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Staging Your Home – But Not To Sell!
Home staging isn’t just for buyers – it’s a blueprint for how you can live better.
It’s a proven real estate strategy: a well-staged home brings stronger offers. In fact, most staged homes sell faster and at a higher price than unstaged homes. And professional home stagers are skilled at weighing a number of design and logistical factors as they lay out a room to create a welcoming scene that invites buyers to picture themselves living there.
But the benefits of home staging go beyond getting a property ready for its close-up, and smart homeowners are “staging for living” as a way to create harmony within their four walls while they live there. Removing excess “visual noise” while also highlighting intentional focal points and easy transitions throughout the home allows for less psychological and physical stress, letting the rooms “guide” behavior and creating an intentional and comforting vibe. Plus, it’s easier to clean!
By applying a few of the tactics professional stagers use, you can give your home a refresh that keeps you feeling focused and calm, and provides an easy template for keeping your home in tip-top shape for welcoming visitors.
Start With a Stager’s Eye
Stagers know that creating a cohesive and inviting space is more than just rearranging furniture and plumping some decorative pillows. How people move within a space matters as much as what the room is designed for. When laying out your home, keep these important things in mind:
- Flow: You’ll want to create ways to physically and visually move throughout the home, placing furniture so that pathways are unobstructed and guide people in practical ways throughout the space. Don’t block walkways or windows and scale furniture so that it doesn’t restrict movement or lines of vision. But this doesn’t necessarily mean that furniture has to be stacked against a wall. Look for ways to configure furniture to create intimate conversation areas or “float” pieces to divide a larger room.
- Focal point: Create interest in a room by finding a dominant feature and drawing eyes toward it. Think: the wall behind a bed, a fireplace, a picture window, a favorite piece of artwork, or a stellar antique. Arrange furniture to angle it toward the focal point and use lighting to create additional depth and interest.
- Color discipline: Ever heard of the 60-30-10 rule? It’s a design tool that creates a proportional and cohesive palette across rooms. The largest proportion is your primary color and should be used for wall paint and large furniture, while 30 percent in your secondary hue is used for window treatments, specialty trim, and accent furniture – all in support of the primary color. The final 10 percent is an accent shade for smaller decorative pieces, pillows, blankets, etc. These proportions prevent your chosen colors from feeling too overpowering or, alternatively, from being too minimal to notice.
- Lighting: It’s one of the most important elements in a space, so choosing the correct lighting scale is essential. Decide what type of lighting you need – a combination of ambient, task, and accent – and layer it throughout the room. Note: you’ll need more lighting than you think so use this opportunity to be creative.
Declutter, Declutter, Declutter
There’s no getting around it: the fastest way to bring peace and calm to your home is to fill it with less stuff.
The good news is that there are any number of decluttering methods for inspiration – KonMari, Swedish Death Cleaning, Four Boxes, etc. – to get you started on the path to getting that “stuff” out of your home. You won’t need to go as bare bones and depersonalized as homes that are on the market; your home should reflect your personality and be comfortable. The goal here is to remove visual distractions, create clean and open spaces, and give the things in your home that bring joy and excitement a chance to shine. Think of it as curating your favorite things rather than cataloging everything you own.
- Be brave! Aim to remove a third of items and retain what has a purpose, is practical, or is meaningful.
- Make sure what remains has a place to be stored or showcased.
- Keep flat surfaces as clear and tidy as possible and resist the urge to place too many accessories on counters, tables, and shelves.
- Make the small repairs or upgrades you’ve been putting off. For example, matching faceplates for light switches and outlets are an easy way to create visual uniformity, while patching holes and wall cracks can prevent long-term damage.
- Spend 10 minutes a day (or an hour a week) putting items away or removing them if they aren’t useful. Maintenance is key to keeping the clutter at bay.
- Apartment dwellers, you have options, too!
Putting It All Together
With the home cleared and cleaned and the flow mapped out, you’re ready to bring everything together to create and maintain the perfect scene for each room.
- “Shop” your home for furniture or accessories that might work better in a different context. For example, repurpose a small bedroom bookcase into a cocktail mini-bar that showcases your special glassware. Rotate pieces throughout the home depending on the season or activities within the home.
- Buy seasonal items that can add new energy to a space without having to redecorate.
- Develop systems throughout the home to prevent clutter and keep a healthy flow throughout. Have specific places and holders for keys, phones, leashes … anything that’s easy to put down but easy to forget where. This will reduce stress and keep clutter to a minimum.
