My Houzz: A Restaurateur’s Lush and Luxe Chicago Loft
An artistic eye and the right cat make this spacious Bucktown condo a fun and very personal home
Rachel Loewen
May 17, 2018
Rachel is a Houzz Contributor, lifestyle photographer, and storyteller. She captures interiors, people, travels, food, and stylings. She's the co-creator of #OurChicagoStories, a graphic and floral designer, and recently moved from Chicago to Kansas City, Missouri.
Rachel is a Houzz Contributor, lifestyle photographer, and storyteller. She captures... More
Loft at a Glance
Who lives here: Nate Chung and his cat, Rabbit
Location: Bucktown neighborhood of Chicago
Size: 1,800 square feet (167 square meters); two bedrooms, two bathrooms
Nate Chung hopes that when guests visit his bright and spacious Chicago loft, they’re so comfortable they won’t think twice about putting up their feet or helping themselves to a glass of wine. Chung is a partner in Asian-fusion restaurant Mott Street in Wicker Park, and the influence of his working in hospitality is reflected in his choice of seating, collection of cookbooks and custom dining room table that serves as his loft’s focal point.
The loft features an open floor plan and 13-foot-ceilings. “The space allows for an intimate dinner party to cramming it for a hip-hop jazz concert,” Chung says. “A friend joked to me that my home has become the neighborhood community center.”
Who lives here: Nate Chung and his cat, Rabbit
Location: Bucktown neighborhood of Chicago
Size: 1,800 square feet (167 square meters); two bedrooms, two bathrooms
Nate Chung hopes that when guests visit his bright and spacious Chicago loft, they’re so comfortable they won’t think twice about putting up their feet or helping themselves to a glass of wine. Chung is a partner in Asian-fusion restaurant Mott Street in Wicker Park, and the influence of his working in hospitality is reflected in his choice of seating, collection of cookbooks and custom dining room table that serves as his loft’s focal point.
The loft features an open floor plan and 13-foot-ceilings. “The space allows for an intimate dinner party to cramming it for a hip-hop jazz concert,” Chung says. “A friend joked to me that my home has become the neighborhood community center.”
Chung received an MFA from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. “Through this lens I regard and respond to the world, sensitive to the myriad of relationships between people, material, spaces and systems,” he says. “In the day to day, my background often manifests simply as problem solving.”
Chung moved into the loft two years ago, and form and function have been the most important factors in his design choices. “I’m still attempting to be more minimal,” he says. “I’m aspiring to pare down my home to living with objects that are used almost daily.”
Hayes large rectangular coffee table: RH Modern; Code Neutral rug: CB2
Chung moved into the loft two years ago, and form and function have been the most important factors in his design choices. “I’m still attempting to be more minimal,” he says. “I’m aspiring to pare down my home to living with objects that are used almost daily.”
Hayes large rectangular coffee table: RH Modern; Code Neutral rug: CB2
“Juxtaposing and assembling the spectrum of interests and comforts in my home is thrilling,” Chung says. “Sometimes it just clashes. Sometimes it reveals a happy surprise. I am also excited about the limitations of budget and time. This provides a sandbox that I get to play in. Sometimes I get to purchase lofty designer pieces; sometimes I get to find treasure in a dumpster.”
Chung found the sleek white Form chairs designed by Piero Lissoni and Kartell in a dumpster while in grad school. “A simple cleaning with a wet rag revealed a gently used pair of $2,400 chairs,” he says.
Serge Mouille one-arm floor lamp: Design Within Reach; see more modern floor lamps
Chung found the sleek white Form chairs designed by Piero Lissoni and Kartell in a dumpster while in grad school. “A simple cleaning with a wet rag revealed a gently used pair of $2,400 chairs,” he says.
Serge Mouille one-arm floor lamp: Design Within Reach; see more modern floor lamps
Five years ago, Chung adopted his cat, Rabbit. “My business partners surprised me on my birthday with a field trip to PAWS Chicago. It was so generous and perceptive of them to catch that deep down I really wanted to take care of a cat,” he says.
“For an entire afternoon they patiently kept me company as I met what seemed like hundreds of cats. In the end, I knew I was going to be Rabbit’s dad the moment I picked up that big-boned 3-year-old.”
