Feature photo: Photography by Amy Lamb of Native House Photography.

From our partners at The Scout Guide, here is some inspiration on how to create that spa-like bathroom in your own home!

A sunny spot to prepare for the day ahead, a soothing haven perfect for unwinding—a bathroom that doubles as your personal refuge can serve as the ultimate interior luxury. We’ve tapped principal designer and interior tastemaker, Tracee Murphy of Trade Mark Interiors, in Sarasota, Florida, to share her expert tips for transforming this space into a spa-like bathroom and a place of respite and delight.

2. Nod to nature

“Biophilic design, a philosophy that seeks to reconnect people with nature by incorporating natural elements into their surroundings, is extremely important,” Murphy says. Incorporating views of nature and natural elements into your design, the presence of natural materials (like plants, wood, stone, and water) are soothing and offer many health benefits, including lowering blood pressure. In the project pictured above, Murphy opted to use marble and limestone, as well as an antiqued edge on the floor tile for a natural, classic look. She also recommends incorporating plants into your bathroom design if you have a natural light source.

3. Let there be light

Good lighting is a crucial part of a bathroom’s design, and while an abundance of natural light is always preferred, Murphy advises enhancing it with well-placed artificial light. “Backlit mirrors are my go-to, as well as decorative sconces flanking the central usable area in the bathroom,” she says. “It’s very important to make one look their best while getting ready for their day and lighting from sconces is more flattering than overhead lighting which can create harsh shadows.”

4. Soften up

What can sometimes be a cold, utilitarian space can be morphed into a spa-like bathroom with the right color palette. “Warm, muted tones create a cozy atmosphere versus cool tones which are a bit more lively,” Murphy says. Some of her favorite colors include Benjamin Moore’s Brandy Cream, Georgetown Pink Beige, Dragonfly, and Chocolate Candy Brown. Want to instantly cozy up your space? She recommends adding a vintage rug or unique artwork to add personality and warmth.

TSG Tip 486 from Tracee Murphy of Trade Mark Interiors, in Sarasota, Florida. Trade Mark Interiors appears in The Scout Guide Sarasota. Click here to discover more TSG Tips from Scouted experts. 

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No good guest shows up empty-handed, but who says you have to show up to the holiday party with a bottle of wine or tin of cookies? While no one would turn those gifts away, it can also be fun to treat a friend or loved one to something a bit more memorable and outside of the box. Here, we’re sharing 8 unique and affordable hostess gifts that you can purchase locally, whether you’re in the market for something consumable, decorative, or entertaining-related. 

1. Bottle Opener – $49  

These aren’t your average bottle openers! Pair one of these pretties from Shop Made in VA in Old Town with a six-pack of their favorite beer for a unique twist on a classic hostess gift. 

2. Dish Towel – $22.50

Most people aren’t buying novelty dish towels for themselves (but they’ll definitely appreciate this beautiful Old Town Alexandra-themed one). Available in both blue and black, this towel from Red Barn Mercantile in Old Town will add personality to their kitchen in no time! 

3. Candle – starts at $28 

Available in both small and large sizes, these candles from Crème de la Crème in Old Town are a crowd-pleaser. Best of all, the vessel is chic enough to repurpose when empty—your recipient can use it to stash pens, makeup brushes, and more. 

4. Cocktail Napkins – $68 

While in Georgetown, pop over to gift shop A Mano to snag some of these festive cocktail napkins that come as a set of four. Your host will be thrilled to display these all holiday season long. 

5. Chocolate bar – $14 

If you’re looking to pick up something consumable, you can’t go wrong with a couple of these special chocolate bars, available at Salt & Sundry in Union Market. The wrapping is practically too pretty to remove. 

6. Serving bowl – $34 

Pop by the Terrain store in Bethesda (Terrain is one of Anthropologie’s sister brands, if you didn’t know) and pick up a gorgeous evergreen serving bowl like this one. Since the design isn’t too Christmas-like, your host can enjoy using it all winter long. 

