Grateful for Thanksgiving Glitz

From sparkling silvers to brilliant bronzes to snazzy golds, metallic table accents are often reserved for the winter holidays, but who says Thanksgiving can’t shine? On Nov. 22, celebrate family, friends and food in style with a tablescape that truly shimmers.
“Surprise your guests by spicing up the usual red, orange and yellow Thanksgiving tablescape with shiny, chic metallics,” says Jennifer Smith, owner of Elegantly Chic Events in Falls Church. “Add elegance and sophistication to everything, from your serving platters to your place card holders. Have fun, and be creative!”

By Lindsey Leake

Harvest Beaded Leaf Table Runner, $49.95; pier1.com

“A table runner with beaded accents is sure to add some holiday sparkle to your Thanksgiving tablescape. Runners can be used on the dinner table or one of the side tables in the room to add lots of holiday style to your event.”

Bling Napkin Rings, $23.80/set of 4; zgallerie.com

“Jeweled napkin rings are a great way to add sparkle to your table setting. The more shine, the better effect!”

Mirror Charger Plate, $14.99; bedbathandbeyond.com

 ”Add a burst of holiday shine to your table with silver chargers. Chargers are a great addition to any table; they really make the place setting pop!”

Crystal 12” Pedestal Candle Holder, $19; save-on-crafts.com

“Scented candles with crystal candleholders add extra gleam to any tablescape. The brighter, the better!”

Harvest Leaf Platters, $11.95-$26.95; pier1.com

“Leaves are an obvious theme for fall dinner decorations, and metallic serving platters really help set the mood. I especially love these platters because of their versatility; they can be used for anything!”

Sateen Rust Napkin, $4.95 (now $3.95); crateandbarrel.com

“Sateen napkins in any of the fall hues add extra fun and flair to your place settings.” 

Gold Place Card Holder Miniature Glass Bauble, $1.95; lunabazaar.com

“Place cards are a great way to make your guests feel special. Gold and silver place card holders are small, but festive, accents for any table.”

Sculpted Turkey Butter Dish, $29.50; potterybarn.com

“Nothing better than fancy serving ware! A sculpted butter dish or gravy boat makes your holiday dinner festive and cheerful.”

Design Expert: Jennifer Smith, Owner of Elegantly Chic Events, Falls Church

(November 2012)

Sofa vs. Sectional … That Is the Question

By Lauren Clement

Ah, such a popular question asked and pondered by many homeowners, myself included. My stance on this subject has recently been confirmed as we just placed a sectional in our own family room. And I love it! I will tell you why I am in love as I debate both sides of this question.

The first aspect to consider is the room layout and whether or not a sectional sofa would even fit in your room. If the answer is yes, then here we go. Often times my clients want to know how to maximize their seating in a family room setting so that all family members are comfortable on a daily basis and that there is enough space to accommodate friends and family when they come over. A sectional is a great option to provide lots of seating. This type of sofa also offers great ‘snuggle-ability’ for families.

Photo Courtesy of Lauren Clement

That being said, you could take the opposite approach and say that a sectional does not provide enough separation. So that when you entertain, or even just for your own immediate family, you do only have one option for seating, which is all sitting next to each other.

Photo Courtesy of Lauren Clement

So this aspect of the debate comes down to this: do you use this room more for family hang out time or for hosting guests? One reason that I am so happy with my sectional is that I am in the family snuggle time place and am so excited to be able to curl up with my girls, and our menagerie of pets, and all be comfortable together as one big happy family (of course Chris is happy sitting across the room in his recliner!).  I also like the casual, comfortable feeling that a sectional gives a room. In the picture above, the room has a grown up and sophisticated feel, but the rich chocolate sectional lets you know that this is a family hang out spot.

In this photo to the left, the sectional was actually the best fit for the space. The back wall of this room with the clock is angled and cuts the room off a bit. Using a sofa and a loveseat instead of a sectional would actually not have fit in this space. The rounded wedge corner piece of the sectional made for a nice smooth corner as opposed to a sharp 90 degree angle that a sofa and loveseat would have formed.

In other cases, the sofa and loveseat may be a good option as the open corner where the two pieces abut allows for an end table and a table lamp. This scenario offers a hard surface for drinks, books, etc., and the lamp would clearly provide lighting to the space. One con to the sofa, loveseat and end table option is that you lose the seating of the corner piece to the sectional.

Photo Courtesy of Lauren Clement

As you can see, this is a truly debatable topic and one that is very personal and room specific. It is best to address this list of questions before making your ultimate seating decision:

-Can a sectional fit in your space? Or would a sofa and loveseat fit better?

-How do you plan on using this piece and this room? For a casual family hang out space or a more formal entertaining space?

