Leesburg, VA March 2024

Photo by Christy Kosnic

Architect: Cawood Architecture, PLLC

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That Magical Place Called Home

Nothing offers us so expressive and expansive a palate for creativity as our home. As we all learned during COVID, it’s the place that nurtures us and our loved ones and provides us a haven from an often challenging world. This month, we profile a number of creative projects from families, just like yours, who are always looking to create that perfect room as the backdrop to their everyday experience.

We also introduce a recipe feature from our new culinary columnist, Natalie Ramos, whom you met in the February “Love Local” edition. Her lemon shortbread cookies offer not just the taste but the smell of home. Check out the menu for Fleur de Marie at Lansdowne Woods and tell her what other great recipes you'd like to bring home with you!

We invite you to open your arms to some of our passionate home contractors as well, people who work every day to make dreams a reality. They’re curious, creative, and some of the most community minded people we know – they’d have to be, or we wouldn’t be inviting them into your home.

We also celebrate Habitat for Humanity and their decades-long mission to make Loudoun affordable for the many families who serve our kids, our firehouses, our military and our government. It seems like they’re finally getting a seat at the table as new developments are planned for our county, and brand new neighborhoods take part in that magical place we call “home.”

March 2024

Hann Livingston | hann.livingston@citylifestyle.com EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Melinda Gipson | melinda.gipson@citylifestyle.com

Corporate Team

MELINDA GIPSON, EDITORIAL COORDINATOR @LEESBURGLIFESTYLE

LEMON THYME SHORTBREAD COOKIES

ARTICLE BY NATALIE RAMOS

They say that “home is where the heart is ” and truthfully, I don’t believe that a home is defined by the four walls that hold a roof overhead: it’s where your family is, those you love and that love you

When I think of March, I think of new beginnings.  I think of the ability to start fresh.  It’s the time when you open the earth to plant seeds – seeds that bloom and, when they blossom, you can begin to see your efforts pay off. That is true of anything in life. Whatever you put into something, you will see the returns. If you don’t plant any seeds, there will be none to reap. In the case of this recipe’s inspiration, someone planted a Meyer Lemon tree, out of love, and by this January in California, bright yellow orbs weighed down the branches.

My own memories of Spring take me back to when my children were younger. I would decorate the house in pastel colors. I would have tulips and pansies that would adorn the windowpanes. My daughters would arrive home from school wearing their beautiful floral dresses. Since I loved the idea of freshness and spring, they were given yummy Lemon Thyme Shortbread Cookies. They loved the freshness of the lemon and slightly savory aromatic distinctive flavor of the thyme. The cookies would melt in your mouth and go perfectly with my Ginger Honey Iced Tea. Now that memory is vulnerability at its best.

Meyer Lemon Tree

Lemon Thyme Shortbread Cookies

ingredients:

• 1-1/2 Cups unsalted butter, softened

• ½ Cup granulated sugar

• 1 Tablespoon of honey

• 2 Tablespoons fresh thyme

• 1 Tablespoon lemon zest

• 3-1/2 Cups All-purpose flour

• 2 Tablespoons cornstarch

• 1 Teaspoon salt

directions:

Step 1. Add butter to a large mixing bowl; beat until creamy.

Step 2. In another large bowl sift together the flour, cornstarch and salt

Step 3. Add flour mixture to butter mixture; beat until combined.

Step 4. Separate into three 1-1/2-inch logs.

Step 5. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap; refrigerate 1 hour or up to 5 days.

Step 6. Add butter to a large mixing bowl; beat until creamy.

Step 7. Preheat oven.

Step 8. Line baking sheet with parchment paper or non-stick cooking spray

Step 9. Cut shortbread into ¼ inch slices

Step 10. Bake 10 minutes or until brown.

Step 11. Cool 2 minutes.

Natalie Ramos

Natalie Ramos is a chef and owner of both the catering company Fleur de Cuisine and the recently opened restaurant Marie De La Fleur at 19375 Magnolia Grove Square inside the clubhouse at Lansdowne Woods. She recently wrote a book “Recipe for Life” which will be published soon.

“Whatever you put into something, you will see the returns. If you don’t plant any seeds, there will be none to reap.”

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Building Trust with Your Home Builder

ARTICLE BY MATTHEW BOWE, ALAIR HOMES HUNT COUNTRY

Building a custom home is a dream come true for many homeowners. It’s an opportunity to create a space that perfectly aligns with their vision and needs. However, the journey from vision to reality is not always smooth sailing.

When you decide to build your dream home, a premium should be placed on certain expectations. In this article, I’ll delve into what we’ve seen homeowners want in their relationship with their home builder, the fears that plague them, and how to avoid frustrations that can arise during the home-building process.