- If you find yourself pulled off-track, imagine you’re visiting an upscale hotel or a fun vacation rental and imagine the things they have on display and what is tucked away to create a serene, welcoming stay. Or stop by an open house and look at how the home has been staged to get re-inspired.
At the end of the day, staging for living isn’t about creating a showroom – it’s about curating a home that works for you. By blending comfort with intention, you create spaces that feel open yet inviting, organized yet personal. The payoff is more than just a beautiful room: it’s the daily ease of moving through your home with less stress, more focus, and a calm that carries into every part of your life.
Whether you’re thinking of making a move or just want an idea of how you could live better in your current home, our Corcoran McEnearney team can walk you through your own ‘live better now, sell better later” plan.
Karisue Wyson
Karisue Wyson is the Director of Education for Corcoran McEnearney and was previously a Top Producing Realtor® in the Alexandria Office.
Visit corcoranmce.com to search listings for sale in Washington, D.C., Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia.
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Passive House Design Tenet 1: Super Insulation
This is the second essay in a series by Peter VanderPoel, AIA, to help explain the fundamental principles and science of Passive House design. Read the first essay outlining the basics here.
Cozy memories are often wrapped in a favorite blanket, perhaps one that your grandmother crocheted – it’s so warm!
But the blanket is not warm. The person wrapped inside the blanket is warm; the blanket’s role is to slow the loss of that warmth to the surrounding environment. The body has produced heat by burning calories, and keeping that heat is accomplished through Grandma’s kindness in the form of a cozy keepsake.
Let’s take a look at how this process works in a building, incorporating some of the principles of Passive House design methods.
This Week’s Trivia Question
Q: What is a calorie?
A: A measure of heat.
The Calorie and Measuring Heat
The calorie we are familiar with when assessing a dinner menu is a ‘kilo-calorie’, which is the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of one kilogram of water by 1 degree Centigrade/Celsius.
That’s the warmth that Grandma’s blanket is retaining. The food we consume is converted into energy for activities such as swimming, running, thinking, or watching a movie while wrapped in a crocheted blanket. One of the by-products of those calories is body heat: heat in = heat out – “burning” calories is a fit description.
But if a nutritional calorie is heat, how would that even be measured? By setting food on fire and measuring the heat output? Actually, yes! That’s exactly how it is done, using a device called a bomb calorimeter. There’s a combustion chamber (the bomb) that contains oxygen and is surrounded by water. Your cheeseburger is lit up, and the resulting change in water temperature is measured.
Heat can be measured in several different ways: calories, joules, watts, and British Thermal Units (BTUs). They all can be translated into work or a certain amount of “power.” Human bodies, horses, steam engines, electric motors, and gasoline engines are all capable of producing “power.” Power over time equals energy.
A BTU is a somewhat dated power rating, but it is still popular in some industries. Its metric is the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of 1 pound of water by 1 degree Fahrenheit and is roughly equivalent to the heat produced by a kitchen match. A person sitting watching a movie produces about 300 BTUs of heat in an hour, and that heat is dissipated into the room. Wrapped in Grandma’s blanket, however, the dissipation is dramatically slowed.
The same is true for a building. But rather than calories, the energy comes in the form of electricity, natural gas, wood, or coal, which are directly or indirectly used to create heat (or cooling). In the building trades, grandmother’s blanket is the equivalent of insulation.
Quantifying the Value of Insulation
The benefit of insulation is twofold. One is to reduce energy used, resulting in cost savings to the homeowner. The other is to reduce the carbon released into the environment by the production, delivery, and use of energy. Good insulation allows you to enjoy your energy purchase a bit longer, saving you money in the long run.
Judicious stewards of energy would then want a metric by which they can compare types of insulation to quantify their expected energy use.
The R-value is the most common metric for evaluating the qualities of different types of insulation. Whether it’s fiber or spray foam insulation, plywood, brick, drywall – even grass – all materials have R-values. The R-values can be totaled up and incorporated in the total insulation value of a wall, roof, or floor assembly.
Once a form is selected, reaching the proper R-value is usually a matter of providing appropriate thickness. R-value is normally listed as “per inch.” In general, more is better, but there is a point of diminishing returns when the cost of the additional insulation outstrips the energy cost savings.