-How many people do you need to accommodate?

Once you have considered all aspects of this decision thoroughly, you are ready to answer the question: sectional vs. sofa? If you need help in your decision making process, please send me an email to set up a complimentary consultation or email me photos of your room and what your needs are and I can offer some advice. Happy decorating y’all and remember that I am here to help!

Your Style created in Your Home. I am busy being a full time everything- national award winning interior designer, author, Mom, wife, friend, sister, and lover of all things beautiful and functional. Follow me to see it all! Whether you need one window dressed or an entire room designed, I can help you accomplish your decorating goals and have fun at the same time. Let’s get started!

Lauren Riddiough Clement
laurennicoleinc.com

Beyond the Bath Basics

By Jennifer Shapira

Floor to ceiling tiles, recessed lights, glass-enclosed shower. (Photo Courtesy of Dee David)

Dee David is in the business of overhauling personal spaces. The owner of her eponymous Falls Church-based kitchen and bath design firm has seen an increase in requests to redo and renew bathrooms, which she and other industry professionals say is a product of the recession.

No matter their means, people want to spruce up their homes, she says. Even small enhancements can make a big difference to one’s quality of life.

From facelifts to total gut jobs, whether the goal is a tiny but functional powder room or a better circulating master, experts say if you’re thinking about putting your house on the market, a bathroom redo is paramount.

One of today’s absolute biggest trends is the removal of the tub in the master bathroom, says Joshua Baker, co-founder of McLean- and Middleburg-based BOWA Builders.

Sectioned out vanity room and bath/shower that Dee David created with soothing gray palette has his and her vanities with lots of storage space. (Courtesy of Dee David)

Instead, frameless glass-enclosed showers, many with elaborate tile work and multiple jets, have become focal points, he says. And it’s obvious why: They can be custom-fit to be roomier and infinitely more spa-like and, as the population ages, the showers are safer than tubs.

Of course, there are exceptions for those who like a good soak, says Baker. While it’s true that the best-case scenario is a master bath complete with a high-end, standalone soaking tub and full spa shower, if there are space limitations and the homeowner must choose one over the other, the shower always wins out.

In Style

Farrow & Ball wallpaper (Courtesy of Farrow & Ball)

Today’s bathroom design trends cut across all styles: traditional, transitional and contemporary or anywhere in between. Everyone wants a modern take on the essentials, from improved flow to storage. Homeowners want convenience and beautification above all else. As the population ages, it makes sense that chic-er commodes now sit at comfort height, and attractive grab bars are installed in walk-in showers. Vanities can be tailored to a husband and wife’s heights, says Baker, of a recent project.

Big masters were a big deal in the 1980s and early ’90s, but today the focus is less on space, and more on functionality, he says. Design solutions are where it’s at; for example, giving that little-used closet new life as a second entryway into the master bath.

Beautiful built-in vanities complete with storage (for towels and toilet paper) and display areas (to exhibit favorite possessions), or a spot for tuning into the morning’s news on an LED TV, just make for better movement.

Baker mentions one such micro-improvement that clients love: the convenience of outlets hidden inside vanity drawers. Appliances like hairdryers and razors can stay plugged in and off, out of sight until needed. The result: no cluttering up of valuable real estate on beautiful, carefully chosen granite or marble countertops.

Other storage solutions that can make a difference: Consider an heirloom corner etagere, open shelving or a pretty basket that stocks tightly rolled, easy-to-grab plush towels, or a carved-to-fit cubby inside the shower to park bottles of shampoo and body wash.

“I always add a little niche,” says Stephanie Kelley, a Fairfax interior decorator (refineddesignllc.com). “If you don’t, you’re stuck with those ugly things that you have to buy at the store to hold your shampoo, and they never look good.”

Another must: “If there’s room, always put a bench in the shower,” she laughs, “because women have to shave their legs.” Kelley recalls one client whose lower half was measured expressly for the purpose of a custom-built seat. Useful and luxe, the bench is essential for that home spa feel.

This BOWA master bath renovation in Great Falls features his and hers vanities, beautiful finishes and a heated floor .

Crystal Cubes

Today’s frameless glass showers resemble crystal cubes that often showcase intricate tile designs and mosaics on the floor or walls. Sometimes thought of as the bathroom’s ‘jewelry,’ pricier materials are often used in the shampoo cubbies, or banded on the sides of the shower’s walls as accents.

Gone are the days of a solitary shower head. Today’s shower includes, at minimum, multiple shower heads and adjustable hand-held jets in varied heights to literally treat each body part, says Schwartz.

