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When it comes to decorating your new Chicago apartment, giving it your own personal touch is a priority. If you're struggling to find ways to make it feel more home-like though, there's plenty of inspiration to be found right in the Windy City. Chicago has its own culture and personality that can easily turn an apartment that could be in any city into something emblematic you'll look forward to coming home to.
Here are some ways you can give your new home a look that's uniquely Chicagoan.
1. Grayscale colors accented by just one bright shade.
Blacks, whites, and grays are very evocative of the whole "windy" aspect and it's incredibly easy to put your own spin on decor with a vibrant accent color. Think rich charcoal-hued furniture with pops of color from lipstick-red throw pillows, silver-gray drapes accented by yellow or gold ties.
"Industrial meets modern" is commonly seen in Chicago interior design, and grays touched with color is the way to go.
2. Rustic brick is always a good choice.
Exposed brick walls are seen in many homes and businesses in Chicago. Buildings have come and gone but the comforting style of bricks remains popular. Brick-print wall decals can lend an exposed brick look to your walls.
If you don't want to commit to that many "bricks" or it would clash with the rest of the decor, just one or two decorative bricks inscribed with a custom phrase or image are a fun and kitschy decoration that can add a Chicago vibe to any room.
3. Go for "floating" decorations.
Decorations that literally float haven't become a thing yet, but wall hangings that extrude add an artistic touch that can be as rustic or modern as your taste allows. You can also create simple and elegant "floating" decorations using fishing tackle to suspend decorative items from the ceiling.
Geometric shapes are a popular choice for a slick modern look while Art Deco style is a great way to stay consistent with older Chicago style decor.
No matter your interior decorating style, you'll be excited to call River North home and get the most of the Chicago experience in the heart of the city. Contact us today to speak to a leasing agent.
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Chicago is best known for its ultra-filling deep-dish pizza, but if you’re looking for a twist on a classic to cook up in your new gourmet kitchen that comes with your Chicago apartment, pizza pot pie just might be the thing. Originally conceived by the owner of Chicago Pizza and Oven Grinder Company in the Mid North District, it became trendy after a few viral videos.
While it’s sprung up in LA and New York using Havarti cheese or sharp cheddar, nothing beats Chicago style.
How to Make Pizza Pot Pie
Dough (can also use 8-ounces store-bought dough):
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornmeal (fine cornmeal works best)
- ½ teaspoon honey or sugar
- One packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons if using jarred)
- Approx. 1 1/2 cups lukewarm water
- 1 teaspoon salt
Sauce and Toppings
- Approx. 1 cup prepared tomato sauce
- 8‒10 slices mozzarella cheese
- 3‒4 ounces sliced mushrooms (optional)
- 3‒4 ounces sliced black olives (optional)
- Any other toppings you’d like, such as green peppers, ground sausage, etc.
Directions
- You can skip steps 1‒3 if using store-bought dough. Proof the yeast in the water with the honey and let sit for 10 minutes.
- Add the flour, cornmeal and salt to the mixture and stir by hand or with a stand mixer’s dough hook.
- Cover the bowl with a dish towel and let rise for an hour. Punch down and let rise another hour.
- Roll the dough out to about an inch thick as if you’re making a fairly thick pizza.
- Line an oven-safe bowl or 6-inch round glass or ceramic pan with cooking spray.
- Layer the cheese slices so the bowl is fully covered.
- Fill the bowl with sauce followed by the toppings of your choice.
- Stretch the dough over the bowl, making sure it’s fully covered (it’s OK if it hangs over the edges)!
- Bake at 400°F for 25‒30 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
- Carefully invert onto a plate, removing the bowl with a knife and oven mitt. Enjoy while hot!
Whether you’d rather go out for pizza or make your own with state-of-the-art appliances, River North lets you choose between the bustle of the city and your own private respite. Contact us today to speak to a leasing agent.
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]]>The post Winter Date Night Ideas appeared first on River North Park Apartments Blog.
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Whether you prefer something active, a little pampering, or a novel new experience, there are plenty of fun winter date nights you can try in and around the Chicago area. Cold temperatures may mean you opt for the indoors — or that you bundle up and try something new. Either way, there are plenty of amazing experiences close for Chicago apartment residents to enjoy this winter.
Active Outings
Whether you want to enjoy the beauty of winter on a local outside ice skating rink or prefer to learn a new skill inside, the area is perfect for active outings. Consider indoor rock climbing or yoga, go for a jog outside, or even slip on some skates for a romantic evening on ice.
Pampering Outings
Escape the chill with a couples massage, special meal, or wine tasting. Choose from a huge variety of one-of-a-kind experiences designed to pamper and please. You can both enjoy the luxurious treatment at a spa, head to one of the town's award-winning and renowned restaurants, or try out a wine or beer flight — sampling local and regional offerings in a single fun meal or session.
Fun and Whimsical
Head to an arcade for grown-ups, play laser tag, or set up a scavenger hunt. Any of these dates will be fun for you both and take a minimal amount of time to set up. If you prefer a night at home in your Chicago apartment, set up a temporary fort and watch a favorite movie, cook a new cuisine together, or sample new desserts from your favorite bakery.
No matter where you look, there are plenty of amazing winter date night options for couples right in the Chicago area. Thinking ahead and taking some simple steps to plan can help you create a memorable experience for you both and give you a night to remember. When you're ready to come home, you'll love warming up in one of our luxurious Chicago apartments! Stop by soon to see how easy it is to entertain guests or set up a fun winter date at our Chicago location; we'd love to give you a tour and show off all we have to offer.
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