7. Christmas Cheer Paintable Notecards by Emily Lex Studio – $18 

Vintage lovers will delight in wldwst, which is located in Leesburg and boasts plenty of stocking stuffers and more substantial gifts alike. In the market for a gift for the creative host in your life? Pick up a pack of these paintable notecards, which they can then send out to friends and family members to enjoy—it’s truly the gift that keeps on giving! 

8. Swiss Style Drinking Chocolate – $18 

No one can resist a rich cup of cocoa this time of year. Present Swiss Style Drinking Chocolate from Federal & Black in Middleburg to your host in lieu of something alcoholic. They can share with the whole family while curled up by the fire.

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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Anthony Wilder Design/Build – Wilderworks bedroom designed by Sydney Levy, photo by John Cole

Holiday guests will be knocking on your front door before you know it! To ensure that your guest room is well-equipped for the season, you’ll want to take some time in the coming weeks to make it as cozy and welcoming as possible using these tips from DMV designers.

Incorporate plush touches

Make your at-home guest room feel like a fancy getaway by weaving in soft accents. “We like to design guest bedrooms that feel like a hotel with plush and luxurious bed linens, soft rugs, and warm tones,” says Sydney Levy, a designer with Anthony Wilder Design/Build. 

Anthony Wilder Design/Build – Wilderworks bedroom designed by Sydney Levy, photo by John Cole

Treat your visitors to some small items 

Take your guest’s experience to the next level by treating them to a small basket of essentials. “I recommend having a beautiful box filled with snacks, mints, small water bottles and sparkling water,” says Sallie Lord, the founder of GreyHunt Interiors. “It will look stunning on a dresser or desk and also lets your guest know you care about how they feel during their stay.” 

Other nice touches include a magazine (set out a regional one to get guests into the hometown spirit), a small stack of books, and of course, fresh flowers. 

Design by GreyHunt Interiors, photo by Stacy Zarin Goldberg

Supply plenty of towels

When in doubt, opt for more towels rather than less in the guest room. Lord recommends setting out extra clean, fluffy towels as well as a robe, if possible. 

Write down the wifi password

Most people will prefer to log onto your home’s wifi rather than burning through data on their phone, and those who do need to sneak a few emails on their laptop will also want access to your login info. Write it down and place it on the bedside table so that it’s easy to reference at all times. 

Hide personal effects

If you use your guest room as an office or home gym when you don’t have visitors, make sure to tuck away your file folders and hand weights to create a serene space for guests to unwind. No one wants to be reminded of their to-do list or workout regimen while trying to relax during the holidays! 

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 giving us inspiration on current window curtain trends by our partners at The Scout Guide.

Thoughtful window dressings can elevate a room, provide proper privacy, and even affect your heating and cooling bills. Whether your motives are leaning in a decorative direction or steadfastly functional, read on for the window treatment trends you’ll find in the most beautiful homes right now. To find a window treatment expert near you, consult The Scout Guide Directory.

1. Create cozy cafe vibes

Interior design by Emily Tucker Design. Window treatments by Blinds Couture. Photography by David Lauer.

Cafe curtains are currently all the rage, confirms Jessica Work, CEO of Blinds Couture in Westminster, Colorado. Originating in Austria, and first used in cafes, bistros, and coffee shops, these petite draperies cover only the bottom half of windows, resulting in an ideal combination of privacy while still allowing sunlight to filter in. If you’re interested in trying out this charming curtain style, Work notes this window treatment trend is best suited for kitchens and bathrooms.

2. Dare to be bold

While we love a neutral interior as much as the next person, sometimes a daring design selection is what’s needed to take your home’s design to the next level. From adventurous prints and patterns to cheeky bursts of color, Cade Smith, owner of The Curtain Call in Nashville, Tennessee, explains an audacious window treatment can serve to illuminate a room beyond well-placed lighting. “When you add a vibrant trim to a simple linen shade or curtain or  opt for a bold pattern printed on a flaxen woven shade, these touches become the focal point in an otherwise neutral room creating a fabulous space,” Smith says.

