In the process of remodeling your kitchen or designing one from scratch? Hardware finishes and countertop materials are likely top of mind! To ensure you’re tackling your project like a pro, keep reading—we asked experts to share the main factors to consider as you make big design decisions in your cooking space. Intentionally taking the time to do some research ahead of time will ensure you’re happy with your kitchen for the long haul. 

 

With regard to hardware…

Metals and Styles Change

Be mindful that very few hardware finishes will always be trending. As Seth Ballard principal at Ballard + Mensua Architecture says, “In general a total coordination of finishes with nice contrast is what is most important.” He explains that brass came back into style in the 2010s but was then followed by white gold and antique finishes. “Antique brass came back to some degree to warm things up after many years of brushed nickel,” he notes. Polished chrome and polished nickel have generally been mainstays. “They are reflective and never really went out of style,” Ballard says. 

Consider Metals in Cabinets

Ballard has noticed an increased use of metal meshes inside cabinet doors in lieu of glass. “This can add a nice pop,” he says, and recommends turning to Van Dyke’s Restorers for a variety of options. 

 

With regard to countertops…

You will want to explore the world of options available to you when it comes time to choose a countertop material. “There are a lot of amazing and beautiful options and finishes for tops – it is worth going to some slab yards to get exposed to the possibilities,” Ballard says. “Bring your cabinet samples and a paint wheel to help to coordinate your palette of finishes.” He suggests visiting Marble Systems in Merrifield, Virginia, to explore various materials. “They sell lots of tiles so you can choose your tile backsplash while shopping,” Ballard says, noting that it’s smart to speak with the staff there about a slab’s durability. “If you run your hand across the slab and feel ridges—anything other than the feeling of an ice skating rink—those areas will require maintenance and can absorb stains,” Ballard explains. He advises those looking for something more resistant to consider Silestone and Caesarstone, which require little maintenance. 

Allie Mann, senior designer at Case Architects & Remodelers, is a proponent of quartzite in the kitchen. “Many folks like the idea of white counter tops though shy away from marble, selecting quartz products instead,” she says. “I would suggest considering quartzite which is harder that quartz as a surface and sometimes available in larger slab sizes, for that perfect no seam island!” 

Ballard shares a key actionable step to take before visiting a slab yard—getting your plans to a fabricator. “Most slab yards list price range, but the fabricator is who prices the job,” Ballard explains. “This can make shopping difficult, because you may like a slab but have no idea what it will cost.” By providing your plans to a fabricator ahead of time, you can call them from the slab yard and they will guide you on specific pricing. 

Keep in mind when selecting materials that they will experience visible wear over time, some more quickly and noticeably than others. “I would say avoid materials with a “living finish” or that will patina over time unless you are fully aware of what this means,” Mann says. “For a kitchen, this can include unsealed copper or nickel or a marble countertop that you do not seal regularly.” 

 

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Sarah Lyon is a New York City-based freelance writer, originally from Bethesda, MD. She contributes to a number of national design and lifestyle publications like Architectural Digest, Apartment Therapy, MyDomaine, the Washington Post, and more. Sarah also works with designers to help them style spaces for photo shoots. Find more shelfies on her Instagram page, @sarahlyon9 

 

 

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This week’s article is from our partners at The Scout Guide, giving guidance on how to how a big holiday party!

The holidays may still be a couple months away, but if you’re thinking this is the year you finally host a large-scale holiday soiree, it’s time to start planning. We checked in with four Scouted event planners for their advice on how to seamlessly pull off a big bash. Cue Bing Crosby and prepare to deck the halls. To find a scouted event planner in your area, consult The Scout Guide Directory.

 

Event planning by Party Little Things. Photography by Dabble Me This Photography.

Start with a theme.

Kick off your party planning by selecting a fun theme or design inspiration that gets you excited for the creative planning process, advises Rachael Bruzas, owner and event designer at Party Little Things in Carmel, Indiana. “Choosing a central design element helps create consistency and adds that extra touch of elegance to impress your guests,” she says.

 

Event planning by Party Little Things. Photography by Shelly Ruth Photography.

 

Don’t make décor an afterthought.

