Apartment Therapy Chicago

No, Heather Blaha and Janel Laban are not therapists, although their work does involve a lot of breakthroughs—especially when they find supercool apartments. They supply their blog, Apartment Therapy Chicago, with a daily dose of design tips to make any living space lavish—with minimal cash. TOC chatted with the ladies about the thrill of the hunt, eco-friendly living and the revival of pattern.—Jen Hazen

Why are you so captivated byhome design?
Blaha I have a master’s degree in 20th-century art history and I’ve been trying to find ways to put it to use. [Laughs] I’ve always been one of those people who rearranges my furniture a lot.

The site embraces conservation and green living. Why is that?
Laban I think it plays into the concept of “less is more.” Often I find items that have a higher price tag because they’re green actually save money in the long run—because they work better, last longer and are nicer to use.

It seems like a few years ago, average people didn’t care about design as much as they do now.Laban More communication in the world gives that impression, but I think it was always there. Websites like Apartment Therapy allow you to communicate with like-minded people who care about design on different levels around the country. You need to feel good at home in order to go out and be successful in the world.
Blaha And in Chicago, people spend a lot more time in their apartments than in New York or L.A. We have winters and huge apartments that we can do so much with.

What are your favorite thriftyhot spots?
Blaha Roy’s (2455 N Sheffield Ave at Altgeld St, 773-248-7878) in Lincoln Park. Really awesome furniture pieces are hidden there at wholesale [prices].
Laban The best bargain is to work with what you have—[by] repainting, reupholstering. There are great bargains for fabric at the Textile Discount Outlet (2121 W 21st St between Hoyne Ave and Leavitt St, 773-847-0572).

How do you find reader apartments to showcase in the site’s house tours?
Blaha People are starting to send in brief descriptions and pictures to the site. We’re not looking for tours that are fabulously magazineworthy. We’re looking for an array of homes and different ways that people live.
Laban We’re not necessarily looking for a certain style or level of experience in design of the space. Passion for what you’re doing makes a great house tour.

What decor trends are hot?
Laban I love patterns for rugs, wallpaper, upholstery fabrics, towels. Florals in a retro, Scandinavian way, like Marimekko. That’s what’s happening in Europe right now.

And not so much?
Laban Orange had a good ride as far as accessories, along with the bird motif. It was cute and nice, but…stainless steel for kitchens, too.

For more information, visit www.chicago.apartmenttherapy.com. No prescription necessary.