The Best Part of This 550-Square-Foot Duplex Isn’t Its Size — It’s the Layout

“We had been casually browsing all the typical rental sites for months and had completely exhausted our options,” wrote designer and vintage home seller Salli Mandel of the apartment search she undertook with her partner, Sebastian Calcopietro.

As luck would have it, Salli checked Craigslist next, and this space — a 550-square-foot rental in Washington, D.C.’s Georgetown neighborhood — was the first listing she saw.

“I immediately loved what I saw, but I thought it might be too good to be true,” she admitted at the time this house tour originally published. “We scheduled a tour for the next day, and the moment we walked in, I knew we had to have it!”

Salli said the historic building duplex this unit is located in had been thoughtfully renovated, still retaining plenty of character and charm. “It’s a duplex with an exposed brick wall that contrasts with the newly renovated, modern finishes,” she wrote.

“We were drawn to the quirky details, including the angled ceiling upstairs, the exposed pipes, and the little nook under the staircase — all of which make the space feel unique and full of personality.”

Since this tour originally published, there haven’t been any dramatic style changes, but there have been some updates to make it even more rich in its traditional, vintage style, including a very envy-inducing canopy bed addition.

• Rug — Rugs.com
• Couch — World Market
• Chairs — World Market
• Cocktail Table — T.J. Maxx (discontinued)
• Pillows — Etsy
• Coffee Table — World Market
• Tapestry — Magnolia
• Bookshelves — IKEA
• Lamp — Target (discontinued)
• Shell Lamp — Antique Shop
• Poufs — Target (discontinued)

• Table — Facebook Marketplace
• Chairs — Antique Shop
• Hutch — Antique Shop
• Hutch Curtains — Amazon
• Pendant — HAY

• Horse Sketch — Antique Shop
• Coffee Maker — SMEG
• Cutting Boards — Antique Shop
• Espresso Machine — Breville

• Dresser — Antique Shop
• Gold Lamp — Antique Shop
• Landscape Art — HomeGoods
• Side Chair — Antique Shop
• Gold Framed Sea Paintings — Antique Shop
• Cabinet — Facebook Marketplace
• Bedside Tables — Target
• Seagrass Lamps — Target
• Rug — Rugs.com (discontinued)
• White Duvet — Quince
• Blue Floral Duvet — Garnet Hill
• Bench — Antique Shop
• Bed — IKEA
• Green Pillows — HomeGoods
• Gingham Pillows — Quince
• Vanity — Antique Shop
• Vanity Stool — Antique Shop
• Lamp — Antique Shop
• Butterfly Art — Antique Shop

• Desk — Target (discontinued)
• Chair — Wayfair
• Lamp — At Home
• Lampshade — Target
• Art — Antique
• Framed Tennis Racket — Settler’s Club

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