You can easily elevate the ambiance of your party with thoughtful décor and lighting. Bruzas recommends investing in, or renting, quality décor elements that tie into your theme and using lighting strategically to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. She likes to incorporate taper and votive candles to add a warm, romantic glow to tables. Another one of her go-to’s is to peruse the produce aisle. “Bowls of fresh produce, such as fruit and vegetables, not only add color, but a sense of abundance and hospitality,” Bruzas shares.

 

Event planning by Partytrick. Photography courtesy of Partytrick.

 

Play to the senses.

Holiday parties are intended to be festive and cheerful. “To set the ambiance, consider all of the senses from the sights, to the scents, touch, sounds, and taste,” Virginia Frischkorn, founder and CEO of Partytrick (app available in AppStore or Google Play) says. “We tend to focus on one element and give all of the other senses less attention. When you plan an event with a five senses approach, it’s nearly impossible not to set an ambiance that people will love.” If you’re in a pinch, she recommends throwing up some twinkle lights, scattering a lot of candles, putting on a pot of hot cider with spices on the stove, tuning to a holiday channel on Spotify or Pandora, and serving up some crowd favorite foods.

 

Event planning by Partytrick. Photography courtesy of Partytrick.

 

Consider the menu.

When planning your holiday gathering, one of the first considerations is whether you will have buffet service or a seated dinner. Both have a very different vibe and are equally lovely. If you go with the latter, Frischkorn recommends keeping variety front and center, ensuring you please as many guests as possible. This means offering a mix of stationed areas like grazing boards, charcuterie, seafood stations, and/or crudite. If you decide to hire support staff, which is crucial for a large party, it’s also a good idea to offer passed appetizers. Frischkorn advises a one to two bite size maximum and considering a blend of vegetarian, fish, meat and hot and cold selections.

 

Event planning by Range Curated. Photography by Pogo Photography.

 

Make it a dinner party. 

Going the more formal, seated dinner route, is Megan Howard Forbes, founder of Range Curated in Naples, Florida, favorite way to entertain. She recommends starting with passed hors d’oeuvres, offering a signature cocktail and following with plated dinner with wine service. “It gives everyone a chance to mingle, then settle in for more intimate conversation over the main meal,” she says. “This keeps people eating while conversing and cocktailing, and helps curate an intentional menu with less waste.” While logistically sometimes harder to pull off, a seated dinner party is always going to feel special.

 

Event planning by Range Curated. Photography courtesy of Range Curated.

 

Carve out zones.

While big soirees are great fun, they can also be short on intimate moments. That’s why Forbes stresses the importance of thinking of your guests’ comfort and creating spaces that cater to all types—from the extrovert to the introvert. For every party, whether it’s a large cocktail party or seated dinner, she likes to create a tête-à-tête corner, quiet nooks for four or five to gather, and a room dedicated to keeping children, should you choose to invite them, entertained. “Having a mix of more informal seating or standing areas is important,” she says.

 

Event planning by ABBA Design. Photography by Liz Grogan Photography.

 

Plan now. 

The biggest takeaway from all of our experts is that advance planning matters when taking on a large party. “Start now and pick your date,” shares Tonya Morris, founder and creative director at ABBA Design in Greensboro, North Carolina. This will ensure that your key guests will be able to attend. Other things Morris advises doing ASAP include setting a budget and determining your purpose, finding a venue, and deciding if you are going to use vendors (think florists, caterers, party suppliers) and securing your preferred ones. Finally, get those save-the-dates in the mail. There are only a few weekends during the holiday season and they book up fast!

 

TSG Tip 464 from Rachael Bruzas, owner and event designer at Party Little Things in Carmel, Indiana; Virginia Frischkorn, founder and CEO of Partytrick in Denver, Colorado; Megan Howard Forbes, founder of Range Curated in Naples, Florida; and Tonya Morris, founder and creative director at ABBA Design in Greensboro, North Carolina. Party Little Things appears in The Scout Guide Hamilton County. Partytrick appears in The Scout Guide Denver. Range Curated appears in The Scout Guide Naples. ABBA Design appears in The Scout Guide Triad.

