Garage Mahals (August 2008)
For one Northern Virginia car collector, his garage is his castle: The prized space accounts for half the square footage of his house. On a sparkling spring day, the businessman’s home was transformed into a showcase for two dozen Ferraris. Positioned artfully around his circular driveway and situated in just the right positions on his stamped concrete motor court, the exhibition was one of sheer horsepower. Read more

The Green Living Room (May 2008)
Experts say there’s a developing trend in outwardly expanding living space. The comforts of home now extend to both front and backyards, in an effort to maximize and enjoy surroundings. Northern Virginians are embracing lush landscapes, in part because outdoor living encourages togetherness and relaxation and appeals to those seeking to spend quality time with their families and friends. Read more

What's Cooking? (April 2008)
Even the best home chefs can get a little heated when it comes to the layout of their kitchens. Oftentimes, the ingredients and appliances needed to create a meal are worlds apart. And a lack of counter space can limit one’s efficiency when trying to feed a large family. Read more

Spring Style Source (March 2008)
What if we told you that you don’t have to choose between your passion for Guatemalan prints and French fabrics? What if you discovered a place for both your Antony Todd coffee table AND your Victorian chandelier? In this fabulous age of daring decor, it’s true … you really can have it all. Read more

Room to Grow (February 2008)
Children’s rooms can be a blast to decorate. But the cute-as-a-button puppy dog motif Junior begged for at age 3 might not be his idea of cool when he brings home his high school crush. Or your little girl may suddenly decide her ballerina theme is more demi plié than grand jeté when she hits puberty. So where’s the balance between of-the-moment trends and blah looks that are too neutral for self-expression? Read more

Closet Couture (January 2008)
Homeowners often seek to achieve a boutique hotel feel with their decor. And why not? Who doesn’t want a little luxury to come home to? But when it comes to creating opulent spaces, it’s sometimes tough to draw the line between tasteful and tacky. Read more

The Map of Luxury (December 2007)
Homeowners often seek to achieve a boutique hotel feel with their decor. And why not? Who doesn’t want a little luxury to come home to? But when it comes to creating opulent spaces, it’s sometimes tough to draw the line between tasteful and tacky. Read more

Amazing Home Theaters (November 2007)
Maybe you’re a vintage movie buff or a sports fan awaiting the next playoff game. Perhaps you relish watching music videos rather than enduring the crowd crush and expense of going to live concerts. Enjoy spending time with your kids viewing all of those popular animated films on DVD? Read more

Breaking the Mold (October 2007)
Like they say, first impressions aren’t always a true indicator. For most visitors or newcomers to our region, a first glance at Northern Virginia communities could give folks the idea that our architecture is pretty traditional—maybe even conventional. Some might go so far as to say our houses are conservative or describe the area’s architecture as “buttoned up.” Read more

Innovations in Bathrooms (September 2007)
What’s all the buzz about bathrooms these days? Without a doubt, they’ve come a long way from ancient privies and water-closets. Thankfully, bathrooms of the 21st century have evolved into luxurious spa-like retreats. Read more

Garage Makeover (August 2007)
Nothing says “black hole” better than a disorganized garage packed with stuff. And let’s face it: Northern Virginians have a lot of stuff. But a new trend shows that homeowners are trying to get a grip on organization. Now a multimillion dollar industry, garage design and organizational companies are the fastest growing segment of the home improvement industry. With “how-to” videos and do-it-yourself kits many homeowners go it alone while others need to call in the experts. Read more

Backyard Beauties (June/July 2007)
The sweet warm days of spring have arrived, with enchanting summer evenings soon to follow. The best way to enjoy this delightful season is to fling open the back door and step into a backyard wonderland. Hmmm… not really a heavenly sight back there? Well then, how can you turn a boring back lot into an inspired retreat? Read more

Blissful Bedrooms (May 2007)
Why is it that the bedroom is usually the last poor, neglected room to get any decorating attention? Is it because no one but the occupants will see it? Or perhaps the creative juices have run dry. What a travesty. But there is hope. In honor of Better Sleep Month, let us inspire you with some dreamy retreats & a place where you'll feel calm and peaceful at night yet bouncy and energized in the morning. Perfect bedfellows! Read more

Showcase Kitchens (April 2007)
Kitchens are a lot like that eclectic group of friends you had from college. Each one had her own unique style with an endearing personality to match. Some were from the country—warm and sweet—while others were urban chic and street smart. One was fun and funky but another was a serious workhorse. A few were worldly and dressed with European flair. Remember the thrifty ones who really knew how to stretch a dollar while still managing to pull off a stylish and gorgeous look? No two were alike, yet each one impressed you with her individuality and energy. Read more

New Wave Appliances (March 2007)
In your opinion, what do you think was the greatest invention of the last 120 years? If you said "the automobile," you probably never had to get the house together for visiting relatives. Personally, I'd like to thank the late Nikola Tesla for his invention of the AC motor in the late 1800s. Once that revolutionary beauty hit the market, creative inventors were cranking out electric appliances as fast as you could say "women's liberation." And baby, we have come a long way. Read more

Calm, Creative, Convenient Closets (February 2007)
Think about the one place you start and end each day. No, not the tiled room. We're talking about your closet. And although we think you're perfect just the way you are, wouldn't it be nice to be just a little bit more organized? Imagine walking into a space and actually knowing where everything is. Clutter and chaos can bog you down, but start your day in an orderly fashion, say...a nice, well-behaved closet, and voila! You're now energized and ready to take on the day. And you thought all it took was a cup of coffee and a multi-vitamin. Read more