Just after Christmas, I was scrolling through Instagram and saw a post from a creative friend showing a stack of filled journals. She mentioned morning pages and how grateful she was for them. I’d heard the term before, so I decided to dig in: what exactly are morning pages, and what do you have to do?

The beginning of a new year naturally invites reflection. We look at our spaces with fresh eyes, considering not just how they look, but how well they support what matters to us. Artwork is often part of that quiet background of daily life, yet the way it is framed plays a powerful role in both its protection and its presence.

As we look ahead to 2026, home design is shifting toward warmth, intention, and spaces that truly support how we live. The era of overly stark interiors is giving way to homes that feel layered, personal, and enduring. Here’s what’s defining the next chapter of residential design, and what we’re happily leaving behind.

As we step into 2026, there's a noticeable shift happening in how we think about our homes. After a year of uncertainty and rapid change, the design world is embracing something refreshingly simple: spaces that feel authentic, grounded, and deeply connected to the way we actually live.

Every December, we press play on the same beloved holiday films, partly for the stories, but just as much for the homes. The twinkling lights in the windows. The staircases made for grand entrances (or dramatic exits). The kitchens where chaos, comfort, and Christmas collide. Long after the final scene fades, it’s often these houses that stay with us, becoming as iconic as the characters themselves.

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.

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. 

Tis the season to shower the people you love with, well, love. And gifts. In this hurried season it can be difficult to wrap your head around what to give someone. Even for me, someone who’s made a living on gift giving. I wanted to share some quick advice that I hope will make things easier for you.

Last week a client stopped by asking if I had anything available for $500 or less. I told her I didn’t—until she pointed to that forgotten stack and asked if she could look through it. That’s when I realized I actually do. She ended up buying two pieces. If you’ve been waiting for the right moment to collect one of my studies, this is it.

This holiday season, skip the generic gifts and discover something truly special right here in Alexandria. From toys for the little ones to unique home décor and locally curated treasures, our city is full of gifts that feel personal and thoughtful.

We’re endlessly inspired by the women in our lives. They are busy, brilliant, generous, and juggling more than most will ever know. Whether she needs rest, rejuvenation, or a little everyday luxury, these gifts deliver something she’ll truly love, and absolutely never re-gift.

At Helen Olivia Flowers, we believe gifting should feel just as enchanting. Whether you’re visiting loved ones, hosting a gathering, or sprinkling a little joy into someone’s season, we’ve curated our most luxurious and festive offerings to ensure your holiday giving is effortless and unforgettable.

Boxwood’s much-loved Holiday Gift Guide is here — filled with charming, meaningful gifts for hosts, teachers, him, her, and every delightful wildcard on your list. From cozy scents to joyful little luxuries, this year’s edit celebrates the fun of finding “just the right thing.”

Check out 2728 Boswell Ave – a property that represents a rare chance to own a thoughtfully designed, high-quality new construction home in Alexandria, crafted with the superior workmanship from esteemed local builder, Wakefield Homes.

2026 is gearing up to be a defining year for kitchen style. To help us break down what’s rising—and what’s fading—we spoke with Zack St. Clair of St. Clair Kitchens, who shared the top trends clients are requesting in the year ahead.

Red Barn Mercantile, Penny Post, and Pippin Toy Co. are excited to bring new offerings this holiday season. From updated hours to private shopping parties and sensory hours, there’s no shortage of opportunities to get the perfect holiday haul.

The holidays are fast approaching, and a little planning now can make all the difference later. Here are the tried-and-true tips we swear by to make your season a breeze!

There’s something magical about seeing a vision come to life and capturing it in a way that tells the full story. Last week, we had the joy of photographing our Woodland Terrace project, and it was a day that reminded us why we love what we do.