McLean HomeLifeStyle

Creating a Feast for the Eye

Local designers share ideas for a striking Thanksgiving table.

While a menu of turkey and gravy will satisfy the belly this Thanksgiving, a well-designed centerpiece that reflects the warm hues of fall will be a feast for the eyes.

When Anne McCloud and her fiance, Mark Graham, moved into their Herndon home two years ago, with the exception of a large, deep red Chesterfield sofa, a present from Anne’s parents, the furniture they had was left over from graduate school: a tattered antique chair in need of reupholstering and two side tables.

McLean Home Sales: September, 2013

In September 2013, 82 homes sold between $5,570,000-$170,000 in the McLean and Falls Church area.

McLean Home Sales: September, 2013

Decorating for Fall

Local designers offer suggestions for bringing the harvest into your home.

The colors of autumn are all around as pumpkins and squash fill produce stands and leaves change from green to orange, red and yellow before falling from their branches. Local designers and tastemakers are unveiling home accents that bring the warm hues of the season into the home. Whether using pillows, throws or flowers, adding the colors and textures of fall requires less effort than one might expect. “Emerald green, orange and turquoise are three of the biggest color trends we’re seeing,” said Marcus Browning of European Country Living in Old Town Alexandria. “Throws and pillows are a given, but you can also tie in traditional and modern accessories with rugs, stained glass lamps with modern or intricate designs.” Small trays provide a canvas for highlighting color and adding functionality to a room, says Marika Meyer of Marika Meyer Interiors in Bethesda, Md. “Color and pattern are in right now,” she said. “I just purchased the C. Wonder (http://www.cwonder.com) navy and white chevron tray for my home. It adds a punch of color and freshness to a room. Preppy is back in a big way, too, offering lots of patterns.”

McLean Home Sales: August, 2013

In August 2013, 98 homes sold between $2,300,000-$198,000 in the McLean and Falls Church area.

McLean Home Sales: August, 2013

Home Tour Raises Funds for Easter Seals Veteran Staffing Network

Easter Seals presents the Home of Distinction by Sidd Kashyap Custom Home Builder. This home will showcase the latest in building products and design trends during the public tour, which will raise funds for the Veteran Staffing Network.

McLean Woman’s Club Holds Annual Kickoff Tea

Planning for Holiday Homes Tour underway.

The Woman’s Club of McLean held its annual “Christmas in August” Kickoff Tea on Thursday, Aug. 22, to preview its 47th annual Holiday Homes Tour in early December. This year’s tour will have the theme of “four centuries in McLean,” with each of the four tour homes representing a different century.

McLean Home Sales: July, 2013

In July 2013, 111 homes sold between $3,875,000-$138,500 in the McLean and Falls Church area.

McLean Home Sales: July, 2013

Is Your Home Ready for Back to School?

Local designers offer tips for creating functional and stylish homework spaces.

Summer will soon come to an end, and children everywhere will be heading back to school and coming home with homework. To keep students engaged and excited, some local designers offer suggestions for creating a space so fun and inviting that your children will want to hang out there — even if that means doing homework.

Outdoor Elegance Meets Cutting Edge Technology

A design/build team explores fine architecture in weather-resistant materials.

If anything in the summer of 2013 points to still evolving homeowner expectations, it may be the frequency with which locals are integrating screen porches, patios, fire pits, and outdoor kitchens into original landscaping schemes that artfully marry the house to its setting.

Keeping Pets Safe

Veterinary experts say common household items can harm animals.

Did you know that a bowl of grapes sitting on your counter can be fatal to your dog or that a bouquet of fragrant lilies could be lethal to a cat? Were you aware that a stick of gum might cause a life-threatening canine emergency? Veterinary experts say that while pet hazards are lurking around almost every home, many pet owners are unaware of them. From favorite foods to over-the-counter-pain relievers, a number of common household items are dangerous to family pets.

Unlocking the Door to Affordable Housing

County considers establishment of residential studio option to assist with housing affordability.

Like most areas that have seen explosive growth in the past 30 years, Fairfax County’s stock of affordable housing has dwindled as it’s grown into one of the nation’s wealthiest counties.

Local Real Estate: May 2013 Top Sales in Great Falls and McLean

In May 2013, 31 Great Falls homes sold between $2,840,000-$410,000 and 132 homes sold between $5,677,777-$127,800 in McLean.

Local Real Estate: May 2013 Top Sales in Great Falls and McLean

McLean Home Sales: June, 2013

In June 2013, 133 homes sold between $2,400,000-$10,000 in the McLean and Falls Church area.

McLean Home Sales: June, 2013

Creating Fresh, Healthy Summer Treats

Local chefs offer recipes for refreshing, healthy snacks to keep kids satisfied during vacation.

Enticing children to forgo strawberry-flavored candy and choose fresh fruit in its natural form can be challenging. After all, lemonade, popsicles and cookies with milk are considered summertime classics.

McLean Connection