They are also larger, often built to comfortably fit two and always include a bench. Homeowners can choose to enjoy a steam shower, “where you can actually sit and take a steam bath within the shower itself, like you would at a spa,” says Baker. While it requires changes to the bathroom’s ventilation, a steam shower’s sophisticated controls allow you to take your time and finish up on your own clock. The same is true of heated tile floors, now much more common in a master redo: Set the timer to begin heating before you get out of bed and the floor will be toasty beneath your feet. After showering, envelop yourself in a towel warmed on a heated rack. Such luxuries are becoming more essential in achieving the much-wanted spa-like feel in today’s renovated bathrooms.

Contemporary master bath features a marble and glass tile blend, Mississippi river rock and cararra marble. (Courtesy of Bob Narod Photography/BOWA)

If frameless glass showers seem trendy because everyone wants them, it is one trend that experts agree has definite staying power: They make any bathroom look larger, aren’t defined by a particular style, and always look glamorous.

The look “is more expensive but it lasts forever, and it probably won’t go out of style because it’s so simple,” says Donna Evers, president of Evers & Co. Real Estate in Washington, D.C.

Minimal maintenance keeps them in shape. The shower’s multiple heads have another important function: Fire away on soap scum and “it’s almost like self-cleaning shower,” says David.

And, it may seem odd, but contemplate the drain. Traditionally, not a very sexy thing to consider when it comes to bathroom redos, but John Ronay, president and director of field operations for Blue Moon Construction, says he’s adding such innovative personal touches (“We call them ‘funner features’”) like soothing LED-lit channel drains that illuminate the shower underfoot. Longer and thinner, and less, well, drain-like, clients are finding that they are much more aesthetically pleasing, adds Baker.

BOWA master bath renovation includes matching vanities and roomy walk-in shower.

Stay Neutral 

Experts agree that one is the magic number for a bathtub in the home. It doesn’t matter where it is—hall bath, guest bath, no matter—the requirement is one if you decide to sell, says Evers. The self-described house addict has renovated two dozen properties, and regularly consults sellers on ways to whip their bathrooms into shape to appeal to buyers. 

“A master bath becomes a form of self-expression even more than the powder room,” says Evers. “If you stay in your house 20 years and the styles change, you don’t want to be stuck with something you’re going to have to quickly renovate in order to sell it.”

Experts agree the best bang for your buck is to install fixtures in neutral colors. White is really where it’s at, says Evers. If you’re thinking about selling in the future, think understated.

“People say ‘white is so boring,’” says Evers. “But it’s not.” You can still show your own personality. Kick it up a notch with splashy accessories like bright colored towels, window treatments, lighting fixtures, even paint color–all easy pieces to change out when, and if, the time comes to sell. “Your home is your home,” she says, “but it’s also an investment.”

Transitional style has a broad, safe appeal, says Kelley, suggesting that it’s a good look for the potential seller’s bathroom. But, she adds, that doesn’t mean it has to be plain.

Bling It

David’s master bath for a home in Alexandria fit the couple’s needs to a T. The wife insisted on a bathtub because “that’s how she melts away her stress of the day,” says David.

The walk-in shower is a frameless glass enclosure, its floor tiled in gray-toned stones that provide a stimulating foot massage. The custom-built master bathroom incorporates dual vanity spaces, hers larger—obviously—for primping purposes, laughs David; the other side, just right for his needs. If space allows, says David, there’s a trend toward zoning the bathroom by purpose and privacy. Specific spaces were carved out; bathing is in one area, the vanities are set apart in another. Recessed lights provide task lighting; matching curvy mirror-mounted sconces cast a warm glow.

Long, rectangular tiles were designed and placed from floor to ceiling, creating an elegant, contemporary feel. And, the palette of grays creates a soothing environment.

“Every woman wants a little bit of glamour or glitz in her life,” says David. And a bathroom is a perfect place to add sparkle.

David’s master bathroom for the Alexandria townhouse represents a down-to-earth contemporary feel with an out-of-this-world element. Like a starry night, the tub’s Caesarstone surround shimmers, says David, and makes the bathroom feel luxurious.

But adding sparkle doesn’t have to be pricey. “You can spend $3 on a crystal doorknob to get that bling,” she says, “and it looks cute!” She’s hung crystal chandeliers in small Arlington bathrooms, and added bigger ones when space permits.

Chandeliers, though glamorous, don’t always have to be traditional in look and feel. They can be more contemporary: Instead of the waterfall effect, a trio of crystal pendants can serve as a modern take on a stylish look.

Spacious shower with dual shower heads and bench. (Courtesy of BOWA)

Luxe for Less

But even if a glass-walled shower is not in your immediate future, you can dress up (or change up) a shower or bathtub with a statement shower curtain. You don’t have to shell out big bucks to improve the space.

