A 630-Square-Foot D.C. Loft Shows How to Add Warm Color to an Industrial Space

Name: Erin Shirley, one dog and a cat
Location: Washington DC
Type of home: Apartment
Size: 630 square feet
Years lived in: 7 months, renting

Tell us a little (or a lot) about your home and the people who live there: I moved into this apartment just across the street from my old place. This apartment spoke to me as the main lobby is Bauhaus inspired; the apartments are a mix of industrial and Bauhaus styles. I wanted to make the space my perfect place! I enjoy finding something new to bring into the home that’s a statement. I didn’t have a color scheme in mind; I just kind of let everything flow in. I really wanted a dark green couch, but it was much cheaper to paint a wall green, and being short I could not reach the top, so the wall is not complete, but it works for me! I work a lot, and I’m home mainly early in the morning or at night and I wanted my space to be cozy and feel like my sanctuary. Working long hours it’s nice to come home to peace of mind. My cat Szutt (“Soot”) runs the house as he is here the most, and Aster my dog just likes a good place to nap, so I try to find the comfiest dog beds for him and Szutt.

Describe your home’s style in 5 words or less: Inspiring, colorful, calming, cozy.

What is your favorite room and why? My favorite room is my living room. It’s the space I’ve put the most color into, it is me 100%. I love sleeping on the couch and waking up to the living room; this being a small space it’s the only room for sunlight.

What’s the last thing you bought (or found!) for your home? The last thing I bought for my home was a hanging sloth key rack from Urban Outfitters! I had been hanging my keys on thumbtacks and this sloth was perfect.

Any advice for creating a home you love? Follow your vibe and don’t try to create a space for other people’s opinion.

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