Maximalism With a Touch of Lightness: How This Chicago Couple Styled Their Rental
Rentals Beyond the Line is a series that highlights beautiful rental homes and how people make their rental homes feel like a forever home, even if it’s a temporary space. You don’t have to own a home to own one, you can easily make your rental space look like your dream space with a little imagination and a tenant-friendly home renovation.
In the bustling city of Chicago, nestled among the busy streets of Hyde Park, a one-bedroom apartment serves as the canvas for a love story intertwined with creativity, sustainability, and a passion for overall design.
Meet Curtis Taylor Jr., a writer and director from St. Louis. Louis and Danielle Taylor, director of sustainability marketing, from Plainfield, Illinois. Their journey together began nine years ago on a college campus, and today they are the dynamic duo behind Pompeo Home, a platform born out of a desire to turn rental spaces into a sanctuary for their cuteness.
Their story isn’t just about decorating an apartment; it’s about creating a story, bringing their personalities together and filling every corner with warmth and character. Inviting us into their home, Curtis and Danielle reflect on their journey and share insights into their approach to creating a space that feels unique to them.
Embracing the Journey
Curtis Taylor Jr. reflects, “When we first moved into our Chicago apartment, we, like many others, viewed it as temporary and just a stop on our journey.” However, in 2020, they made it their mission to turn their rental space into a forever home. So they began exploring interior design from a tenant’s perspective, a path that eventually led to the birth of Pompeo Home.
Crafting Their Sanctuary
Their 700-square-foot apartment has been their sanctuary for the past four years. “Designing our apartment was an adventure,” shares Danielle Taylor. “It took about 2.5 years for it to finally take off.”
Their style is best described as maximalist, but with a subtle twist. Curtis Taylor Jr. “We want art and color to be a focal point that encourages conversation and reflects how we see the world,” explains. Every detail in their home tells a story, from small eclectic pieces to accessories sourced from their travels.
Kelly Wearstler, Brigitte Romanek, Swiss Beats, Alicia Keys and the vibrant culture of Mexico City are just some of the inspirations for their designs. “We are so inspired by other creatives working in the home space who are bringing such magical spaces to life,” says Danielle Taylor.
The Art of DIY
Their apartment is decorated with unique finds and DIY projects. From refinishing glass tile to turning a hallway closet into a pantry – Curtis Taylor Jr. and Danielle Taylor infused their space with creativity and functionality.
“We wanted it to feel like a grocery store while cooking dinner or coming home from a big shopping trip, so we built it,” they say of their pantry.
They did this by converting part of the middle closet into a dedicated pantry, using several shelving units and drawers for storage. Wood for the shelves costs about $80, paint and supplies cost $50, and organization supplies cost $300.
“To this day, it’s one of our proudest moments,” they said.
Overcoming Challenges
Designing a small space is challenging, but Curtis Taylor Jr. and Danielle Taylor approached it in a creative and innovative way. Curtis Taylor Jr. notes, “We believe organization is important to optimize our space.” “It makes us think about our space and the flow in which we live.”
Projects like turning a hallway closet into a pantry helped them maximize space and functionality.
Making a Temporary Space Feel Like Home
Despite the temporary nature of apartment living, Curtis Taylor Jr. and Danielle Taylor remain determined to make their space personal and welcoming. “All we had was to make our current apartment our forever home,” explains Danielle Taylor.
Their best-kept secret? Curtis Taylor Jr. advises, “Don’t let the idea of a temporary apartment keep you from experiencing the full joy of home.”
A Legacy in Hyde Park
Their apartment, located in Hyde Park, Chicago’s historic black neighborhood, holds a special place in their hearts. Curtis Taylor Jr. “Building a home in Hyde Park is like adding to the wonderful heritage of this community,” he shares.
Hyde Park, a historically black neighborhood, has been a cultural, activist and intellectual center for generations. From the iconic University of Chicago to vibrant cultural institutions like the DuSable Museum of African American History, Hyde Park is a living testament to the resilience and richness of black heritage.
For Curtis Taylor Jr. and Danielle Taylor, becoming part of this community adds depth and meaning to their homebuilding journey, connecting them to a legacy of creativity, diversity and community spirit.
When Curtis Taylor Jr. and Danielle Taylor continue their journey as they invite others to experience the transformative power of design and the beauty of creating a home, no matter how temporary it may seem. Through Pompeo Home, they inspire renters around the world to transform their spaces into cherished sanctuaries filled with love, creativity and endless possibilities.