This week we would like to share the perfect items to enhance your houseguests’ stay, from our partners at The Scout Guide.

It’s the season of out-of-town visitors. Whether you’re hosting an out-of-town uncle, your long-lost college roommate, or your very particular mother-in-law, creating a warm and inviting environment for your guests is paramount. We’ve scouted boutiques nationwide that provide a selection of thoughtful touches—from luxurious bath products to cozy throws—designed to make any weary traveler feel right at home and more than a little pampered. To find a scouted boutique near you, browse The Scout Guide Directory.

The Floral Society Ceramic Flower Frog Bowl

Available for purchase online from Crème de la Crème in Middleburg & Richmond, Virginia, and Frederick, Maryland.

Hand & Body Lotion

Available for purchase online from La Bella Maison in Alpharetta, Georgia.

Herringbone Throw

Available for purchase online from Design Images & Gifts in Augusta, Georgia.

El Sol & La Luna Matches

Available from A Custom House in Austin, Texas. Call to purchase: 512.645.0111

Hydra Bloom Beauty Bath & Body Oil

Available for purchase online from Jade in Metairie, Louisiana.

Carmels Et Chocolats

Available for purchase online from Gifting by Thread in Columbus, Ohio.

Lotte Thank You Card

Available for purchase online from The Keeping Room in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Peonia in Fiore Diffuser

Available for purchase online from Vaudeville in Fredericksburg, Texas.

Egoist Bath Robe

Available for purchase online from Sotre in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Liquid Marseille Soap

Available for purchase online from Bella Vita in Nashville & Memphis, Tennessee.

Elizabeth W Lavender Sachet

Available for purchase online from Maison Blue in Eagle, Idaho.

Clear Glass Carafe

Available for purchase online from The Nue Look At Home in Zelienople, Pennsylvania.

The Life & Love of the Sea by Lewis Blackwell

Available for purchase online from Tide & Table in Tequesta, Florida.

French Tulip Pagoda

Available for purchase online from Joyeux Home Decor in San Antonio, Texas.

Barefoot Dreams Cozychic Socks

Available for purchase online from Hot Pink Gifts in Brentwood, Tennessee.

Lavender Eye Pillow

Available for purchase online from Sophie’s Shoppe in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Beauty Sleep Hydrogel Mask

Available for purchase online from Frank in Winter Park, Florida.

Bon Bon Soap

Available for purchase online from The Picket Fence in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Vitamin C Face Mask

Available for purchase online from Lily & Sparrow in Carmel, Indiana.

Quilted Silk Satin Slippers

Available for purchase online from Maisonette in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Return to Pretty by Caitlin Wilson

Available for purchase online from Roanoke Trading Company in Roanoke, Texas.

Glass House Fragrances

Available for purchase online from One of a Find in Charleston, South Carolina.

Lavender/Orange Fizz Bath Set

Available for purchase online from Plenty Mercantile in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

Waffle Hand Towel

Available for purchase online from Urbana in Phoenix, Arizona.

Winter White Hand Cream Trio

Available for purchase online from Leyla in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Satin Pillowcase

Available for purchase online from Tangerine Cards & Gifts in Fishers and Carmel, Indiana.

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This week we would like to share trending natural paint colors from our partners at The Scout Guide.

Anyone who has tackled the feat of choosing interior paint colors knows how nuanced the decision can be. And when it comes to neutrals, choosing the perfect shade of white or subtle tint of gray, is anything but simple. Whether your definition of neutral is a bold black or a crisp white, we asked Scouted interior experts to weigh in on their top paint picks. Let the home refresh begin!

Benjamin Moore White Dove. Interior painting by Atlas Painting Contractors LLC. Photography courtesy of Atlas Painting Contractors LLC.

Rob Colardi, owner and operator of Atlas Painters and Contractors in Montclair, New Jersey

Classic Gray by Benjamin Moore. “Classic gray gives you the best of both worlds with a mix of gray and beige undertones. This timeless color works with traditional and contemporary design. I love using it with a matte on walls because it hides any imperfections and imparts a clean look.”

Alabaster by Sherwin Williams. “This neutral has a very slight cream undertone, making a versatile shade that works in almost any room. It’s especially great in spaces with art and statement furniture because it acts as a backdrop, allowing the pieces to pop and tell their story.”

Vintage Pewter by Benjamin Moore. “Neutral does not have to be white. This bold shade reads as a mid-toned gray. This color works well with a modern farmhouse vibe.”

