The moment you hold your grandchild for the first time, you experience a love that is different from anything else. Not only do you experience becoming a grandparent, but you get to see your child step into the role of becoming a parent. And once I became a grandparent, I saw so many items on our buying trips that the shop just had to have! Here’s a preview.

Next Thursday is Nationals’ Opening Day and Alexandria Little League opens the season that Saturday. To celebrate, on March 29, Red Barn Mercantile will be handing out peanuts and our much better version of Cracker Jacks, streaming games all day, wearing our favorite team’s colors, and hosting Port City Brewing Co. for a tasting of their seasonal sensation ALX IPA.

Located on one of Alexandria's most prestigious and exclusive streets, this stunning custom-built residence offers breathtaking, year-round views of the Potomac River. Designed with elegance and craftsmanship by its original owners in 2002, this home has been meticulously maintained and thoughtfully updated.

When I saw Elizabeth’s post: “Styled Looks with Veronica Beard” it hit me – I haven’t done an outfit to room article in a long time, so why not give that a go?!  I took three looks from Elizabeth’s Veronica Beard trunk show and threw together the bones of a room. Just imagine family photos, a collection of artwork, treasures collected over time and you essentially have three outfits to a room.

There’s a concept that’s tricky to grasp, but once understood, it changes everything: You don’t truly know where you’re going—whether in life or art—until you start walking the path. Planning can only take you so far. The real direction reveals itself through action.

Some projects are more than just homes; they are stories, memories, and cherished collaborations that weave together the past and the present. The Urban Farm Lake Bungalow Home in Rosemont is one of those special places.

Welcome to this truly unique sun-drenched end townhome with a lush front fenced yard. This stately residence sits elegantly on a prime corner lot in the heart of Potomac Yard, right next to vibrant new retail and dining. Enjoy the convenience of being steps away from the Metro, the new Inova Healthplex, Founding Farmers Restaurant and so much more, with National Airport and National Landing (Amazon HQ) less than three miles away and D.C. only six miles out.

We’ve begun to defrost. Gardens are beginning to show signs of new life. March promises springtime (cherry blossoms!) and St. Patrick’s Day festivities, both of which stir up visions of GREEN. In the spirit of March, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite green things, and a few rainbows for good measure.

There are certain designs that become instant classics at Helen Olivia, and our permanent moss bowls are no exception. Their story began when we were the in-house florist for Four Seasons Georgetown. The GM approached us with a challenge: create a permanent table display—something textural, organic, and mossy. And, something that would last. The permanent moss bowl was born soon after.

When was the last time you edited that collection of mini toiletries? Don't overdo it, especially if you're staying in a hotel as there will be everything essential at your disposal. With Spring Break right around the corner, here are our suggestions for what NOT to bring on your next trip!

When I first got the call from a Discovery Plus producer and location scout, I was immediately intrigued that they were interested in using Boxwood as a backdrop for their show, Baylen Out Loud. Then my mind started running through scenarios…wait, how long was the shoot? But in truth, what store owner wouldn’t want their shop featured on TV? And it became more than serving as background scenery, I learned so much about Tourette Syndrome.

The Patterson Group is proud to present four exquisite new listings in Alexandria, VA, each offering a unique blend of luxury, comfort, and timeless elegance. Whether you're looking for a spacious colonial, a stunning custom residence, or a charming updated home, these properties showcase the finest in design and craftsmanship.

As time moves forward, so should your picture framing and art choices. Art and fashion trends shift, but the subjects remain timeless. Whether you’re updating your collection or incorporating inherited art, we’re here to help you stay on top of the latest trends while keeping your cherished pieces in style.

After a 14-month renovation, my husband and I were thrilled to move back into our home. We are enjoying our new kitchen along with the dining area and family room addition. But our biggest thrill was getting to sleep in our bed! Patina cannot emphasize enough how important it is to love your whole sleeping situation. 

Art is emotional and complex, it’s individual, reminding us of a moment, a phase, an introduction, a feeling. It speaks to a mood, a transition, a passion – something that strikes you at first glance – and you know you have to have it. It stays with you, becoming a part of your personal landscape.

If you have been reading this blog for any length of time, you know I LOVE the Oscars. Every year we try to commemorate the occasion in some way. This year we are hosting our first ever Oscar’s Pool! Compete against friends, neighbors, our team, and complete strangers from around the country to win a $100 gift card to one of our three stores.

We tapped two of our local experts, Lauren O’Brien of XML Financial Group and Brittany Patterson of The Patterson Group, for their insight into the current real estate market and how it may affect your financial future. If anyone knows how to invest and make your money work for you — it’s these women. Here’s some advice to consider when making your next real estate decision.

Every year, rankings from organizations such as the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) highlight the cities that offer the best quality of life. Cities that consistently rank highly in livability, such as Vienna, Zürich, and Calgary, attract residents and investors alike. Their strong infrastructure, stable economies, and vibrant cultural scenes make them highly desirable locations for high-net-worth individuals.

Winter is the perfect time to advance in art. The warmer months bring so many that it’s hard to focus on my work. The cold days, with their muted light, are my ideal backdrop for studio time. It also should be your busiest time as an Artist.

As soon as customers step into The Cut Butchery, they will be welcomed by an enticing selection of cheeses, charcuterie meats, fresh produce, in-house stocks, soups, and broths—a testament to the shop’s zero-waste philosophy. The butchery is deeply committed to working with local docksmen and farmers, ensuring that all beef, lamb, pork, seafood, and chicken are sustainably and locally sourced.