3. Lean into layers

Window treatments by Blinds Couture. Photography courtesy of Blinds Couture.

When you’re seeking   a cozy feel in your  space, Work advises using a woven wood blind with either decor draperies or functional draperies layered on top. “Bringing in a natural element while layering it with a soft fabric is a harmonious way to treat an opening,” she explains. This window treatment trend is a great option for bedrooms, as it provides an unparalleled degree of privacy, and an instant darkening effect when both coverings are closed.

4. Go for natural textures

“Organic materials and textures have long been a part of interior design, but the tolerance for the fluidity of natural fibers has significantly increased,” Smith says. This window treatment trend turns away from formal draperies with perfect pleats and overly precise hems in favor of an organic design aesthetic that prioritizes materials that convey  warmth and ease. Luxe linens, airy cottons, and texture from grasscloth, jute, bamboo, and wood are all wonderful ways to incorporate this trending fiber-forward look.

5. Make it match

Window treatments by Blinds Couture. Photography courtesy of Blinds Couture.

Coordinating your wallcoverings to your fabric window treatment can pay dividends if you’re willing to take the plunge. While this is a daring design decision, Work notes when executed correctly it can instantly elevate any room. Because proper pattern matching can be difficult to achieve, enlisting an interior designer or window treatment expert is advised.

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Fall is here, and what better way to welcome the change of weather than by decorating your front porch? We spoke with five area designers who shared their tips for creating a setup that’s seasonal and stylish. 

Go Natural

Skip the plastic decorations and outfit your porch with what Ann Gottlieb refers to as “authentic objects”: pumpkins, branches, colorful leaves, and more. That said, you can feel free to get a bit spooky at the same time once you’ve assembled your natural decor. The Fairfax-based founder of Ann Gottlieb Design adds, “I like to incorporate a Halloween element with some noise that turns on as people approach that front porch for that surprise and delight moment.” 

Layer Your Decor

When styling your front porch, be sure to layer your decor, instructs Rose Ramseur, the founder of Primrose Interior Design in Fairfax. Layering can take a few different forms, she explains, stating, “If you have a large outdoor rug, you can add a smaller sisal on top.” Mix in objects of various heights, too. “Add taller items in the back and then smaller items in the front,” Ramseur says. “This can mean stacking flower pots on top of an upside-down flower pot or decorative wooden box to add height and then adding smaller decor items like colorful gourds directly on the porch or step.” Finally, layer the colors that you use. “Punch up neutrals like greenery with colorful flowers (mums are always a good choice this time of year) or gourds (real or faux),” the designer says. What makes a successfully styled front porch is a variety in heights, textures, and colors.” 

Think Beyond Orange

By no means do you have to stick to traditional orange pumpkins when decorating your front porch for fall. “This year I’ve been gravitating towards greens and purples for interiors and so I am translating that palette into my fall decor,” says Corinne Back, the founder of Corinne Victoria Design in Alexandria. “Start with a bounty of pumpkins, gourds, and filled urns leading up the porch steps: Think black urns filled with purple and white mums, flowering kale and cabbage, fall laurel leaf with berries, and layering in white pumpkins and green gourds.” 

Other shades that are perfect for a fall porch include beige, taupe, and cream, as well as deep reds, mustard yellows, and copper accents, adds Maria Loveless, the founder of The L&L Design Team in Manassas. 

Think Beyond the Steps 

Once you’ve tackled the front steps, keep the decor going! “I love the idea of wrapping dried corn stalks up porch columns to then draw your eye up to the house,” Back adds. “It’s a fun take on classic fall decor that can translate from Halloween to Thanksgiving beautifully.” 