Simply White by Benjamin Moore. “This is my go-to color for trim, kitchen cabinets, built-ins, crown molding, coffered ceilings—pretty much anything. It’s clean, crisp and gives a silky, not stark white, look that’s warm and soothing. It’s fantastic in a satin finish which complements and gives a nice contrast to matte finish walls.”

Atlas Painters and Contractors appears in The Scout Guide Bergen County.

Farrow & Ball Railings. Interior design by Tara Felice. Photography by Sélvaie Photography.

Tara Engelberg, owner and creative director of Tara Felice Interiors in Memphis, Tennessee

Railings by Farrow & Ball. “Softer than black, this rich deep navy blue stands out in any environment. Depending on the light in the room, it can read black, but with enough natural light, the blue undertones really come through. This paint works in a powder room, sunroom, dining room, family room, and bedroom. Pair with a crisp white trim such as Snowfall White by Benjamin Moore.”

Classic Gray by Benjamin Moore. “In a room with tons of natural light, Classic Gray can read white, but in a space with less natural light, the warmer beige-y undertones come through. Pairing it with a crisp white allows you to really see the contrast and the wall color suddenly seems less white. You can use this for the trim and wall color to make a room feel more spacious. I wouldn’t hesitate to use it all over the house. It feels crisp and warm at the same time.”

36 Hours in Marrakesh by Backdrop. “This is a soft, warm pink/terracotta color that goes with any style, both modern and traditional and is perfect for a modern living room, bedroom, or dining room. Backdrop’s standard finish has slightly more sheen to it than most eggshell finishes. This color is also great for smaller spaces to help reflect light around the room. For trim use a crisp white, like Snowfall White or Pure White by Benjamin Moore, to keep the color from feeling too muddy.”

Tara Felice Interiors appears in The Scout Guide Memphis.

Dunn Edwards Whisper. Interior design by Kelly Nutt. Photography courtesy of Kelly Nutt.

Kelly Nutt, owner and designer of Kelly Nutt Design in Corona Del Mar, California

Whisper by Dunn Edwards. “Whisper is a bright, warm white that looks great on millwork and cabinetry in a satin finish. When using it on any drywall, I use it in a flat finish.”

Strong White by Farrow & Ball. “This contemporary neutral has light gray undertones that’s become my go-to when you don’t want a stark white. I always opt for a matte finish for interior walls.”

Simply White by Benjamin Moore. “This classic white has a hint of warmth but is a crisp white favorite of ours. It’s an excellent choice if you’re wanting your walls, ceilings, and trim to be all the same color.”

Kelly Nutt Design appears in The Scout Guide Newport Beach.

Sherwin Williams Exclusive Plum. Interior design by Janna S. Collins of Matheny Goldmon Architecture + Interiors. Photography by Evin Photography.

Janna Collins, principal and interior designer at Matheny Goldmon Architecture + Interiors in Huntsville, Alabama

Exclusive Plum by Sherwin Williams. “We love plum shades and think we’ll see this color popping up in bedding and floor coverings. It’s a romantic color that would be a calming addition to a bedroom. Color complements include Sands of Time and Crushed Ice, both by Sherwin Williams.”

Grizzle Gray by Sherwin Williams. “I love a neutral slate hue, and used this as inspiration for a recent butler’s pantry. It’s brooding, dramatic, and perfect in a smaller space to create a big impact. The color complement is Oyster White by Sherwin Williams.”

Utaupeia by Sherwin Williams. “This classic tan feels rich and warm and looks beautiful on just about anything, but walls and built-ins are especially nice. The color complement is Wheat Penny by Sherwin Williams.”

Matheny Goldmon Architecture + Interiors appears in The Scout Guide Huntsville.

Benjamin Moore Decorator’s White. Interior design by Ruggles Mabe Studio. Photography by Emily Minton Redfield.

Emily Lindemann, director of interior design at Ruggles Mabe Studio in Denver, Colorado

Decorator’s White by Benjamin Moore. “This is bright white that has a slightly cooler undertone for those who like to lean away from warm tones. This color never reads yellow, even in different light, and  it does a great job of picking up colors around it, which is important to consider based on the furnishings in a room. With all of these colors, for a more updated look, I like to match the wall and the trim color for an understated and textural feel. ”

Alabaster by Benjamin Moore. “This color is a bright, fresh white that serves as the perfect canvas for a serene space. It has a slightly gray undertone that softens it from being stark. For walls, I always prefer a flat sheen because it creates a subtle texture that’s more organic.”

