There was a time (cue “I Dreamed a Dream”) when writing was all we had. I’m not talking about hundreds of years ago, quills and inkwells and carrier pigeons (but I am a little bit). I am grateful to be of the Xennial generation; we were kids in the 80’s AND 90’s. What if autumn IS the adult version of summer? I am eager to reconnect with old friends and autumn is the permission to exit summer and welcome cozy letter writing by a fire...

Hotel Heron has a vibe, and if you’ve been there you know it.  History meets modern meets eclectic meets warm is how I’d describe the furnishings and finishes. Every detail has been selected with care and thought. When I was invited back to the hotel in my official florist capacity to collaborate on a wedding styled shoot, I hoped I would find the same feel carried through to the events space.

I like to give my stores a personality. Each one is distinct. When we tell people that we own all three they usually see the resemblance, but for the most part, we’ve done a good job of imbuing them with their own unique personality. Honestly, figuring out who they will be is most of the fun. What do they look like? Smell like? Even sound like?

We are fortunate that we get to experience all four seasons in Alexandria. As we draw closer to October, our thoughts turn to fall and all it has to offer. One way to add a little fall flavor to your outfits is with your jewelry.

With the kids back in school, the kitchen has become a focus again — this is where the day starts and ends for many. Here a few tips to help everything go smoother in the morning (and after school), so you can find what you need and get to where you need to be on time!

Indulge your soul in high-quality finishes and a rare detached garage with an in-law suite above (ADU!) The trim, millwork, casings, and craftsmanship is unlike anything you've seen in Alexandria.

This week we're looking at kitchens and bedrooms. A good night’s rest and a great morning breakfast are essential for the school year. Here are some small and large changes to keep your student (and yourself!) on track.

Recently, my family took a trip to the Pacific Northwest. Our first stay was in a funny little house tucked away in a corner of a tidy community with homemade signs that asked us to watch out for the family of roughly eight deer who made their home there. Surrounded by evergreens, the house was on the edge of a bluff high above the Straight of Juan de Fuca.

As summer winds down, the season of transitions is in full swing for our family! This week marked some big milestones as we sent our oldest off to Virginia Tech for her first year, while our middle started high school, and our youngest began middle school. It’s been an emotional rollercoaster as we navigate this new chapter, but we’re grateful everyone had a smooth start!

Patina is busily preparing for our designer tag sale which will take place on Saturday, September 28. We will feature vintage pieces — mainly French, along with art, lamps, tables, upholstery, garden items and lots of accessories.

I have another muse in Maine, nestled in Winter Harbor. To get there, I have to walk down a meandering path through the woods until I hit the water. By the time I'm halfway down, I can hear the waves crashing in the distance and smell the salty air. Perched atop the large rocky edge of the water is a tiny one-room house...

Summer break’s last big weekend is almost here. We want you to savor this gorgeous last weekend of summer break in the best way possible. Here’s a curated a list of perfect ways to celebrate in the DMV and a few nearby getaways.

“It’s not the business I thought I was opening…it’s about three times the size of the business I started. And I never thought I’d own a building,” said Danielle Romanetti. When I ask her about the next 15 years, Danielle’s eyes pop open, ”I hadn’t thought about that…another 15 years?”

Perhaps you’ve seen them when you’ve stepped into Boxwood. They’re about 10 to 15 inches high, come in a variety of colors, and with a gentle tap on the base they provide a nice stream of light. I just never thought – they would be one of our bestsellers – but the cordless lamps by Zafferano have been flying off our shelves since introduction.

Virginia is home to some of the most incredible hotels and resorts, blending Southern charm with modern luxury. Whether you're looking for a romantic getaway, a family-friendly retreat, or a luxurious escape, these hotels and resorts provide the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable stay. See the guide our team curated.

My husband and I both grew up in Michigan and it has some of the most beautiful and inspiring natural beauty, ranking high with several top travel destinations. I am excited to share a glimpse into this magical island and some of our favorite things to do and see. Mackinac Island can only be accessed by ferry and there are no cars on the island, as people get around on bikes and horse carriages.

I saw my first school supply commercial last week and part of me panicked. I’m worried about being fully prepared for the chaos to include getting my house in order. Fortunately, I work with a lot of great designers who have been able to help me problem solve. It can be overwhelming, but what better way to kickstart the new school year than with a home makeover?

Since Cisco Home furniture is now being crafted in North Carolina, the lead time is eight to 12 weeks. If you act soon – and all goes well – you could have your new furniture in time for hosting family this holiday season! As I’ve pointed out in the past, Cisco Home makes an exceptional piece of furniture that’s always worth the wait.

I get asked this question at happy hour and cocktail parties all the time: “Does an Artist’s life really play out like those steamy sensual scenes from the movies?” Short answer is yes, it does! At least sometimes. At least enough to remind yourself of how great life is to feel such power. Whatever your muse is. This connection does not have to be a person, or even a noun, but rather a state of being.

A sofa is one of the most important and expensive purchases you will make for your home. It’s at the center of your home’s activities and entertainment. A less expensive sofa might seem like a good idea, but they tend to have a shelf life of about seven years.