This brownstone was meant for living! Former E! News host Giuliana Rancic and her husband, the first Apprentice winner, Bill Rancic, opened the doors to their gorgeous Chicago brownstone to Traditional Home magazine in its September 2015 issue.
“We have such a rich social life in Chicago,” Giuliana told the mag of the midwestern city. “That just wasn’t the case in Los Angeles—it seemed like one giant office with great weather.”
Her husband, who was born and raised in the Windy City, echoed G’s sentiments. “This city has everything to offer, including a community of people with strong Midwestern values,” the entrepreneur gushed. “We knew the family who lived here before, and they put a great vibe in this house that we hope to continue. We’ve always had one foot here, and now we have two. Finally, we’re home.”
Indeed, after 14 years in front of the camera, Giuliana signed off from her E! News hosting duties this past Monday, Aug. 10. “And on this note…it’s a wrap. Fourteen years of memories at one show,” the Fashion Police co-host wrote on Instagram, alongside a pic of Bill giving her a huge hug on set. “Fifty more years of memories to be made with my soulmate. Let’s do this @billrancic!!!!!”
In their next journey together, the reality stars — married since 2007 and parents to 3-year-old son Duke — enlisted the help of interior designer Lonni Paul to help redesign their 19th century home. Paul brought in aesthetics that mimicked the power couple’s jetsetting lifestyles.
“I used blue in California to tribute the water,” Paul — who designed their home in L.A.’s Brentwood neighborhood — told Traditional Home in its latest issue. “But in this rowhouse, which doesn’t allow light to pour in from either side, the blue functioned as a tool to create light and airiness that wouldn’t read heavy and dull when the sky turned cold and gray.”
Paul also worked in the couple’s impressive collection of artwork, featuring pieces by both emerging and established artists. In the couple’s breakfast room, a painting of a limo by Adam McEwen hangs over the seating area.
“When I began collecting, it was suggested to me that I start with artists from my generation,” Giuliana said of the piece. “In my youth, the limousine represented wealth and status. It was chic to pull up in a stretch limo. Now, the limousine is somewhat archaic, and high-profile event transportation happens in a black SUV.”
The couple’s spaces reflect their everyday lifestyles. “We debated between glass or mirror fronts on the cabinets,” she said of the master bedroom. “But I don’t keep pieces that I don’t wear. I edit my things often, and knew that the cabinets would be visually organized.”
