Tour a Sophisticated Chicago Home Where Neutrals Rule

Hayet Rida is living a very creative life. By day, she’s a strategist for Facebook and Instagram. She is also the founder of Aiya Candle Co., a line known for its sophisticated scents. And she is the sensational influencer behind the fashion and lifestyle blog, hayetrida.com. A consummate creative, Hayet also knows a thing or two about design, and it’s evident in her glam Chicago apartment.

A year ago, this busy Chicagoan was searching for a new place to call home. She found what she was looking for in a 1,300-square-foot, 2-bedroom corner apartment. The apartment was a clean slate, with floor-to-ceiling windows that filled it with abundant light. The space was move-in ready, and perfect for Hayet to infuse with her own personal style, which includes original art and handcrafted artisan details.

As the daughter of an interior designer, Hayet knows how to lay out a room. Her home is a Design 101 course in getting the most out of neutrals. It all starts with the deep contrast between the apartment’s dark stained floors and crisp white walls. To add to the color story, Hayet layers varying shades of white. The creamy sofa and ottoman, and off-white pillows add to the neutral statement. Color is brought in through wood tones, metallics and hints of blush in the throw pillows. A blend of numerous textures in the form of rugs and throws creates depth in the space.

The kitchen is the heart of this home. Eschewing a traditional dining space, Hayet instead opted for this intimate setup for three at the bar, separating her living room and kitchen area. With the home so well prepared when she arrived, there wasn’t much to do by way of renovation. “The easiest part was switching out the light fixtures and the knobs on all the cabinets,” she remembers.