The R-value is derived from its lesser-known cousin, the U-value, which directly measures the rate at which heat passes through a material. U-values measure how many BTUs of heat are lost, so the lower the number, the higher the insulation factor. (For those interested in the mathematical explanation: BTUs per hour, per square foot, per degree difference in temperature. In equation form: U = BTU/hr·ft2· Δ °F.)
We talk in terms of heat since heat is a form of energy, whereas cold is simply viewed as the absence of heat. A heat pump, for instance, can move heat inside or outside, resulting in heating or cooling, respectively.
With many variables in measuring energy efficiency and insulation, two of the most important in home design and maintenance are cost (what are we paying for those BTUs, R-values, and Watts) and time (how long does the required energy last).
The area of exterior surface is another potent variable. Consider the tragic case of Capt. Robert Scott. In his race to reach the South Pole, he chose ponies instead of dogs to pull the sleds, hoping that their larger size would make for faster progress. However, the larger surface area of the ponies – compared to the compact body of a sled dog – resulted in faster heat loss and was one of the contributing factors in the death of everyone in the expedition as the animals began to freeze.
The difference in temperatures is also a key consideration, as it determines the effort required to maintain a stable internal body temperature. In the movie Titanic, Jack finds himself in the icy waters of the North Atlantic – measured at just 28.6 °F – while his body temperature was around 98.6 °F. That extreme temperature gap meant his body had to work overtime to generate heat. (Spoiler alert: it didn’t end well for Jack.)
Had the ship gone down in the warmer waters of the Bahamas, Jack’s chances might have been far better. In the end, both Jack’s fate and the ship’s might have been less tragic with better insulation.
The Final Takeaway on Insulation
There are many types of insulation in both material and form that can accommodate almost any construction condition. Science is developing better/less expensive products every day, with various forms suiting different circumstances: waterproof, fireproof, curved, suspended, glueable, etc.
Super insulation is the unsung hero of Passive House design, quietly but powerfully minimizing energy loss, reducing environmental impact, and maximizing comfort. Whether it’s Grandma’s crocheted blanket, the fur of a sled dog, or the high-performance wall assembly of a modern home, the principle is the same: preserve the warmth you already have.
By understanding how heat moves, how it’s measured, and how materials can resist that movement, we gain the tools to build smarter, more efficient structures. Super insulation isn’t just about saving energy – it’s about designing with intention, protecting what matters, and creating homes that feel just right, no matter what the weather brings.
Next time: Tenet 2 – Gone with the wind…
VanderPoel Architecture is located in Arlington, Virginia, and designs residential and light commercial projects throughout the Washington, DC metro area.
Peter VanderPoel AIA
703.725.4328
peter@pvanderpoel.com
Visit corcoranmce.com to search listings for sale in Washington, D.C., Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia.
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8 Gems on Facebook Marketplace
Facebook Marketplace is one of my favorite resources for furnishing and decorating my own apartment. I scroll through listings countless times per day and have lost track of how many pieces I’ve sourced from there over the years—probably 100, if not more! If you’re new to shopping on FBMP or just need a little inspo as you browse, keep reading to scope out eight of my favorite items currently listed within the DC area. Remember, Facebook Marketplace transactions can move pretty fast, so if you see something you can’t live without, it’s important to message the seller immediately!
This gorgeous gold mirror is a prime example of an instance when you’ll want to look past an item’s listing photos and think about just how beautiful it could be when styled in the right place. Sure, the snaps shown here are pretty basic, but trust me, this mirror has tons of potential. I envision it hanging over a console table in the entryway or above a bedroom dresser. But that’s not all—it would also look lovely over the sink in a powder bathroom (I’m imagining it paired with some fun, bold wallpaper!).
Anyone who knows me knows that I go wild for any funky type of female portrait—and this one definitely checks many of my boxes. It’s bold, oversized, and vintage (the listing says it dates back to 1955). Use it to add some much needed color to any room of your home. Whether you hang it alone or style it with other pieces as part of a gallery wall, it is most definitely going to be an instant conversation starter.
Brighten up your home with a patterned chair like this one that is way more exciting than any of the beige furniture on the market today. There’s no need to shy away from vibrant touches, after all—why not have a little fun?
Here’s another chair that will add instant style to that empty corner in your living room or bedroom. Covered with luxe Schumacher fabric, it’s a design lover’s dream and an amazing opportunity to score a high-end piece for less. This chair would also be fabulous utilized as desk or vanity seating.