HOMEOWNERS’ EXPECTATIONS IN CUSTOM BUILDER RELATIONSHIPS

The cornerstone of the homeowner-builder relationship is transparency, honesty, and open communication. It is appropriate to expect your builder to be accessible, provide regular updates, and be willing to listen to your concerns and ideas. Regular meetings and prompt responses to emails and calls go a long way in establishing trust.

You should expect transparency from your builder in all aspects of the project, especially when it comes to finances. An open book process is optimal, where the builder shares and reviews every quote and bid with you so you can confirm line-by-line all the costs that go into your project. They should also provide realistic timelines and an honest assessment of any potential challenges that may arise during construction. This level of transparency helps you make informed decisions and avoid unpleasant surprises.

Your builder should deliver the highest standard of construction and craftsmanship, which can be assessed by inspecting past project portfolios, seeking references, and examining the builder’s reputation for attention to detail and quality workmanship. Working with a builder who understands building science and uses high-quality, innovative materials ensures that

your home is not only beautiful but also durable and functional. Your builder should offer flexibility in design and features to translate your vision into reality with customization options that personalize your space.

Always work with a builder who takes responsibility for his or her work at every stage of the building process. If any issues or defects arise, even after completion, your builder should address them promptly and efficiently. A reliable warranty that includes post-construction support is essential to your peace of mind.

OVERCOMING FEARS WHILE WORKING WITH A HOME BUILDER

One of the most common fears prospective custom homeowners have is that the project will exceed their budget. Unexpected costs can be a source of stress and anxiety. To alleviate these concerns, it is crucial that your builder offers transparency by furnishing precise cost estimates and then sticks to the agreed-upon budget as closely as possible.

Construction delays beyond either your or the builder’s control may disrupt your life and plans. Whether it’s due to weather, permitting issues, or unforeseen complications, delays are a common source of frustration. You can gauge the accuracy of their builder’s timelines by comparing them with industry standards and seeking feedback from past clients regarding project completion times.

The fear of shoddy workmanship or subpar materials is another common concern. You can trust that your custom home builder is deliberate and committed to excellence in craftsmanship and building science by evaluating their track record of using high-quality materials, adherence to industry best practices, and their dedication to ensuring every element of the home is thoughtfully designed and constructed. Be sure to investigate their tenure in your community. Can you

“The cornerstone of the homeownerbuilder relationship is transparency, honesty, and open communication.”

— Matt Bowe

This partnership is not just about bricks and mortar but about trust, communication, and shared goals, ensuring that your dream home becomes a reality while fostering a relationship built on mutual respect and collaboration.”  Matt Bowe

view other homes that they’ve built? Understand the industry alliances they maintain and if they are an approved provider of high-quality, branded materials.

Everyone dreads misunderstandings or miscommunications; in custom home building this can lead to mistakes in the construction process. This is why it is important to work with a builder that maintains open lines of communication, documents all discussions and decisions, and clarifies any ambiguities to avoid costly errors.

MITIGATING FRUSTRATIONS THAT CAN OCCUR THROUGHOUT THE PROCESS

Ensuring a smooth custom home building process starts with having well-structured contracts that prioritize your peace of mind. These contracts should be crystal clear and comprehensive, covering all project aspects, from the scope of work to the timeline, costs, and responsibilities. By specifying materials, finishes, and quality standards upfront, you can avoid misunderstandings down the road. Additionally, including dispute resolution clauses that outline the steps for resolving conflicts gives you a sense of security, knowing that there’s a structured approach in place if issues arise.

Open and ongoing communication between you and your builder is vital to preventing disputes. We recommend scheduling regular meetings to discuss project progress, address your concerns, and make collaborative decisions, even when you think everything is going according to plan. It’s essential to have all communications and decisions documented in writing, ensuring that you have a clear record of everything you

have discussed. There really is no counting the number of seemingly small decisions that are made in the construction of a custom home, and no one can keep track of them all without a very detailed plan that can be understood and reviewed by everyone involved.

Your builder should prioritize quality assurance to meet your expectations. They should implement strict quality control measures, conduct regular inspections, and adhere to agreed-upon standards. This commitment to quality not only reduces the chances of disputes but also guarantees that your custom home meets your standards. In case changes are needed, a formal change order process ensures that your input is valued and that any modifications are handled professionally.

Frustrations will surface at various points during the custom home-building process. Sometimes customers’ minds change and sometimes circumstances arise that neither you nor your builder can foresee. Disputes between you and your builder, if not handled amicably, can escalate and hinder progress. It is imperative that both parties remain open to compromise and, if necessary, seek mediation to resolve any conflicts.

FOSTERING A HARMONIOUS PARTNERSHIP FOR EXCEPTIONAL CUSTOM HOMES

Building a custom home is a significant undertaking, and beyond the construction of a new residence, it presents the opportunity to build a lasting and harmonious partnership with your builder. This partnership is not just about bricks and mortar but about trust, communication, and shared goals, ensuring that your dream home becomes a reality while fostering a relationship built on mutual respect and collaboration.

