Some of the most impactful projects we’ve worked on have involved weaving cherished memories into a home’s design. We’ve incorporated antique heirlooms, like dining tables where generations have gathered, and reimagined childhood homes to accommodate modern living while preserving their sentimental essence.

The little black book. That’s what we call the running list of client preferences we’ve kept over the last ten plus years of business. Within it are preferences on colors, flower varieties, vases – you name it. We thought it would be fun, in honor of Valentine’s holiday, to lay out what some of our favorite boutique and business owners would love to receive. 

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and now is not the time to skimp on love. Love deserves to be celebrated! All of the love. Romantic or not, love keeps us moving and provides joy in what can sometimes be a pretty tough world. Use this day as an excuse to celebrate the relationships that make your life a bit easier, brighter, sillier, and more meaningful.

Your fabric softener and dryer sheets are unnecessary, damaging your clothes and slowly destroying your dryer! Thankfully there is a safe, natural and environmentally friendly way to reduce static and soften clothing in the dryer – wool dryer balls. And the best part about them – they actually cut down drying time as well.

I always find it funny how something that is typically free can be so difficult for many people to edit. Reusable bags and tote bags tend to pile up and spread out into different areas of the home. The goal for this category is to set boundaries.

There’s an antidote to this midwinter slump: infusing your space and spirit with love, light, and a touch of Valentine's Day magic! By decorating with soft, romantic accents, warm lighting, and symbols of affection, we can transform our homes into a cozy haven full of positivity and warmth.

Whether you burn candles all day long or just on special occasions, here are some simple tips to help you care for your candles and make them last longer, burn more evenly, and look even prettier!

For painters, color is not just a visual element—it’s an emotional and psychological tool that shapes how a viewer experiences art. Color evokes feelings, creates balance, and tells stories, making it an essential part of any composition.

They say home is where the heart is, and my heart is in Alexandria!  When my wife and I moved to the DMV, we knew we wanted to live in Alexandria to be close to my mom, be part of an amazing community, and raise our family here. But how to find a home that we’d LOVE? The answer? Redesign my childhood home to support three generations.

Kim and I just returned from the Atlanta Market and are very excited with everything we purchased. The Patina kitchen is going to become more of a pantry with French pottery, table settings, glassware, napkins and season-themed décor. We can’t wait to share our selection of bed linens and plush bath towels, too.

Welcome to this newly constructed masterpiece, where timeless Southern charm meets modern luxury. With its signature double front porch, this home is designed to capture breathtaking views of the Potomac River, offering a serene and sophisticated retreat like no other.

Artists need rest and time to recharge like anyone else. But I always get asked if I’ve been productive, as though that’s the measure of a good trip. I lounged, I read, I people-watched, I drank tequila, and I chatted with my love. And yes, I kept my art supplies close… just in case.

We are excited to participate in this year’s Walkable Warehouse Sale on February 1 and 2. That means we’re getting serious about marking things down. All our Christmas – what’s left of it that is! – will be 75% off. Everything that was 30% off will be 50% off and we will be taking new 30% off markdowns. That’s true at Red Barn Mercantile, Penny Post and Pippin Toy Co.! 

As we usher in a new year, it’s easy to get caught up in the latest and greatest trends. But as we celebrate a decade of Kristin Try Interiors (KTI), I wanted to reflect on some of my all-time favorite design principles—ones that have stood the test of time.

For the eighth year in a row, 94027—Atherton, CA—has been the country's #1 most expensive zip code. The allure of luxury real estate remains as strong as ever, with certain zip codes consistently leading the charge as the priciest in the nation.

2024 was the year of events for us here at Helen Olivia. We closed out 2024 with hundreds- actually closer to a thousand- events under our belt for the year. Some small and intimate, and others large and extravagant. Looking back on the 2024 season, we thought we’d share some of our most memorable. 

Happy New Year! For those traveling, keep it fun and exciting — and being organized is a crucial part of having a stress-free trip. Here are my travel tips:

The start of a new year is the perfect time to give your home the attention it deserves. Routine maintenance not only keeps your space looking its best but also helps you avoid expensive repairs down the line. With this seasonal home maintenance checklist, you can stay one step ahead.

Early in 2024, my daughters and I each chose Little Words Bracelets to serve as personal reminders for the year. My word was “Trust.” That trust—both in me and in themselves—is something I deeply value. Here’s to stepping out of comfort zones and finding strength in trust as we move into 2025.

We hope you are enjoying the holiday season! If you're still feeling festive and looking for a deal, our Holiday Sale will hit the spot! Holiday items are all 50% off right now. A few exclusions apply, but nearly everything is marked down.