Modena track arm sofa: RH Modern
“For an entire afternoon they patiently kept me company as I met what seemed like hundreds of cats. In the end, I knew I was going to be Rabbit’s dad the moment I picked up that big-boned 3-year-old.”
Modena track arm sofa: RH Modern
Above the sofa are two woven paintings by Katy Kirbach. “I had the privilege of meeting Katy through Mott Street, and it’s such a delight rubbing elbows with one of the world’s best female nonfigurative painters,” Chung says. “I often catch myself staring for 10 minutes at a time over [these]. Her woven neon, fluorescent colors are so captivating.”
The framed Kapa prints on the right are from Samoa. Chung purchased them in Fiji while volunteering with the organization Youth With a Mission.
The silk pillow covers are custom.
The framed Kapa prints on the right are from Samoa. Chung purchased them in Fiji while volunteering with the organization Youth With a Mission.
The silk pillow covers are custom.
Also in the living room is a pair of black Christian Liaigre for Holly Hunt lounge chairs that Chung found on Craigslist. “Liaigre is my all-time favorite designer,” he says. “They’re a bit beat up and need new legs.”
The built-in on the left with sliding doors from Ikea adds storage while also concealing Chung’s washer, dryer and water heater.
Belgian classic slope arm sofa in Perennials fabric: RH
The built-in on the left with sliding doors from Ikea adds storage while also concealing Chung’s washer, dryer and water heater.
Belgian classic slope arm sofa in Perennials fabric: RH
When Chung isn’t lounging with Rabbit on one of the sofas, he’s usually in his dining room. “I love sitting at different seats at the dining table to read, do laptop work or play board games with my friends,” he says.
The loft is close to a number of bars, parks and trails, restaurants and grocery stores, but in Chung’s words, “cramming” the dining table with friends is what he loves most.
Above the table hangs a statement piece of a pendant.
Aim pendant: Design Within Reach; Eames plastic side chairs: Vitra; Prouvé standard chairs: Design Within Reach
Browse dining tables
The loft is close to a number of bars, parks and trails, restaurants and grocery stores, but in Chung’s words, “cramming” the dining table with friends is what he loves most.
Above the table hangs a statement piece of a pendant.
Aim pendant: Design Within Reach; Eames plastic side chairs: Vitra; Prouvé standard chairs: Design Within Reach
Browse dining tables
Chung spent his childhood in Hawaii, and the houseplants are his way of adding a tropical touch to Chicago’s climate. “Unlike Hawaii, you actually have distinct seasons here,” he says.
“Well, there is a season for hygge — huddling around the fireplace and buried under layers of blankets. This is the same season for dinner parties and festive gatherings. Then there is the other season — to be outside as much as possible.”
The plants are from City Escape in Garfield Park, Orchids by Hausermann in Villa Park and Home Depot.
“Well, there is a season for hygge — huddling around the fireplace and buried under layers of blankets. This is the same season for dinner parties and festive gatherings. Then there is the other season — to be outside as much as possible.”
The plants are from City Escape in Garfield Park, Orchids by Hausermann in Villa Park and Home Depot.
The big, east-facing windows “pour in that gentle, bright sunshine that nourishes the plants, allows the cat to sprawl out and wakes me up each morning,” Chung says.
Below the windows is DIY shelving. “I ordered these 16-foot cedar planks from Menards, and they had to be delivered on this giant flatbed truck,” he says. “It was such an ordeal. Les, my dear friend, and I designed the shelves. They were made on site in my car garage and carefully brought up piece by piece.”
Houzz guides to growing a lush indoor garden
Below the windows is DIY shelving. “I ordered these 16-foot cedar planks from Menards, and they had to be delivered on this giant flatbed truck,” he says. “It was such an ordeal. Les, my dear friend, and I designed the shelves. They were made on site in my car garage and carefully brought up piece by piece.”
Houzz guides to growing a lush indoor garden
The shelves hold books, favorite artwork and a collection of ceramics, including pieces by Kevin Shannon, Jon Vongvichai and Molly Bishop.
