As 2025 comes to a close, we are reflecting on what has been both a rewarding and challenging year for Kristin Try Interiors. Like so many of you, we navigated unexpected turns—tight timelines, shifting budgets, and the ever-evolving design landscape. Yet through it all, the heart of our work remained the same: creating spaces that feel deeply personal and truly lived-in.

For decades, luxury real estate was measured in square footage, architectural grandeur, and designer finishes. The bigger the chandelier, the more impressive the home. But as we move into 2026, a fundamental shift is reshaping what affluent buyers value most—and here in Alexandria, we're witnessing this transformation firsthand.

It’s the holiday season, which means it’s officially time to make things easier on yourself. Here are the tried-and-true tips we swear by to help your home run smoothly—so you can actually enjoy the festivities.

King Street is glowing, and so will your gift list. I rounded up my favorite beauty picks of the season—luxurious, useful, and ready to grab before your next holiday stop.

I am sure your inbox is full of emails about sales. It seems like Black Friday deals started at Halloween and now winter sales are already in full force. It is time for The Shoe Hive and The Hive to join in. We’re kicking off our fall merchandise sale this Saturday, Dec. 13, and the markdown is bigger than ever.

Patina Polished Living invites you to a special holiday event featuring the perfect pairing of modern elegance and Old Town charm on Friday, December 19 from 12-3 PM. Discover the stunning jewelry of Anabel Aram and meet author Anne Metcalf as we celebrate the launch of her new book, Old Town at Home. 

Shopping for the men in your life can feel impossible, so we pulled together a guide that actually makes it easy. Whether he’s into style, gadgets, travel or the little luxuries he’d never buy for himself, this list has something that’ll make him light up. From practical upgrades to splurge-worthy treats, consider this your go-to cheat sheet for gifts he’ll actually use, appreciate and maybe even brag about later.

When you’re confronted with the weight of major life and business changes, you’re invited into a profound moment of self-reflection—a chance to look inward and ask how you arrived here, and more importantly, where you feel called to go next. Not to judge yourself, but to inspire yourself to choose differently, to step into growth with open eyes and an open heart.