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Easy Yard Upgrades to Tackle Before Spring Arrives
We’ve made it through the bulk of winter and spring is right around the corner-officially arriving on Thursday, March 20, to be exact! To prep your yard for the warmer months ahead, there are a few tasks that you can begin now, according to area landscaping pros. Below, two local experts share tips on what exactly to tackle so that you can enjoy your yard to the fullest once sunnier days are here.
Photo courtesy of Richardson & Associates Landscape Architecture
Make a Plan: Use the month of March to plan out what you’d like to incorporate in your garden, suggests Jordan Clough, associate principal at Richardson & Associates Landscape Architecture in Washington, D.C. “All of the nurseries are releasing their catalogs for the coming season, with many new cultivars coming onto the market,” he says. “Your garden is usually clear and open this time of year, giving you a good sense of the space you have to work with.” Be Ready to Plant: You’ll want to be able to hit the ground gardening when the time comes. Clough says, “If there are any patios, paths, terraces, or walls that need completion, it’s nice to get that done in time for spring planting season.”
Grab Some Mulch: Did you know that Arlington County, Fairfax County, and the City of Alexandria offer free mulch pickup for residents? “They’ll even deliver for a fee,” shares Deborah Sauri, co-founder of TriVistaUSA Design + Build in Arlington. “Mulch controls weeds, improves the soil for all your new Spring plantings, and looks great,” she explains.
Photo courtesy of TriVistaUSA Design + Build
Clean the Gutters: Go on up and tackle the gutters when you have a free weekend afternoon. “It’ll help prevent clogs before all our spring rain,” Sauri says. “In this area, we usually see our first mosquitoes in April, so keeping them clean will control infestations as well as rodents or mold.”
Prune Your Fruit Trees: It’s a great time to grab those shears. “Trees like Peach, Apple, Pear, and edible Cherry all benefit from a late winter/early spring pruning to open up the canopy to allow for better fruit production by increasing airflow and sunlight to the middle of the tree,” Clough says, noting that the goal is to create a bowl shape when you’re pruning. Looking to expand your selection? “This is also the time of year to plant any new fruiting trees, before they leaf out,” Clough says.
Take Charge of Removal: Use this time to say goodbye to invasive species and undesirable plantings, Clough says. “If there are invasive vines and shrubs, or other woody material that needs to be removed, removing them while they are dry and brittle in cool weather is far easier than trying to remove them in the mid-summer heat and humidity when they have all the weight of water and foliage,” he explains.
Add Solar Lighting: Upgrade your backyard with some inexpensive solar lighting, which Sauri has been enjoying herself. “I recently ordered some solar-powered lighting to line our driveway and illuminate our trees and bushes that will be blooming this spring,” she 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
Visit corcoranmce.com to search listings for sale in Washington, D.C., Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia.
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Winter Hosting Tips to Make The Season More Festive
The holidays are over, but the temps are unpleasant, to say the least, and outdoor entertaining most likely won’t be a viable option for another couple of months. But how can you make your indoor gatherings feel festive and enjoyable during this dreary winter period? As it turns out, there are plenty of fun routes to take! We spoke with TK DMV area designers and creators to gather ideas for how to expertly host friends and family indoors while still keeping the vibes full of cheer.
Making the Evening Special
While you never need a reason to celebrate, a theme can help put guests in the mood (and help them determine what to wear!). Whether you’re looking to host a fancy night in or chill by the TV, you can’t go wrong with any of the ideas below.
Host a Formal Sunday Dinner, Just Because
Who needs an excuse to bust out the good china?
“While I enjoy easy-breezy outdoor entertaining in the summer, I admittedly love the excuse to pull out fancy dishes and host a more formal party in the colder months. I know some people save their china for the holidays, but I think it’s hard to beat a formal Sunday dinner in February with friends and their families. One of my favorite shortcuts for hosting is to buy premade pies and place pieces in fancy stemware—think dishes, teacups, or crystal glasses. I top the pie with a decorative cookie, piece of fruit, or sprig of mint, and it looks more like a layered trifle than a premade pie.” — Jewel Marlowe, Jeweled Interiors
Sing Karaoke
It’s not just for kids!
“It doesn’t matter what age your guests are, everyone loves a little karaoke, especially when you get to pick the songs. It’s such a great way to spend time with your friends, and I’m pretty sure you’ll make a few memories, too.” — Sara Raak, SKG Designs
Bust out the Fondue Set
It’s the perfect blast from the past.
“I love hosting cozy fondue parties with vintage fondue sets. I use the fondue set my mother had and it still works to this day. Warm cheese and chocolate are perfect for this time of year.” — Valerie Darden, Brexton Cole Interiors
Don’t Forget Something Sweet
Who can resist hot chocolate?