Cloud White by Benjamin Moore. “A true classic white, Cloud White is bright with slightly warmer undertones, which works well with a variety of design aesthetics. When it comes to trim, I usually opt for a satin sheen. It adds enough reflectivity to differentiate the trim from the walls, but doesn’t feel too shiny.”

Ruggles Mabe Studio appears in The Scout Guide Denver.

Farrow & Ball Pitch Black. Interior design by Charlotte Lucas Interior Design. Photography by Jeff Herr.

Britt Pillion, senior designer at Charlotte Lucas Interior Design in Charlotte, North Carolina

Pitch Black by Farrow & Ball. “A wonderful rich black that we regularly use for cabinets and trim, it’s the opposite of boring and truly a timeless color. In a semi-gloss or high gloss finish, it can be a perfect trim color to complement and ground a colorful wallpaper.”

Great White by Farrow & Ball. “At first glance this color looks like a soft white but on walls it has very subtle lilac undertones, it’s one of those chameleon colors that looks a little different throughout the day.”

Egret White by Sherwin Williams. “Often classified as an off-white, this is a perfect light taupe gray with warm undertones. It would pair well with a soft warm white trim color like Alabaster by Sherwin Williams for subtle contrast but can also stand on its own with a glossier finish on the walls, trim, and ceiling.”

Charlotte Lucas Interior Design appears in The Scout Guide Charlotte.

Farrow & Ball Cornforth White. Interior design by Hattie Sparks Interiors. Photography by Alison Gootee.

Hattie Sparks, owner and lead creative of Hattie Sparks Interiors in New Orleans, Louisiana

Pashmina by Benjamin Moore. “This is a soothing, mushroomy taupe that looks great on cabinets or in a bedroom. For trim, Pashmina pairs well with Ballet White by Benjamin Moore.”

Cornforth White by Farrow & Ball. “I love the subtleness of this gray. It’s not too cool or too warm, making it the perfect choice for larger rooms like a living or great room. Strong White by Farrow & Ball is a nice complement and looks great on trims.”

Skimming Stone by Farrow & Ball. “This stony off-white looks clean and contemporary. I’d recommend using it in a bathroom or kitchen. Skimming Stone’s complementary colors and/or best trim is Wimborne White by Farrow & Ball.”

Hattie Sparks Interiors appears in The Scout Guide New Orleans.

For More Events or Information About the National Cherry Blossom Festival, Click HERE!

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Unseasonably warm weather means many of us are spending more time outside (yay!) and, possibly, planning get-togethers and holidays for the Spring and Summer.

As a host, you want a functional and inviting outdoor space to entertain your guests of all ages, with places to sit and congregate and cook and eat and play.

When designing for clients, we start with these desires. We want to know how we can create joy in your outdoor spaces. From there, I design and we build outdoor rooms that are functional and that flow together into one cohesive yard.

Are you getting the most out of your outdoor space right now? If not, these prompts can help you craft a plan to upgrade your yard this year.

1. How do I want to use this space?
2. What do I need to add to make that possible? Think of equipment, furniture, lights, cooking or heating elements, electronics, grass, wildlife feeders, etc.
3. Where in my space can I build each room/element to accommodate those needs?
4. How will I connect all of the different spaces? In other words, what design elements will I have throughout the space (such as brick around garden beds or grey stone walkways).
5. What safety measures, permits, etc. do I need to consider?
6. When do I need this done?

From there you prioritize your “wants,” list out the materials and equipment you need, schedule your phases, then get started!

I realize not everyone has as much fun doing this work as I do, so if you’d like to outsource the planning, designing, and installing give me a call.

Last year, I had so much fun reimagining and redesigning this backyard and front yard. They had the square footage – our task was optimizing it so they could entertain with ease…and with joy. Learn more about that project on my website!

I hope these ideas inspire you to refresh your outdoor spaces, no matter your budget! Have a happy New Year.

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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Valentine’s Day may have come and gone but keeping your heart a’flutter with a healthy home is something we can love at any time of year.

 We all know what contributes to a healthy lifestyle – eating a balanced diet, getting enough sleep, regular exercise, eliminating or reducing alcohol and tobacco. What we may need a brush-up on are the ways we can help ourselves by keeping our home on the wellness track too. A Healthy Home definitely equals a Healthier You in ways you might not have expected.

 As we head into the “Spring Cleaning Season” it’s the perfect time to make sure your healthy choices are paying off in your home as well. Keeping up with these few routine tasks will go a long way in protecting both your home and your health.