MATT BOWE has designed and built more than 350 custom homes or remodels since 2005. He believes it is not enough to simply build a superior home – the client must also receive an exceptional experience.

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Each patient that walks through the door receives a personalized treatment based on their medical condition, symptoms, and diagnosis tools. Dr. Brown and his team’s goal is to help as best they can. In creating the treatment plan, Dr. Brown takes into consideration the patient as a whole while working in sync with other healthcare practitioners: osteopaths, physical therapists, dentists, internist, and others. The perspective is to have a whole-body approach for into symptom relief.

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ARTICLE BY MELINDA GIPSON PHOTOGRAPHY BY MELINDA GIPSON, LOUDOUN VALLEY FLOORS

FROM DURABILITY TO HIGH-END ARTISTRY, WOOD FLOORING STANDS THE TEST OF TIME

Whether you’re dealing with 200-year-old Heart Pine or a brand spanking new, intricate, artistic design, wood flooring makes a lasting statement about your home. “Wood is a living thing, and it can continue to grow and change with you,” says Matt Ange, one of the owners of Loudoun Valley Floors. Matt and his partners have more than 30 years of experience installing and restoring some of the most iconic floors in the area in virtually every décor.

For the sake of contrast, and maybe to help establish the wide range of options from which homeowners can choose, we’ve selected two hardwood flooring projects that showcase how important it is to select an expert who stays current with the latest trends, new product releases not to mention updated and artisanal installation methods. They are SideBar restaurant at 24 South King St. in the heart of Leesburg, whose more than 200-year old, original Heart

Pine flooring received a new lease on life; and a private home in Falls Church with an intricate, original, artistic design that completely transformed the home’s original walnut foyer.

We call SideBar a traditional refinishing job as it is housed in one of the original old-town Leesburg homes and boasts nearly complete, original wood floors. The punishing wear of commercial restaurant and libation traffic had taken its toll on this surface, so the refinishers had to remove several layers of grime and sealant to uncover the beautiful, underlying wood grain. Some of the ancient stain remained in the refinished product, but, as it accented the original wood grain in a darker hue, it actually added shading and character to the completed floor.

Perhaps the most critical part of the project was a three-day curing process for the commercial polyurethane top coat, to

SideBar's 200-year-old Heart Pine Flooring

Foyer With Custom, Geometric Inlays

SideBar Small Tables

Faux Painted Stairs

SideBar Main Room

Cutting in the Walnut Inlays

“Wood flooring not only adds value to your home but you are able to sand and refinish it as long as you have enough wear layer. That means you can update your look in the future.”

— ELIZABETH ADKINS

ensure the ongoing beauty and durability of this historic floor. The owner Nils Schnibbe was so pleased, he asked Loudoun Valley Floors to refinish his home floors!

To the East, Loudoun Valley Floors responded to a call from a longtime customer, Kim Kendall Interiors. Kim had a client in Falls Church who was adding intricate, black trim accents to her foyer, including a modern wrought iron chandelier. The challenge: how to infuse this black trim into a geometric flooring design that would pull together all these accents to create a striking, cohesive impression?

Kim puzzled over the design problem for months, exploring then discarding traditional diamond patterns. Then, on a trip to visit her son in Dallas, she saw the perfect design in, of all places, the closet door in the Dallas Hyatt where she stayed. “I sent the pattern to my faux painter who mathematically mapped the design to the floor space and that was it!” Still, she knew paint wasn’t the most lasting solution for the upgrade, so she asked Loudoun Valley Floors if they could tackle it with wood inlay and they enthusiastically agreed. “I was a little amazed but they did a fabulous job,” she said.

Loudoun Valley Floors’ experts first traced the pattern, then extracted the requisite strips of wood from the floor for the darker inlay, installed complementary walnut inserts. They then stained the floor with the prescribed, contrasting, multilayered colors. The result is both unique and striking, the perfect introduction to an eclectic and very personalized home.

Because two sets of stairs off the foyer were viewed as a tripping hazard, these two received resonant designs, these of a Greek key pattern that were painted by Kim’s faux painter. The whole design was finished off with a black, wrought iron stair railing to the upstairs, capped with red-oak, the same wood Loudoun Valley Floors installed for the kitchen flooring.

If you still need inspiration, Loudoun Valley Floors Consultant Elizabeth Adkins notes that wood floors are “fully back in trend. Warmer, more traditional, and natural colors like gunstock are on the rise and cool colors like grey are headed out of fashion.” You’d have to visit one of Loudoun Valley Floors’ area showrooms to get the full range of options, but Elizabeth is quick to point out that a simple restoration treatment to a sand refinishing can yield great results.

