Home & Design

 Walk into a beautifully designed room and you can feel the difference. The drapery hangs just so, the lighting sets the mood, and the art feels personal. But creating that custom look doesn't require a renovation or starting from scratch. Often, it's the final layers that make the biggest impact. Here are five of my favorite ways to elevate and complete a space.

It’s fun browsing photos of beautiful homes, but how much can you really tell about what’s inside from the architecture outside? Take a look at these four Convene Architecture homes and put your design instincts to the test. Can you match each exterior with the interior that belongs inside? Look closely — you may notice clues hiding in the style, details, and character of each.

October in Old Town has arrived! The humidity is lower and we are enjoying crisp, cooler days and blue skies. Pumpkins are popping up on doorsteps throughout town, and Halloween decorations are taking center stage. Before we know it, we will be eating turkey, decorating for Christmas, and ringing in the New Year. Now is the time to start thinking about all the little touches that make entertaining and celebrating easier.

The Patterson Group introduces five exceptional new listings, from a resort-inspired Wellington retreat with a spectacular pool to beautifully reimagined Old Town residences and a spacious Del Ray home. Discover distinctive architecture, thoughtfully updated interiors and inviting indoor-outdoor living, all in sought-after Alexandria neighborhoods.

Steeped in history yet thoughtfully reimagined for modern living, this exceptional detached residence, originally built in the 1880s, seamlessly blends timeless architecture with sophisticated luxury. Following an extensive renovation and expansion completed between 2022 and 2025, every detail has been meticulously curated to honor the home's historic character while introducing today's finest finishes and amenities.

There is a moment in every session when a child stops noticing everything else around them and looks right into my lens. Their sweet face softens, they open up, and suddenly it is as if I can see the whole world through their eyes. Capturing that moment always brings me so much joy, and takes on a whole new meaning when it is the beginning of an oil portrait project.

The story of Carlough & Co. began long before we officially opened our doors. My sister-in-law and business partner, Deirdre, and I first met in New York City while earning our master’s degrees at the Fashion Institute of Technology and working in the beauty industry. We quickly became close friends, bonding over a shared passion for art, design, beauty, and travel.

A floor plan can tell you exactly how many feet separate one wall from another, but it can't quite tell you what it feels like to stand between them. That's where Walk Your Plans DC comes in. The company uses projection technology to turn architectural plans into a full-scale, walkable version of a future home, giving homeowners the chance to experience their space before construction begins, when changes are still relatively easy to make.

Three beautifully updated Alexandria homes offer a mix of modern comfort, character, and highly walkable locations. From Old Town convenience to Del Ray charm and sought-after neighborhood living, each property pairs thoughtful renovations with inviting outdoor spaces and easy access to shops, dining, parks, Metro, and D.C.

One of the greatest gifts of living in a climate with four seasons is experiencing the changes throughout the year. Each season gives us something different, and each one makes us appreciate the next. Maybe it is the cooler, clearer air or the changing quality of the autumn light, but whatever it is, I think we are ready for fall!

Pets are more than companions; they are part of the family, and today’s luxury homes are increasingly designed with their comfort, convenience, and well-being in mind. From beautifully integrated feeding stations to dedicated pet suites, these thoughtful details prove that pet-friendly design can be both functional and sophisticated.

The Patterson Group and Character Companies invite you to celebrate the unveiling of 6123 Woodmont Road, a stunning new construction residence perched atop the hill in sought-after Belle Haven. Neighbors and friends are welcome from 4:00–6:30 pm for an afternoon of champagne, catering by Little Birdie, and a build-your-own floral bouquet bar by Helen & Olivia

Few residences embody New York City's Gilded Age quite like 4 East 79th Street. Located just steps from Central Park and Fifth Avenue's renowned Museum Mile, this extraordinary limestone mansion is more than a luxury home. It is a remarkable piece of Manhattan history, meticulously restored to meet the expectations of modern living while honoring the craftsmanship of a bygone era.

At Patina, we love this time of year—not just for the changing leaves and cooler days, but for the opportunity to refresh our spaces with pieces that capture the spirit of the season. So let’s light the candles, gather around the table, bring the outdoors in, and make our homes a place to enjoy all this season has to offer.

Celebrity real estate continues to make headlines, and this summer has brought a new collection of notable properties to the market through Sotheby’s International Realty. From a music legend’s former California residence to an NFL star’s home that found a buyer in just days, these properties offer a glimpse into the homes, lifestyles, and stories behind some of the most recognizable names in entertainment and sports.

When most people think about custom framing, they picture the classics: black, white, natural wood, or perhaps a brushed gold or silver frame. Those timeless choices have earned their place, and they’ll never go out of style. But sometimes the perfect frame isn’t the one that blends in.

Perfectly positioned in the heart of Old Town Alexandria, this beautifully appointed three-level townhome offers timeless design, sophisticated finishes, and an exceptional floor plan just moments from the city's most beloved shops, restaurants, and waterfront.

Idle tidying is all about maximizing your time to tend to tasks while you're waiting for something else to get done. It can promote tidiness, give you more time to rest and create a sense of calm within your home.

While summer may still be in full swing, late August is the perfect time to start preparing your home for the changing seasons. Tackling a few simple maintenance projects now can help prevent costly repairs, improve your home's efficiency, and ensure it's ready for cooler temperatures in the months ahead.

As our family prepares to leave Alexandria after many meaningful years, I've found myself reflecting on how much this city has shaped me. Like many people, I came to the Washington region as a college student expecting to stay only briefly. One opportunity led to another, and before I knew it, years had passed as I built a career, friendships, and eventually a family in this remarkable place.

One of the things I love most about Patina is helping people discover pieces they didn't even know they were looking for. Sometimes it's the perfect lamp, an antique table, or a candle that reminds them of a favorite vacation. Kim and I spend time selecting the pieces for our store, and each one is chosen intentionally.

Steeped in history yet thoughtfully reimagined for modern living, this exceptional detached residence, originally built in the 1880s, seamlessly blends timeless architecture with sophisticated luxury. Following an extensive renovation and expansion completed between 2022 and 2025, every detail has been meticulously curated to honor the home's historic character while introducing today's finest finishes and amenities.

The dog days of summer are the perfect time to hang out on a screened porch. But in Alexandria, Virginia, so are April and October, so Convene Architecture designed this screened porch to act more like a three-season family room!

 Luxury real estate has always operated by a different set of rules. While headlines over the past year have focused on inflation, interest rates, political change, and global uncertainty, the world's premier property markets have continued to demonstrate remarkable resilience.

For many people, the kitchen is the most popular room in the home and it can quickly become cluttered with appliances, tools and condiments. At Neat Method we love to keep countertops as clear as possible, so here are our tips to make that happen.

Located on a quiet street in the highly desirable Wellington neighborhood, this charming storybook Colonial is truly one of a kind. Situated on a rare, flat 0.56-acre lot, the home offers over 3,600 square feet of thoughtfully renovated living space while preserving its timeless character and architectural charm.

From Old Hollywood estates to ultra-private London penthouses, this spring’s celebrity real estate market is offering a rare glimpse inside some of the world’s most fascinating homes. Beyond the recognizable names attached to these listings, many of the season’s standout properties share something even more compelling: exceptional design, architectural pedigree, and stories deeply tied to entertainment history.

Tucked away on a quiet street in sought-after Marlan Forest, 7117 Marlan Drive offers the perfect balance of thoughtful renovations, comfortable one-level living, and an extraordinary outdoor lifestyle. Set on a rare, flat 0.35-acre lot, this beautifully updated home feels like a private retreat while remaining close to everything that makes this Alexandria neighborhood so desirable.