Speaking of desks, how stunning is this burlwood desk that doubles as an incredible statement piece? It would add so much dimension to any home office or bedroom (you could turn it into a dressing table, if you’d prefer) and is a forever type of piece that will never go out of style. There’s no need to source antiques like these overseas when you can scoop them up locally via Facebook!
If you love European farmhouse style, don’t miss out on this refinished wooden dresser that could shine in a number of spots around the home: the entryway, nursery, guest bedroom, you name it. It’s spacious and classic and is way cooler than similarly priced pieces from IKEA.
Facebook Marketplace is also a great way to shop some of your favorite brands for less. These Anthropologie nightstands, for example, are listed for $250 each or $450 for the pair, marked down from the original $600/each price tag.
Facebook Marketplace is by no means just for furniture; you can score books, decorative accents, artwork, and more on the platform, too. This antique box will add so much character and charm to any shelf or dresser, whether you use it to store jewelry, hide remotes, or stash away love letters!
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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Cannonball! Listings With Pools That Make a Splash
It’s heating up out there, and a refreshing dip in your own pool is the perfect way to cool down. If the sound of splashing water is what’s missing from your ideal backyard oasis, check out these cool listings from Corcoran McEnearney that feature pools and other water features.
And please invite us to your next pool party!
40959 Pacer Lane | Paeonian Springs, VA
This exceptional estate, sprawling across more than 14 acres of open land, offers a sanctuary of privacy and breathtaking natural beauty. The outdoor living spaces are designed for both grand entertaining and serene relaxation, starting with the expansive front porch. A 20-foot diameter stone fire pit, surrounded by a flagstone hardscape, creates an inviting ambiance for gatherings under the stars. A sparkling pool with built-in hot tub offers resort-style amenities, while covered & screened porches off the kitchen and first-floor primary suite provide seamless indoor-outdoor living.
Listed by: Ryan Clegg, Leesburg Office
1107 Savile Lane | McLean, VA
Recently featured for its outdoor kitchen on Inhabit, the Corcoran Blog, this spacious private estate will satisfy the most discerning buyer. Stunning 2020 whole-home renovation features modern design and high-end finishes. A refined and fully finished basement (including dressing rooms and a fully equipped kitchen) makes entertaining at the pool easy.
Listed by: Sandy McMaster, Alexandria Office
10052 Possum Hollow Drive | Delaplane, VA
Gap Run Farm is a beautifully maintained 50-acre country estate in the heart of Fauquier County. The thoughtfully designed main residence features more than 4,000 square feet of living space. Beautiful slate patios overlook the recently enhanced pool. A second 2-bedroom, 2-bath home provides comfortable accommodations for guests, extended family, or a farm manager. Perfect for the horse enthusiast, the property boasts an 8-stall center-aisle well-appointed barn, an outdoor arena overlooking the serene pond, and thoughtfully positioned turn-out paddocks with several run-in sheds and automatic waterers.
Listed by: Kerrie Jenkins, Middleburg Office
2506 Coulter Lane | Oakton, VA
This magnificent residence on 1.72 acres offers abundant space for relaxation and entertainment. More than 11,000 square feet of meticulously crafted living space extends to an outdoor oasis. The expansive patio area features a bar, outdoor grill area, and a tiered in-ground pool and spa, complete with a new heater, pump, and salination system for easy maintenance.
Listed by: Becky & Barb, Ashburn Office
2504 Sherwood Hall Lane | Alexandria, VA
Nestled behind a private gated entrance on over three-quarters of an acre, this remarkable estate offers unmatched privacy, luxury, and space to live, entertain, and relax. This outdoor oasis includes a large pool, relaxing hot tub, custom putting green, charming gazebo, and a fully-equipped tiki bar with an outdoor kitchen—ideal for hosting unforgettable gatherings.
Listed by: Rebecca McCullough, Alexandria Office
2030 Huntwood Drive | Gambrills, MD
This lifestyle property is the perfect private retreat. Location, presence, design, comfort, and appointments combine beautifully to create a haven of peace and privacy, less than 10 miles from downtown Annapolis.
Listed by: Sandy Chee, McLean Office
6320 Crosswoods Circle | Falls Church, VA
We know it’s not a pool, but Lake Barcroft is one of the area’s most sought-after lake communities with 5 sandy beaches, kayaking, sailing, canoeing, swimming, fishing, and more. This 5-bedroom waterfront home is just the spot to enjoy life on the lake to the fullest. Fabulous views from the home, deck, and two paver patios—one with a fire pit. Pathways with handsome stone steps lead to the boardwalk and dock. Oh, and the pontoon boat conveys!
