A Small Virginia Condo Is a Little Cozy Jewel Box Retreat

published Apr 13, 2022

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Living room with blue rug and white furniture — Credit: Lauren Maxey
My living area also serves as my office. I open up the secretary, a Facebook Marketplace find painted green, that houses my computer during the workday.

Name: Lauren Maxey and rescue dog Little Orphan Annie
Location: Arlington, Virginia
Type of home: Condo
Size: 660 square feet
Years lived in: 8 months, owned

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Credit: Lauren Maxey

I went with a chinoiserie headboard, and the wall sconces open up space on top of the night stands.

Tell us a little (or a lot) about your home and the people who live there: I purchased this one-bedroom condo after renting the unit directly below it for a few years. My home is a little jewel box that serves as a cozy retreat. The unit needed an overhaul, so I spent several weeks renovating the condo before moving in. A big part of the renovation was building the mantel and shiplap wall above the fireplace that houses my Frame television.

I love color! Bright colors bring me joy! Although the walls are white, I incorporate color through furnishings and in the finishes, such as rugs, pillows, lamps, art, and accessories.

Credit: Lauren Maxey

I used the awkward corner in the dining area to add DIY bench seating for more storage and floating shelves to display my collections.

Describe your home’s style in 5 words or less: Minimalist, grandmillenial traditional

Credit: Lauren Maxey

This Rifle Paper Co. wallpaper is a welcome surprise when entering the bathroom. And it is peel-and-stick, so I can always take it down if I tire of it, but I don't think I will.

What is your favorite room and why? I love my bathroom! The floral wallpaper makes such an impact in the smallest room of my home and the pendant lights pop against it. My new vanity provides so much storage, and I like the gray color.

Credit: Lauren Maxey

My mid-century credenza adds warmth to the room and much needed storage space. The chair was my great-grandmother's. I added a new cushion.

What’s the last thing you bought (or found!) for your home? The last big item I purchased was a vintage mid-century credenza from Vintage MC in Frederick, Maryland. I also recently found two framed mid-century rubbings at the thrift store for a steal.

Credit: Lauren Maxey

I updated the kitchen by adding quartz countertops, a quartz farmhouse sink, and black hardware.

Any advice for creating a home you love? Embrace what you love, even if it’s not trendy or in style. You should be surrounded by furniture and items that bring you pleasure.

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

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