
Why Fall is the Perfect Season to Declutter (and How to Actually Stick With It)
Forget spring cleaning — fall is the real reset. From swapping swimsuits for sweaters to prepping your pantry for holiday chaos, we’ve got smart, doable tips to help you declutter before the season gets overwhelming.
Old Town Alexandria’s Finest: A Historic Duke Street Residence and a Waterfront Queen Street Home
Browse our two newest listings — a townhome on Duke Street in the heart of historic Old Town, full of timeless charm and a waterfront property on Queen Street offering unmatched views and relaxed luxury.
Fall Fun & Holiday Prep: October Events You Won’t Want to Miss
October is here, and we’re celebrating our favorite season with a full calendar of events! From a You’ve Got Mail-inspired Pencil Bouquet Bar and holiday tablescape workshop with the Ghostess with the Mostess, to DIY Kaweco fountain pens, pressed flower pumpkins, and even a Family Derby Day at Pippin Toy Co — there’s something for everyone this fall.
The Life Lessons I Never Expected to Carry from Art School
With the neighborhood kids heading back to school, I find myself thinking about my own time at the Corcoran School of Art. It’s funny how much was given to me back then—ideas, experiences, lessons I was too young to fully understand. Only now, years later, do they come into focus.
Introducing the New Julie Vos Silver Collection
Patina is thrilled to share an exciting addition to our jewelry showcase: the new silver collection from Julie Vos. Known as the “wearable luxury” brand, Julie Vos brings a fresh elegance to every piece—perfect for elevating both everyday outfits and special occasions.
Behind the Design: How Boutique Textiles and Trusted Partnerships Shape Kristin Try Interiors Projects
For us, textiles are the emotional core of a space—the layers that bring warmth, character, and story to a home. What clients often don’t see is the behind-the-scenes collaboration that makes this magic happen. One of our most valued relationships is with Dianna Gniadek Owen of Owen Design Lines, a local to-the-trade textile representative whose boutique lines help us cultivate truly unique interiors.
What Is The World’s Most Fashionable City?
Sotheby’s International Realty recently explored how the personality of each of the “Big Four” fashion capitals is reflected not only in style but also in architecture and design. From Parisian chic to New York edge, these extraordinary residences capture the same essence that makes each city an icon of fashion.
Elegant Cul-de-Sac Living in Bristow
Tucked away on a quiet cul-de-sac, 9923 Bagpipe Court in Bristow offers over 5,000 square feet of thoughtfully designed living space. From hardwood floors and a gourmet kitchen to a sunroom retreat and cozy family room fireplace, this residence blends elegance with everyday comfort.
Elegant Villamay Retreat Just Minutes from Old Town
Set on one of the most desirable streets in Alexandria’s sought-after Villamay neighborhood, 1214 Belle Vista Drive is a timeless all-brick home that perfectly blends classic charm with modern updates. With over 3,300 square feet of finished living space on a flat, .35-acre lot, this residence offers both comfort and convenience just minutes from the Potomac River, scenic parks, and historic Old Town.
From Chaos to Composed: 3 Organizing Tips That Really Work
Ready to tame the chaos? Try NEAT Method’s 3 simple steps to take your home from cluttered to calm. As we like to say: start small, edit often, and use the right tools. Your composed home is just a drawer away.
Unleash Your Inner Artist: Creative Evenings at Boxwood Old Town
As a shop owner for over six years, I’ve come to realize that certain artists, vendors, and makers take on a special place in my heart. At Boxwood, those “special” relationships are what bring the shop to life. That’s why I couldn’t be more excited to share that one of our absolute favorites is coming to town— Aurélie Baudry Palmer.
So Your Kid Wants to Be an Artist
A stranger wanders into my studio and tells me their daughter or son has artistic magic and that they might pursue a career in Art. Then comes the real question: What can we, as parents, do to make this happen?
Fresh Paint, Fresh Start: Getting Your Home Market-Ready!
As the seasons change, many homeowners begin to consider listing their home. If selling is on your horizon, one of the most cost-effective and impactful improvements you can make is giving your walls a fresh coat of paint.
Where Did Summer Go? A Season of Projects, Progress, and a Peaceful Escape
We managed to sneak in one last family vacation before the school year began. We started in Seattle, where we enjoyed some classic sights like the Space Needle, Chihuly Garden and Glass, and Pike Place Market (I was obsessed with the dahlias!). Then we boarded a cruise to Alaska, a trip we’ve talked about for years.
Living the Life of a Showgirl: Sotheby’s Homes for Taylor Swift’s Next Era
To live the Life of a Showgirl, a home must match that same level of drama, refinement, and spectacle. These Sotheby’s listings are more than luxury residences—they are architectural stages for a life of elegance, designed to impress, inspire, and entertain.
Back-to-School Made Easier: 5 Tips for a Smooth, Successful Year
August marks the end of summer fun and the start of new routines, and for kids (and parents) that can be both exciting and overwhelming. These five tips—plus a few local store favorites—will help set your family up for a smooth, stress-free school year.
Celebrity Homes on the Market with Sotheby’s International Realty Right Now
Whether you're dreaming of a bucolic escape once owned by Ellen DeGeneres or a luxurious Beverly Hills estate with Golden Age ties, these listings offer a glimpse into the glamorous lifestyles of the rich and famous—some past, some present. Here’s a look at a few of the celebrity homes on the market now.
The Art of Fragrance: Discover Culti Milano at Patina
Kim and I couldn’t resist bringing a little Milan back to Patina. At the Atlanta Market, we discovered Culti Milano, a collection of fragrances that does more than scent a room. Each one sets a tone, stirs a memory, and reflects a way of living. I can’t wait for you to experience them in person.
From Easel to Spotlight: Opening Night at Artemis Gallery
After months of painting in quiet solitude, opening night brought the rush — a packed gallery, beautiful curation, great conversations, and the joy of seeing familiar and new faces. See how the Artemis Gallery show in Maine came together from first brushstroke to final spotlight.
The Helen Olivia Yard Sale Returns!
The origins of the yard sale date back to our days on Pitt Street in Old Town, when we one time drew such a crowd that the police had to control traffic at our intersection. While we don’t anticipate such a frenzy during this sleepy summer, we will have hundreds of gently used items from our event inventory up for sale.