the wall near the entrance to the apartment.

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In a another part of the corridor, Moriarty included several parts Las Manos Gallery in Chicago. Double art pieces, entitled Plate Etchings Mark Pease, prints are laser cut and aquatint on paper.

Ceramic sculpture (below): "Metropolis # 4" by Mieke Zuiderweg; photographic transfer of reclaimed wood: "Brooklyn Bridge" by Bladon Conner

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Moriarty has worked with a long time friend of Bladon Conner to create this custom bench in the hallway. It is made of brushed steel and upholstered with a fabric graphic designed by Sarah Morris.

Fabric: The Unique cabinet, Maharam; wallpaper: Belgrade Glacier Innovations

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Moriarty framed 18 recordings and hung on a wall that leads to a guest room.

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The room guest also serves as an office and music studio.

Shelves: Volani Bo Concept

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Bryan Morrison Nest Construction installed a compact wall Murphy bed and a custom cabinet. Jesse Furniture in Chicago designed the custom sofa

Rug :. Custom Design by NM Interiors

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When the car repair garage has been converted to apartments in 2007, a master bedroom on the second floor was added to this unit. The space is also connected to an external wraparound balcony

single roller blinds and handmade colored grits curtains help diffuse the ample light that floods in Space

Rooms: .. Abbyson Living Hamptons, Overstock.com; bedsides: Abbyson Living Hamptons, Overstock; Curtain The Shade Store

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Sofa: Jane Bi-Sectional, modern Gus; poufs: reupholstered in reverberating Stripes by Paul Smith Maharam; mat: West Elm; floor lamp: Big Dipper Arc, CB2

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The main room is divided into zones that includes a separate living area. The second floor is wired for indoor and outdoor music, with the help of Tom Burns Hookup Solutions.

The owner and Chicago native enjoys her Wicker Park neighborhood for young entrepreneur personality and atmosphere to the free spirit. Living in Chicago most of his life, he welcomes the diversity, culture and quality of life, including summers at Lake Michigan

Rocking Chair :. GT Rocking Chair, modern Gus; work: by owner

What is your favorite part of the house? Tell us in the comments below.