Our First Apartment in Richmond, VA: A Journey into Cohabitation and Creative Home Making

After a festive Christmas spent enjoying the serene landscapes of West Virginia, we’re thrilled to finally present the third and concluding chapter of our beloved “Places We Used to Live” video series. This particular installment marks a significant milestone in our journey, not just because it introduces a brand new city to our narrative – the charming and vibrant Richmond, Virginia – but also because it chronicles a completely new living arrangement for us: the exciting world of cohabitation. Ooh la la indeed! This was the beginning of building a life together under one roof, a true adventure in every sense of the word.

Embracing New Beginnings: From NYC to Our Richmond Haven

The transition from the bustling metropolis of New York City to the more relaxed pace of Richmond, VA, brought with it a wave of fresh opportunities and a newfound sense of space. Our First Apartment Together in Richmond might have been what many would describe as a “cookie-cutter” one-bedroom unit nestled within a typical suburban apartment complex. Yet, for us, it was anything but ordinary. We were absolutely over the moon, brimming with excitement at the prospect of finally sharing a home, creating a shared sanctuary where our individual lives could intertwine and grow. The sheer joy of having significantly more space – for less than half of what we collectively paid in rent in NYC – was an incredible bonus that only amplified our enthusiasm. It was a tangible reminder of the exciting new chapter we were beginning, offering both financial freedom and room to breathe.

This move was about more than just a change of address; it was about laying the groundwork for our future. The affordability of Richmond allowed us to explore creative decorating solutions and focus on truly personalizing our space, rather than being constrained by sky-high rental costs. We were eager to infuse our personalities into every corner of this new dwelling, making it uniquely ours despite its generic starting point.

Unveiling Our First Shared Space: Highlights from the Apartment Tour

In our accompanying video tour, which captures the essence of this pivotal time, you’ll get an intimate glimpse into how we transformed our modest apartment into a cherished home. We invite you to pay close attention to several key elements that truly defined our early days of cohabitation and budget-friendly design. These “goodies” are a testament to our resourcefulness and the genuine excitement that fueled our move:

• Sherry’s Infectious Giddiness: You’ll undoubtedly notice the sheer joy and excitement in Sherry’s voice as she enthusiastically points out various “features” of our new abode. Her delight perfectly encapsulates the optimism and happiness we felt about building our first home together.
• Our Eclectic, Rag-Tag Furniture Collection: One of the most defining aspects of our initial setup was our collection of free and donated furniture. Moving from NYC in a minivan meant working with limited resources and maximum creativity. Every piece tells a story, a testament to how we outfitted our home on a shoestring budget, proving that style doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag. It truly highlights the essence of budget-friendly interior design.
• The Grandeur of High Ceilings: We intentionally opted for a 3rd-floor apartment, primarily for the luxury of high ceilings. This architectural feature dramatically opened up the space, making our one-bedroom feel much larger and airier. It was a deliberate choice that significantly impacted the overall ambiance and design possibilities of the apartment, proving that thoughtful apartment hunting can yield unexpected benefits.
• A Kitchen Transformed: In stark contrast to Sherry’s often sparsely stocked NYC apartment, our Richmond kitchen was a much more fully equipped and functional space. This upgrade signified our commitment to home cooking and shared meals, transforming a mere utilitarian space into the heart of our new home. It was a clear indicator of our evolving lifestyle.
• OK Go Album Cover Artwork: Our passion for music and unique decor converged with our display of album cover artwork, featuring the creative genius of the band OK Go. This personal touch added a vibrant, artistic element to our walls, reflecting our personalities and interests. It’s a simple yet effective way to incorporate personal flair into any living space.
• Our Signature DIY Bird Wall Decals: One of our most memorable DIY projects from this era was our homemade version of popular bird wall decals, inspired by designs from Blik. Resourcefully, we cut intricate bird shapes out of vibrant blue manila folders and meticulously taped them to the wall. This project was not only incredibly cost-effective but also injected a whimsical, personalized charm into our living room, showcasing our ability to create unique home decor on a budget.

These elements, captured in the video, illustrate our philosophy of making any space feel like home, regardless of budget or initial constraints. It was about infusing character, embracing imperfections, and finding joy in every shared detail.

Dive into the full experience of our first Richmond apartment by watching the video below. See firsthand the details we cherished and the journey we began.

Reflections on Our First Shared Home and The Road Ahead

Looking back at our first apartment in Richmond, Virginia, we’re filled with a deep sense of nostalgia and gratitude. It wasn’t just a place we lived; it was a crucible where we learned the intricate dance of cohabitation, the art of blending two lives, and the joy of building a home from the ground up. This humble one-bedroom, with its suburban charm and high ceilings, taught us invaluable lessons about resourcefulness, creativity, and the profound satisfaction of making a space truly your own. It cemented our passion for DIY projects and budget-friendly decorating, principles that continue to guide our approach to home design to this day. Richmond became more than just a city; it became the backdrop for many firsts and cherished memories.

With this final chapter of “Places We Used to Live” now shared, we promise to return our full attention to the present day, bringing you fresh and current content that reflects our ongoing adventures and discoveries. We’re incredibly excited about the upcoming posts we have planned for you, which will cover a range of engaging topics. Get ready to explore the thoughtful gifts we exchanged with each other during the recent holiday season, discover the wonderful items we were fortunate enough to receive from friends and family, and join us as we reveal all the incredible scores and finds we snagged during those irresistible post-holiday sales. Our journey of home, life, and design continues, and we’re thrilled to have you along for the ride!

Stay tuned for more inspiration, practical tips, and glimpses into our everyday life as we continue to make our house a home, one project and memory at a time. Thank you for being a part of our story!