Summer Design Tips

We have packed up our jackets, pants, and boots and mentally put away the colors that remind us of colder days.  Summer is on the horizon and so are its vibrant colors.  Read along as I provide summer design tips to help you brighten up your home to better enjoy your summer!

Power Washing

The start of summer is a great time to power wash your home, driveway, sidewalk, and patio.  Most of the pollen from the spring has completed its yearly encroachment on our lives and has left us souvenirs of its existence.  Power washing cleans the remnants of pollen and leaves a home looking refreshed.  It also takes away the allergens from your patio so that it is ready to host those summer night get-togethers. A dark driveway and walkway can detract from the beautiful greenery and flowers that surround your home so don’t neglect to have them power washed as well.   If you don’t own a pressure washer or don’t have the time to delegate to this task, my team and I can power wash for you. 

Flowers & Planters

The beginning of the summer is a great time to plant trees and fill our pots and planters full of flowers!  The beauty of the greenery and flowers creates a perfect ambiance for enjoying the outdoors, not to mention its appeal that will leave your friends and neighbors envious.  

Outdoor Umbrellas

The heat of the summer sun can be intense so adding a beautiful umbrella to your outdoor space is a must.  My friend Emily designs and fabricates gorgeous umbrellas that fit any occasion.  “Emily’s Umbrellas are fully customizable with a wide selection of styles and top-quality hardware. Traditional, modern, elegant or whimsical, you can create the perfect umbrella for your deck, patio or pool. Made with 100% acrylic solution-dyed fabric guaranteed for six years against shrinking, rotting, fading, water, mold, and mildew-resistant.” – Emily’s Umbrellas. And did I mention that they are reversible?!  

Outdoor Furniture

To be able to enjoy your outdoor space during the summer, you have to be comfortable… I’m talking about outdoor furniture cushions.  The harsh conditions of the outdoors can take a toll on your outdoor furniture so the onset of summer is the perfect time to introduce new, vibrant cushions.  My favorite fabric houses that sell outdoor fabrics in the Washington DC area are Kravet, Schumacher, Pindler, and Fabricut.  The best summer fabrics are bright and fun!  So if you are unsure which direction you want to go with your new cushions and outdoor space, let me help you fulfill your outdoor furniture needs and desires.

The summer months will be gone as quickly as they arrived so make the most of them by enjoying the outdoors, entertaining friends and family, relaxing, and grilling.


Master Bathroom Renovation

This extremely large master bathroom in Sterling, VA was in need of a facelift.  It was a builder’s grade bathroom with old white octagon tile on the bathroom floor, 4 x 6 tile surrounding the old jacuzzi tub, an outdated cherry-stained vanity, and bulky chrome shower doors.

Here one day, gone the next!!! 

All of the tile on the bathroom floor was jack hammered out of an old bed of mortar. Old vanity, mirror, toilet, jacuzzi bathtub, and shower….gone. We completely gutted the entire bathroom, including replacing the plumbing, reworking the electrical, and applying new sub-flooring.  

Next, we focused on the new shower.  After framing it with durock, we installed white marble octagon-shaped tile on the shower floor and staggered 12 x 24 white marble tiles on the shower walls.  Additionally, we placed a 4 x12 marble border around the sides and top of the shower. All of the chrome plumbing supplies are Grohe and all of the marble is from Marble Systems. 

On those cool mornings, there is nothing nicer than stepping onto a heated bathroom floor. My crew installed the floor heating on top of a base layer of durock.  Then, we placed white marble 18 x 18 tile going diagonally across the bathroom floor for a unique feature.

Once the flooring was completed, it was time to bring in the tub… not a small feat!  My guys had to bring it in sideways through the doors in the house but thankfully it arrived in two pieces, the base, and the basin.  We situated it under the skylight in the bathroom and centered it in front of the window. 

Then, we brought in the vanity and positioned it on the wall opposite the shower and tub.  We chose a well-defined double vanity with a marble countertop that complemented the marble throughout the entire bathroom.

There were two finishing touches in this stunning master bathroom. First, my crew installed the full glass panel shower door and walls, giving the bathroom a sleek and open feel.  Second, we brought in a large beveled edge mirror and hung it over the vanity.  Lastly, we installed three chrome sconces on the actual mirror, providing plentiful lighting.


Doors Around the World

I love doors and have taken photos of doors from all over the world! 

“We keep moving forward, opening up new doors and doing new things, because we’re curious… and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths.” 

– Walt Disney

Every door gives rise to a new adventure.  Do you take a look and wonder what lies behind? Do you have the courage to open and see for yourself or are you content with just passing by?  I find doors incredibly fascinating and find myself photographing the many doors I encounter around the world.  

Wood Doors

Wood doors are sturdy and the most common.  However, this does not make them dull.  Many different types of wood in the world give way to many different types of wood doors.  From the unique grain to the variety of stains, the possibilities are endless.  Different designs can also be incorporated into wood doors, such as carvings, panels, geometry, and fresh paint.  

Door Hardware

My favorite door hardware is the door knockers.  They are so fun and are not very abundant so when I spot one, I have to check it out!  Door knockers can vary from a simple ring to an animal to an intricate design.  I’ve also scoured doors around the world for beautiful handles, striking hinges, and the occasional mail drop.  

Famous Doors Around the World

Columbus Doors Right in our own community are the Columbus doors at the US Capitol building in Washington DC.  These doors are made of bronze with different scenes from the life of Christopher Columbus.

Holy Door The Holy Door at St. Peter’s Basilica is only opened during a holy year which occur every 25 years.  St. Peter’s Basilica website states, “On the first day of the Holy Year the Pope strikes the brick wall with a hammer, and so opens the door to let in the pilgrims who come to make the most of the indulgence. It will be closed by the Pope himself at the end of the Holy Year. The Holy Door represents Jesus, the Good Shepherd and the gate of the sheep pen: ‘I am the gate. Whoever enters through me, will be safe. He will go in and out, and find pasture’ (Jn 10:9).”

Portal of the Last Judgment Located at the main entrance to Notre Dame Cathedral is the Portal of the Last Judgment.  Honestly, all three doors located on the west facade are brilliant with their carvings depicting the Virgin Mary, astrological calendar, Christ, the apostles, resurrection of the dead, and judgment day.  Above the three doors are 28 statues of the Kings of Israel.  

The Golden Gates of Dar El MakhzenAlthough you are not allowed to enter the Royal Palace of Fez, you most certainly can admire its seven opulent golden gates.  

May your adventures lead you through new doors and take you back through your favorites!  Please share any door photos or special doors that have brought meaning to you, I would love to hear about and see them. 


Kelley Astore Interiors

Expert Interior Design & Renovation Services of Every Style.

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Northern Virginia, Washington, DC,
and the Greater Washington Area

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