 The Kitchen – This area is often called “The Heart of the Home” so it’s a great place to start your Home Health Assessment.

• Ensure all appliances are safely installed and that there are no leaks or faulty gas, water or electrical hook-ups.
• Gas appliances have been in the news over reports that dangerous chemicals and emissions – specifically methane and nitrogen dioxide, a pollutant linked to childhood asthma and other respiratory problems – are affecting consumers inside their homes. If you use a gas stove ensure you have proper ventilation either with nearby windows or an effective vent hood.
• Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are gas emissions from products like cleaning supplies, paint, furnishings and carpets and long-term exposure can cause respiratory and other health issues. If you can’t avoid purchasing items with harmful chemicals or ingredients, reduce your risk by purchasing items with the smallest packaging available to reduce leftover supplies that can accumulate fumes.
• Water and overcleaning can corrode gas lines so ensure connections are clear and call in utility experts to check if you suspect leaks. Washington Gas Emergency number is 800-752-7520 and homeowners can call 811/Miss Utility if they need to do any work around known or suspected utility lines.
• Keep those dishtowels and sponges clean! These – and your sink drain – are probably the items that get the most cross-contamination in the home and scientists have found 360+ species of bacteria that can survive in a kitchen sponge.

 The Living Spaces – These are the places where we gather with our families, our friends, our pets… and all that they bring with them! A few places to keep at the top of your checklist for routine maintenance.

• Filters, filters, filters. Keep the air you breathe in your home free of pollutants, pet dander and allergens by changing your HVAC filters at least once a season and invest in additional filters to combat other irritants and limit spread of germs and viruses.
• Carbon Monoxide can be emitted from gas appliances like stoves and water heaters and accumulation of the gas indoors can be deadly to humans and animals. It is colorless and odorless and can incapacitate residents before they realize they’ve been affected. Carbon Monoxide detectors cost about $20-$30 each, are recommended on each floor of a house including the basement and garage, and should be within 10 feet of any bedroom.
• Keep indoor humidity levels between 30-50%, the range that the EPA considers best. Humidity levels that are too low can cause breathing and sinus issues and dry skin, while high humidity can concentrate allergens and exacerbate mold and mildew growth and lead to respiratory issues. Abnormal humidity can also stress furniture, building materials and structural supports, especially those made of wood.
• Warning: this report on what’s lurking in your old mattress might cause nightmares. Save yourself sleepless nights and make sure you’re using proper mattress hygiene.  
• Lead-based paint was a common feature of homes built prior to 1978 and it’s not uncommon to find remnants of this paint in windowsills and doorways in older homes. If ingested it can cause a multitude of health problems, especially for children, so it’s important to ensure safe encapsulation (such as by painting over it) or proper removal from the home. This Old House has a quick tutorial on the process with one of their experts.
• Bring in greenery like plants or window gardens for up-close-and-personal air scrubbing.

 The Bathroom – A lot can happen in a little space, especially one that gets so much use.

• Bathrooms are humidity havens which means keeping mold, mildew and biofilm at bay with proper ventilation and regular cleaning.
• Clean your showerhead regularly. The Water Quality and Health Council reports that one of the most commonly found bacteria in U.S showerheads are called nontuberculosis mycobacteria or NTM. They are naturally occurring and can be found in soil, dust, and water, including lakes and streams and they also excel at growing in household plumbing.”

 The Basement – The lower level of your home accumulates a lot more than storage items and may need a bit more attention and investigation to things unseen.

• Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas found in the soil and is the number one cause of lung cancer among non-smokers, according to EPA estimates. Overall, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer and the gas makes its way into homes through porous foundations, walls, pipes and well water. It is found in our DC-Metro region and it’s not uncommon to see radon abatement equipment on the side of local homes. Free or discounted radon testing kits can be found through state resources and can also be purchased at home improvement stores.
• Washing machines and dryers do the hard work of keeping our clothes & bedding clean so it’s important to sanitize them properly. Newer machines are more energy-efficient with cold water but it also means bacteria and germs aren’t as easily killed and can become trapped in rubber seals and washing drums. Regular cleaning with a water-bleach solution is imperative to clear out the washer, and for dryers it means keeping vents cleaned out after each use to reduce accumulating allergens.

 The Garage or Storage Shed – If you’re lucky enough to have this bit of extra space, use it wisely.

• Install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
• Remove unused paint, chemicals and flammables or store them in a well-ventilated and secure area.
• Keep floors and passageways clear to avoid accidents.
• Watch for overloaded extension cords or electrical sockets.