“Wood flooring not only adds value to your home but you are able to sand and refinish it as long as you have enough wear layer. That means you can update your look in the future,” she explains. An in-home estimate to evaluate whether your floor is a candidate for such treatment is the first place to start. But then, dedicated, in-house flooring designers and retail sales associates stay with home owners and their interior design process every step of the way – even moving your furniture and helping to contain the dust from refinishing – making sure “we can bring the vision for your home to life,” she said.

For more information, see: loudounvalleyfloors.com/ products/hardwood

sophisticated SPLENDOR:

ENDURING BLUES, RICH TEXTURES, PATTERNS, AND LEATHERS RESHAPE THE ESSENCE OF DESIGN

ARTICLE BY LISA STEELMAN, BELLISSIMA DESIGN GROUP PHOTOGRAPHY BY LISA STEELMAN

Departing from the prevalent white and grey trends, 2024 leads the interior decorator in all of us into a realm of indulgence. Rich leathers, dark blues, earthy greens, and vibrant upholstery redefine luxury. The 2024 Pantone color, “Peach Fuzz,” seamlessly blends into wallpapers and textiles when combined with earthy tones, ushering in a new era of sophistication.

For us at Bellissima Design Group, this marks an exciting time in design. I believe every room is a story to be written. Clients are exploring colors, patterns, and textiles in unprecedented ways which gives them the license tell their story in a unique and personal way.

PATTERNS: CLASSIC ELEGANCE

Spring 2024 unveils classic floral and lattice patterns mingling with textural solids.  Florals and patterns are being used on furniture to tie in newly painted accent walls.

INFUSE COLOR: EMBRACE THE BOLD

2024 champions the infusion of bold colors through upholstery and drapes, breathing warmth into spaces previously dominated by white and grey. Clients are steering away from the mundane, embracing a lively palette that resonates with individuality and personal style.

RICH LEATHER AND MOODY ROOMS: A COZY TALE

Traditional leather designs take a fresh turn in 2024 with fresh accents such a

quilting and equestrian detailing on classic chairs. Harmonizing rich leathers with moody colors cascading across walls or draperies creates spaces exuding warmth, comfort, and timeless richness.

TRIM: A TOUCH OF GRANDEUR

Fringe and trim elevate every facet of design in 2024, from refined Granny Chic upholstered pieces to walls and ceilings adorned with intricate patterns and trims. Ceilings, often overlooked, can transform into textured canvas.  These elements invite visual exploration and help tell the story of the room.

For help with your next interior design project, reach me by phone at 703-9361772 or email lisa@bellissimadesign.com. bellissimadesign.com .

Sarreid blue accents

Sarreid equestrian details on rich leather

Yellow chairs, rich wood in a white room

Taylor King Floral Couch

Taylor King Chair with Fringe

live theatre

From Bond with Love: A 007 Musical Showcase

March 9-10, 16-17, 22-24 at 7:00pm

Something Different: Fairy Tales & Folklore Theatre for Young Audiences

March 16, 23 & 30 at 11:00am and 2:00pm

I Shot the Sheriff Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre

March 16, 23, April 27, May 11, 18 at Oatlands in Leesburg

April 6 at ONO Offshore in Chantilly

April 12 at Creek’s Edge Winery in Lovettsville

April 19 at Effingham Manor Winery in Nokesville

The Insanity of Mary Girard Psychological Thriller

April 13-14, 20-21, 26-27 at 7:00pm, April 14 & 21 at 2:00pm

Sly’s Magic

March 8, April 12, May 3 at 7:30pm

StageCoach Bandits Improv

March 15, April 19, May 17 at 7:30pm

After School Theatre Classes for ages 5-18

Traditional Roots with a Splash of Modern

ARTICLE BY MELINDA GIPSON | PHOTOGRAPHY BY THE

GUEST ROOM FURNITURE

THE GUEST ROOM FURNITURE

““It’s not about redoing someone’s home, we want to help build their home around them. That’s just always been the way we work.”

— Debbie Mattens

Stefanie Powell, interior designer with The Guest Room Furniture, grew up in her mom’s business, which started when she was 9 years old. “I think the fact that we're a family-run business means that we’ve always fostered family values and go about creating spaces that your whole family can enjoy, not just spaces that look pretty,” she says. When she meets with clients, she likes to know their story – how many kids do they have? How do they entertain? What are their hobbies? “We want to make sure their home is lifestyle friendly so they’re not afraid to live in it.”

Not surprisingly, some of Stefanie’s favorite rooms are those that incorporate heirloom furniture with more contemporary décor. “I think one general trend for our clients is that they mostly have traditional roots but want a splash of modern thrown in to give new life to a classic aesthetic. We love taking a client’s antique or heirloom piece of furniture and having it reupholstered or refinished as the foundation for a room. From there, we layer it with new rugs, custom pillows, window treatments, etc. to create a fresh new look based on a beloved piece.”