Listed by: Susan Tull O’Reilly, McLean Office
If a home with a pool has been on your wish list, your Corcoran McEnearney agent will not only help you find those listings but will also be a great resource for recommending contractors and service professionals to maintain your splashy investment. Dive in and reach out today before the next heat wave hits!
Visit corcoranmce.com to search listings for sale in Washington, D.C., Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia.
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We’re All About Butter Yellow
What’s not to love about butter yellow? It’s safe to say that the cheery hue is this season’s “it color,” and we’re falling head over heels for all of the warm, sunny goodness that has made its way into the world of home decor. If you’re looking to embrace this trend—whether in small doses with accessories or by going all in with an area rug—keep reading. We’ve rounded up seven of our favorite butter yellow products on the market that you’ll want to scoop up ASAP.
Supersoft Gauze Organic Cotton Lemon Sorbet Standard Bed Pillow Sham
Add a buttery yellow touch to your bed with this pillow sham that will have you dreaming of sunny beaches and all things warm and bright. Made of a soft, gauzy material, it’s sure to lull you right to sleep.
Small Honeysuckle Candle, 5.8 oz.
Loewe knows a thing or two about how to make a top-quality candle. Treat yourself to this honeysuckle scent in a darling butter yellow vessel. It would make the perfect summertime treat for yourself (or your weekend host).
Butter yellow + ruffles = tons of on-trend goodness. Display this chic vase on your coffee table, nightstand, mantel, you name it. It’ll honestly look stunning anywhere and makes for an excellent gift for the person who has everything.
Kids Polly Modern Metal Table Lamp (13″)
This lamp is technically listed under West Elm’s kids section, but that doesn’t mean it wouldn’t shine in adult spaces, too. Place it on your desk for a sunny pick-me-up during the work day.
Solid Herringbone Throw Blanket
Snuggle up under this butter-yellow throw blanket as you curl up on the sofa and binge your favorite shows. It’s easy to machine wash in the event of any spills, which is always a bonus in our book!
Duci Striped Trinket Dish Yellow
Trinket dishes will always come in handy in any room of the home, whether you’re using one to corral everyday jewelry on the dresser, house loose change in the entryway, or even style one with a candle on top of it. This striped piece screams summertime.
Move over, boring beige rugs. This butter yellow beauty is just begging to bring some life into your living room (or bedroom, nursery, office, and so on!). Its playful pattern will surely put a smile on your face.
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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Designing For Keeps: Timeless Trends in Custom Home Building
This week we would like to share inspiration from our partners at The Scout Guide.
We tapped husband-and-wife team Kevin and Leigh Misso, owners of River Brook Design & Build, a renowned full-service architectural design and construction company in Birmingham, Alabama, to get the scoop on what’s trending in home design. From building from the ground up to adding on or renovating, the lauded firm has a keen eye for detail and a pulse on upcoming trends, making them a go-to for creating timeless dream homes.
Honest materials
Opt for classic, genuine materials like wood, stone, and copper to elevate your home’s exterior. Think cedar roofing, copper gutters, and limestone accents for a sophisticated and timeless facade.
Eat-in kitchens
The heart of the home is returning to its roots. Embrace a more traditional table experience in the kitchen, whether it’s a breakfast nook or a full-fledged table, to foster connection and togetherness.
Prep kitchens
Also known as working kitchens, these adjacent spaces dedicated to food prep and cleanup will keep the main kitchen tidy and guest-ready — a must for entertaining.
Multiple islands
Enhance the functionality and flow of your kitchen by separating the island into two distinct work areas with a pathway between.
Open concepts reimagined
The open concept gets a refresh. Create defined spaces for different activities — think interconnected spaces that offer both togetherness and separation.
Cozy reading nooks
Carve out peaceful escapes for relaxation and reflection with inviting reading nooks furnished with built-in benches and clever storage solutions.
Color drenching and wallpaper
Embrace bold colors and statement wallpapers. Painting walls, trim, and ceilings in the same hue, otherwise known as color drenching, creates a dramatic and immersive effect that actually tricks the eye into believing ceilings are higher.
Luxurious bathroom retreats
Elevate your bathroom with his-and-hers vanities, separate primary closets, and specialty cabinet inserts for hair styling tools.