Designers say the trend now is for bathrooms to be calm, nature- and Asian-inspired sanctuaries, often in tones of beiges and grays. That doesn’t mean you can’t paint the walls, or even one wall, a rich, striking color. Or consider wallpaper in a favorite print or pattern. Add touches of glamour with architecturally interesting lighting fixtures. Purchase an attractive mirror that fits your style, and pair matching sconces on either side. Even something as simple as a minimalist vase of fresh-cut flowers beside the sink will jazz up the room.

Ashburn interior designer Andrea Schwartz (andreadesignz.com) places smooth, flat rocks to the bottom of a basin to add to the space’s calming atmosphere. If you have natural light, choose an orchid at your local garden center. If not, Schwartz says to go with the faux—silk versions are available at most home goods shops.

Other improvement tips: Place ceramic floor tiles on a diagonal to make the space seem larger. And, use mildew-resistant grout that matches the tile, says David.

Match the hardware on everything, Evers suggests, from the shower door to the faucets, from towel bars to grab bars, even the flush lever on the toilet. Brushed nickel and polished chrome are good choices; they’re stylish but not too trendy.

Modern, Tranquil Spaces

“I find that most clients that approach me tend to want bathrooms that are more soothing, spa-like and tranquil,” says Patrick C. Carter, owner of Arlington-based architecture and design firm Reve Designs. To Carter, that request translates into a more simplified design—softer colors, natural materials—with a contemporary, modern aesthetic.

“Eight to 10 years ago bathrooms were much more traditional and fussy. Today, people live hectic lifestyles,” he says. “They want to feel relaxed while they are preparing for, or unwinding from, their day.”

Carter recently completed two such projects, both incorporating natural stone set in more modern surroundings: a 1920s Arlington bungalow and a house in Reston.

For the Arlington job, Carter redid the high-traffic guest bath, and the couple chose high-end materials because they like to entertain. Carter finished the space with a dark gray marble floor, and tiled the walls in a combination of flagstone and glass. 

Planning for the possibility of mobility issues for the Reston couple, Carter created a wide steam shower and added a cantilevered bluestone bench. And, in a nod to the couple’s home state, the Wisconsin natives integrated modern Kohler fixtures.

These are welcome settings. Clean, simple lines and open, comfortable spaces with a bit of color or nod to nature make for a modern aesthetic.

At the end of the day, the client’s bathroom is a place to relax and recharge, says Carter of the spaces he’s curated. “It’s that feeling of being somewhat pampered and able to just wash the stress off and go to bed in a different state of mind than when you walked into the bathroom.”

Courtesy of Kohler; Yuriy Chertok/Shutterstock; Konstantin L/Shutterstock.com; Lucy Baldwin/Shutterstock.com; pics721/shutterstock.com; Gina Smith/shutterstock.com

Trends Designers Would Like to See Gone for Good

There are a number of bad trends in bathrooms that industry professionals and design experts would like to see gone for good. Whether it’s about reconfiguring a traditional builder-grade style bathroom or gutting a 1970s-era space, designers have definite opinions about what they don’t like. Read on to see what causes experts to get steamed:

Tim White, sales and design consultant at Architectural Ceramics, in Alexandria: “It’s a bad idea to pigeonhole yourself into a particular color of tile. That makes it obvious that the tile is of a certain period. You don’t want people to say, “Whoa, that’s so 1999.’ Don’t tile a bathroom bright orange.”

Interior designer Patrick Carter: “I, personally, hate medicine cabinets. And I’m finding my clients don’t like them, and we’re ripping them out a lot, replacing them with more cabinetry for storage.” Despite some technological advances, Carter says he vented to one of his employees: “If I have to deal with another medicine cabinet, I’m going to scream because they’re tedious. It’s a bit of a frustration for me. That’s not what I want to be designing around.

“To me, Jacuzzi tubs are disgusting. They breed bacteria when the water sits in them, so I just have a real problem with that. And if you are elderly or going to be aging-in-place, bathtubs can become very dangerous, when you get in and out of them.”

Designer Dee David: “Rain showers because they’re a pain to install, and they don’t get the shampoo out of your hair. But I love the [multi-jet] shower towers; they’re so easy to install.”

Joshua Mollet, showroom manager at Alexandria Lighting: “Two trends that I hope never come back are: polished brass finish. This is a dated, ‘80s finish. Satin brass and aged brass are already coming back in style, though. But polished brass looks too new and gimmicky.

“The other trend that I pray to God never returns: ‘70s swag pendants in the bathroom, flanking a mirror. So dated, it’s scary!”

Of course, trends can be good, says decorator Stephanie Kelley, but there’s a trick. In order for them to have staying power, she says, “You can be trendy, but if you pick something that’s just really cool and kind of classic and natural, you can keep them for quite a while.”

