Concrete Jungle DC

riveting rooms

I'm exhausted.  I want to crawl into bed and watch Mad Men.  I had a busy weekend: a lot of work and way too much fun.  This bedroom is so inviting with it's cool grey tones and pops of peacock blue.  

*photo Elements of Design

first friday

1528 Swann St, NW

Washington, DC 20009

4 bedrooms, 3 baths

$1,195,000

This Victorian rowhouse built in 1885 is a swanky gem.  It's been renovated and updated but retains it's charm. There are hardwood floors, a formal living and dining room, two fireplaces, the kitchen has stainless steel appliances and granite counter tops plus there's a charming back yard and parking.  The fourth floor has been transformed into a master suite with a master bath en suite that includes a jacuzzi tub and a sky light.  There's also a lovely roof top terrace with views of the city.  Located within walking distance to Dupont or Logan Circles.  It's Open Sunday, 4/29 from 1-3pm.

photos via MLS.  listing courtesy of David Bediz, Coldwell Banker.

what?

As you might have gathered, I'm having a rough couple of weeks.    

Lately, I've been contemplating packing my bags and high tailing it out here.  Why can't we move somewhere else and start fresh?

Then I remember I need to work and even if it's not perfect, real estate is a lucrative career.

So I'll turn my frown upside down.  

I'll go to early morning spin classes.  I'll dream of places I will travel.  I'll redo my bathrooms. I'll hang with my silly friends.  I'll laugh with them. I'll focus on my fab clients.  I'll try to get back to that positive place.   

 

photo: by my dad when I was in 6th grade and really unhappy he was interrupting my reading for a photo. (sheesh)

mixin' it up

Next on my home improvement agenda is updating my master bath light fixture and mirror.  After the endless spackling in the guest bath, I determined another round mirror was not an option.  Seeking inspiration, I began gazing at bathroom images.  I was leaning towards a square mirror (less work) but concluded that was boring.  After a lot of contemplation, I decided an octagon might be interesting. That led to my discovery of the quaterfoil mirror and finally..I had a winner.  

Finding a quaterfoil mirror that fits the space and my budget was a challenge.  My favorite was from Restoration Hardware but it cost over $700. After a lot of searching, I found one from Lowe's that seemed like it should work. Except the closest Lowe's is somewhere in MD and the delivery fee was $75 (!). So I called my Dad, who loves Lowe's and goes once a week.  Being the nice guy that he is, off he went to collect it.  He going to ship it to me this week.

My next dilemma was the light fixture.  A quaterfoil mirror is a traditional shape. My bathroom is modern. How was I going to mix a modern light fixture with a traditional mirror?  All the photos I'd pulled for inspiration showed scones.  My light fixture is mounted above the mirror. *sigh*  This is why people hire interior designers.  After considering ten different light fixtures, I found one that mimics the shape of our Moen faucet.  It's sleek yet simple.  Hopefully, it will look as fantastic as I've imagined.  

1.light fixture  2. mirror

photos via houzz.com

 

sold: first friday

3513 Idaho Ave, NW

Washington, DC 20016

6 bedrooms, 3 baths

list price: $1,285,000

DOM: 12 days

sold price: $1,285,000 with a $14,900 seller subsidy

In February, I featured 3513 Idaho Ave, NW, a grand dame in Cleveland Park. Built in 1923, this detached home is 3,913 square feet and the yearly taxes are $11,813.  The house has been updated but many of the original architectural details have been retained.   The home has it's original hardwood floors plus french doors to the living room and sun porch. Additional features are the unfinished basement, a lovely back yard and a garage.   The abode is located a short walk to Wisconsin Ave. shops and restaurants like Cafe Deluxe and 2 Amy's.

photos via mls.  listing courtesy of Marjorie Dick Stuart, Randall H. Hagner and Co.