Seamless indoor-outdoor living
Blur the lines between indoors and out with screened-in porches, patios, and outdoor kitchens that become extensions of the home.
Photography by Laurey Glenn; design & construction by River Brook. River Brook appears in The Scout Guide Birmingham. Discover more of River Brook’s portfolio, here.
Visit corcoranmce.com to search listings for sale in Washington, D.C., Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia.
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Patio Finds We’re Loving Under $500
If you haven’t yet gotten your patio ready for late spring and summer, now is the time to do so! There are many affordable and stylish pieces just waiting to shine in your space, whether you’re in the market for small furniture, decorative accessories, faux plants, or more. Below are eight of our favorite patio picks that will help you make the most of the season, and best of all, everything is under $500.
Pawn Accent Table, $319
Add a contemporary touch to your porch or patio with this chic accent table that is perfect for holding your snacks or cocktails as you soak up the fresh air. This piece is also stain-resistant, meaning it’s stylish yet not too fussy—outdoor furniture should never be super precious, after all!
Crawford Indoor/Outdoor Rug, $398 for a 5’ x 8’ rug
Infuse your outdoor space with some welcome color when you lay down this rug with a mosaic pattern that was inspired by Mediterranean villas. It comes in seven different sizes, so there’s really something for everyone, no matter how large or small your space. It can be used indoors, if you wish, too.
Woven Lamp Candle Holder, $79
This woven lamp candle holder couldn’t be more stunning and adds a fun decorative touch to any outdoor area while taking your space from day to night. Simply place a small votive candle inside and sit back and bask in the soft glow.
Sunbrella Outdoor Ruffle Pillow, starts at $92
Interior designers swear by Sunbrella fabric, so you know you’re in good hands when it comes to this striped pillow. Better yet, the scalloped edge couldn’t be cuter or more on trend.
3 Pieces Outdoor Wicker Patio Conversation Bistro, $144
This wicker set makes it easy to invite a friend over for a patio hang (without breaking the bank in the process of setting up your space!). The soft cushions will make you want to relax outside all day long, and the wicker material is way more design-forward than other styles.
California Bistro Table, $159
If you prefer a more traditional table height, this bistro table is a great pick that will bring a touch of Paris to your yard in no time. It comes in 7 color options. You’ll feel like you’re sitting at a downtown cafe—minus the crowds!
80-Qt Classic Outdoor Patio Cooler On Wheels, $201
A cooler like this one makes outdoor entertaining a breeze and even features a built-in bottle opener so that guests can easily help themselves to another beverage. The cooler comes in seven shades, ranging from neutral to colorful, and is an excellent Father’s Day gift idea, too (it ships in just a day!).
Artificial UV Resistant Palm Tree in Pot Set, $120
Whether you crave a touch of greenery or need to construct your own privacy screen of sorts, tall faux potted plants like these will get the job done. At $120 for a set of two, they’re much more affordable than the real thing and require zero maintenance.
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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Color Me Inspired, But Confused… Why Are There So Many Colors of the Year?
Whether you’re a trend setter, a traditionalist, or some combination of both, there’s a Color of the Year waiting for you.
If you’ve been house-hunting this spring, you’ve likely walked through a number of perfectly-staged listings designed to make you fall in love with the layout and start mentally placing your own furniture in the space. You may have noticed that the paint scheme was light, bright, and non-instrustive, a blank canvas on which to imagine your own decor taking shape. And while minimalism might help sell a property, it’s not always the favorite approach to making a home.
When the final closing docs have been signed and you’re prepping to move into your lovely new place, it’s the perfect time to line up painting pros and take the first steps toward putting your personality on full display. But where to start for inspiration?
Luckily, there is no shortage of color wheels to take for a spin, and every major paint company has their own version of “what’s in” for discerning decorators. Starting in December and rolling out into the New Year, trendsetters and marketers start promoting their version of “THE” color and related hues that they feel capture the vibe, attitude, and zeitgeist of the day.
While recent design trends have leaned toward “safe” neutrals with a pop of color here or there, the current mood of paint designers clearly seems to be … “moody.” Cool whites, blues, grays, and beiges are giving way to rich tones of brown, plum, deep greens, and burgundy which invite feelings of comfort, coziness, calm, and luxury.
Coastal Grandma, meet the Sumptuous Sophisticate.
Let’s take a look at what’s trending so far in 2025 and how they each came to be named “Color of the Year.”
