Real Estate
Leather and lace in your home decor
From couches to countertops, add some flair
When I was very young, I would visit my maternal grandmother and marvel at the hand-tatted and crocheted doilies that adorned the arms and backs of her sofa and chairs. They were also found on her dressers and side tables, and on the dining table as coasters and placemats, to prevent scratches on the furniture. Like snowflakes, the designs of the doilies were both intricate and individual.
Iām convinced that people had better posture in the early 20th century, because I never saw the remnants of menās hair tonic, Macassar oil, or pomade on Nanaās doilies, even though they were there to keep the furniture from absorbing those hair products. Certainly, people werenāt the couch potatoes lounging on sofas then that we are today. Being able to Netflix and chill was a long way off.
I was impressed with the amount of work that had gone into such a little piece of fabric, so I later tried to learn to crochet. Sadly, all I was able to accomplish was string after string, never having been taught how to join those strings together to resemble a doily. At least with knitting, I was able to form squares large enough to be blankets for my Barbie.
In my mid-century childhood, doilies were put away and saved for grandchildren who, years later, would neither want them nor appreciate their historical value. The ā50s saw polyvinyl chloride (PVC) go from a commercial substance used frequently in post-WWII construction to a residential fabric that we now refer to fondly as āpleather.ā I can still remember the sound of my thighs peeling off the vinyl banquette at the diner when I would get up to leave a booth.
To be without a leather couch in the ā60s was dĆ©classĆ© and, although styles have changed, such a couch remains a timeless piece. These days, if you are looking for a little more leather in your life and in your home, you can look beyond that couch and chair, where options range from the subdued to the highly decorative.
While vinyl is still the least expensive leather-look fabric, we now have ābondedā leather, made with scraps that are bonded together using polyurethane or latex. As you can tell from the prices of such furniture, the actual leather used in the process can vary from 10-90 percent.
Of course, top grain leather is the most expensive, and we have suede, die cut, embossed, patent, and a variety of other techniques used to change the look of a hide. In addition, there is now vegan leather.
For something unique for your kitchen or bar, check out the tooled leather countertop from Kosel Saddlery (koselsaddles.wixsite.com/marty) in Montana. They also make saddles and chaps.
Instead of the shiny granite counters that we all know, MSI Surfaces (msisurfaces.com) makes honed and leathered granite finishes for a more subtle appearance and has dealers throughout the DMV.Ā
For a do-it-yourself application, Amazon sells the Aspect brand eight-pack of leather glass, peel and stick subway tiles for backsplashes in five neutral colors for less than $20 each.
EcoDomo (ecodomo.com) in Gaithersburg offers a variety of custom leather treatments, including countertops, door and cabinet panels, floor planks and tiles, and wall systems. Your color choices arenāt limited to black or brown either. They can manufacture pieces in blue, red, green, and even in custom colors to match other items in your dĆ©cor.
Many online stores such as Wayfair and Overstock carry real and faux leather headboards, footstools, poufs and benches at affordable prices.
Thereās always something in leather at Pottery Barn, even for the conservative budget: pieced leather pillows, tufted stools, basket collections, and even a leather-bound coffee table book for cigar aficionados.
If youāre looking for small accent pieces, try a leather coaster, placemat, napkin ring, or my personal favorite, a cutlery pouch for your tableware collection from Lucrin Geneva (lucrin.com). They also offer office accessories such as crocodile desk sets, wastebaskets and storage boxes.
And for the connoisseur of leather, vinyl, rubber, or even neoprene items of a more personal nature, head to the Capitol Hill Hyatt Regency this Friday through Sunday for Mid-Atlantic Leather weekend. With plenty of specialty items, high-impact fashion, toys and games for all ages and yes, even custom-made furniture among the vendor exhibitions, youāre sure to find something that will tickle your fancy.
Just remember that you (and your puppy) must both be vaccinated and masked to attend. We take COVID (and rabies) very seriously here in D.C.
Valerie M. Blake is a licensed Associate Broker in D.C., Maryland, and Virginia with RLAH Real Estate.Ā Call or text her at 202-246-8602, email her via DCHomeQuest.com, or follow her on Facebook at TheRealst8ofAffairs.
Real Estate
Spooky Pride: Thrifty LGBTQ Halloween decor tips for your rental
Halloween is the perfect time to show off your creativity and embrace both the spooky and fabulous. For LGBTQ renters, itās an opportunity to infuse your space with festive flair that reflects both pride and personality ā without breaking the bank. Whether you’re hosting friends for a ghoulish gathering or simply decking out your apartment for some solo seasonal fun, we’ve got you covered with budget-friendly, LGBTQ-inspired decorating tips that bring glam, style, and inclusivity to your haunted home.
1. LGBTQ Symbols and Colors. Rainbow-Inspired Decorations: Incorporate rainbow-colored string lights, garlands, and flags into the Halloween decor. This can be paired with classic black and orange Halloween colors to create a unique, inclusive aesthetic.
