“I think it’s in my blood to go out and find things that are unique and old,” said Gina Tunzi, whose beautiful Logan Square apartment is filled with thrifted furniture and decór. “I got a love for finding vintage pieces from my grandparents & parents. I grew up with my dad and grandpa going to estate sales every weekend.”
A passionate pet parent, Gina shares her thoughtfully designed space with her rescue dog, Willow. Ready to step inside in this month’s Figo PetPartment tour?
My roommate and I are very into finding vintage/thrift pieces that work together (or not!). Most of our furniture is preowned. I got a love for finding vintage pieces from my grandparents & parents. I grew up with my dad and grandpa going to estate sales every weekend, and I think it’s in my blood to go out and find things that are unique and old. I would say both my parent’s and grandparents’ houses are very similar to mine with a mix of some new but mostly old pieces.
What’s your favorite feature of your space?
I love the high ceilings & back screened-in porch we have. The doorway leading to it is right off the kitchen and it creates the best airflow during the spring and summer months!
Biggest challenge, either about the space itself or one you encountered while decorating?
We rent! So honestly, I would love to throw our electric stove out the window and redo the kitchen entirely, but that’s not my place! Decorating can be hard as we have to get permission to hang things on our walls etc. Our landlord is a piece of work, so honestly, I try to talk to him as little as possible!
Your must-have piece of décor/furniture?
Anything mid-century modern! Although honestly, I don’t think I currently own any; I haven’t purchased furniture in a while as I have two roommates and we are SET on furniture at the moment. When I get a big girl house that I have full range to decorate, I hope to have plenty!
Favorite place to buy décor/furniture?
Vintage Quest in Humboldt Park! Keith is an angel and has some of the most incredible vintages finds in the city. He makes everyone feel right at home and I have found most of my favorite pieces there. Another great hidden gem is The Lazy Dog Antique Store on Belmont Ave. You never know what you’re going to find in there!
What really drew you to your place?
Well, our previous landlord sold my last building, so we had to move out pretty fast. Somehow, the building across the street opened up for rent in the middle of winter and was so much better than our last, so it was just pure luck! Easiest move ever!
Your pets
What are the names and breeds of your pets?
So many pets! My dog Willow (goes by Bill) is a Treeing Walker Coonhound. Then there is Norman, the biggest and best Australian Sheppard you have ever seen! Some friends that come by often are Freja, who is also a small Australian Sheppard, and my partner’s dog Keela, who is a beautiful Husky mix.
What nicknames do you have for them?
Bill is really Willow’s name more than a nickname at this point. But there’s Will, Wheel, Wagon Wheel, Bilbo Waggins, Billium. It goes on and on… I think I have a problem.
Where did you buy/adopt from? Is there a story behind it?
Willow is from Wright-Way Rescue in Morton Grove, IL. She was originally rescued from Tyler, TX, and brought up to Chicago. She was so skinny, had just given birth, and was Heartworm positive. I can happily say she just tested negative for heartworms a few months back and is maintaining a very healthy weight! I was so happy to rescue a dog that needed a treatment that I was able to provide for them! Would 100 percent go through it again.
What do your pets love most about your space?
Willow loves comfort and sleeping. A bed is her happy safe space so when I come home from work I often find her there all curled up amidst the blankets she buried herself in. She also loves to sit looking out the front window in our living room.
Favorite pet accessory or furniture piece?
Willows’s old crate. She loves to climb on top of it and sleep and look out the window. It’s also where she keeps all her toys! I’m happy it has a purpose in our house because it’s used for pretty much anything and everything *other than* actually being used to crate Willow.
Photo cred @tim.nagle
What does being a pet parent to your pets mean to you?
It means everything to me. She is my favorite friend in the whole world. It’s funny how similar we are, and I think we both help each other in knowing we aren’t alone in our anxieties! I am so happy to have given her a better life than she was set out with, and I want to give her all the love I possibly can to make sure she knows she is safe and cared for. I love being a dog mama!
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