Location: Beacon Hill, Boston, Massachusetts
Size/Type: 2 bedroom, 1 bath, around 600 square feet
Length of Residence: 2 short years

My first apartment was in the historic Beacon Hill neighborhood of Boston, Massachusetts. I lived three blocks from Boston Common, two blocks from Senator John Kerry, and one block from the historic Lewis and Harriet Hayden House on the African American History Trail. Boston was the first location that I was able to choose to live in as an adult, after eighteen moves due to my father's military stations, and I loved every minute of it. Boston was--and still is--my heart.

What I loved about this home: I loved the exposed brick wall in the bedroom of this apartment, and the three sprawling windows that looked out into a traditional New England courtyard. This was also the first home where I was actually allowed to paint the walls, and subsequently chose the most obnoxious (and marvelous) shade of pink that I could find, in an act of rebellion towards my previous years of ultra-white walls.

What changed when I moved on to my next home: My only major change when moving on to another apartment (this time in Los Angeles) was my lack of a roommate. It was a thrilling experience living on my own for the first time, although I missed the friendship and fun that I had with a roommate. However, I firmly believe that every woman should live at least one year on their own. It builds a stronger sense of self and helps develop your own personal living habits. I also learned that slatted windows are the worst type of windows to ever have been invented.

Best bit of advice for people moving into their first home: Decorating your dream home takes time. I have found that with my numerous moves, I have just started to make the house a home by the time I move on. Designing is a process, and should be fun, not rushed. And, take lots of pictures!

Image: painting the walls of my Beacon Hill bedroom pink (plus Margot the cat) by Andie Wurster