“For a more intimate party, hosting a movie marathon with a hot chocolate bar is a great idea. It’s fun to pick out winter-themed mugs and have a variety of hot chocolate fixings such as marshmallows, whipped cream, and sugar toppings. Adding in cute textures like blankets and pillows are a fun addition to this.” — Valerie Darden
Perfecting the Atmosphere
Once you’ve landed on a theme or activity, you’ll want to be sure to set the right vibes! Scent, lighting, and more will all help you take your gathering to the next level.
Be Mindful About Lighting
There’s simply no need for the “big light.”
“Lighting is so important when you’re hosting an event. I never use my big light, instead opting for several lamps, candles, and even ambient light from a TV or fun pendants in order to set the move.” — Imani Keal, Imani at Home
“All of my holiday decor heads back to storage after the new year, with the exception of our faux candles in the windows. I have them scheduled to flip on automatically during the darkest days of winter all the way through March. I pull out our vintage brass candlesticks and arrange them in every corner of the house — bonus points for adding a ribbon to the candlesticks to coordinate with the event. I like to use slightly unexpected lighting, like lighting a fire, a candle warmer, a reading light, or fairy lights twisted around serving platters, rather than the dreaded overhead lights. Hosting in the winter comes down to your guests feeling comfortable and cozy, and lighting helps me execute that.” — Amanda Witt Westly
Offer a Signature Cocktail or Mocktail
Specialty cocktails aren’t just for the holidays or wedding season.
“It’s always nice to create a beautiful cocktail moment so that guests can serve themselves—bonus hosting points for having their drink of choice ready to pour!” — Sallie Lord, GreyHunt Interiors
Style Your Tabletop to a T
Get creative with materials you already own.
“One way to take your indoor entertaining to the next level is to use winter fabrics in your decor or tablescape. For example, replace your linen tablecloth with a velvet tablecloth. A budget-friendly option is to add velvet placemats or napkins, or even suede. Playing around with more wintery fabrics is a way to level up your entertaining experience.” — Rashida Banks
Set the Mood with Scent
Consider this an excuse to buy a new candle.
“Adding a winter fragrance to your space is also a way to enhance the indoor entertaining experience. There are certain scents that give a cozy feel in the cold months, like cedarwood, sandalwood, vanilla, caramel, and amber. Having a fragrance with these types of notes in them feels like a nice warm hug to your senses so lookout for candles and diffusers with these aromas in mind.” — Rashida Banks
Ensure Guests Aren’t Too Cold (or Hot!)
Baby, it’s warm inside.
“Because I’m usually hosting in a small space, I really have to think about the temperature. Sure, it’s cold outside, but once you get five to 10 people inside of a small apartment, it will quickly become super hot inside! To get around this, I keep an eye on the thermostat throughout the night, adjusting it as more people arrive. I also make sure to stop using the stove a few hours before people arrive, so my gas range does not contribute to the rising temps. Opening up the windows to let in fresh air is always a good idea—it’ll keep the air from becoming stale with a consistent breeze.” — Imani Keal
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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30 Minute Organizing Tasks to Take on This Month
January means it’s time to get organized! Daunted by the idea of addressing your entire home in an entire day? There’s no need to do so—instead, break down your tasks into chunks so that everything feels much more manageable. In fact, you’d be surprised at how much you can tackle in just 30 minutes! Pick one of these half-hour tasks from DMV area pro organizers to do every day this week and watch the state of your home transform right before your eyes.
Refresh Your Bathroom Countertop
You utilize your bathroom countertop every day, multiple times a day, but when was the last time you really gave it an overhaul? Eryn Donaldson, the founder of The Model Home, recommends taking 30 minutes to edit your setup to get rid of unused products, expired items, and clutter. First, remove everything from your countertop and then toss the things you never reach for or are in poor condition. “Wipe down the surface and return only the essentials, perhaps grouping them in a small tray or organizer,” Donaldson instructs. “This small change can make your mornings feel more serene and streamlined.”
Sort Through Paperwork
Make this the year that you stop letting paperwork accumulate in your home. “Grab one stack of papers—whether it’s mail, bills, or miscellaneous documents—and dedicate 30 minutes to sorting, shredding, or filing,” Donaldson suggests. “Reducing paper clutter not only frees up space but also ensures you don’t miss important documents, giving you peace of mind as you start the new year.” Be sure to then pick up some file folders where you can safely keep the documents you do need.
Photo courtesy of Professional Organizer Lisa Malone
Address a Small Section of the Closet
You’ll likely need more than 30 minutes to organize your entire closet, but you can definitely address a small section of it in this amount of time—maybe your blazers or button-downs. “As you go through your items, sort them into four categories: keep, donate, relocate, and discard,” says Lisa Malone. She notes that most people only wear about 20 percent of their clothes. “Often, those favorite pieces are in the laundry or sitting on a chair because our closet is cluttered with things we don’t wear or that don’t belong there,” she says.