That’s the case with our first featured living room which puts an antique sofa at the heart of a vibrant collection of modern, Chinoiserieupholstered furniture, pillows and artwork. “We introduced more textures and geometrics” to update the room, Stefanie explains. The linen Chinoiserie chairs have a deep navy rather than a more muted cream base to lend a bit more drama.

A sun porch that uses a distressed chest as a coffee table, paired with an oriental rug and some plaid upholstery helps illustrate Stefanie’s

second design trend. “We enjoy the juxtaposition of different textures within a room to build layers and add depth to the overall design composition: for instance, a hardy boucle fabric paired with a handsome wool, or natural jute fringe paired with sheer embroidery. Fabrics can play together to create poetry within a space and add visual interest, especially by combining common textures such as linens and cottons with more voluminous elements like velvets and tapestries.”

The living room on the bottom of the next page shows off a third trend. Stefanie describes it as having a base of “soft neutrals with pops of color,” like the teal-gray couch, from which a more muted hue is picked up in the pattern of the chairs. “With the growth and accessibility of performance fabrics, we are able to create a light and tranquil atmosphere that is approachable and easy to maintain. Many upholstery pieces can now be made in a white or linen material but still be pet, kid, and lifestyle friendly! That gives us the opportunity to introduce pops of color in accent pieces throughout the space, while keeping the bones of the room incredibly versatile for years to come.”

While it also displays the use of performance fabrics and a base of neutral tones, our next featured family room evinces “maximalism.” Says Stefanie, “Maximalism is definitely back in. The concept ‘less is more’ is pretty foreign to us, as evident by our lavish showroom!” she quips. Anyone paying a visit to the 312 E Market St. showroom knows what she means. It is an eclectic emporium of delightful accent pieces from tabletop statuary to sumptuous pillows and wall art. One of our favorites is a wall mosaic reproduction

Opposite page, top: An antique couch anchors a more modern, dramatic Chinoiserie flair

Bottom left: Soft neutrals with a pop of color

of a historic map of Loudoun County. Stefanie delights in drawing on her resource at Iconic Pineapple to produce similar treatments of places that have meaning for her clients.

“Our clients take advantage of the space they’re given and use every inch of the room as an opportunity to express their personal design aesthetic. Wall décor, artwork, tabletop accessories, and even lamps are used to add life and energy to the home. We love to create vignettes that help tell stories of our client’s unique personalities, while also enhancing the overall cohesion of the design.” In the case of the living room with horse motifs, Stefanie calls this “quintessential Western Loudoun.”

Our perfect bathroom also takes advantage of every square inch of space to delight the eyes, from the patterned wallpaper to the pompoms on the window valence. Note that the color of the ceiling echoes that of the valence, and that the scroll accents on the chandelier are reprised on the wall sconces. “I tell people a powder room is the room where you can take risks – do what you would never be brave enough to do elsewhere in the house, because it's kind of its own little wonderland,” Stefanie said.

Last but not least, we selected a photo of a modernized, colonial bedroom, again featuring some upscale Chinoiserie with a blue and white theme. An abstract pillow in blue and white modernizes the theme, and the curtains (yes! printed curtains are back) even convey the color into the garden because they’re double-lined to show the print on the outside. “We love that this younger couple again took a piece of family history (the antique bed) and gave it new life.”

Debbie Mattens, owner of The Guest Room Furniture adds, “I think a lot of people are afraid to hire a designer because they don’t want their house to look like a model home. We are never going to walk into someone's home and tell them, ‘You need to do this differently.’ We work with what they have. A lot of times we'll even convince people to repurpose something – they’ll have a beautiful chair and rather than get rid of it we may recover it. It's not about redoing someone's home, we want to help build their home around them. That's just always been the way we work.”

Visit their showroom and design gallery in Leesburg or online at theguestroomfurniture.com

We are never going to walk into someone’s home and tell them, ‘You need to do this differently.’ We work with what they have.

“ ”

Opposite page: Pairing different textures ads interest | Bottom left: "Maximalism" is back, as evidenced with the mosaic prints that make maximum use of wall space

Unhappy at Work? IT’S NEVER TOO LATE TO PURSUE YOUR DREAMS

When you think about work, does it make you smile? Or, does it plunge you into despair and anxiety?

Deborah is a speaker, career coach and teacher who is passionate about helping people find and employ their true callings and help workplaces function more efficiently. Deborah believes that the key to happiness in your work life may be as simple as following your dreams in a manner that allows you to live out your most deeply held values.

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Compact Kitchens:

Kamal Boyraz Combines Light and Reflective Surfaces to Make Kitchens Shine

Whether you’re downsizing or just starting out in a smaller home or apartment, you’re likely to find that the place builders find the most room to cut back is the kitchen. That leaves kitchen design pros with a new dilemma. How do you make compact kitchens both seem more spacious and be more functional?