Small Touches to Create Ambience

Having a beautiful bathroom is about a lot more than just the right fixtures. It’s about setting the mood to help rewind from a tough day. Interior designer Andrea Schwartz and interior decorator Stephanie Kelley offer up these tips to smarten up your space and put you in full relax mode.

• To achieve a Zen feel, add a collection of glass or natural stones in your sink.

• Add an orchid (real or faux) depending on the room’s amount of natural light and your own skill level. (It’s a matter of watering or dusting.)

• Embellish the sink with a pretty hand soap dispenser and/or a simple bud vase with a colorful bloom.

• Put recessed and overhead lights on a dimmer switch to enjoy lots of light or a softer nightlight effect.

• Add a chandelier to up the glamour quotient; it’s so much more spa-like.

• To keep the glass enclosed showers looking their best, keep a squeegee in the shower to rinse off water spots when you’re done.

• Add pops of color to a neutral palette with fluffy towels or beautiful wrapped hand soaps.

• Hang a piece of art to add interest.

Pottery Classes

Can’t find the perfect piece of art to display? Then create your own! These pottery classes will help craft your creativity to fit whatever shape, function or fashion you envision.

By Hilary Adleberg

thirteen/shutterstock.co

The Art League School
305 Madison St., Alexandria; 703-683-2323; theartleague.org

Bowman House Arts and Crafts Center
211 Center St. S, Vienna; 703-255-6308; viennava.gov

The Clay Queen Pottery
2303 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria; 703-549-7775

Creative Clay Studios
5704E General Washington Drive, Alexandria; 703-750-9480; creativeclaypottery.com

Lee Arts Center
5722 Lee Highway, Arlington, 703-228-0560; arlingtonarts.org/venues/lee-arts-center

Lorton Arts Foundation
Workhouse Arts Center, 9601 Ox Road, Lorton; 703 584-2982; workhousearts.org; Dale Marhanka, ceramics director, dalemarhanka@lortonarts.org

Manassas Clay
9122 Center St., Manassas; 703-330-1040; manassasclay.com

The Potter’s Wheel Studio
25050 Riding Plaza, Suite 145, South Riding; 703-542-8956; potterswheelstudio.com

Reston Community Center
at Lake Anne 1609-A Washington Plaza, Reston; 703-476-4500; restoncommunitycenter.com

Round Hill Arts Center
6 W. Loudoun St., PO Box 3, Round Hill; roundhillartscenter.org

Thomas Jefferson Community Center
3501 S. 2nd St., Arlington; 703-228-5925; arlingtonva.us

Wakefield Recreation Center
8100 Braddock Road, Annandale; 703-321-7082; fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/rec/wakerec.htm

(August 2012)

Maintaining an Organized Lifestyle

By Hilary Adleberg

After restoring an unorganized friend’s home, Scott Roewer found his calling. Officially launched in January 2004, Solutions by Scott based out of D.C. offers professional organizing, event planning and style consulting services. Roewer shares some of his favorite tips and tricks on how to maintain and organized lifestyle—in both a material and mental state.

Why organizing? What attracted you to this career path?

When a friend who was disorganized went away for the holidays, I recruited some assistance and surprised him with a complete home and office reorganization/redesign. We painted, repaired a hole in the ceiling, organized 10 years worth of papers, bought new furniture and tackled all his closets. After he returned, he said I really changed his life for the better, and he told me people would pay me to do the same. He found me my first client and business took off! 

Chris Rodenberg Photography/Shutterstock.com

What space do clients find to be most difficult to keep organized?

For many clients, I find that any ‘landing zones’ are areas they have a hard time keeping organized. It may be the kitchen counter, the top of a dresser, the entry table, the dining room table, coffee tables, etc.  It’s a large flat surface with no boundaries. I recommend trays to help keep things contained to a smaller area. If it doesn’t fit on the tray, it needs to go somewhere else.  Baskets work for some people, or smaller containers to hold specific things.

It’s often been said, ‘Clutter is a delayed decision.’ You don’t know what you do with a specific item, so you set it down. Second item gets set down in the same spot. That’s the birth of a pile. If you continue to not make decisions about where an item is going to ‘live’ than you have a growing pile of clutter. Stop that nasty cycle by making decisions about everything. Ask yourself, ‘What is it, does it belong somewhere else, do I need it; if so, where does it make sense to keep it/use it/find it, etc?’

What is your advice for clients that have smaller spaces to spread out in?