Get Cozy

Don’t forget to finish off your porch with cozy touches that will make spending time out front extra relaxing. Blankets, plaid pillows, and lanterns or string lights are some of Potomac designer Elana Mendelson’s favorite touches to include.

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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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.

Take a look at our website for all of our listings available throughout Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia.

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Kitchen trends come and go—for example, a few years back, all-white kitchens were all the rage, while nowadays, people are enjoying experimenting with bolder colored cabinetry and finishes. When locals dial up an interior designer to get some help revamping their cooking space, what exactly are they asking for? We spoke with three designers—one in Maryland, another in DC, and the third in Virginia—to learn what’s been in demand. 

Design by Laura Hodges Studio. Photography by Jennifer Hughes.

Cabinet Upgrades:

Many of Sara Swabb’s clients turn to her for assistance with cosmetic updates including cabinetry revamps. Oftentimes, they are eager to paint kitchen cabinets a new color and will work with Swabb to identify a shade and professional painter who can get the job done. Clients are also eager to update their kitchen cabinet hardware, says Swabb, the founder of Storie Collective in Washington, DC.  

Catonsville-based Laura Hodges is also a pro at making cabinet updates. “In a new home, our clients will often want to change the cabinetry, especially if the layout and functionality aren’t a good fit for their family,” explains the founder of Laura Hodges Studio. She will sometimes also retrofit existing cabinets with custom wooden inserts to improve their functionality. 

Design and photography by Kevin Billings.

Warming up the Space: 

Kevin Billings, the founder of Dexter & Plaid in Leesburg, works with many clients who crave brighter, warmer cooking spaces. “Many of my clients do not want the stark white kitchen and prefer something that feels warmer, more inviting, and just less sterile,” he says. Sometimes, this means updating the cabinetry, but it may also involve weaving organic elements into the kitchen, he shares. “The easiest way is through wood elements, like in shelving or beams,” Dexter says. “Just adding these natural materials can really tone down any sterile or cold feeling a kitchen may have.” Billings will also bring unlacquered brass, which will patina nicely over time, into the mix with a new faucet or type of cabinet hardware.

Lighting Changes:

Swabb also works with clients who crave new kitchen lighting. Projects may include “swapping out pendants for a fresh selection or transitioning from recessed lights to small flush mounts,” the designer says.

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 our partners at The Scout Guide give us inspiration on trendy gray paint colors for your home.

For most of this century, gray paint has reigned supreme as the neutral interior color of choice. Embraced for its timeless and versatile nature, from warm organic greiges to darker, steely tones, gray continues to check the box for many design profiles. Here, we’ve tapped two Scouted interior experts to give us the inside scoop on the gray paint colors you should consider when embarking on your next interiors refresh. To find a Scouted interior designer near you, consult The Scout Guide Directory.

Krystal Dawn Design appears in The Scout Guide Baton Rouge. Edit Design Creative appears in The Scout Guide Chicago.

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This week’s blog post is provided by Artscapes Living, giving us inspiration on how to design your dream patio.

A patio is more than just a concrete slab; it’s an extension of your living space where you can relax, entertain, and connect with nature. Installing a patio requires careful design upfront, so here are six tips to help you transform your outdoor area!

1. Choose Suitable Materials

The material you choose sets the tone for your patio. From classic brick and natural stone to low-maintenance concrete and composite decking, the choice of materials is crucial. Consider your budget, desired aesthetic, and local climate when selecting the perfect patio surface. Don’t forget to factor in the maintenance and upkeep of the materials you choose.

2. Design Seating Areas

Invest in high-quality outdoor furniture that matches your patio’s style and offers optimal comfort. Consider a mix of seating options, such as sofas, lounge chairs, and dining sets, to accommodate various activities. Think about how you’ll use the space, and plan for seating arrangements accordingly. For example, if you tend to host a large group of people, choose items that offer many seating options but are also easy to rearrange. On the other hand, if you want a quiet spot to drink your morning coffee or enjoy a good book, opt for more comfortable seats.

