My beloved friend, Nora, recently moved out of her serene, pristine apartment in central Pennsylvania. As a tribute to this beautiful apartment and it’s significant role in her life, I thought I would post the home tour I asked her to do.

Let me virtually walk you through it.

The apartment is on the second floor of this building. Up an unassuming flight of stairs, you find this stunning front door, warmly welcoming you into this abode, decorated in a nature-celebrating style. The wood in the door and floors is stunning. I’m curious about when the house was built, because doors of that style and width are typically historic.

Nora’s thumbs are a vibrant green, so you’ll find plants throughout the space. She’s also an adventurer; memories of her travels appear on walls and in frame.

She expertly placed the mirror horizontally at eye level; this creates a continuum of the light wood from floor to ceiling.

Her apartment receives generous amount of light. The natural light works well with the oaky wood tones and neutral grays, blues, and greens of her decor.

The chair-and-a-half looks inviting, no? Well back off… that belongs to Nash, her four-year-old chocolate lab, her baby and life partner.

Again, Nora utilizes mirrors to optimize natural light and maximize the breezy vibe.

Nora’s impeccable taste extends to this bookshelf, where you can find a guest appearance by yours truly and a copy of Michelle Obama’s “Becoming.”

That’s a beautiful piece of artwork above her bed. Where did she get it, you wonder? (Hint: I, along with our other friends, got it for her.)

Nora perfectly balances a heavy heirloom dresser with a light iron bed frame and white bedding.

If you are curious about the benefits of a weighted blanket, just ask Nora. It’s calming, comfortable, and cozy on cold central Pennsylvania nights.

Across the hall from her bedroom is the single bathroom. She continues the au natural theme in the water closet; I’ve never seen such consistent style room to room.

Her talented mother hand-built the storage unit custom for Nora and this space. It provides extra storage and warms up the feel. Nora neatly organized cosmetics and toiletries in the basket out of sight and placed towels and linens in the open shelves.

Down the hall, past the other rooms, is the kitchen. Again, Nora utilized a light blue-gray on the walls and expertly chose vibrant, floral-patterned floor-length drapes for the windows. The color perfectly complements the airiness of the room.

The bar cart in the corner was also made by her mother, an aluminum base spray painted teal topped with a stained wood tray. Nora typically uses this for office supplies, but an occasion called for beverages of the adult variety.

Finally, the grand finale of the home tour is this view from the kitchen sink. I know the view brought Nora happiness and serenity over the years. I believe one has the privilege of occupying a space; they do not hold ownership over it. I think Nora treated this apartment with the most love it’s ever contained. They were both lucky to have each other and each will be mutually missed.

Coming soon: an interview with the curator herself!