When I first moved back to Atlanta after college in 2020, I quickly styled my apartment with a creamy living room and a cozy, brown-walled media room. Although the foundation came together within a few weeks, the space really evolved over the next two years—thanks to seasonal rearranging and the addition of rugs from my own Iconium Collection, inspired by vintage Turkish rugs. I love the way a room can evolve from its use – whether you're moving a piece for a dinner party or for the Christmas tree, it always brings a fresh perspective.

This past year, I felt the apartment was finally complete—and was honored to share the finished space in a House Beautiful home tour. You can read the full feature for “before” photos and my decorating philosophy, but I’m sharing a deeper dive into the rooms below—including a link to my sources for this project!

The living room and kitchen are easily the brightest, airiest spaces in the apartment—flooded with natural light thanks to an expansive wall of windows that frames the entire main living area. This generous light became the foundation for a serene, sun-washed palette throughout. Sheer embroidered curtains installed by Hedgewood Homes filter the sunlight beautifully, softening the space with just a hint of pattern. The alabaster white walls lend a clean, gallery-like backdrop, while the polished concrete floors introduce a subtle sheen and a grounding, modern edge. Together, they set a warm, minimalist tone that feels both elevated and effortless. At the heart of the room sits my low-slung Article Gaba sectional, which quickly became the social hub of my pad—perfectly suited for everything from laid-back evenings to lively dinner parties.

The living room (and kitchen) in this apartment is the literal and metaphorical highlight of the space – drenched in sunlight thanks to a wall of windows dressed in embroidered sheer curtains that the designer and builder Pam Sessions installed before I moved in. The soft linen drapery, creamy Alabaster walls, and clean polished concrete floors inspired a palette of layered warm neutrals, anchored by my long Gaba sectional. This low-slung sofa is incredibly comfortable and always a favorite when friends come over.

To the left of the sectional sits a versatile pedestal table that has played more roles in this apartment than I can count—functioning at various times as an entry table, dining table, desk, and decorative anchor. Its sculptural silhouette brings a sense of structure and grace to the space, and its adaptability has made it an unsung hero in my layout. It’s the Marquetry table from Anthropologie, which I was lucky enough to find at their Final Cut outlet in Augusta, Georgia—a hidden gem for design lovers and absolutely worth the drive. The inlaid pattern adds just the right amount of subtle texture to the room, tying in beautifully with the mix of materials throughout the space.

By the front door, I styled a deeply personal vignette around an antique campaign-style partners desk that once belonged to my grandfather. Its rich wood patina and classic lines bring a sense of history and permanence to the space, serving as both a visual anchor and a sentimental one. It’s one of those heirloom pieces that grounds a home with quiet meaning. Above the desk, I hung a pair of framed architectural drawings of my childhood home—beautifully detailed and full of memories. I had them framed through Framebridge, and they serve as a nostalgic nod to where I came from, adding depth and story right as you walk through the door.

The kitchen is a true showstopper—I honestly had to pinch myself the first time I saw it. Every detail speaks to the thoughtful artistry and impeccable taste of Pam Sessions, whose design vision is on full display here. From the custom cabinetry to the hand-finished range hood, every element feels bespoke and intentional. The handmade brass hardware, which Pam designed herself, adds just the right touch of warmth and elegance, catching the light in a way that feels both modern and timeless. This space immediately set the tone for the rest of the apartment—its quiet luxury and attention to detail raised the bar, and I knew that everything else in the home would need to meet that same standard of refinement.

To bring in some comfort and personal flair, I added sleek ivory counter stools, a soft lamp, and some favorite accessories. One of my favorite kitchen details? The antique lithographs from my mother hung under perfectly placed picture lights. The layered lighting here made it easy to transition the space into something soft and intimate in the evening hours—perfect for hosting. Ambient lighting makes the biggest difference in functional spaces like the kitchen – find all my favorite picture lights in my lighting edit.

From the start, I wanted this space to strike a balance between classic charm and contemporary ease—something rooted in tradition but with a clear sense of personality and play. I began by layering in pieces that felt grounded and timeless, then slowly introduced bolder moments that would bring the room to life. I was especially drawn to motifs from nature and the elegance of Asian-inspired design, which led me to the wallpaper that would become the room’s defining feature. It was important to me that this element feel both unexpected and intentional—a bridge between the room’s quieter foundation and its more expressive moments.

You might remember this cozy media room from my "New Year New Room" design challenge – it was the first room I fully decorated when I moved in! Since that challenge, there's only been a few tweaks, but the foundation of the room has really lasted. This is probably the most-used room because it's where I watch movies, TV, hang out with friends – I spent most of Covid curled up in this room with my dog!

Now you might notice that despite this being my media room you don't see a TV! I styled the bar scene above as a vignette for my new rug collection, but the TV usually sits on that desk/console with that fun vintage shield above. I'm definitely a fan of hiding the TV in another room – I hate to see a big black box in the living room.