The most important rule is to ‘go-up.’ People tend to focus on the floor space and end up crowding their living spaces with too many pieces of furniture. Look at your walls and see how you can use them differently. Perhaps you have a piece of furniture that’s not maximizing the space. For example, this week, we worked with a client who had a very low TV stand. We couldn’t put anything on the narrow shelves under the TV. After we edited her belongings, we realized if we hung the TV on the wall, bought a sideboard/credenza to replace the TV stand, we would be able to store all of her music, DVDs, table placemats, napkins, candles and extra office supplies all in one piece of furniture in her studio apartment. She said, “I would have never thought to do that.” Having a fresh set of eyes look at your stuff and how you’re using your space can help rethink and improve the way you’re living. 

When the economy got tough for many, people were moving less, and wanting to make their current residences double as their workplace. That’s when we got really busy. We were able to help people rethink, reuse, redesign, and reorganize their homes—improving the way they lived in their homes, not requiring a bigger space. For many, it isn’t that they didn’t have enough space, it was that they had too much stuff.

Elena Elisseeva/Shutterstock.com

DIY Closet Organization Orientation  

According to Roewer, “The most popular post on our blog, DeclutterYou.com, is one called Organizing Your Closet: A How-To Series. It’s a nine part video blog post on how to organize your closet like a pro.”

Scott also offers five quick tips to closet organization. Here’s our favorite: “Hang the items backwards. Once you wear the item, return it to the closet forwards. At the end of the season all of the backward hangers are clothes you did not wear.” Seems like an easy way to find out which clothes you don’t need or want anymore.

Redefining the Term ‘Home Schooling’

Photo Courtesy of Solutions by Scott

How do you teach clients to maintain an orderly lifestyle?

“I have a master’s in education, and though I may not be in a traditional classroom, I’m still a teacher. I’m just teaching a variety of clients the skills necessary to organize their lives.”

Can you briefly explain the organization process you offer?

“My company works with our clients’ habits, not against them. We have clients work alongside [us] so we can teach them as we’re working. Being organized isn’t something you do once in a while. You don’t hire a professional organizer and get your space organized and expect it to maintain itself. Organization is a way of life.

“Prior to the first appointment we ask clients basic questions like what’s not working, what their goals are, and what their expectations are. Some of the clients write us a few sentences; some of them write us a book!

“We begin the first appointment with a tour. We like to start with a complete understanding of the client’s needs, and we like to have a holistic approach when suggesting our plan of action. After the tour we start work on the area that warrants [the] most attention. At the end of the appointment we leave them with some ‘opportunities’—though my clients will tell you it’s ‘homework.’ Many like having specific things to do to move toward their goals, and we leave them [with] those opportunities. Most of our clients will work with us multiple times to accomplish their goals.”

In what ways do you believe an organized atmosphere affects a person’s life?

“I think organized people feel more in control. You gain space by being more organized. You save time and money because you’re not hunting for things, and you don’t buy to replace items you’ve lost. Organized people are more productive, because they have the ability to focus and have a better direction, and accomplish more in less time.”

What should people keep in mind when shopping for organizing accessories?

“One of the most important things to remember is that ‘buying’ stuff to help you get organized is counterproductive unless you know exactly how you’re going to use it. Have a plan before you go shopping. When I work with clients, I’m the professional who gives them the solution. We use whatever they own first, then purchase items to support the solutions if necessary.”

solutionsbyscott.com

(August 2012)

When Summer Hits the Fan

Let’s be real—it gets muggy hot here during NoVA’s summers. What better way to cool off, and update your home, than with a cool ceiling fan?

By Lorin Drinkard

Courtesy of Fanimation

Caruso Bronze Outdoor Dual Fan

Don’t let the heat and humidity keep you inside. With Fanimation’s brilliant adjustable motor heads, your patio/balcony will be a cool oasis in the blazing heat. $1,348. delmarfans.com;
1-800-724-5501; 1-877-244-3267

Courtesy of Moooi

Mistral Ceiling Fan by Moooi

Forget dusty fan blades. The chrome Mistral shade contains internal blades, giving the ceiling fan a sleek 2012 makeover. Prices may vary at select stores. moooi.com; +31 (0)76578444

Courtesy of Big Ass Fans Company

Haiku Bamboo Finish Fan

While using 80 percent less energy than an average fan, the Haiku fan has been dubbed the most efficient, quietest and most sustainable fan available. Sheets of bamboo are bonded then cut and hand-sanded to create top-notch airfoils. $995. bigassfans.com/product/haiku; 1-877-244-3267

Courtesy of Hunter Fan Company

Fanaway

With the flick of a switch, the Fanaway brightens up a room with its pendant light and cools the space as the clear retractable blades are deployed. $349. hunterfan.com; 901- 744-1200

Kaity Bloxton, a residential lighting consultant from Dominion Electric Supply, gives us the 4-1-1 on choosing a fan that’s right for you.

