We got a lot of posts from our Boston/DC applicants (3 from each), and we got behind. We're going to rip through the last ones today and tomorrow. This is from our Boston finalist, Alyssa . Comment away!

Make all your fantasies come true with a visit to the Boston Design Center. A converted warehouse on Boston's waterfront is now home to 80 showrooms with 1,200 premium product lines from Ann Sacks to Zaki Rug Collection with everything from Louis XIV antiques to contemporary Asian furniture. Run your hands along the lush fabrics; be wowed by walls of colorful leather swatches; talk with experts about handmade knotted Nepalese silk rugs; but most of all be inspired... More

This is from our Boston finalist, Jeanine. Comment away!

You know those cool industrial baskets at Goodwill that they wheel around all of the clothes in? They're made right here in East Boston by a company who's been making canvas baskets since the 1920's. My friend Deborah uses them for fresh sheets, I put piles of stuffed animals in them, our friend Nancy stores upholstery fabric, and they would be terrific for laundry... More

This is from our DC finalist, Colleen. Comment away!

Name: Grace A.
Location: Adams Morgan, Washington DC
Size: about 1000sq ft
Lived in: 2
Rent/Own: Own

>> Enter House Tour

Even before I learned I was a finalist in this competition, I knew that ATDC had to feature Grace’s loft as a house tour. The wide open space, the vibrant colors, and the mix of minimalist furniture with rustic accents all help make Grace’s apartment a warm and inviting home. When she first toured the property, Grace knew it was exactly the urban environment she hoped to find during her house hunt. Living just blocks from 18th St. and Columbia Road in Adams Morgan, Grace can walk to all her favorite restaurants, stores and watering holes, and she’s counting the days until the new Harris Teeter opens up across the street!... More

This is from our DC finalist, Valerie. Comment away!

Name: Kevin and Julie
Location: Capitol Hill, DC
Size: about 1500 sq ft.
Lived in: about 6 years

>> Enter House Tour

This home has a lot in common with Kevin’s fab Woodley Park boutique, Carbon. Although Kevin’s industrial leanings are reflected more heavily in the store, where you’ll see handbags suspended from farmhouse meat hooks, each place is outfitted with unique, carefully chosen pieces; walking into both, you feel like you must be in the neighborhood’s hippest spot. Kevin and his wife, Julie (who graciously shared the home with me just before jetting off to her baby shower), have done the old-new style well, updating their Victorian with modern touches, like the brick wall in their kitchen and dining room that they painted a cool, deep metallic gray... More

This is from DC finalist, Thomas. Comment away!

Name: Tammy Jones & Family
Location: Arlington, VA
Type: Original Sears Bungalow
Years Lived In: 3 years

>> Enter Slideshow

The Jones live just outside of the District in Arlington, VA. Arlington has an eclectic mix of people-from young professionals to families to older couples.

Despite the close proximity to the city, the Jones' neighborhood is quiet and family-friendly. A porch on the front and a nice yard size are rare features for Arlington homes. The three bedroom home works well for the family of five. Each room is painted in warm colors with neutral furnishings... More

This is from DC finalist, Caroline. Comment away!

>> Enter Slideshow

The Hunted House is a great furniture store on the 14th St NW strip. Located on the second floor of an old townhouse, the store is arranged in mini tableaus of mid-century modern furniture. The small staged rooms really help display some great pieces of furniture. It almost feels like you are in someone’s living room – a very hip person’s living room...

More

This is from our Boston finalist, Jeanine. Comment away!

There's a little store in Brookline Village I have to stop in every few weeks just to give myself a jolt of color and inspiration. And to see what's new.

Pod is off-the-beaten-track on Washington Street. Its one of those places where you immediately feel comfortable, like you are in someone's home. Even down to the farm-style screen door and Julie’s friendly dog.... More

This is from DC finalist, Rachael. Comment away!

>> Enter Rckndy Slideshow

Rckndy (pronounced Rock Candy) offers quirky but practical home decor for small spaces. Although handguns are banned in DC (for now), you can buy ceramic 3-gun vases, single pistol wall vases and surprisingly pleasant smelling Gunpowder Green Tea Candles by Joya and ceramic designer Sarah Cihat...
More

This is from DC finalist, Rachel. Comment away!

Name: Helen
Occupation: Economist
Location: Washington, DC
Type: 2 bedroom in a Beaux-Arts building circa 1900
Size: 800 sq/ft
Years lived in: Owned for 2.5 years

>> Enter Helen's House Tour

Over her 6+ years in DC, Helen has filled her home with locally bought
furniture and accessories from her world travels. Helen uses her favorite color green to creatively detail her home without overwhelming it with items like the plastic green elephant watering can... More

This is from DC finalist, Sara. Comment away!

Take a short walk up 14th Street from Logan Circle towards U Street and you will find an abundance of design stores. Fellow finalist Hillary has already blogged Ruff & Ready Furnishings and another favorite is right across the street.

go mama go! is a treasure trove of fun eclectic homewares... More