Kemal Boyraz of Virginia Kitchen and Bath accomplished this brilliantly with our featured kitchen project in a variety of creative ways. Kemal employed both new-age materials and some old-world charm to make this smaller-sized kitchen a place that’s a joy to cook and congregate in, as well as to upkeep.

Let’s start with the color palate. Using white as a base color, with a number of reflective surfaces like the bases of the metal kitchen stools and the backsplash tiles lining the walls, widens the space and makes the room just seem bigger. Even accents like the larger-sized, gold cabinet fixtures add some dazzle, as does the hanging “candle-light” fixture, both modern and a little old-world – and maybe a bit evocative of those Williamsburg artisans who make beeswax candles for the tourists!

Next comes the kitchen island. It’s eight-feet long – long enough to accommodate four comfy but compact kitchen stools that tuck underneath, and durable enough to provide plenty of extra cooking and serving surface. It’s exotic granite which mimics marble but is stain and moisture resistant. It also resists scratches and scrapes so is common in busy kitchens. You can take pots right from the stove to

the combination counter and tabletop, and your island will maintain its shine. The beauty of the island is a bonus, with its waterfall surface and mitered edges, providing clean, elegant lines that are also easy to clean.

Kemal mixed the oak hardwood floor stain himself, using a blend of white and gray to lighten the color to match the lower cabinets. Note that it’s entirely okay to go with darker cabinets on the bottom layer and white on top. They’re the same shape and share the same hardware, and together accent the color scheme laid down by the exotic granite countertop.

Even the stainless-steel sink was designed with color and utility in mind. Because it’s flush with the surrounding counter space, you can easily straddle it with a wide cutting board from which you can rake peels into the disposal.

In a more open floor plan, you might expect the living room décor to spill into the kitchen, but not here. Kemal instead flows his kitchen design principles into the family room, using a beautiful brown and goldveined slab of Dekton Laurent engineered stone to mount a wide screen TV flush with a fireplace! Even the space-saving, custom-built bookcase provides more room for storage without inviting clutter, which can so easily make smaller rooms feel more confining.

For more information on how you can expand your horizons in a smaller space, reach out to Kemal at kemal@ virginiakitchenandbath.com or see virginiakitchenand bath.com for more creative, space-saving ideas.

The top image is a wide-screen TV mounted above the real fireplace

HOW TWO WORLDS COLLIDED TO BUILD OUTDOOR DREAMS AT VELERO DECK DESIGNS

From Screens to Sunsets

ARTICLE BY JAIME GUERRERO AND DIEGO OSORIO PHOTOGRAPHY BY VELERO DECK DESIGNS

Partners Diego Osorio and Jaime Guerrero

In the midst of a pandemic that reshaped lives and perspectives, one chance encounter forged a new beginning. Jaime Guerrero had seasoned expertise in home construction, having honed his craft across diverse projects, mastering the art of detailing and team leadership. Diego Osorio, was a veteran in information technology who was seeking solace in the outdoors. Diego craved a shift “from screens to sunsets.”

Yet both were in their own way dedicated to perfection in their professions. Jaime's journey through the construction landscape was a model of dedication and meticulousness. With a legacy spanning more than twenty years, he had traversed the construction gamut, from framing houses to sheetrock finishing, eventually finding his passion in deck building. His penchant for perfectionism caused him to transform what was for some mundane tasks into refined practices like cutting composite boards into the impeccable quality that differentiated his work from competitors.

Diego's narrative unfolded against a backdrop of technological innovation and financial expertise. Thirty years of entrenched work in IT gave him a wealth of experience and a trove of client-centric skills. But, ironically, just as the world turned virtual, he longed for the outdoors. What Jaime did spoke to his newfound passion for outdoor craftsmanship. That, combined with his financial acumen were skills ripe for a new entrepreneurial venture.

CONTINUED >

Let’s just say they hit it off. Their shared zeal for craftsmanship and an unspoken alignment of values sowed the seeds for a grand vision. In 2022, fueled by shared passion and an insatiable entrepreneurial spirit, Jaime and Diego took the leap of faith, launching Velero Deck Designs, a perfect blend of their shared dreams and complementary expertise.

Velero Deck Designs emerged not just as a company but as a fusion of Jaime's mastery of construction intricacies and Diego's prowess in client relations and business operations. Their collaboration birthed a vision where decks weren't mere structures but canvases for individual aspirations—a place where craftsmanship and client-centricity merged seamlessly.

Diego's passion for innovation manifested in the introduction of astonishing 3D renderings, an integral part of Velero's standard offering during project estimates. Clients were no longer presented with mere blueprints; they were transported into vivid, lifelike visualizations of their dream decks. This innovation bridged the gap between imagination and reality, allowing clients to envisage their envisioned spaces with unprecedented clarity.