Size it up.
Thinking about adding an oversized fan to a small room? Think again. For eye-catching appeal, Bloxton recommends to keep in mind the space’s dimensions and square footage in order to keep the room aesthetically pleasing.

Watch your head.
“If you add a light kit, make sure everyone can walk underneath,” says Bloxton. “Shoot for seven feet of clearance.”

Hug less, flow more.
The biggest rookie mistake, though, when it comes to selecting a new ceiling fan is buying what Bloxton calls “hugger fans,” which don’t allow much air flow.” Especially on an eight-foot ceiling, you can still use a three-foot down rod,” says Bloxton.

Use wattage responsibly.
Many fans on the market now feature wattage limiters, which Bloxton says prevent light kits from exceeding a certain wattage. Energy efficiency is always a plus.

Find the perfect pitch.
The angle of the blades tremendously impacts the air flow. “It’s like standing in the pool when hands are at a slanted angle,” describes Bloxton. “You’ll chop more water at a steeper angle.”

(July 2012)

Abode Blog Lovin’

By Lynn Norusis

Inspiration comes in many forms: a magazine spread, a scene on the screen or a blog. We’re inspired on a daily basis by those who make interior design a lifestyle, and a hobby. Here are just a few of those who are inspiring us through their home and design work.

Lauren Liess of Pure Style Home

Pure Style Home

Lauren Liess at Pure Style Home brings followers on a journey of work for her clients and her own home. With a casual tone, Liess lets us know it is OK to decorate, then redecorate, then redecorate again, changing the interiors of our own home as often as our tastes and the trends change.

Not only does she give a rundown of the things that inspire her, but she also keeps us up to date on the happenings in her own life, making her feel more like a friend that just someone dishing design advice.

Her palate trends along the lines of traditional with a twist—her open-shelved kitchen with chalkboard-painted fridge was the lynchpin in our devoted following—and the casual breeze that her designs show make us want to vacation in any of her designs.

Chalkboard-Painted Fridge (Photo Courtesy of Helen Norman)

Lauren's Home (Photo Courtesy of Helen Norman)

Family Room (Photo Courtesy of Helen Norman)

Office (Photo Courtesy of Helen Norman)

Jennifer Wagner Schmidt of JWS Interiors

JWS Interiors

Jennifer Wagner Schmidt started her blog, JWS Interiors, in October 2011, and has consistently been inspiring homeowners with bold designs that can be incorporated into any design, and she does it in an affordable way.

Her showcase of client projects and celebrity abode peeks, give followers a sense that any whim can become a well-thought out design. Her latest post that had us making a renovate list was her musings on outdoor inspirations. The variety of bohemian backyard paradise to urban-cool hangout, with southern garden gathering in between is giving us some weekend projects to seriously think about.

Katie's Room (Photo Courtesy of JWS Interiors)

Kitchen Design (Photo Courtesy of JWS Interiors)

Rossiter Brigter Room (Photo Courtesy of JWS Interiors)

Stephanie's Living Room (Photo Courtesy of JWS Interiors)

Lauren Clement of Lauren Nicole Designs

Lauren Nicole Designs

“I Listen and Beautiful Happens” is Lauren Clement’s mantra, and boy does she deliver, not only in her one-on-one work with her clients but also through her blog.

What draws us to this site is Clement’s project snapshots—not only of her clients’ homes but her home as well—that show a space that is already set in stone and the ingenious ways of taking it to another level. Simple fixes include dramatically changing the feel of a vanilla hallway into a room of its own, and transforming a backyard full of green into a relaxing retreat.

Another plus, Clement takes readers through the steps not only of the designs, but the relationships that are part of the renovations as well—who hasn’t wanted to take over a husband’s “space” and make it their own?

Dining Room (Photo Courtesy of Lauren Nicole Designs)

Living Room (Photo Courtesy of Lauren Nicole Designs)

Office (Photo Courtesy of Lauren Nicole Designs)

Patio (Photo Courtesy of Lauren Nicole Designs)

GREEN ESTATE

Going green has never looked so big.

By Lynn Norusis

Clifton residents Ronald and Cheryl Hubbardhave put their $12.5M home—full of green amenities—on the market. Ronald, president of C&H Associates, who has worked on the design and building of a handful of embassies and high-end homes, designed the home to run as efficiently as possible.

Courtesy of HomeVisit

With Argon low-e windows taking the space of 240 spots, radiant floors for heating and cooling running off three geo-thermal systems, and recycled tires acting as roofing cover, the 27,000-square-foot home runs a monthly heating bill comparable to a home one-tenth its size.

