This Foggy Bottom Apartment Is Filled With Statement Art and Colorful Rugs
Beth Aklilu moved into her just one-bedroom, a single-bathroom, 567-sq.-foot condominium in Foggy Bottom in July 2021. The 24-12 months-old job manager was beforehand living in a studio in the making upcoming doorway, and when her lease was up, she started off hunting for a even bigger spot. When she noticed this a person on the net, she quickly jumped on it—she toured it and snagged it the identical evening she noticed the listing.
“Signing the lease was the best decision ever, due to the fact I fell in really like with the condominium as before long as I stepped in it,” says Aklilu. She enjoys that it’s on the major flooring, which implies it receives terrific light-weight, has superior views, and comes with straightforward entry to the rooftop (in addition, there are no noisy neighbors living overhead). And she also enjoys that it’s in an older setting up with character-filled touches like arched entryways.
Aklilu, who’s been obsessed with interior structure and residence decor considering that she was a child, pulls inspiration for her very own spot from Pinterest, TikTok, and Architectural Digest‘s YouTube household excursions. Here, we chat with her about discovering statement artwork, developing a cozy room, and the joys of living alone:
What was your inspiration for your home’s aesthetic?
“As soon as I toured the condominium, I couldn’t cease envisioning all the different ways I wanted to beautify it. Most importantly, I understood I required it to be a cozy and inviting place. To get this vibe, I merged modern products with vintage pieces, which necessary me to do a good deal of scouring in classic stores (the two on-line and brick-and-mortar types), flea marketplaces, and common furnishings shops.
“I required an condominium with a personality—one that was calming, but also colourful. I did not want an apartment exactly where people felt like they could not contact or sit on just about anything. To make the area much more welcoming, I invested in purchasing artwork and appealing statement pieces, like the rugs and the accent chairs.
What is the greatest splurge you have bought for your residence?
“The 104-inch couch. It is the most comfortable couch and excellent for naps, so it is absolutely worth it. And for what I compensated for it, I’m generating guaranteed I get my money’s worth—it is going to be staying with me for at least the upcoming ten years.
What is the greatest offer you have been given on an merchandise for your property?
“The dresser in my bed room, which I received for no cost on Fb Market. I have a lot of clothes and little knick-knacks, so it’s been a saving grace.
What is your favorite Diy in your apartment?
“My preferred Do-it-yourself is also my preferred component of my condominium: My gallery wall is my satisfaction and pleasure and makes my condominium truly feel like a museum, which I love. The established-up that I constructed for my data is a second favorite—I put together an old, broken Television set stand with steel frames I discovered on Etsy. I adore art and I wished my space to mirror that, which is why I resolved to do the gallery wall and have a committed songs portion.
What is your favourite detail to do in your home?
“I actually enjoy my solitude and can be individual when it comes to my area, which is why I moved into the apartment by myself. There is literally nothing that I appreciate a lot more than coming home from function or from hanging out with family and buddies to a clear, cozy apartment. I have labored really tough to make it my property and a spot where I can unplug, rest, and recenter myself.”
This job interview has been edited and condensed.
Home & Capabilities Editor
Mimi Montgomery joined Washingtonian in 2018. She’s composed for The Washington Post, Yard & Gun, Outside the house Journal, Washington Town Paper, DCist, and PoPVille. Originally from North Carolina, she now life in Del Ray.