The Apartment on Connecticut Avenue

The door cracked open to a light-filled space, a set of large windows across the way, misty from the autumn rain. The old bones of the timeworn wood floors beneath me wailed as I walked across the room. Towering magnolias just beyond the window, and the hum of a large fountain and street buzz, lent a charming touch. Its allure gripped me like a breath of fresh air, with its white walls, aged details, and glass doorknobs. And the light. Each room perfectly splashed in brightness, even through the gloom of the morning.

Homes come with their own personalities I think, breathing in ways that we come to understand and adjust to through time. I couldn’t wait to make it my own. There’s something about old spaces. Nothing is ever quite right… like the crooked wall, off-centered, the creak in the floors, the stubborn windows, the perpetual battle with dust. A sense of nostalgia and familiarity you don’t quite feel with anything new.

Three years later, I’m perched in the window, splayed out on the perfectly worn cushions of the big chair. Doris Day’s “Again” fills the air. Candles quietly dancing in the breeze and lamps lit in the early evening. I revel in the ambiance. As I look up, an antique crystal chandelier crowns the room. Pillows and blankets are shuffled around the sofa, and among them, a tattered stuffed bunny… evidence of playful interludes. Silver, bowls, burnt candlesticks, matches, sea shells, and books cover the surfaces. Baskets pile up under tables. The collected wares of a cherished space.

I relive the joy of entering the front door to a sea of white and antiques and curtains blowing about. The keys and dog leash find their place on the entry table. Mail piles. Out the window, reflections of my neighbors’ lives offer a frivolous backdrop to daily life here. Seasoned inhabitants with their strong opinions and theatrics. Building gossip. A camaraderie among dog owners. A kinship with the doorman who offers a friendly greeting and goodnight. And close friends made.

I look to the dining room, painted in a perfect green-grey. A slightly askew chandelier, iron, adorned with glass beaded chains and patinated details, imparts a unique charm. A gentle glow of sunlight highlights the imperfections of the old farm table. I think back to intimate dinner parties of shared laughter by candlelight, the table basked in soft linens and fresh flowers, fallen petals and sprinkled crumbs, clinking half-empty wine glasses. In the kitchen, a gentle little lamp lights up the galley. A drawer filled with takeout menus awaits my lazier culinary inclinations. Dinner for one most nights, I hold tight to gatherings with friends and family. Jazzy tunes played often as I whirl around, a spirited cockapoo biting at my feet.

A quick meander down the hallway leads to the bedroom, adorned in a rich brown, a stark contrast to the living room’s pristine creaminess. A sumptuous cloud atop an unmade bed promises a comforting retreat in a few hours. A cushioned chair in the corner serves as a little haven for reading, and a watch tower for Millie to overlook her kingdom. Every nook of this home, loosely curated with storied antiques, collected trinkets, and a calming palette, offers an air of fresh simplicity. It’s easy, it’s quiet. I kick up my feet, I eat in front of the tv, I sleep in on Saturdays. A reprieve from the noise of the world. We breathe as one now—devout in our routines and ceremonies.

Dusk settles in and the courtyard sounds soften. I nestle in deeper, a faithful pup cuddled by. And I think, “How could I ever leave the apartment on Connecticut Avenue?” A worry for another day.

Creating a Warm Home as a Neutral-Loving Minimalist

I never dove into my love for interior design on my old blog. Of course, many furnishings and decor finds a plenty have been shared! But I haven’t quite ever talked about my own personal decorating tips - and this is something I really want to do more of for my paying readers. One of the biggest compliments I’ve received about my apartment is how it feels timeless, classic, and cozy, even though it’s draped in whites and clean lines and simplicity.

Though, I’d love to be a maximalist in a second life (or a second home)… with colorful rooms, piled in books and collected pieces and patterned furniture. I can often feel the coziness and nostalgia radiating through the photos. But I think it’s important to remember that we can love many styles without having to incorporate them all into our own homes. Unfortunately, my brain can’t quite function in maximalist spaces. I’m someone who thrives in less cluttered, neutral rooms, but that doesn’t mean they have to feel cold and bland.

As I was writing this… I looked up the actual definition of minimalism out of curiosity and came across this fabulous explanation from a watch brand, Larsen and Eriksen, blog post…

Contrary to common misconceptions, minimalism isn't about deprivation or sacrifice. Instead, it focuses on embracing quality over quantity. Minimalists are thoughtful in their selection of items, ensuring everything owned serves a purpose and enhances their experience.

This felt incredibly fitting as it really hit home. There’s a balance one can strike when it comes to teetering the line between a classic and minimalist space and the sad beige people love to hate. While I heavily believe everyone should decorate exactly how they wish… this post is for those who, like me, swoon over a thoughtfully curated home that’s decorated simply, heavy on the neutrals, feels classic and timeliness, and still invites you in like a warm hug. My goal is always to keep a space that never dates.

