As the Vice President of Brand for Jayson Home, Matt Carollo has what many design lovers would call a dream job. He travels the world, shopping, collecting, and curating for the cult-favorite Chicago brand. It’s a passion—and a skill—he found early. “I discovered my love of collecting at an early age, starting around twelve,” he recalls. “Growing up in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, and not being particularly sporty or outdoorsy, I often found myself with free time on the weekends. My mother loved to shop, so I would join her for visits to local antique stores, thrift shops, garage sales, and auctions, where I began buying pieces for my bedroom and the future home I imagined.”

That home now sits proudly in Chicago’s Ravenswood neighborhood. The two-bedroom apartment dates to 1910, and Matt was originally drawn to the gorgeous afternoon light and original architectural details, like hardwood floors, picture rails, and ornate molding. “When I was searching, my top priority was finding a vintage building with real character,” he recalls. “I’m drawn to original details and the sense of history that simply can’t be recreated in new construction. Natural light was also non-negotiable. The apartment has a long stretch of east-facing windows in both the dining and living rooms, and the morning light they let in is one of my favorite features. In the winter especially, the entire space is filled with a warm glow that makes it feel bright and alive.”

Admittedly, it needed a lot of cosmetic work, and nearly every surface has been touched. Matt had the wood floors refinished, painted every wall and ceiling, and replaced all the light fixtures and switches with dimmers. Today, the space is in a constant state of evolution. “That’s what happens when you’re always on the hunt,” he says with a laugh. “My biggest tip? Never rush when furnishing your home. Live in the space for a while and see what layout and furniture truly suit the way you want to live.”

Though his style has evolved over time, it’s always been grounded in classic furniture pieces—like the circa-1970s ceruse oak console from France in the entry, or the woven trunk found at a local antique store. That steady foundation allows him to layer in new discoveries freely, whether sourced on trips for Jayson Home or while combing local antique and thrift stores.

His approach to collecting is simple “if not a bit cliché,” he admits. “Buy what you love. I’ve found that when you choose pieces you’re genuinely drawn to, you can almost always find a way to make them work in your home.”