A Graphic Designing & Vintage Furniture Collecting Trombone Player’s Creative D.C. Loft

The apartment that Curry has lived in for one and a half years couldn’t be anymore perfect for his diverse pursuits, which include graphic design, vintage furniture collecting, and playing the trombone. He’s also the founder of Hackreative, a multidisciplinary design studio specializing in placemaking, visual design, and creative direction. Finding a home in one of the most competitive housing markets (where finding enough room for all of these varied pursuits and neighbors who aren’t within earshot) isn’t easy. But with some good karma and even better connections, Curry landed the ultimate holy grail of rentals in a wood shop-turned-residence in the heart of Washington, D.C.

Curry is no stranger to the area where he resides; nearby is Howard University, where he studied architecture and trombone. Curry has been playing the instrument for 18 years, so a home in which he could practice at full tilt was non-negotiable. The apartment is located on the second (top) floor of a carriage house, and downstairs is an independent vintage apparel shop where he often socializes (and shops). But within the carriage house apartment, you can easily forget that you’re in a bustling urban city near one of its most significant academic institutions; his space oozes effortless relaxation.

So many elements lend Curry’s abode an authentic rustic industrial charm. Much of the decor and some of the furniture is sourced directly from his childhood home in pastoral southern Virginia; his hometown is literally called Farmville, an area that inspired his aesthetic, and a stark contrast from where he lives now. Mostly anything that isn’t from home is scored from his favorite local furniture outlets, like Miss Pixie’s and GoodWood. But the apartment’s most dramatic element isn’t decorative: The burning fireplace creates a transcendent atmosphere on any cold winter day.

Our Style: Vintage maximalist

Inspiration: Family farm in Farmville, Virginia, my childhood home

Favorite Element: Chesterfield sofa

Biggest Challenge: Very little closet space/lots of clothes

What Friends Say: They appreciate the incorporation of family artifacts/heirlooms

Proudest DIY: Removal of built-in wall shelving, installation of vintage lamps

Best Advice: Take time to make your space comfortable — invest in quality furniture.

KITCHEN
Marble top table — Bentley’s Antiques and Collectibles
Chairs — Miss Pixie’s
Industrial work table/countertop — Goodwood

LIVING ROOM
Abstract painting on windowed wall — mother’s original artwork from college
Large painting on back wall — “A Man Has Got to Have a Code,” by David Ibata
Chesterfield sofa — GoodWood
Armoire — Gift from Lori, owner of Redeem
Bookshelf — GoodWood
Flat file cabinet — Came with apartment, made by landlord
Steamer trunk — Great-great aunt’s
Coffee table — Made by uncle
Rocking chair — GoodWood
Impala — The Strange and Unusual, Philly, PA
Pheasant — You and Yours Fine Vintage, NYC
Liquor column — GoodWood
Posters — Self-designed for Redeem
Mirror — Goodwood
Bench — Miss Pixie’s; made in Lancaster, PA from reclaimed wood

BEDROOM
Bed — Great-grandmother’s/childhood bed; painted by my mother
Wagon — from childhood
Floor lamp — Grandmother’s
Cabinet — GoodWood
Chair — Miss Pixie’s

BATHROOM
Cabinet — Dr. K’s Vintage
Metal Drawer — GoodWood
Mirror — GoodWood

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