Note—I’m not an interior designer! Just a girl who loves interior design, but as a creative/graphic designer, I like to think I have a good eye. There are several “guidelines” I’ve naturally developed for myself since designing my apartment… and thought many of you would appreciate hearing. Especially if design simply doesn’t come easily to you and tips could help. So without further ado…

Keep Your Base Neutral
Sticking to a base layer of simple furnishings and clean lines offers up the opportunity for fleeting trends or layered colors to be incorporated here and there without having to switch out major pieces whenever you want to change things up. And you can make furniture that’s simple and neutral work for so many different eras of style. With my sea of white furniture in the living room, my creamy linen headboard, my large seagrass rug, or my farmhouse dining table in mind… I know these are pieces I will most likely keep forever because I can make them work anywhere, in any style home, and with any decor items.

Incorporate Vintage Furniture
Lest we underestimate the power of antiques. My number one decor tip, shop old. Used furnishings, steeped in craftsmanship, add a classic element and sense of history into our homes. The idea of antiques may conjure up thoughts of dusty, stuffy rooms, but they actually offer a breathe of fresh air. Leaning into quality old pieces that have stood the test of time over generic, mass-produced items that you’ll just end up tossing is a smart move if you want to spend less in the long run. These pieces last and last and last. Old furniture offers character and that warm and familiar feeling we love to feel in anyone’s home—don’t be afraid of imperfections.

Paint with Neutral Colors (beyond whites!)
This seems obvious, but the range of neutral colors that exist is quite large. You may be thinking whites, creams, nudes, and beiges are the only “neutrals,” but really, there’s soft greens, breezy blues, easy browns, and sometimes even a good pink. Don’t be afraid to incorporate versatile colors for a neutral backdrop. My favorite non-white neutral is green, found in my dining room pictured above. The most perfect soft grey-green that changes with the day’s light. And in the bedroom, a bold brown that feels like a warm cocoon. Options like these can be the difference between a boring room and one that feels more intentional and interesting.

Collect Objects and Oddities
A clean and minimalist home doesn’t have to mean keeping to the bare minimum. One can still collect beautiful pieces to sit pretty on display or effortlessly layer across your home. A rule of thumb I try to follow is making sure any decor I bring in can easily work in any room of my home—as I often love to move things around when I want a refresh. When I’m on the hunt or simply wandering a shop, I draw my eye to items neutral in color, paying close attention to silvers, woods, stones, ceramics, and bone-carved pieces. And the more patina and aged imperfections the better! Collect acquisitions like bowls, trays, candle holders, urns, vases, baskets, or cups to scatter about. Note, they don’t have to be boring.

Layer with Texture
Bringing in texture instantly creates visual interest in a space. Making sure to use different materials whether in furnishings or fabrics or decor is important. And it helps create a contrast that moves away from the generic, cold spaces. I personally love using seagrass or jute rugs to warm up a room and always make sure to layer blankets across seating. In my apartment, you’ll find wicker and alabaster lamps, a travertine coffee table, a little bamboo chair, metal accents, mix and matched wooden pieces, an acrylic console, and baskets galore. Even small details like a cane back chair or velvet pillows against a linen sofa can make a big impact.

Bring in Natural Elements
If you follow me on Instagram, you know I’m a fan of natural curiosities. I love incorporating shells, sea fans, feathers, coral, and even branches and sticks. That’s right… sticks. I also have a fabulous tumbleweed snagged from an antique shop and my friend brought me back the most beautiful oyster shell clusters from Daufuskie that I keep on display (seen above). Bringing the outside in will always help ground your space and give it that effortlessly styled vibe.

Pay Attention to Lighting
So important. My not-so-secret secret to creating that cozy glow is having lamps galore. Seriously. I think I have one (or two) on every surface of my apartment. Even my small galley kitchen has three! Cozy homemakers never turn on the big light (though you should switch out those generic flush mounts for some gorgeous chandeliers), so don’t think twice about adding lots of lamps to a room. Also! Use soft lighting. The tragic reality is that old pink incandescent lightbulbs that gave off the most perfect glow are no longer in production. And we’ve been left with the hideous LED options. I personally prefer to keep lightbulbs to 450 or 800 lumens in soft white for that wonderful glow.

Don’t Crowd Tabletops
As someone who simply cannot live in clutter, but who is constantly collecting and antiquing… you may be wondering how I manage to keep my rooms feeling polished. I tend to switch decor out each season—putting some things away while I let other objects shine for a bit! And as a rule of thumb, I make sure my surfaces always have just a few items loosely styled. Not every inch of a large sideboard needs to be covered. And when you’re incorporating the type of decor items mentioned above, with added character and interest in material or texture, your rooms will still feel collected while remaining minimally filled. I don’t know how, but it works.

