Archives: Real Estate

  • Sitting rooms offer versatile space

    Merlisa Lawrence Corbett

    Updated: 11 hr ago

    Sitting rooms located off the master bedroom make peaceful retreats when used. But when they are not, they become wasted square footage. "I think just the name 'sitting room' has a bad stigma," said Niki VanEch, of VanEch Studio. "Clients typically think they want the chaise and look of...

  • Real estate markets in Prince George's County, PW County are on the mend

    Dean Bartoli Smith

    Published: Thu, Jun 13, 2013

    Prince William and Prince George's counties, two Washington metro areas hard hit by foreclosures when the real estate bubble burst, are now on the mend. "Prince William worked through their foreclosure inventory more quickly than Prince George's County," said Lisa Sturtevant of the George...

  • When buying a leather sofa, the leather's origin is critical

    Sofia Mannos

    Updated: 11 hr ago

    The quality of a leather sofa has as much to do with animal ethics as with style - with the origin of the leather being just as important as the aesthetic sense of the designer. "It makes all the difference in the world," said Adam El-Hout, sales and business development manager for...

  • Bachelors design their 'pads' to express who they are

    Merlisa Lawrence Corbett

    Updated: 19 hr ago

    The U.S. Census Bureau reported the median age at first marriage for men increased to 28.2 in 2010, from 26.8 in 2000. That means more guys are nesting and rethinking the bachelor pad. No longer satisfied with disposable furniture or "Animal House" decor, today's bachelor seeks style and...

  • Trinidad neighborhood is hot real estate commodity

    Ben Werner

    Updated: 19 hr ago

    Five years ago, prospective home buyer Danielle Bays couldn't resist the tree-lined sidewalks and quiet streets of the District's Trinidad neighborhood. Bays, who now chairs the Trinidad Neighborhood Association, considers Trinidad a calm pocket of homes just on the cusp of the hustle and...

  • Outdoor kitchens become full-service living spaces

    Linda Lombardi

    Updated: Wed, Jun 12, 2013

    There are more options than ever to make an outdoor kitchen a full-service living space that is both convenient and suitable for entertaining. In particular outdoor prep space suits an informal lifestyle where the host is the cook. "The same way people often cook while people sit with a glass...

  • Virginia company offers umbrellas by design

    Merlisa Lawrence Corbett

    Updated: Wed, Jun 12, 2013

    Patio umbrellas are like outdoor window treatments, adding ambiance and personality to outdoor spaces. Emily's Umbrellas in Winchester, Va., offers single-sided and reversible outdoor umbrellas that can be personalized, such as with a photo or favorite print. "You can design them yourself,"...

  • Organic interiors is emerging design trend

    Merlisa Lawrence Corbett

    Published: Wed, Jun 12, 2013

    Anything made from natural materials can be considered organic, but an emerging design trend called "organic interiors" goes beyond simply using natural elements. Organic design makes green living a lifestyle and style choice. Furniture, fabric and flooring more than look natural; they also...

  • Veggie gardens can have style, substance

    Sofia Mannos

    Published: Tue, Jun 11, 2013

    In the shadow of an imposing gazebo at a vintage 1930s Arlington cottage, a carefully conceived edible garden is putting out roots with flair, heralding the growing season and a new project for the property owners. "This backyard is a jungle, so we're slowly reclaiming the yard," said Sheila...

  • Home sellers respond to a stronger market

    Dean Bartoli Smith

    Published: Tue, Jun 11, 2013

    The Washington metro area real estate market is having a better spring than the Washington Nationals this year as prices and sales continued to rise and new listings increased by more than 15 percent. The inventory shortage that has plagued the area for months still exists, but sellers...