Pantone is a name synonymous with color and since its founding in 1963 has touted itself as a “color communication system,” with their color-coding systems reigning as the standard across apparel, decor, and accessories. Pantone announced the first “Color of the Year” in 1999, anointing Cerulean as the color to watch. (Fans of The Devil Wears Prada know this color all too well.)
For 2025, Pantone dived deep into indulgence with Mocha Mousse, “a warming, brown hue imbued with richness. It nurtures … with its suggestion of the delectable qualities of chocolate and coffee, answering our desire for comfort.” From there, users are encouraged to explore five complementary palettes – ranging from “Relaxed Elegance” to “Floral Pathways” – for a balanced feeling throughout the home.
Mocha Mousse by Pantone (Photos courtesy of Pantone)
Given the influence that Pantone wields throughout the design world, it’s not surprising to see shades similar to Mocha Mousse also being showcased.
Instead of picking one color, Sherwin-Williams, the nation’s largest paint supplier, announced their first-ever “Color Capsule” with a whopping nine colors meant to work in harmony. Grounded, Sunbleached, Chartreuse, Bosc Pear, White Snow, Rain Cloud, Clove, Malabar, and Mauve Finery run the gamut from dark brown to bright white, giving the palette flexibility for any style of home.
“There was a vintage vibe that we kept leaning towards when we were looking at the palette,” Emily Katz shared on the Sherwin-Williams’ blog, Stir. “Nostalgia is having a big impact on design. People are craving those authentic pieces of the past in their homes, so this palette pulled influences from those iconic design styles.”
Grounded by Sherwin-Williams (Photo courtesy of Sherwin-Williams)
Not to be outdone in the curated mood department, Benjamin Moore’s Cinnamon Slate continues the trend of soft, deep coloring that blends a delicate mix of heather plum and velvety brown to provide “a smooth familiarity to any design.” Benjamin Moore’s experts said this “restorative color” was chosen out of a “need for balance and reassurance.”
“It reflects the sentiment that’s in the air and that yearning for comfort and having a color that’s really going to surround you in a beautiful way,” explained Andrea Magno, Director of Marketing and Design for Benjamin Moore.
Cinnamon Slate by Benjamin Moore (Photo courtesy of Benjamin Moore)
House Beautiful and Martha Stewart both offer a round-up of all the Colors of the Year, all showcasing similar slates of muted, earthy, and darkly rich tones. Meanwhile, our friends at The Scout Guide reached out to their favorite local designers to get their take on what they hope to see in their favorite places (note: it’s not as dark as the national picks.)
No matter your own personal style – whether it’s firmly set or still being discovered – there’s a perfect palette out there to help you put it on display. And if you don’t see what you like in 2025’s offerings, just wait for the next class of Colors of the Year!
Your Corcoran McEnearney agent can recommend the right design, decor, and home service professionals to help you get settled into your next abode. Reach out to your Trusted Advisor today to get started.
Karisue Wyson
Karisue Wyson is the Director of Education for Corcoran McEnearney and was previously a Top Producer Realtor® in the Alexandria Office.
Visit corcoranmce.com to search listings for sale in Washington, D.C., Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia.
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Finding Calm in Your Closet
Closets provide homeowners with the means to store clothes and other items out of the way so they don’t crowd the rest of the house. But some people can underestimate just how many possessions they have. As a result, closets tend to lack the room needed to house everything you want to tuck away. If your closet never seems to have enough space, you’re not alone. Experts at The Tailored Closet of Greater Washington, D.C. share top tips for finding calm rather than chaos in your closet.
Reduce Clutter
Closets are often loaded with clutter. Because they’re “out of sight” places, it can be easy to make a habit of tossing things into the closet and forgetting about them. A cluttered closet space is one of the biggest issues that make it seem like there isn’t enough space for your belongings.
To start setting up an organized closet, remove everything from the area. Doing so enables you to not gauge the closet’s actual dimensions, but it provides you with an easy way to access everything you plan to store. Then, sort your belongings into piles, getting rid of what you don’t want, don’t wear and don’t need.
Create an Inventory
When you’re done downsizing your closet items (donating or throwing away what you don’t need), sort what’s left into segments of closely related things. For example, you might want to note how many pairs of shoes you have, how many work uniforms you need to make a place for, or seasonal items you’ll want to store more efficiently.
After creating an inventory and categorizing everything you want to store in your closet, you’ll have a better idea of how much space you’ll each need.
