Hi! I’m Marti Palermo. My husband Jarrod and I live in Chicago’s Albany Park neighborhood, where we purchased a fixer-upper bungalow in 2015. I like to keep myself busy with projects and this website is a record of what I’ve tackled. I’ve been blogging in fits and starts since 2010. I started as a renter: check out the Apartment Tour page to see our last apartment. For an overview of our house, head to the Bungalow Tour page.
I’m an employee communications manager. Jarrod works at Northwestern University in the sponsored research department. We’re DINKs by choice, but love being an aunt and uncle to our siblings’ kids. I do all of my DIY projects solo – Jarrod is responsible for grocery shopping and cocktail making. I get excited about: new tools, vintage furniture, cheese popcorn, houseplants, and to-do lists.
I have no ambitions to monetize my blog – in fact, I pay for it to be an ad-free space. That means none of my posts are sponsored and I receive no compensation for any products I link to. I like being a small non-profit corner of the internet. You can contact me by leaving a comment or emailing ProjectPalermoBlog@gmail.com.
Oh, yeah, and: when I say “project!”, I’m channeling Cher Horowitz and her love of makeovers. I was unable to find this scene on YouTube, which left me with no choice but to rent the DVD from Netflix, set up a tripod in front of our TV, and record this clip for you with my digital camera.
And here’s a favorite old photo of my grandmother and me. I’ve been painting things white since 1998.
Project Palermo 
Love the blog– can’t wait to check out more!
Nicely done.. the bathroom.
Are you an architect or interior decorator ?
Looks like your shoes got in the way of your spray too! Just kidding, love the blog.
Just found you and my head is exploding with new ideas! (the same way it does when I walk into Hobby Lobby). Nice to meet you!
Thanks, Dara!
sounds amazing
Hi, I’m a big fan..I have nominated you for the beautiful blogger awards!http://wp.me/p2Fvml-6G
Keep going :)
I think your blog is awesome and have nominated you for an Inspiring Blog award. You can view it here http://pennystreetinteriors.wordpress.com/2013/03/04/who-me/
Wishing you all the best xx
Hey, Just stumbeled upon you homepage looking for retro 60s,70s, 80s furniture. Just by curiosity, do you know the brand for the couch, dining table, chairs? They are awsome!
/Anton
Thanks, Anton! The couch we bought new from Room & Board. The dining table and chairs are unmarked, so I don’t think they’re anything special brand-wise, just good-looking vintage design.
The Cher video was a must. I mentally say “Ahhh!!! Project” all the time
I enjoy your site. You should know, however, that someone has rated your site as untrustworthy on the Web of Trust (Poor for Child Safety & Content). I’m sure this is not something you want to hear, but thought you should know. (Don’t post this comment as it has no relevance to your site’s content.)
I just found your blog via Instagram. Your house is lovely – congratulations! And I can’t wait to read more. Adding to feedly.
My husband and I just bought a bungalow in Kilbourn Park. It’s been updated but we want to put our own stamp on it and your blog has a wealth of inspiration. Thank you!
Thanks for the kind words, Bailee! Congratulations on your new house – have fun making it your home!