Pride Pumpkins: Paint pumpkins in rainbow or trans Pride flag colors or carve designs like hearts or symbols of equality to mix Halloween with LGBTQ pride.
2. Drag Queen-Inspired Glam. Glitter and Glam: Draw inspiration from drag queens by adding glamor to Halloween decor. Use metallic streamers, sparkling skulls, and shimmery fabrics for a fabulous touch.
DIY Drag Masks: Create or purchase affordable masks with feathers, sequins, and bold colors for a decorative wall or window display, which can also double as party favors.
3. Inclusive Horror Icons. Iconic Figures: Use LGBTQ-friendly horror icons like Elvira, Divine (from āPink Flamingosā), or characters from āRocky Horror Picture Showā in posters or costumes. They add a campy, queer edge to Halloween dĆ©cor.
DIY Posters or Cutouts: Print out photos or posters of these characters and frame them inexpensively to give your apartment a bold statement piece.
4. Thrifty Decorating Tips. Up-cycled Decor: Thrift stores are a great resource for inexpensive Halloween props ā like old frames, candle holders, and vasesāspray paint them black or gold for a spooky and chic feel.
DIY Spooky Lanterns: Repurpose mason jars or old glass containers by placing battery-operated LED lights or tea lights inside. Decorate the outside with stickers or painted-on spooky designs like bats, pumpkins, or cobwebs.
Black Lace on a Budget: Drape black lace or fishnet fabric (found cheaply at fabric stores) over tables or lampshades for an eerie, gothic vibe.
5. Queer-Friendly, Sustainable Alternatives. Eco-Friendly LED Lighting: Encourage the use of LED lights in purple, orange, or green. Not only are they energy-efficient, but theyāre safer for apartments that may have limitations on open flames or outlets.
Plant-Based, Vegan Candles: For a spooky, cozy vibe, suggest plant-based, cruelty-free candles. Opt for scents like pumpkin spice or cinnamon for a seasonal touch without compromising on values.
6. Community Engagement. Collaborative Building Decor: Suggest organizing a building-wide LGBTQ-friendly Halloween decorating contest where neighbors can share resources and collaborate. This fosters community spirit and makes decorating more fun and budget friendly.
Host a Pumpkin-Carving Party: Recommend throwing a pumpkin-carving event, allowing friends and neighbors to come together for a fun, budget-friendly activity.
Halloween is a time to unleash your creativity, and with these thrifty LGBTQ decorating tips, you can transform your rental apartment into a spooky, Pride-filled haven. From rainbow pumpkins to drag queen glam and up-cycled decor, these ideas prove that you donāt need a huge budget to make a big impact.
So, whether youāre hosting a Halloween party or just want to embrace the spooky season with a queer twist, these decorating tips will help you celebrate with flair and Pride. And remember, Halloween is about having fun, being unapologetically yourself, and expressing your unique identityābecause in the end, thereās nothing scarier than not being true to who you are.
Scott Bloom is owner and Senior Property Manager, Columbia Property Management. For more information and resources, visit ColumbiaPM.com.
Real Estate
Avoiding the basement blahs
Renovating a lower level can add significant value to your home
Sadly, we have waved goodbye to summer and are now slowly shifting from enjoying outdoor activities to things we can do indoors. If you are lucky enough to have a basement, renovating it into livable space can be a great winter project to dramatically increase the functionality and value of your home.
Basements come with unique challenges due to their location below ground level, and overlooking critical aspects can lead to long-term problems. They are particularly vulnerable to dampness. Failure to address moisture can lead to mold growth, structural damage, and health hazards.
To tackle moisture control, start by checking for water leaks or seepage through the walls and floor. If moisture is present, you may need to apply waterproofing solutions to the exterior or interior walls of your home. Installing a vapor barrier is advisable to prevent condensation from damaging insulation and walls.
Make sure the basement has proper drainage systems, such as a sump pump and foundation drainage. The sump pump can remove water that collects around the foundation, while an effective drainage system redirects water away from the home. Installing a dehumidifier can also help.
Basements also tend to be colder than the rest of the house. Proper insulation in the walls and floor helps regulate temperature, reducing heating costs in winter and maintaining a cool, comfortable, and energy efficient environment in summer. Insulating the ceiling can reduce noise transfer between the basement and the upper floors, making the space quieter and more private.
Before any significant work begins, it’s crucial to assess the basement’s structural integrity. This includes checking the foundation for cracks or signs of shifting, which could indicate a bigger problem, particular with the plethora of old houses in the area.
If you notice any large cracks or signs of movement, consult a structural engineer or foundation expert to determine whether repairs are needed. Small cracks can be sealed, but larger ones may require reinforcement or more extensive foundation work.
Depending on local building codes, you may need to install egress windows if you are adding bedrooms or turning the basement into a rental unit. Egress windows provide an escape route in case of emergencies and allow more natural light to enter the space, making it feel more welcoming.