 

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This weeks article is from our partners at The Scout Guide giving inspiration on how to give your powder room a statement.

Powder rooms have gone from utilitarian spaces to the perfect site for design experimentation. Thanks to their modest dimensions, taking risks here is a more manageable feat than decorating an entire house in a whimsical or wild way. From funky wall coverings to statement mirrors, these scouted spaces prove that nothing is off limits when it comes to outfitting the half-bath.

 

Photography by Laura Sumrak.

Serving a standout sink

Designed by Georgia Street Design in Charlotte, North Carolina. See other projects here.

 

Photography by Marta Perez.

Funky and Feminine

Designed by Betsey Mosby Interior Design in Jackson, Mississippi. See the rest of the project here.

 

Photography by Beall & Thomas Photography.

Go graphic with flooring

Designed by Natalie Clayman Interior Design in Knoxville, Tennessee. See the rest of the project here.

 

Photography by Andrew Giammarco.

Get moody with florals

Designed by Hattie Sparks in New Orleans, Louisiana. See the rest of the project here.

 

Photography by Rachel Manning.

Going for coastal cool

Designed by Amanda Lodge Design in Houston, Texas. See the rest of the project here.

 

Photography by French Blue Photography.

Establish texture with materials

Designed by Spruce Interiors in Austin, Texas. See other projects here.

 

Photography by Elite Austin.

Accent with a haute hue

Designed by Elite Austin in Austin, Texas. See other projects here.

 

Photography by Strictly natural light.

Underwater inspiration

Designed by Burkle Creative in Dallas, Texas. See the rest of the project here.

 

Photography by Chelsea Davis Photography.

Focus on standout lighting

Designed by Maykus Homes and Neighborhoods in Grapevine, Texas. See other projects here.

 

Photography by Brian Wetzel Photo.

Add character with color

Designed by Michelle Gage Interiors in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania. See the rest of the project here.

 

Photography by Hector Manuel Sanchez.

The perfect amount of sassy and sweet

Designed by Jeremy D. Clark in Birmingham, Alabama. See the rest of the project here.

 

Photography by Inspiro 8 Studios Photography.

Be bold with black

Designed by Allard + Roberts Interior Design in Asheville, North Carolina. See the rest of the project here.

 

Photography by Kira Luxon Photography.

A pop of preppiness

Designed by Dahlhaus Design Co. in Franklin Park, Pennsylvania. See other projects here.

 

Photography by Jenn Verrier.

Get wild with wallpaper

Designed by Asha Maía Design in Alexandria, Virginia. See the rest of the project here.

 

Styling by Michelle Adams. Photography by Martin Vecchio.

Botanicals with an edge

Designed by Cloth & Kind in Ann Arbor, Michigan. See the rest of the project here.

 

Photography by Marta Perez.

Scandi-inspired neutrals

Designed by Whitetail in Chelsea, Michigan. See the rest of the project here.

 

Photography by Andy Frame.

A touch of whimsy

Designed by Nana Winters Interior Design in Fayetteville, Arkansas. See other projects here.

 

Photography by Dallas & Harris Photography.

Go dark and dynamic

Designed by Kristin Dittmar Design in Aspen, Colorado. See the rest of the project here.

 

Photography by Dino Tonn.

Channeling boudoir vibes

Designed by DeCesare Design Group in Gilbert, Arizona. See the rest of the project here.

 

Photography by Spencer Stanton Photography.

Play with patterns

Designed by Kinloch Interiors in Greenville, South Carolina. See the rest of the project here.

 

Photography by Rachel Berry.

Discover balance with the classic and unusual

Designed by Jana Schleif Interiors in Southlake, Texas. See other projects here.

 

 

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Anyone else get all of their planting done in time for summer, only to walk outside and see stripped trees, dead plants, and grass trampled down? 

While having wildlife in your yard is part of the fun, some companions don’t share well. Deer love to eat plants that are smooth, tender, and have flavor – essentially, they love to eat your garden and flowers. Deer tend to stick to their “home range” all of their lives, meaning that if your house is in their home range and they like your daily menu, they’ll visit again and again.

