Karen’s Rentals of the Week

http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/doc/apa/777213832.html (pics 005 and 006)

This apartment looks like it has an interesting mix of zen: what looks like bamboo reeds in the shower (just for appearances or does they have functionality?), and steam punk: check out the exposed ducts in the ceiling.

I’m also mesmerized by the stairs–how cool are they? I thought the coolest thing you could ever do with staircases was spiral them but here we have a new contender for the prize. They must have a really strong support–but don’t they look like they’re floating? Led Zeppelin could write a song about these stairs.

I also for some reason really like it that the only decorations shown are bins of fruit. It’s spartan and healthy to boot.

$4,900 for a three bedroom, two-and-a-half bath with a loft in Columbia Heights on 13th and Lamont. (The master bedroom includes the loft.) The outdoor space is large, with a huge backyard and a two level deck. Also private parking. Perks for sure but this place is totally worth it for the ducts and stairs alone. Rentals continue after the jump.

http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/doc/apa/777066534.html (pics 10 and 11)

I like the color in this rental, a basement one bedroom apartment on 5th and Quincy. I think creative painting is a great way to lighten up space that probably doesn’t get a lot of the natural stuff (although the ad indicates this basement apartment is better than most in that regard). What do others think? What helps with brightening up basement apartments? Do those natural light lightbulbs help much? My mom used them last Winter, but not consistently throughout the house, so at night the living room just ended up looking very blue. During the day though it gave the effect of a skylight, which was pretty cool.)

$975 for the one bedroom, which is a fantastic price–that’s low even for most studios. The apartment boasts a floor that’s a mix of carpet and ceramic tile, shared use of the back deck, and walking distance to all PoP’s favorite venues: Looking Glass Lounge, Domku, Hitching Post, and El Limeno. Plus you can control your own heat and A/C. I’ve never lived in a basement apartment so this feature would never occur to me as a perk. Are most basement dwellers dependent upon their upstairs neighbors for climate control?

http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/doc/apa/774611020.html
(decks pics)

I love, love, love that screened porch in this rental. That would so be my bedroom. The surrounding foliage of Rock Creek Park (I’m assuming) gives it a very outdorsy very non-city-like feel that would be refreshing (the scenery in my own city rowhouse includes a brick wall and a parking lot). And it comes with a hammock! Heh, my bed!

A two bedroom for $2,800 in Adams Morgan on Mintwood and Columbia Road. It comes fully furnished, which I think is a perk (I really like the use of curtains throughout–catches the light nicely. Unique features include a therapeutic steam sauna/massage shower and others that I’ve never come across: What are floating bamboo floors? How can that even be exactly what it sounds like? Also, a reverse osmosis water filter? I’m very intrigued but can’t figure out yet if I’m jealous. Well, yeah, actually scratch that, I totally am.