This Cute and Cozy 494-Square-Foot Virginia Apartment Costs $868 a Month to Rent

Name: Julia, with my cat, Milkshake
Location: Blacksburg, Virginia
Type of home: Apartment
Size: 494 square feet
Years lived in: 3 years, renting
Rent: $868 per month

Tell us a little (or a lot) about your home and the people who live there: I moved to this apartment in the summer of 2020, a year after I started graduate school. Ever since the pandemic happened, I started working a lot more from home so I wanted a space where I can get work done but also do the things I love: cook, read, and hang out with my cat, Milkshake. Coincidentally, I also adopted Milkshake when I moved into this apartment so it was important I make sure she feels welcome.

I identify as a Black woman, and that is definitely reflected in my apartment. Most of the art in my apartment is either of Black women or created by Black women. I grew up surrounded by Black art so all of my art makes me feel at home.

Describe your home’s style in 5 words or less: Colorful, maximalist, eclectic, cozy, and artsy

What is your favorite room and why? My bedroom! I love laying in bed and reading a good book or playing my Switch. At first I had all white bedding because I saw that it was a trend. Slowly, I started to incorporate more pinks and purples in my bedroom so I got this mauve quilt from the Target kids home decor section and I love it. Purple was my favorite color growing up so I consider my bedroom an ode to mini Julia.

What’s the last thing you bought (or found!) for your home? Pink velvet upholstery fabric! I really wanted new dining chairs but my budget is limited, so I decided to buy new fabric and upholster my old chairs.

Any advice for creating a home you love? Take your time. One of the worst things I did was trying to rush and make my apartment look “put together” but I ended up with a bunch of stuff I wasn’t really that into. Now, I try to be slow and intentional with findings items that I know will make my apartment feel like a home that I want to go into everyday.

Thanks Julia!

This submission’s responses and photos were edited for length/size and clarity.
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