Rekha Lyons lives in a 515 sq ft studio in Adams Morgan with her 4 year old silky hard coated miniature dachshund Melo.
Lyons, 32, who is currently on sabbatical in marketing and communications, moved into the flat in June 2021. She initially lived in Portland, Oregon, and signed the lease through a virtual tour. “It has incredible light, amazing views of the church, and all the charm,” Lyons says of the space’s touches, such as the hardwood floors and stained window treatments. She also loves that it is rent-controlled, has two large walk-in wardrobes and comes with a separate entrance way. “It has become one of my favourite features,” she says. “I feel like I have the elements of home, but in 515 square feet.”
Here, we talk to Lyons about DIY rentals, shopping for longevity and her love of all things French: the
Photographed by Steve Bloy Photography. Mirror: Facebook Marketplace; mantelpiece: Wayfair; sofa: City Liquidators, Portland, Oregon; coffee table: Wayfair; wooden side table: Facebook Marketplace; chair: Facebook Marketplace; curtains: Anthropologie; Service desk: Facebook Marketplace.
What is your inspiration for the home aesthetic?
“I love everything about Paris and antiques. I wanted to combine the subtle charm of French interior design with my collection of pieces that remind me of important periods in history through decorative lines, ceiling medallions and gold mirrors. For example, I have two antique bookends with busts of Abraham Lincoln – a tribute to my love of history and democracy.
Photo by Steve Bloy Photography. Mirror: Facebook Marketplace; mantelpiece: Wayfair; sofa: City Liquidators, Portland, Oregon; coffee table: Wayfair; wooden side table: Facebook Marketplace; chair: Facebook Marketplace; curtains: Anthropologie; Service desk: Facebook Marketplace.
What’s the biggest luxury you’ve purchased for your home?
“I spent about $800 on the mantelpiece. It was initially $1,600 on Wayfair and I waited a few years for it to go on sale, so I consider that a win. I don’t have a lot of money to invest in my space, so most of the stuff I own is outside of Facebook Marketplace. I buy a lot of used stuff. I also collect items that I’ve loved over the last 10 years, even if I don’t need them urgently. I keep them on a shelf in my closet and know I can pull them out of my own closet slash storage when I need them. I also buy things that I know I can repurpose in my future home, like my antique dresser or my antique corner cabinet. One day, both could go to a nursery or restaurant. I dream of turning the dresser into a diaper-changing table – my dream nursery! Similarly.
Photo by Steve Bloy Photography. Nightstand: Facebook Marketplace; Mirror: Facebook Marketplace; Mantelpiece: Wayfair; Sofa: City Liquidators, Portland, Oregon; Coffee table: Wayfair; Wood side table: Facebook Marketplace; Chair: Facebook Marketplace; curtains: Anthropologie; service desk: Facebook Marketplace.
What is the best price you have received for items in your home?
“I’m obsessed with Facebook Marketplace. I use it multiple times a day. When I first moved to DC, I found two gold mirrors from different sellers (one above my antique dresser and the other above my mantle). I think I spent about $80 each (plus the cost of buying Zipcars in Virginia). If I had purchased those new or from an auction house, I’m guessing I would have spent thousands of dollars. Using Facebook Marketplace and similar sites like Craigslist is my biggest tip for those who value a good deal. Especially in a rapidly changing city like DC, where there are many sellers looking to move quickly. When you combine this with the area’s historical heritage and considerable amount of generational wealth, you will find so many treasures.