Optimizing Your Space
When your closet is empty, it’ll be easier to plan out designated areas for all of your possessions. In addition, an empty closet simplifies the process of trying to determine the sizes of various organizational tools your closet space can reasonably accommodate.
For example, if you have extensive shelf space but very little space for hanging items, it’ll give you an idea of the type of additions you’ll need to install to optimize the space you have available.
Use Functional Organizational Accessories
Functional organizational accessories are a lifesaver in a closet! Using these options successfully is just a matter of deciding what you need and how you plan to accommodate that need. Using wall hangers and bins helps save space that shoes and bags would ordinarily take up. Plus, they’re easy to assemble and install.
Jennifer Zschunke
Jennifer ZschunkeJennifer Zschunke is Marketing Manager for The Tailored Closet and PremierGarage of Greater Washington, D.C., where our mission is to turn chaos into calm in our customers’ homes and garages, giving them time to live their best lives. With over 12 years in the remodeling industry in marketing and client experience, Jennifer manages digital media, print marketing, event management, and the client journey for the company.
Visit corcoranmce.com to search listings for sale in Washington, D.C., Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia.
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Staying Ahead of Home Tech Trends in 2025
Technology evolves at lightning speed, making it tough to keep up with the latest advancements. That’s why partnering with a professional integrator is crucial when choosing smart systems for your home. “At Daisy, we stay ahead of industry trends, so you don’t have to,” says Justin Tsuchida, owner of Daisy Northern Virginia. “What’s cutting-edge today might be outdated tomorrow, but we ensure the solutions we recommend are built to last.”
So, which technologies should you embrace in 2025? It depends on your lifestyle, budget, and evolving trends, but here are five innovations set to make a big impact:
1. Immersive Audio & Lighting
“As more families take their entertainment outdoors, seamless sound and lighting are becoming game changers,” says Tsuchida. Outdoor speakers and architectural lighting are now designed to blend into landscapes while delivering superior performance. Modern speakers offer crisp, high-quality sound without the need for bulky equipment, and smart outdoor lighting can sync with the natural rhythm of sunlight, motion sensors, and even your audio system to create an immersive atmosphere.
2. Health & Wellness Through Smart Tech
Bringing nature indoors is a growing priority for homeowners. “We’re seeing more clients embrace natural lighting solutions that enhance well-being,” Tsuchida explains. Motorized shades can be programmed to optimize sunlight exposure throughout the day, while human-centric lighting mimics the sun’s natural cycle-helping you wake up refreshed and wind down naturally in the evening. These small changes can make a big impact on health and overall quality of life.
3. AI-Enabled Smart Homes
AI is revolutionizing home automation. “We’ve moved beyond basic voice control-today’s AI-driven systems learn your habits and adapt automatically,” says Tsuchida. Instead of manually setting schedules for lighting and climate control, AI-powered automation fine-tunes your home environment based on your daily routines. AI is also enhancing home security, with smart surveillance systems that can differentiate between a family member, a delivery person, or a potential intruder-alerting you only when necessary.
4. Predictive Maintenance for a Hassle-Free Home
Just like your HVAC system needs regular maintenance, your home automation system benefits from proactive care. “The beauty of today’s technology is that many issues can be resolved remotely-often before the homeowner even notices a problem,” Tsuchida notes. With predictive maintenance, your system alerts our team to potential issues, ensuring everything runs smoothly with minimal disruption to your daily life.
5. High-Performance Wi-Fi for Seamless Connectivity
With more devices relying on internet connectivity, standard Wi-Fi networks are struggling to keep up. “Reliable, high-performance Wi-Fi is no longer a luxury-it’s a necessity,” Tsuchida says. Enterprise-grade systems deliver fast, consistent connectivity throughout your home, ensuring uninterrupted streaming, smooth video calls, and flawless operation of your smart devices.
6. Future-Proof Your Home with Daisy
Technology is constantly evolving, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. “At Daisy, we’re here to help you build a smarter, more connected home-whether that means upgrading your outdoor spaces, enhancing wellness, integrating AI, or ensuring your home is always online and running smoothly,” says Tsuchida.
Ready to embrace the future of home technology? Reach out to Daisy today and let’s create a home that’s as intelligent as it is comfortable.
Justin Tsuchida
Owner, Daisy Northern Virginia
O. (703) 239-1500
Email Me
Visit corcoranmce.com to search listings for sale in Washington, D.C., Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia.
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