3. Incorporate Shade

Whether it’s a pergola, umbrella, or mature trees, shade allows you to enjoy your patio during sunny and rainy days. There are hundreds of options, so choose one that fits into your design but also provides you the benefits you need. For example, some solutions are temporary and enable you to move them as needed while others are more permanent structures that require less set-up time. Some shades offer water resistance and UV protection, and others can add misters or outdoor heaters to enjoy the patio in less-than-ideal temperatures.

4. Add a Touch of Green

A touch of green can transform your patio from a simple outdoor space into a vibrant oasis. Consider planters, hanging baskets, or vertical gardens to add color and life to your outdoor space. Incorporating greenery can also provide more privacy, enhance aesthetics, reduce stress, improve air quality, and increase your property value.

5. Add Water Features

While this option is not a must, many of my clients ask for a water feature as part of their patio design. The soothing sound of water can instantly transform your patio into a tranquil retreat. Explore fountains, ponds, or even small waterfalls to create a focal point and enhance the ambiance.

6. Incorporate Outdoor Lighting

Some of your best patio moments may come at night, which is why outdoor lighting is so important to outdoor design. Consider string lights, lanterns, or spotlights to create a stunning, warm, and inviting nighttime ambiance. I opt for uplighting on stairs and key design features for a more elegant look, as opposed to runway lights or floodlights.

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.

Take a look at our website for all of our listings available throughout Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia.

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It’s never too early to start thinking ahead to your fall landscaping. Though it’s only the middle of August, autumn will be here before we know it! To find out what’s trending this season in the landscape world, we spoke with Jordan Clough, associate principal at Richardson & Associates Landscape Architecture in Washington, DC, who shares his insights below. 

Traditional Fall-Like Hues 

Bring on the festive fall hues. “Fall is a time of bright colors, lean into it with plantings that highlight the season,” Clough says. Don’t stop with just maple trees, get creative when it comes to perennials, too, he suggests. Some of his favorite picks for the season include Amsonia, New England Aster (“a high contrast of gold foliage and purple flowers, and it can be seen in person at the National Arboretum if you are curious”), Witch Alder, Autumn Fern, and Stonecrop Sedum. 

Maximalist Design

If you love decorating your indoor space to the max, you’re in luck, because the maximalist aesthetic is having a moment outdoors, too, Clough says. “Add some patterns and color accents with outdoor rugs, outdoor pillows, or a boldly-patterned throw blanket near the fire pit or outdoor fireplace,” he suggests. “With the days getting shorter, lighting will also become important, and with this trend you can accessorize with lanterns or candelabras.” 

Photo courtesy of Richardson & Associates Landscape Architecture

Cozy Fire Pits 

Make the most of cool nights outdoors with a fire pit or related setup. “I particularly like ‘fire tables,’ which usually have a deep rim or ledge for setting drinks, and can double as a coffee-table type of furnishing when they are not lit,” Clough says. Of course, you’ll want to determine whether you’re seeking a manmade or natural solution in the yard. “When considering a fire feature, gas (natural or propane) offers a clean, easy-start, and practically zero maintenance, but in my opinion nothing beats the smells and sounds of a wood fire,” Clough adds. And, he notes, don’t forget about wood storage—a rack or metal ring, for example, is helpful to store and protect wood. 

Off-Season Florals

Coneflower, False Indigo, Black-eyed-Susans, Bee Balm, and other flowers with dark seed-heads can last throughout cooler months, Clough shares. “These add great interest to the garden through the cold months with their contrast against the snow and light grasses, and giving some height and structure to a garden bed,” he says. “These seed heads also provide essential cover and food for our local birds and wildlife.” 

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

Visit corcoranmce.com to search listings for sale in Washington, D.C., Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia.

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