When adding a bathroom or kitchen, youāll find that installing plumbing in a basement can be more challenging because of the need to pump wastewater upwards. You may need a macerating toilet system or a sewage ejector pump to manage this. I learned this the first time I found that, contrary to what we have been told, water can indeed travel up.
Adding more outlets, lighting, appliances, and ventilation systems may necessitate electrical upgrades. Since basements are often unfinished, you may have exposed wiring, which should be properly enclosed or rerouted to meet code. Depending on the scope of the renovation, you might need to upgrade your homeās electrical panel to handle the increased demand.
Proper ventilation is often overlooked in basement renovations but is essential for maintaining air quality and preventing the buildup of stale air or harmful gases. Installing mechanical ventilation, such as an HRV (Heat Recovery Ventilator) or an ERV (Energy Recovery Ventilator), can help ensure a consistent flow of fresh air in the basement.
Radon, a naturally occurring radioactive gas, can enter homes through cracks in the foundation. Since radon exposure is a leading cause of lung cancer, itās wise to test for it before beginning the renovation. If elevated levels are detected, you may need to install a mitigation system.
Once the technical aspects are addressed, focus on creating a functional and aesthetically pleasing layout. The design of your basement will depend on how you plan to use the space, whether itās a guest room, home theater, office, workout area, or game room.
Since natural light is limited in basements, it is important to plan your lighting carefully. Recessed lighting is a popular choice because it doesnāt take up ceiling space, but you should also consider adding floor lamps and sconces to make the space feel brighter and more inviting.
Choose flooring that can withstand moisture, such as vinyl planks, tile, or sealed concrete. Since basements can double as storage areas, consider incorporating built-in shelving, closets, or under-stair storage to maximize the available space.
Whether doing it yourself or hiring professionals, renovating a basement is a rewarding project that can add significant value to your home, but it comes with challenges. From moisture control and insulation to plumbing and air quality, careful planning is crucial to ensure a comfortable, functional, and safe space to enjoy indoor hobbies and emerge from winter free from the Basement Blahs.
Valerie M. Blake is a licensed Associate Broker in DC, MD & VA with RLAH Real Estate / @properties. Call or text her at (202) 246-8602, email her at DCHomeQuest.com, or follow her on Facebook at TheRealst8ofAffairs.Ā
As interest rates begin to cool off for the first time in a few years, prospective āfirst time homebuyersā may have their wheels spinning again about whether itās a good idea to buy a home. Still, the idea of home ownership may feel out of reach for some; historically, the prevalence of homeowners has been low in certain subsets of the population. It wasnāt until the 1900ās that laws were enacted to grant women and people of color equal access to property ownership:
1968: The Fair Housing Act prohibited discrimination in home buying, homeownership, and rental real estate based on sex, race, religion, and other protected classes.
1974: The Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA) prohibited discrimination in consumer credit practices based on sex, marital status, and other factors. This made it easier for women to buy homes by allowing them to apply for loans and credit without a male co-signer.
Even with these laws in place, socioeconomic disparities and lack of access to generational wealth have slowed progress in this area. Generational wealth occurs when resources are passed on to family members when the family homeowner or the head of household passes away. In areas like D.C. this type of asset can be worth hundreds of thousands of dollars, and can be used to pay off student loans, help younger members of the family purchase their first or second homes wherever they live, or be invested in other ways.
While this may have been the key to buying property in the past, people today are pursuing homeownership for themselves and their own means ā especially women. Many real estate agents in the D.C. metro area can testify that they are working with individuals who are the first in their family ā and often the first woman in their family ā to buy a home. The days of waiting until marriage to invest in property are slipping away; these days people marry later, may not stay married, or may choose not to marry at all. āI didnāt consider buying a home at first, because I didnāt really see myself as a ātypicalā homeowner; I was single and wasnāt sitting on a stockpile of cash,ā says Jordyn White, a D.C. resident who bought her first home at 29. āA trusted friend encouraged me to explore first-time homebuyer programs, and Iām glad I did. My monthly mortgage payment is similar to what I would likely pay to rent in the same area, and now I have created a path to generational wealth for my children.ā
The rates of homeownership for people of color and women are steadily rising. A 2023 Pew Research Center survey using 2022 census data found that single women owned 58 percent of the nearly 35.2 million homes owned by unmarried Americans, while single men owned 42 percent. Single homeowners have peace of mind in knowing that they own assets by themselves.
Compass real estate agent Katri Hunter has helped many of her clients buy their first home. She reports, āI find more and more that I have single clients that approach me in their early/mid-30’s and say that they thought they would be buying their first property with a significant other and then decided to take things into their own hands ā¦ I tell people all the time to consult an estate planner when and if they do decide to get married to discuss pre-marital assets and keeping those in their own name. I think people really take more pride and ownership buying property on their own rather than something they dread.ā
Katri Hunter can be reached at [email protected]. JosephĀ Hudson is a referral agent with Metro Referrals.Ā He can be reached at 703-587-0597 orĀ [email protected]
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