 In our post-pandemic world we’ve gotten very good at making healthy choices while we’re out in public. Bringing that same care and caution into our homes can ensure those healthy habits will keep us safe and strong for years to come. 

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

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This week we would like to share some design inspiration from our partners at The Scout Guide.

Whether you’re embarking on a remodel or seeking an interior refresh, the lighting in your home is not to be overlooked. The world of lighting can be complicated to navigate, from sconces and chandeliers to kelvins versus lumens, and calling on a professional can make a big difference in how you experience your space. Read on for advice from our scouted experts and prepare to see your home in a whole new light.

Interior design by A Custom House. Photography by Claire Crenshaw.

Make a statement.

Gone are the days of nondescript accent lighting. All of our experts reported that this is the year for lighting that makes a statement. Emily Mason, designer of contract sales and marketing at Krell Lighting in Park Ridge, New Jersey, urges clients to embrace oversized fixtures. “An oversized lamp or chandelier enhances the look of a space, adding a halo of drama and luxury,” she explains. “Nothing detracts more from a room than a light fixture that feels too small.”

Spotlight the heart of your home.

If the kitchen is a key gathering space, lighting it should be of the utmost importance. Kristie Spino, owner of Christie’s Lighting in Fletcher, North Carolina, explains that successful kitchen lighting should come from multiple sources. “I always recommend under cabinet task lighting, overhead lighting such as pendants, as well as recessed ceiling lights,” she says. Good kitchen lighting is essential; whether you’re crafting an eight-course meal or making sure not to burn leftovers on the stove.

Be adventurous with your living space. 

The living room is the perfect place to experiment when it comes to lighting. “Lots of chic, indirect fixtures are being used to provide extra illumination in common rooms, like a gallery light over a piece of art,” Andy Cardwell, showroom manager at A Custom House in Austin, Texas, explains. “We’re also loving a printed and pleated lamp shade to make a lamp feel more custom.”

Interior design by Anne Buresh. Photography by Tuck Fauntleroy.

Illuminating the loo. The bathroom is often thought of as a space of pure utility. And while being able to see well enough to put in your contacts is essential, there’s no need to skip out on aesthetics. Anne Buresh, owner of Anne Buresh Interior Design in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, and Charlotte, North Carolina, is partial to hand blown glass chandeliers in bathrooms and powder rooms to provide visual impact.

Smaller spaces matter, too. 

Providing proper lighting in small spaces—think closets, attics, crawl spaces, laundry rooms, and mechanical rooms— can be an afterthought. For some of these trickier spaces, Mason recommends mounting a light fixture on the header over the door and either using a motion sensor or a jamb switch so the light comes on upon opening. “Be sure to provide a high level of illumination in areas with home appliances, like the laundry room and any mechanical rooms,” she urges. “This is especially important if someone needs to come in to service equipment.”

Interior design by Anne Buresh. Photography by Michael Blevins, MB Productions of NC.

Dial up the dining ambiance. 

When planning the lighting for your dining room, channel your favorite restaurant dining experiences where you’ll find multiple light levels—a chandelier, sconces, and flickering candles on the table. To replicate the look in your home, Buresh notes that dimmers are essential to create ambiance and instant mood for a space. Add them to every light source in the room, from statement chandeliers to buffet lamps. “Everyone always looks better in low light because it imparts such a beautiful glow,” she explains. Added bonus:  subdued lighting sets the perfect mood for a lovely and memorable meal.

Incorporate layers of light. 

According to Mason, it’s important to incorporate multiple sources of light in each room—not just the dining room—to create visual interest and ambience. “You should always include accent lighting, task lighting, as well as general illumination,” she explains. Additionally, like almost all of our experts, Mason touts the usefulness of the almighty dimmer switch. “A dimmer is the key to setting the tone in your space, and allowing you the flexibility to change that tone based on what activity you are currently using that area for.”

TSG Tip 449 from Emily Mason, designer contract sales and marketing at Krell Lighting in Park Ridge, New Jersey; Kristie Spino, owner of Christie’s Lighting in Fletcher, North Carolina; Andy Cardwell, showroom manager at A Custom House in Austin, Texas; Anne Buresh, owner of Anne Buresh Interior Design in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, and Charlotte, North Carolina. Krell Lighting appears in The Scout Guide Bergen County. Christie’s Lighting appears in The Scout Guide Asheville. A Custom House appears in The Scout Guide Austin. Anne Buresh Interior Design appears in The Scout Guide Jackson Hole.

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