Although I’ve done some rearranging and made a few updates since these photos were shot—a TV in my bedroom, keyboard for piano practice in the living room, and a microwave that’s saved me a lot of time—my home is still just that: home. I never want my space to feel unapproachable or unrealistic. I have cords hanging behind my desk and not enough space to store my clothes. Perfection is not what I’m after, but a welcoming, lived-in feel.
At the same time, I’m still working with pieces that I’ve grown tired of. The $5 dining table I found at Goodwill and covered in marble laminate paper has seen its best days come and go. A new coffee table has been on my wishlist for a year now. And the things I cannot change—abysmal light fixtures, 1970s ceramic tiled countertops in the kitchen, and a chipping bathroom mirror have all been the banes of my existence over the last year and a half that I’ve called our little Wallingford walk-up home.
But that won’t stop me from sharing the things I love about this place! Our brand new floors (including marbled tile in the bathroom) and window-covered walls keep the space light and bright. I’ve drawn inspiration from both Scandinavian and southwestern design and brought in textiles and color palettes that create an interesting mix of the cozy, hygge life and a more free-spirited house in the desert.
I brought in a chevron jute area rug and rust orange pillow (similar) for some ranch-inspired flair, along with a fringed suede pillow and vintage fabric record bin. I was unsure about the jewel-tone, blue curtains at first—I wanted a muted navy—but I think they’re just perfect, and help warm up the space. The neutral plaids, furs, throws and soft grey couch add an easy minimalism and coziness that is commonly found in Scandinavian design, and I’m quite satisfied with how the mix of everything comes together.
My bedroom is my sanctuary. Anyone here from years ago that remembers my signature #marshmallowbed? Once I moved into our first Seattle apartment, I was ready for a change, especially since white is so hard to keep clean. I love the mess of textures and patterns that I came up with, especially the Jersey Comforter I found at Urban Outfitters. It’s the perfect weight to use year-round, although I usually layer on throws from West Elm and Urban Outfitters in the winter. The grid-print sheets are also from Urban Outfitters (similar on sale) while the pillows are all from Target. I painted both of the dressers and updated the hardware so that they would be coordinating, but not matching. I’m not big on doing DIY projects (nor am I that talented at them), but when you want something done, sometimes you’ve just got to do it yourself.
That’s the biggest lesson I’ve learned living mostly on my own for the last…nine years, now? I have a tool kit and I know what (almost) every piece inside does. I can hang things and put together furniture. I can spackle holes and fix squeaky hinges. And most importantly, I can create a space that I’m happy to come home to at the end of the day, and that’s a life skill I can take along with me no matter where I end up.
Read more about my home on House Method. And feel free to ask questions in the comments about where I got anything!