Deer can do a number on your yard but you want to live peacefully in their habitat. Try some of these tips to help mitigate their damage (and you may need to try a few of them).

• An old wives’ tale says to put rotten eggs and garlic around your yard and plants. This doesn’t sound the most appealing, I get it, but if it works it could save your yard.
• Plant the more appealing plants closer to your house and windows so you can keep an eye on them and scare off deer when you see them. If you have a dog that you let out often, that may also keep the deer at bay. 
• Deer don’t like heavy smells (see garlic above), so use plants around your yard that will deter them from getting closer – things like mint, chives, and marigolds.
• Not only do deer want to stay away from smelly plants; they also don’t want to eat anything prickly or thorny. So, choose plants by texture as well, like lambs’ ears or roses. 
• Pick your fruits and vegetables as soon as they are ripe so as to not attract unwanted visitors. 
• You can try fences, but deer can be sneaky creatures. If nothing else has worked, you might look into suitable materials to surround your garden.
• Sensor-activated lights and automatic sprinkler systems can also come in handy when trying to keep all kinds of creatures off your lawn.
• Finally, avoid anything poisonous – especially in a yard shared with kids and pets.

Some folks love sharing their homegrown food and plants with deer, but if you’d like to keep them to yourself, try one or more of the tactics above.

Good luck! I know deer are a worthy opponent.

Happy Gardening!

 

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Pragya Mishra is the Founder and Principal of Artscapes, LLC, a Northern Virginia-based landscape architecture firm that specializes in designing outdoor transformations that bring you joy. With 22 years of professional experience, she works closely with each client and her network of top-tier contractors to make each project vision a reality. Follow Artscapes on Instagram @artscapes_living and see examples of past projects on her website, www.artscapesliving.com.

 

 

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Vintage furniture and décor is having a major moment, given that many secondhand items are both affordable and easy to incorporate into your home in just an afternoon. If you’re tired of waiting for packages to arrive in the mail or are just looking for a new resource for home accents, be sure to take a trip to the Georgetown Flea, a fixture in Northwest D.C. 

Located in the parking lot of Hardy Middle School on 35th Street in Georgetown, the Flea is open every Sunday year round from 8 am to 4 pm. We advise arriving on the earlier side so as not to miss out on vendors’ best offerings and to walk around before the area gets too crowded. Additionally, the flea starts to wind down in the afternoon, so stopping by early will ensure that you can fully scope out all there is to explore.

While the Georgetown Flea has grown to include a wide range of clothing vendors in recent years, you can still shop plenty of decorative pieces that will add a touch of personality to any room of the home. If you’re in need of artwork, for example, the Flea is an excellent place to go, whether to shop or simply to gather inspiration. We spotted plenty of pre-framed pieces that can help you kickstart that gallery wall you’ve been wanting to hang, and there are also lots of loose posters that would look excellent in a basement or child’s room.

There are also plenty of beautiful woven, Turkish style rugs for sale at the Flea. These are rich in color and would look stunning in the hallway, kitchen, or placed over a simple, classic jute. You certainly won’t spot the same styles in your neighbor’s house! 

If you’re in the market for smaller decorative pieces, don’t miss out on the extensive collection of glassware available at the flea. Why not give your bar cabinet a brand new look with some colorful vintage glass that you’ll actually be excited to use? If you’re a Wedgewood collector, make note that we spotted lots of beautiful blue and white pieces at the Flea recently, too. These pieces always look elegant displayed on a nightstand, dresser, or coffee table. 

Keep in mind that while some Flea vendors accept electronic payment, it’s always smart to arrive with cash in hand, which can oftentimes help you score a better deal when bargaining. It’s also wise to stop by the flea several times throughout the year, as vendors are often rotating and arriving with new items—remember that if you spot something and leave it behind, it may not return the following week!

 

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Sarah Lyon is a New York City-based freelance writer, originally from Bethesda, MD. She contributes to a number of national design and lifestyle publications like Architectural Digest, Apartment Therapy, MyDomaine, the Washington Post, and more. Sarah also works with designers to help them style spaces for photo shoots. Find more shelfies on her Instagram page, @sarahlyon9 

 

 

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