But eco-friendly amenities are not the only thing to love about this home—inspired by European architecture—nestled off Braddock Road. Family was at the forefront in Hubbard’s mind when he began the design in 1998. The home offers four identical levels including seven bedrooms, seven full and two half baths, two full kitchens, three wet bars, an elevator, a sauna, an indoor pool, five fireplaces (with a potential of 13) and an art gallery. Outside, the property has 3,000 feet of space consisting of patios and two ponds (where all the drainage from rains runs) linked by a bridge.

“I wanted to design something that would last forever in both design and look, but also the way it is built,” explains Hubbard. “With contemporary architecture, 10 years from now, people aren’t going to get it. One hundred years from now people will get the intent [of this house].” / www.cliftonchateau.com

Hollin Hills Open for Exploring

MID-CENTURY MODERN ON DISPLAY

By Lynn Norusis

Courtesy of Hollin Hills

Northern Virginia may not be known as one of the hot spots for contemporary, modern architecture when it comes to residential habitats, but a small neighborhood in southern Alexandria is bucking the stereotype of colonial homes.

Hollin Hills, a community consisting of 420 homes built in the 1950s and ‘60s, is showcasing 10-12 of their abodes—designed and built by Charles M. Goodman and Robert C. Davenport, respectively—during their House and Garden Tour April 28.

“[Hollin Hills] is the largest and one of the few modern communities in this area,” says Patricia McCallum, representative for the community. “The architecture and setting lends itself to a stroll of dramatic quality.”

The self-guided tour showcases the neighborhood’s mid-century modern homes decked out in all their floor-to-ceiling windowed glory with accompanying mid-century furnishings and the homes’ environmental accompaniment of the surrounding landscape.

As a supplement to the tour, the Corcoran College of Art + Design is hosting a discussion, “A Community of Vision: Hollin Hills, Modern

Courtesy of Hollin Hills

Then and Now,” April 27, with architect Michael Sorkin, landscape architect Dennis Carmichael and Heidi Nasstrom Evans, Ph.D., leading the discussion of this nationally renowned community. An informal lecture will also be held at Hollin Meadows Elementary School prior to the tour on April 28. / www.hollinhills.net

Tour: April 28 from noon-6 p.m.; $10-$20
Corcoran Panel: April 27 @ 6 p.m.; $10

New Year, Time to Makeover the House

Decorating gurus Shanon Munn and Amanda Welch of Ambi Design Studio, based out of McLean, share their tips for starting 2012 with a freshly updated home.

By Lorin Drinkard

Check out the size of your rugs.
“Almost every time I walk into new project, there’s a room that has a rug that is too small for the space,” says Munn. “It makes the space seem small and choppy.” What should be done about an undersized rug? “My recommendation is to simply get rid of the rug and use bare wood floors. Or get a bigger rug.” Check out retailers like Timothy Paul, Marie Hill Oriental and Target for good selections.

Adjust the height of Your artwork.
Don’t base where art should hang upon where your eye height is. “People hang artwork at wrong height all the time,” says Munn. What are the downsides of too high or too low frames? “It can take a room that would otherwise be well-designed and ruin it.” Both Munn and Welch swear by this rule of thumb when taking a nail to the wall: In general, for an eight-foot wall, hang on center at five feet.

photobank.ch/shutterstock.com

Leave organizing to the professionals.
With the start of a new year, it’s easy to make resolutions like, “I’m going to keep my house tidy and organized all the time.” What’s not easy is actually making that a reality. “We hire professionals to do our taxes, clean our teeth, so why wouldn’t we hire them to organize our homes?” asks Munn. With the assistance of a trained professional, it’s possible to finally get your house in order and get rid of unnecessary items (an organizer has no emotional attachment to them). “They’ll help you sort through and donate—they don’t just throw things away,” says Welch.”

Switch out the shower curtain and towels.
For an inexpensive way to add new life to your bathroom or guest bathroom, change the current pattern, be it floral, striped or otherwise, for a fun, different style. “It will feel like a total different room,” says Munn. “If you had white, add a pattern. It’s a small room so it doesn’t take much money to update it.”

Go green.
When you add plants, flowers or ferns to any room in the home, it gives an instant boost. “Plants make a room feel vibrant and alive,” says Munn. Whether they’re roses bought from the farmers market or leafy greenery picked up from a home decorating store such as Home Goods or Michael’s Crafts, your home will become a bit more cheery and renewed with the latest addition

Recover older, worn-out furniture.
Although reupholstering furniture can be pricey, the investment to your home is worth the money. “Most upholstery shops have fabric books, and the labor for a dining chair is usually less than $100,” says Munn. Take a stained ottoman or tired office chair from drab to fab with a furniture facelift.

(January 2012)