When I decided to move to DC, I knew that finding a great apartment was essential.I work from a home office, so having a decent amount of living space that would allow for separation between office and home was key.I scoured the internet for months from California to nail down a great place; a place that didn’t pop up until a few days before I loaded up a mini van and drove across the country.

What I found was a one bedroom basement unit – where a DC basement is quite different than a CA basement.

I moved in sans furniture, but wasted no time when I arrived to furnish the place.  For the first time in my life I bought NEW furniture, instead of relying on hand-me-downs and Craigslist pieces.

And for the first time, it was MY place, meaning I could decorate it however I wanted without having to consult roommates or a significant other.

My style is, well, hmm, I guess maybe Global Eclectic-Chicmight be near accurate.  I love clean lines and solid base pieces, but also adore pattern and texture.

Whenever I travel I collect, so everything in the apartment has a story.

From pillows made (by my amazing mother) with textiles from Peru and Japan to brass icons from Thailand and photos printed on canvas from Russia, Mongolia and Australia, everything has a meaning.

The place has a giant alcove that serves as the perfect home office.

The kitchen is petite, but works just fine for one.

My bedroom is enormous and gets great light during the day, although the air-con unit right outside my window can be a challenge to sleep through.

I even have a small patioconcrete slab out back.  Dixon loves it and I can’t wait to get grilling!

My landlords – who live upstairs – are a newlywed couple, operating a non-profit, who are, ironically, from California too.

All in all, I couldn’t be happier with the place.  Add to that to the prime location and you have one happy DC transplant!