The addition of 3D renderings wasn't just a technological advancement; it was a testament to Velero's

commitment to personalized service. It became a conduit for clients to actively participate in the creative process, allowing them to fine-tune designs and customize every aspect of their dream deck.

Their approach wasn't just about crafting decks; it was about understanding dreams, aspirations, and translating them into beautifully constructed realities. Velero became synonymous with not just quality craftsmanship but also a personalized touch—a testament to their shared ethos of attention to detail and customer satisfaction.

Says Diego, “Transitioning from indoor work to designing and building decks, I never imagined the joy that comes with crafting spaces where people create countless cherished memories.”

Today, Velero Deck Designs stands as a testament to the power of passion, collaboration, and the fusion of diverse expertise. It's a story that underscores the transformative potential of chance encounters and the incredible heights that can be scaled when passion meets proficiency.

In a world reshaped by uncertainty, Jaime and Diego found certainty in their shared vision—a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the inexorable drive to build, both dreams and realities, one deck at a time.

Velero Deck Designs is a Class A Contractor, fully licensed and insured that serves primarily residences in Loudoun and Fairfax County. You can find more about them at velerodeckdesigns.com

Loudoun Habitat for Humanity Celebrates 30 Years of Home

Looks to Pioneer New Partnerships for Attainable Housing

This year, Therese Cashen celebrates a dozen years of working with Loudoun Habitat for Humanity, an organization that helps local families lower the cost of homeownership and creates opportunities for future homeowners to access quality, attainable housing. Habitat celebrates its 30th year locally and staff and the board of directors aren’t resting on their laurels. They’re looking ahead to the next 30 years and how best to provide more attainable housing in Loudoun.

One bit of history worth mentioning as the group considers its future path is that the local chapter of Habitat was started by Leadership Loudoun, a non-profit group that offers leadership training to local community leaders looking to effect positive change. It was 1993, when affordable housing was even then a top area of concern for the county.

During the early years in Loudoun, the organization focused on new home construction. The search for land led to the

Middleburg area where 12 homes were built. In 2010, Habitat then started buying existing homes to rehab, creating a new model for attainable housing. There are now 66 properties all over the county owned by individuals and families who’ve been helped by Habitat.

Habitat has expanded its programs to include home repairs that focus on making critical repairs to aging homes. Many of the clients for home repairs are the elderly, disabled and veterans struggling to make the needed repairs. Also added was the Tools for Life Learning Center, an online platform that provides education on financial literacy and home maintenance issues.

As one of the few nonprofits focused on providing attainable homeownership, Therese says, “We’re looking to the next 30 years and how we can make some deeper impact here in Loudoun County.

One way forward is to build partnerships with local developers. One prospective collaboration on the front burner is

ARTICLE BY MELINDA GIPSON

MARTY SHOUP,

“

“When I was selected to be a homeowner... it’s like just being born again.”

Tijuana Plascencia

This

Top

Middle left: Homeowner

Danni Saying what Home Ownership Means to Her

Middle right: Breaking Ground for the Duplex on Prince

Bottom left: Tijuana Plascencia

Remembers The Day She

Got Her House Keys

Bottom right: Joseph and Nadena Barnett, Homeowners

Left page, circle: Therese Cashen

page, top left: Therese Unveils the Duplex Project for Prince St.

right: Homeowner Danni with Therese Cashen

“

called The Village at Clear Springs (villageatclear springs.com), a planned 246-acre, 1076-home “Master Planned Community” south of Heritage High School between Evergreen Mills Road and the Dulles Greenway.

Last October, the project received a go-ahead from the County Planning Commission and it now heads for consideration by the County Board of Supervisors at its March 13 meeting. If approved, the development will provide land and amenities to 12 townhouses to be built by Loudoun Habitat for Humanity.

The donated land will be placed in the Virginia Statewide Community Land Trust, ensuring these homes will be an affordable housing option in perpetuity to families served by Habitat. “The VSCLT supports creating and stewarding permanently affordable homes to benefit lower income families today and into the future,” Therese said.

All the homes in the development would be served by a homeowners association headed by the U.S. Tennis Association, which plans to make the development its headquarters and the site of world-class tennis facilities,

Ben Miller, co-founder and partner of Wellington Development Partners, brought Habitat to the table as part of the Village of Clear Springs. Ben is currently vice-chairman of Loudoun’s Affordable Dwelling Unit Advisory Board. Leonard “Hobie” Mitchel, the managing partner of Clear Springs Development Group, also a longtime member of the board, is also an avowed Habitat ally. Innovative ways to accommodate affordable housing have been part of his approach to development for more than 40 years.

