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Who Lives Here: Amanda + 1
Location: Washington, DC
Size: 515 square feet
What is your one favorite element in your small, cool home? My favorite element of my small, cool home is the feeling I get when I'm in it: rest. It took a long time to feel positively towards it (when I moved in, there were unnaturally large holes in the ceiling, walls and floors, thanks to the previous tenant) but after much editing, waiting, and placing, I've come to crave my space more than anywhere else. I love the light (I wake up with coffee and the eastern sun in my kitchen and living room, and wind down with the western sunset in my bedroom), the high ceilings and the fact that even thought it is very small, I never seem to feel small or crowded in it. I'm on the top floor, so I also have the roof and a perfect view of the Capitol building, which makes the apartment feel even more spacious, and serves as a great place for relaxing and entertaining friends.
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What was one of the biggest challenges you faced in furnishing your small home? I'm the oldest child, and first to leave the nest, which I did two years ago. Naturally, I had very little of my own furniture, and was given everything my parents didn't want or need in their home. This was helpful, but once college is over, it becomes less satisfying to be living in an apartment that still looks like a dorm room. So, with a limited budget and no car, I set to work on the biggest challenge my tiny apartment would work through: realizing that free isn't worth it, if it's not something you really love. Over the past two years, I've weeded out everything in my "freebie" collection to pieces I actually would have chosen. I've built up my own furnishings with a careful mix of will-power and a critical eye and have managed to narrow down the things in my home to those which I need, love and want to keep for good — everything else has gone via the curb. I love antique stores, flea markets and have found many beautiful things from the good people of Washington via Ebay and Craigs List. I'm car-less (a strange rarity in DC), which limits my selection a bit, but there is a story to go with each of my finds, and I never cease to be amazed at what I can carry home on my own back. My philosophy is this: If I don't love it enough to move it with me to the next place, I shouldn't bring it home to this one.
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"...free isn't worth it, if it's not something you really love."
I cannot agree more - and I love your place.
view bepsf's profile
I'm car-less in DC too. But I don't find it an obstacle to obtaining furniture. Many places deliver and there is always Zipcar.
view Matilde's profile
A thumbs up for the 'hood!
view Jean's profile
I especially like your livingroom. How do you feel about the long narrow counter in the kitchen - is it useful?
view JoanneM's profile
love the paisley chairs with the houndstooth rug!
view sleeping spot's profile
Lovely. I can see why you crave your space. Bravo on the execution of your plan!
view Betian's profile
I love the living room, especially; the couch and those two chairs look great with the way the light comes through your sheers.
view Curtis's profile
I gave you a thumbs up before even looking at the photos, based on the motto "free isn't worth it"! Your space is lovely.
view orangecookie's profile
You place is cute. I love how bright it is and all the plants. I have to say though, I don't think carless is a rarity in DC at all.
view esj's profile
it's small..... and cool......like you!
x
view newfiediva's profile
Everything is fantastic, but more people have to see that you have 1. art - great art 2.books 3. functional lighting
Great job. I'll take the houndstooth rug and the bamboo pie rack when you're done with them.
view JoeyBrill's profile
After visiting you I was really impressed with the class, and economy that absolutely permeated your apartment. It really shocked me, and showed me how serious my lack of fashion sense is.
view timmynwimmy's profile
Liked the apartment and loved your description. thumbs up.
view Sofia's profile
I'm doing the same right now, Amanda. I'm down to exactly two things that I wouldn't mind keeping. Good job!
view bfootnovellista's profile
That coffee table is fabulous. I'm not sure if it's the same, but it looks like a designer I've seen before. Love it. Also, the stool in the kitchen...cute and useful!
view sonofachipmunk's profile
Great placement of furniture, artwork and plants. Lots of interest, balanced with rest. I like the color combos and the mixture of textures. Not too busy, but restful. The plants give it a soothing, natural affect. Great job.
view nla1234's profile
Looks like a nice place to come home to. Especially like the classy houndstooth rug (and I feel strangely relieved to see that I'm not the only person left in America with a non-flat-screen TV). Good work.
I'm curious about the long, narrow counter, too--do you find it useful or is it a clutter magnet?
view klt108's profile
Hi Amanda! Question: is your living room rug from Walmart? I saw one there that was similar and was considering it.
view Where You Hang Your Hat's profile
What i appreciate about your place is that you scrapped for it and created a beautiful and creative space that is truly a testament to your ingenuity.
view J.W.'s profile
Hi! Thanks for all the nice comments...it's good to get feedback:)
Let's see...the long, skinny counter. I was initially really afraid it would be a waste of space, and actually considered taking it out completely, but after some organizing, I really like it! It comes in handy mostly for food-prep, as a cutting board fits perfectly on it. The rest of the time, it holds only what you see in the picture. If I was planning to stay in the apartment forever, and actually owned it, I'd be pro-tearing down the wall and making a lovely open bar-like space into the living room so it wouldn't be so narrow.
The small stool is made by my grandfather. I keep telling him to patent the idea because its ingenious and cute. I use it all the time and get so many compliments on it.
The houndstooth rug I found on Overstock.com I was a little nervous about it at first -- it's an indoor/outdoor rug, and it was so cheap -- but it is amazing. It's a breeze to clean up crumbs off of, and withstands a lot of wear-and-tear, not to mention looking cute and classy! I can't recommend Overstock more, it's one of my favorites (and I forgot to mention it in my writeup).
Thanks, again!
view amandaja's profile
Love your ideas and your apartment. Well done!!
I thought the little stool was an antique, from what i could see, you are right, your grandfather should work on that idea.
view sassydo's profile