What: 2501 Pennsylvania Avenue

Number of Units: 16

Floor Plans and Sizing: The condos range from a 2,200-square-foot two bedroom with 2.5 baths to a 4,500-square-foot three bedroom and den penthouse with 3.5 baths.

Prices: $1,900,000 to $5,000,000

Luxurious Touches: Can’t stand the sound of traffic? Each unit comes with sound attenuation, which almost completely blocks out noise from Pennsylvania Avenue’s bustling rush hour. All units are fitted with eco-friendly, wide-plank wood flooring, which comes in teak, Brazilian cherry, and oak. The 10-foot ceilings in the majority of condos are complimented by numerous well-placed, light-filled windows. Some residences include terraces.

Perks: Each unit comes with two parking spaces and additional storage. The two efficiencies on the first floor can be purchased by residents only, for use as servants’ quarters.

Confession: This is the blog post that I have dreaded the most. The truth is, I don’t want to tell you about all of the mistakes I have made in my bathroom. I suppose I should be glad that I confined most of my mistakes to the smallest room in the apartment, but it is also a room that is impossible to hide.

More painful than telling you about all of my bonehead errors, though, is actually revealing a photo of a hideous room that I have systematically uglified over the last year. That’s not to say I liked how it looked when I bought my place, but at least it was whole.

My first action as a homeowner was to yank the medicine cabinet off the wall. It was a clunky piece that stuck out several inches, and it was oddly matched with a wooden toilet seat, which I replaced with a white one. Where the medicine cabinet once hung, I put up a too-small mirror I happened to have. It was supposed to be temporary.

Then came my first foray into paint. I always fancied myself the kind of decorator who would go for bold and bright colors. As I poured over dozens of magazines, I couldn’t resist the trendy chocolate brown walls I saw everywhere. Then, in a misguided attempt to soften the look, I painted the ceiling pale pink.

This card table and four matching chairs are $165 in Sterling. The seller says the set is vintage, made in the 1940s. The table top is covered in a dry-lacquered fabric and has a painted Chinese dragon. The Asian motif continues on the chairs, which are painted green and feature gold and blue Asian designs. The chairs and table fold up for easy storage.

Other good finds:

• Dining table with seven newly reupholstered chairs for $300.
• Corner curio cabinet with shelf and cabinet space for $300.
• Brown leather couch for $950; matching club chair with ottoman for $850.
• A pair of black lacquered sidetables with two drawers and brass pulls for $225.

Thanks, Craig!

 
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• The Washington Business Journal reports on a spike in the number of workers being laid off by real estate companies. According to the article, 5,600 jobs have been lost in the “natural resources, mining, and construction” sector. [WBJ]

• Check out pictures of the demolition of popular Arlington dive bar Dr. Dremos. [DC Metrocentric]

• Axis Condos in Capitol Hill is having its grand opening this weekend with food, champagne, and tours of the building from noon to 5 on Saturday and Sunday. Hey, free booze is always newsworthy! [DCMud]

Well-known local interior designer Darryl Carter has made his name by taking traditional designs and adding modern twists. His new line of furniture, which he celebrated Wednesday night at a launch party in Fairfax, is no exception.

The collection, called Darryl Carter for Thomasville, has a timeless feel. One of Carter’s favorite techniques is to upholster pieces with the back side of fabric so the print is visible but more subtle. What struck me most was the collection’s versatility. If you look at his catalog after eyeing the pieces in the store, it can be hard to recognize some items. That’s because many of them can be tailored to any style, and fit seamlessly into a country-style living room or modern loft.

This top floor corner unit at the Palazzo in Alexandria has two balconies, vaulted ceilings, and a gas fireplace. There are cherry hardwood floors in the living spaces and kitchen, and carpet in the bedrooms. The renovated kitchen looks small, but there are lots of cabinets. The rent includes maintenance, access to a gym and pool, and a parking space.   

Address: 4556 Strutfield Lane, Alexandria
Price: $1,850 a month
Move-in: Immediately

More>> Open House Blog | Homes | Real Estate