Hobie said The Village of Clear Springs will have 18% attainable and workforce homes (around 192 units), up to 468 active adult residences, up to 610 single family attached and detached homes and plenty of open space for trails and parks, besides USTA’s 36 tennis courts and 12 pickleball courts. An existing bed and breakfast will stay on

the property as will an existing church, with one additional church in the plan.

Hobie added, on incorporating Habitat housing, “We didn’t have to do this; we wanted to do this. We’ve long supported Habitat for Humanity. We think it’s a wonderful program that really accomplishes a lot so even though we couldn’t count them as affordable housing units for the ordinance requirements, we thought it was very important.”

While it could be 2026 or 2027 before Habitat can begin building homes in this new neighborhood, work continues on purchasing existing properties using funding support from the Community Block Grant and in partnership with the Department of Housing and Community Development. In September, Habitat broke ground on a stacked duplex to be built on a vacant lot located on Prince Street in Leesburg’s Lowenbach neighborhood. The families that will live in these new homes have been participating in a year-long training program to prepare them for homeownership and have invested more than 200 hours of sweat-equity working on other Habitat projects and volunteering.

Habitat will hold its Raise the Roof Gala on March 2nd at the Westfield Marriott with not just these projects in mind, but with an eye towards future projects that will offer a hand up to families who serve the community, but can’t yet afford to live here.

We met a few of these families at a taping of their testimonials for the gala: Joseph and Nadena Barnett who bought their home in 2008; Danni Butler, who was a civilian working for the fire department when she bought her home in Hamilton in 2017, and is now a volunteer chaplain; and Tijuana Plascencia, who bought her home in 1998 and has already paid off the mortgage!

“When I was selected to be a homeowner, what it meant to me was, oh my God, I can’t even explain; it’s like just being born again.... I didn’t

know how I was going to make it. I just didn’t know and that was really my light in the tunnel,” Tijuana said. Her son, who was just 3 years old at her house dedication, is now a successful sous chef in Richmond. As a matter of pride, she paid off his college loans even before she paid off her house.

Many of the homeowners had difficulty holding back tears as they told their stories of raising small children in a home that was always in the same place when their kids came home from school, and the stability that home life gave their families.

Listening to their experiences, Therese also teared up. “For me, the past 12 years have taught me that home is at the heart of everything we are, for our children and our families and our future. To be denied that – to not be able to experience homeownership – that is a weakness in our community that demands our focus to fix.”

How you can help? Well, you can swing a hammer too. Area companies can participate in team buildings that help fund Habitat’s work in Loudoun County. Donations or discounts from small businesses in the construction or reconstruction fields are welcome. Faith communities of all religious backgrounds can participate in helping to fund projects and construction and youth volunteers are welcome. See loudounhabitat.org/volunteer. Unfortunately, the The ReStore closed at the end of February.

And, as Therese looks to retirement, the CEO job will open and bring with it challenges for a community builder ready to change the world.

Vibrant Senior Living in All Seasons

Weather

TRANSFORM YOUR LIVING SPACE INTO A

ZONE BLUE

What’s the secret to a happy, healthy, and long life? Believe it or not, it’s actually quite simple: There are no secret ingredients, no sizable expenditures, and absolutely zero manufactured elements of any kind. Dive in with us as we share insights from our interview with the internationally renowned Blue Zones Founder, National Geographic Explorer, and award-winning journalist who is revolutionizing the way Americans make choices that can lead to living your best life.

For over twenty years, Dan Buettner has been fully committed to studying the health and longevity of Americans as well as influencing the proper and attainable health-centric environments our communities should embody. What started with identifying five “blue zones” around the world where people are both living longer as well as enjoying a higher quality of life in their elder years has now also evolved into proactively creating eco-systems where our communities engage in setting the standard for clean health.

Buettner’s first cookbook, The Blue Zones Kitchen, is a fantastic resource featuring ingredients and cooking methods that can increase longevity, wellness, and mental health. The recipes also include lifestyle tips such as proper portion sizes and the best times to eat dinner. Plus, check out his additional seven books that dig deep into the exact foods you should eat to how your circle of friends and family can influence your quality of life.

Every time you go out to eat, you will consume an extra 300 calories that are laden with more sodium, sugar, and oil than eating at home. “Get your hands on a plant-based cookbook, pick a dozen recipes, and cook those with your family on Sundays. If you make the effort to cook it with your family, you will gain the skills and learn to make some good and whole food plant-based recipes.”

New York Times Best Selling Author and Netflix Producer, Dan Buettner, Inspires a Better Life Based on Research from the World’s Healthiest Cultures.

Tap into Dan’s wisdom that is creating a new category of places that are not merely the legacy of a healthy culture, but more consciously created by enlightened individuals that are intent on supercharging healthier communities!

Follow @DanBuettner and @BlueZones for full insights and visit BlueZones.com to shop exclusive products.