The modern kitchen boasts granite countertops and hardworking stainless steel appliances, ideal for the homeowner who loves to entertain.
“The open floor plan of the common area allows for the furniture to tell a story: eat here, lounge here, stand here, dance here,” Chung says.
“I switch it up whenever the mood strikes to see how these activities might be enhanced or discouraged.” The magnificent plant is an oncidium orchid.
Nahla saddle leather counter stools: CB2
“I switch it up whenever the mood strikes to see how these activities might be enhanced or discouraged.” The magnificent plant is an oncidium orchid.
Nahla saddle leather counter stools: CB2
The four pieces of art above the fireplace are by one of Chung’s favorite street artists, whom he discovered on Instagram.
“Instead of ripping off a poster wheat-pasted to a plywood fence, I was able to support one of my favorite artists,” he says. “Don’t Fret’s artwork is just so sincere, self-aware and just plain fun.”
“Instead of ripping off a poster wheat-pasted to a plywood fence, I was able to support one of my favorite artists,” he says. “Don’t Fret’s artwork is just so sincere, self-aware and just plain fun.”
The master bedroom features exposed brick and ductwork. The windows are dressed with long drapes, eclectic artwork leaned against the wall and gymnastics equipment.
“The pommel horse was an aspirational purchase to transform my home into the tumbling playground I’ve wanted since I was a kid,” Chung says. “It has, however, functioned more as a bench and clothing rack rather than a prop for fantastical human feats.”
He found the Malerba side tables in a consignment store. The indigo-dyed wall tapestry was purchased in Tibet.
“The pommel horse was an aspirational purchase to transform my home into the tumbling playground I’ve wanted since I was a kid,” Chung says. “It has, however, functioned more as a bench and clothing rack rather than a prop for fantastical human feats.”
He found the Malerba side tables in a consignment store. The indigo-dyed wall tapestry was purchased in Tibet.
“The gymnast rings are an attempt at working out at home with minimal equipment,” Chung says. “I spent an entire summer training myself to do ring muscle-ups. Once I achieved it, I stopped regularly using them.”
Dondra teak queen bed: CB2; custom fan light: Mass Jones Studio
Dondra teak queen bed: CB2; custom fan light: Mass Jones Studio
At the foot of the bed are a collection of pillows and a faux cowhide rug. More custom pieces of art hang above the fireplace.
The previous owners renovated the master bathroom with natural tones, clean lines and plenty of storage.
“I’m so grateful that the previous owner did all the upgrades in the bathrooms. I feel like I get a spa treatment every day,” Chung says.
A guest bedroom also features exposed brick walls, wonderful natural light and simple decor.
The previous owners also renovated the second bathroom, just off the main hallway.
See more of this loft
My Houzz is a series in which we visit and photograph creative, personality-filled homes and the people who inhabit them. Share your home with us and see more projects.
More home tours: Apartments | Small Homes | Colorful Homes | Contemporary Homes | Eclectic Homes | Farmhouses | Midcentury Homes | Modern Homes | Ranch Homes | Traditional Homes | Transitional Homes | All
See more of this loft
My Houzz is a series in which we visit and photograph creative, personality-filled homes and the people who inhabit them. Share your home with us and see more projects.
More home tours: Apartments | Small Homes | Colorful Homes | Contemporary Homes | Eclectic Homes | Farmhouses | Midcentury Homes | Modern Homes | Ranch Homes | Traditional Homes | Transitional Homes | All
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Rabbit is sooo cuddly wuddly! Like a teddy kitty
This loft has great bones and I love the owner’s taste, style, the plants, the mixing of elements. I want to hang out in the common spaces. My only proposal for change is in the master bedroom, where I think he has overdone the art-pieces-on-the-floor-leaned-against-the-wall bit. Hang some of the pieces on the wall at a proper height and leave a few unhung, casually ... a small point in the overall wonderful scheme of this young man.
Delightful and elegant too. A "living" home as opposed to the static designed spaces we see so often. I'm a fan of both (nothing ever moves and it's perfect) but this type space is extremely appealing. Achieving such casual artistry is not easy and requires time and skill (and as louise811 said, "great bones)." This is one of several such homes highlighted recently and let's have more please.