Deal with the Junk Drawer
Let’s face it, everyone has a junk drawer! If yours is looking a little chaotic, follow Rachel Rosenthal’s advice and spend 30 minutes dealing with it. “Start by emptying the drawer, tossing trash, and grouping similar items together, like pens, batteries, or takeout menus,” says the founder of Rachel & Company. Once you have done this, take measurements of the drawer. If you have small containers or dividers on hand, add them inside, otherwise, you can order a few. In the meantime, it’s fine to store items by category in Ziploc bags, notes Cheryl Larson, the founder of Cheryl’s Organizing Concepts.
“This project is valuable because it transforms a chaotic space into one that works for you, making it easier to find what you need and reducing daily frustration,” Rosenthal says.
Keep in mind that not everything that was originally in your junk drawer needs to stay in there. “Decide what items are better somewhere else,” Larson says. “Batteries, markers, and notepads are nice to have at hand, personal items might be better in your bathroom or purse, and office supplies can go in your desk.”
Go Through the Pantry
When was the last time you sorted through all of your canned and dried goods? “It’s important we start the year off right, starting with getting rid of expired food,” says Lavender Menakaya, the founder of Lavender Organizes. She offers a tip for making this process less overwhelming. “Instead of pulling everything out, concentrate on one or two categories of food like canned goods or spices,” the organizer says. “Simply throw out or donate the expired food and put back the non-expired food,” she adds, noting that the following week, you can move on to the next category of food.
Sort Through Your Car
One final 30-minute organizing project you can tackle this month is organizing the storage compartments in your car. Caroline Dockery, the founder of Categorically Caroline, recommends going through the glove box, arm console, back seat pockets, and more. “Discard trash, consolidate important items into an easy-to-reach bag or bin, replace cleaning or personal hygiene items, and double check car maintenance things like emergency kits, tire pressure gauges and the like,” she says. “It’s also a great time to verify when your car registration will be due this year!”
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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Renovation 101: How To Create A Spa-Like Bathroom Sanctuary
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.
1. Seek inspiration
As with any design project, designing a beautiful spa-like bathroom begins with gathering inspiration. Murphy encourages clients to peruse images, focusing on materials and color palettes that evoke the vibe they’re hoping to achieve, paying attention to the way the images make them feel. If the image elicits a feeling of zen, you’ve hit on the right inspiration for your space. She recommends clients seek out imagery with lush greenery, soothing colors, and natural materials.
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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Hostess Gifts with a Local Spin
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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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Essential Items to Include in Your Guest Room
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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Curtain Calls: The Five Best Window Treatment Trends for 2025
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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Designer Tips for Decorating a Front Porch for Fall
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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Plant Bulbs Now for Spring Blooms
This week’s blog post is provided by Artscapes Living.
Planting a garden that blooms throughout the year takes a little planning, so here’s a little tip for spring blooms: you need to plant bulbs NOW.
One of the most popular and beloved choices for spring gardens is the tulip.
Tulips: A Classic Choice
Tulips are a popular bulb for yards because of their brilliant colors and early blooms.
With their wide range of colors, from soft pastels to bold jewel tones, tulips can be easily incorporated into any garden design.
Beyond their aesthetic appeal, tulips are relatively easy to grow. They thrive in well-drained soil and require minimal maintenance once planted. To ensure they thrive, it’s essential to plant them before the first frost.
Beyond Tulips: A Variety of Options
While tulips are a popular choice, there are countless other bulbs to consider for your spring garden. Explore the beauty of crocus, snowdrops, scilla, and winter aconite for an early spring burst of color. These petite blooms can add a touch of whimsy to your landscape, even emerging from the snow in some regions.
For a mid-spring spectacle, consider planting hyacinths, daffodils, and muscari. Hyacinths offer fragrant blooms in a variety of colors, while daffodils are known for their cheerful yellow flowers and ability to naturalize easily. Muscari, with its grape-like clusters of blue or purple flowers, adds a unique and charming touch to any garden.
And for a late spring spectacle, consider planting alliums, fritillaria, irises, or triteleia. Alliums boast large, globe-shaped flowers in various colors, while fritillaria feature unique, nodding blooms with checkered patterns. Irises, with their elegant flowers and sword-like leaves, add a touch of sophistication to any garden. Triteleia, with its clusters of small, star-shaped flowers, offers a delicate and charming display.
Planning for Summer Blooms
Looking to extend your garden’s beauty into summer? Consider planting annuals like cosmos, zinnias, sunflowers, marigolds, petunias, nasturtiums, morning glories, or ageratum. These vibrant flowers will add color, attract pollinators, and create a stunning summer landscape.
Remember to select bulbs that thrive in your local climate and soil conditions to ensure a successful spring and summer garden.
Now that you have a head start on your bulb planting, are you ready to take your garden to the next level? Contact me today to schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation. We’ll discuss your vision and create a personalized plan to transform your outdoor space into a blooming paradise.
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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3 Area Designers Share The Most Common Kitchen Requests They Receive
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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