Many of us will have friends and family staying overnight in our homes from now until the New Year, so take the time now to make sure it's neat and well stocked. Consider adding a luggage rack or small bin with toiletries. Adding a framed print-out of your Wi-Fi password can be a really nice touch, too!

One of the hardest things for a young artist is finding your own voice. I wanted drama in my work—and life, as it happened, provided plenty. Going through a divorce was that pivotal moment, opening a well of raw emotion. During this time, I painted a series of self-portraits from a mirror, capturing a pain that pushed me deeper into myself than I’d ever been.

The best time to start decorating for Christmas is when you have energy for it! In my younger years, time got away from me, and I wouldn’t decorate until well into December. If you’re going to spend time making your home look great, I strongly urge you to do it right after Thanksgiving. You then get to enjoy everything for the whole month of December.

From grand estates to chic penthouses, here's a glimpse into the stunning homes that A-list celebrities have bought and sold through Sotheby's International Realty, each property showcasing unique style, elegance, and one-of-a-kind amenities.

In this week’s episode of “What kind of nostalgic goodies does Caiti have up her sleeve?,” I am reminded again of those simpler times. No responsibility, carefree and oblivious. Do I miss them? Sure. Would I trade today-me for yesterday-me? Not a chance. Yesterday-me would not have the appreciation for those wild times that today-me does. 

A beautifully staged home helps buyers envision themselves living in the space, creating an emotional connection that can lead to more competitive offers. Addressing repairs and ensuring the home is spotless reassures buyers that the property is well-maintained, reducing concerns about future issues. These efforts not only enhance the home's appeal but also increase its perceived value, helping it stand out in a crowded market.

For us we know that the holidays are full of emotion – love, happiness, stress, and melancholy. It’s our job to make them as joyful and stress-free as possible and we take that job very seriously. I’m extremely excited for the selection that we curated for you this year and can’t wait for you to see it! On November 7 from 6pm to 9pm Red Barn Mercantile will fling open its door to our annual Christmas wonderland!

As we approach our holiday reveal in just a week and a half, I can’t help but feel a mix of nerves and excitement bubbling within me. The past few weeks have been a whirlwind of planning, with UPS and FedEx deliveries becoming a regular sight outside our door. We've been unpacking an astonishing number of boxes—truly, tons of them! I couldn’t be more excited to share what we have planned for you—our cherished customers, friends, and neighbors, both new and old.

Last week, Maria and I set off for Maine, with a brief stop in Rhode Island. Many of you know that the majority of my landscapes are inspired by Maine, and these annual pilgrimages recharge my creative energy, offering fresh perspectives for next year's show at Artemis Gallery. Every year reveals something new, and this trip was no exception.

As we approach the end of 2024, now is the time to start planning your home transformation for the new year. If you have a large renovation project or decorating project, we would love to hear from you and are dedicated to bringing your vision to life with our bespoke interior design services. From initial consultation to final reveal, we ensure your experience is enjoyable. 

Whether you’re looking to add a touch of autumnal charm to your decor or refresh your living spaces, there are a few items that can instantly bring the season indoors. Think plush throw blankets, rich-hued cushions, or a beautiful centerpiece. We’ve curated a list of our fall must-haves to help inspire your seasonal joy at home. 

Every client comes to us with expectations. Some crave a little more space, while others want to completely transform their homes. Some have Pinterest boards and spend hours browsing Instagram, while others prepare wishlists and budgets. I’m sharing two client case studies so you can see the spark that ignites our work.

Quite often on Patina’s design visits, we encounter homes with a great amount of space, but the clients share they feel they are lacking storage. As we familiarize ourselves with the home, we notice doors and drawers full of stuff (aka junk!). Not every room in your house needs to have junk drawers or closets. We recommend organizing your home first before moving on to design support.

My friend Michele of Meant To Be Calligraphy and I have been sitting on a big secret for over a year.  Last year about this time – actually, it was the day of Doggie Trick or Treat! – we closed Penny Post for the day and Michele taught a private brush lettering class for Love Is Blind’s (now favorite) couple, Taylor and Garrett. You can see it all unfold in Episode 10 (around the 21 min. mark) of this season!

Normally, I use this space to talk about Art, but today I’m excited to introduce you to our framing studios and my business partner, fellow rock band member, and talented artist, Jeff Erickson. Together, we own Erickson & Ripper Framing and Del Ray Picture Framing. We also have some exciting news to share!

Tricycles and bicycles are a staple on most holiday wish lists, so we wanted to make sure you got yours well in advance. This weekend, we are having a Banwood trunk show. We will have examples of everything they have and all the colors they offer so you can see them in person. They will be here well in advance of the holidays so you can delight your little people this season!

For many of us, autumn is a time of transition, and that shift can bring even the most composed home into a time of chaos! Here are some tips to help you ease into the transition.

Welcome to this rare, semi-detached townhome that defines luxury and convenience in historic Alexandria. Spanning four sun-filled levels, this spacious property is among the largest townhomes in the area, featuring the ultimate in modern living with elevator access to every floor.

Patina is delighted to share that we now carry Trudon. The company became known for their highly regarded candles, providing candles for well-known cathedrals and churches throughout Paris, boasting both long-lasting burn time, and flames which didn’t smoke. Since 1737, Trudon has been the largest and most respected wax manufacture in France and their know-how has evolved through the years, always keeping its strong historic traditions and values.

Last fall, I was commissioned to create a large landscape for a client’s home on the Eastern Shore, inspired by a small 18” x 18” study I had completed the year before. I was beyond excited. Not only was this client someone I’ve known for many years, but the study had always lingered in the back of my mind, almost whispering that it was destined for something greater.