A 578-Square-Foot D.C. Rental Has a Cute Green Sofa and Bold Botanical Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper

Name: Madison Summers and adopted pup, Tanzie
Location: Washington, D.C.
Type of home: One-bedroom apartment
Size: 578 square feet
Years lived in: 3 months, renting

Tell us a little (or a lot) about your home and the people who live there: I would say my personal style is a twist of classic meets glam, which I’ve tried to reflect in the warm jewel tones of my home. I want guests to walk in and immediately feel welcome and at ease.

There are little touches of sentiment in each room: Velvet, pops of color, plants, gold accents, Ben Franklin! There’s a poster from the Tony Awards from my time spent working in the Broadway industry in NYC, a pillow featuring my idol Audrey Hepburn, and of course, a cheeky print of Ben Franklin blowing bubble gum — a nod to my Pennsylvania roots.

The focal point in my living room is the green velvet couch, and from there, I brought in pinks, creams, patterns, and pieces of personal history. Two of my most favorite items on display are my late grandfather’s typewriter and a horse racing photo of my grandmother from early on in her career as a sulky driver. With the addition of some beloved plants on my window sill and my Boykin Spaniel Tanzie, I’ve tied in old and new with a collection of art and books that tell a story: my story. A story which I hope can be read on every wall.

There are framed photos of friends and family on the walls, and my beloved gold mirror is an antique plucked from the Lower East Side in Manhattan, which was gifted to me by my cousins as a move-in present. This little home tells the world who I am. I wanted my space to be warm, inviting, and undeniably my own.

Describe your home’s style in 5 words or less: Art Deco meets Hollywood Regency

What is your favorite room and why? I love the living room with its bold prints and accent wall, but my favorite is my bedroom. It’s full of soothing blue tones and is my hideaway from the world. There’s nothing better than waking up to dappled sunlight filtering in through the tree outside my bedroom window. I center myself each morning by getting ready at my vanity mirror and doing a simple meditation to start the day.

What’s the last thing you bought (or found!) for your home? The most recent purchase I’ve made is the accent wall in my bedroom. It’s a fabulous floral peel-and-stick wallpaper from Etsy, which has brightened up the space and given a splash of color behind the bed.

Any advice for creating a home you love? Take your time! For the first few weeks of preparation, focus on curating images that you feel drawn toward and then begin looking for patterns in your personal style. For me, I saw a theme of greens/pinks/creams with velvet and gold accents and shopped for key pieces accordingly.

Remember, there’s no timeline when finding the right pieces. Know that you are never truly “done.” Instead, I think your home evolves with you. As you grow and adapt, so does your environment. My recommendation would be to invest in a mix of timeless and trendy pieces, which can be swapped out from time to time, like new throw pillows for your bed or couch. At the end of the day, it’s YOUR space; the only rule you need to follow is staying true to your vision!

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

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