Add to Your Walls
If you have trouble committing to colorful artwork, but don’t want your walls to remain completely bare. You can easily add accessories with visual interest that will still leave your home feeling fresh and effortless. Using unique sconces, mirrors, and hanging objects, like the shell wall shelf pictured above or the white mirror in my living room, can help fill in space and bring a welcoming touch to your home without feeling overwhelming. If you wanted to dabble in artwork, I recommend landscape or contemporary paintings that feel soft or even moody without too many colors. Tapestries are also such a dreamy way to add texture and warmth to a room and pack a big punch. Rose Uniacke does all of this so well.

Keep Things Easy and (Actually) Lived In
And on a final note, marrying your love for a minimalist space and one that makes you feel cozy means allowing yourself to actually live in your home. We aren’t strict here. We invite friends over to kick up their feet and enjoy red wine and snacks on our white sofas. Our dogs have the full run of the house. Being intentional about the seating you choose by opting for performance fabrics and easy slipcovers can help you live more carefree. A spill? Toss those covers in the wash and be done with it! And used furniture or antique finds that have already lived many lives means you can be a bit less precious. There’s no guilt in scratched pieces, sunken cushions and pillows, dripped wax from burnt candles, or patinated metals. And we always use the good silver! Among trying to design or style a beautiful home, don’t forget to enjoy it.

Curio Cabinet No.3

Gustavian Console Table with Lily Foot $691
I mentioned in my latest vintage round-up that I’ve grown quite fond of Gustavian furniture lately. This was a table I stumbled across and would honestly swipe so fast if I had any room for it. I hope someone brings her home! The details are gorgeous.

Set of 4 Vintage Silver Plate Cups $169
I recently brought home two vintage silver goblets from Goodwill and have decided I need more silver drinkware! They look so beautiful on display and feel pretty fabulous to sip from. So, certainly on the hunt for more and thought others may enjoy them too.

Contemporary Pair of Mirror Candle Wall Sconces $900
As my aesthetic has evolved, I’ve loved mixing styles. You’d be surprised what can work well among antiques! These wall sconces instantly drew me in and I feel like they’d compliment a historic home or furnishings with old character.

Heritage Silver Nut Bowl $30
I normally always find my silver bowls among the aisles of an antique emporium, but something about the shape of this little one makes me swoon! I love having small bits like this for snacks and grazing during dinner parties (or for nights in with myself).

Assortment of Horn Combs $40
These carved combs make me so happy! Sometimes, you just want to fill your bathroom with beautiful things. And I love saving my most lovely branded goods for display. Heavily debating this little bunny, but the others are so sweet as well!

Pair of Small Antique Cast Bronze Urns $75 on sale
Urns, urns, urns. I can never have enough! I have my eye on this little pair. Perfect for displaying on a fireplace mantel, across a dining table, or splitting up and using as vases for some pretty flowers throughout your home.

Vintage Six Slice Silverplate Toast Rack $70
Toast racks like this just remind me of travels to England and breakfasts in charming hotels. I feel like our days would be much better if they started with grabbing sweetly organized toasts to butter amongst a silver rack, no?

Intentionally Blank Valley Ballet Flat $154
I just love the feminine touch these flats bring, and love collecting accessories and shoes that can dress up any outfit and add a unique element. Especially as I have more of a capsule wardrobe, heavy on the basics! These are fun.

Wolf Circus Skyler Earrings $98
This brand is a favorite that I return to over and over again for special pieces. These earrings with the little freshwater pearl detail are currently on my wishlist. I love how clean and subtle they are.

Toteme Dupe Embroidered Scarf Jacket $30 on sale
I fell head over heels in love with the Toteme scarf coat, searched for a much much more affordable option, and went with this one. Feels more like a thick sweater coat but the quality is perfection and I just love how it elevates every outfit.

Louis Abel Uzu Necklace $210
I believe my Insta friend Kristin originally shared this necklace and I saved it right away for a future purchase. I just lovvvve the swirly detail and have made a return to silver jewelry lately, so this find is certainly on my mind.

Sea NY Joy Hat $250
I wouldn’t normally purchase anything like this, but the craftsmanship is so beautiful and I can’t help but imagine it paired with the scarf coat! I love how chic women look in these types of pieces… can my large head pull it off(?) is the question.

Tuesday Made Glass Candle Jar $35
Candles are my weakness. I’m constantly adding to my collection and always like when I stumble upon candles in beautiful vessels. It’s also a big bonus when they don’t cost an arm and a leg!

Architecture Statue Tabletop Display $38
Ever since following Sarah Horton and her chic beachy home, I’ve been in love with the architectural piece sitting pretty on her coffee table. I’ve never thought to search for architecture salvage to use as decor, but the obsession has begun!