What makes vintage furniture so special? And how can we bring old pieces into modern homes without making them feel outdated?In this episode of Design Tips & Sips, I'm visiting **Vintage Reston at Lake Anne Plaza in Reston, Virginia**, where I'm joined by architect, artist, and vintage furniture enthusiast Melissa Romano.Melissa is the founder of Vintage Reston, a unique mid-century modern furniture and décor shop where beautifully curated pieces are given a second life. With years of experience in architecture and a passion for restoring vintage furniture, Melissa brings a fascinating perspective to timeless design.Together, we explore the beauty of vintage furniture, the craftsmanship behind restored pieces, and how mixing old and new can bring character, warmth, and personality into your home.As an interior designer, I believe a beautiful home should reflect your lifestyle and tell your story. Sometimes, the most meaningful pieces aren't new at all!Whether you're decorating a new home, renovating your space, or searching for unique vintage furniture in Northern Virginia, I hope this conversation inspires you to look at furniture a little differently.📍Location: 11426 Washington Plaza West, Reston, Virginia 20190Follow Melissa:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vintagereston/https://www.instagram.com/maltandsaltgirl/More about me & AKG Design Studio:🌐 Book a Design consultation: https://akgdesignstudio.comSubscribe to my newsletter and get exclusive Designs tips straight to your inbox!https://mailchi.mp/akgdesignstudio/signup🔗 Join us on social: https://linktr.ee/akgdesignqueen?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAabMC8MgUAbbpCtbrupf_Nuq1_dGUA3ImxD8cOpTPmvAfbnw80uzR7NZvQM_aem_D2EPwmV8H4cE7WJE93w57w

More about me & AKG Design Studio:🌐 Read more!https://akgdesignstudio.com🖋️ Subscribe on Substackhttps://theakgdesignstudio.substack.com/subscribe?params=[object%20Object]📘 Facebookhttps://facebook.com/AKGDESIGNSTUDIO📸 Instagramhttps://instagram.com/theakgdesignstudioPlanning a kitchen remodel? You might be surprised by how long it REALLY takes! A custom kitchen renovation isn't just a few weeks of construction. From design and permits to cabinetry, countertops, and final inspections, the entire process can take 6 to 10 months.In this episode of Design Tips & Sips, I'm breaking down the real kitchen remodel timeline and sharing what homeowners need to know BEFORE starting their renovation.We'll cover:🔸 Why planning, permits, and HOA approvals matter🔸 How custom cabinetry affects your timeline🔸 What really happens during demolition and construction🔸 Why countertop installation can delay your project🔸 What a punch list is and why it matters🔸 How to prepare for 8–12 weeks without a functional kitchenAs an interior designer working with homeowners across Northern Virginia, Washington DC, and Maryland, I believe a successful kitchen renovation starts with realistic expectations and thoughtful planning.💬 Are you planning a kitchen remodel? Tell me in the comments what part of the renovation process concerns you most!🥂 Grab your favorite sip, and let's talk design!#KitchenRemodel #KitchenRenovation #KitchenRemodelTimeline #NorthernVirginiaInteriorDesigner #HomeRenovation #AKGDesignStudio #DesignTipsAndSips

More about me & AKG Design Studio:🌐 Read more!https://akgdesignstudio.com🖋️ Subscribe on Substackhttps://theakgdesignstudio.substack.com/subscribe?params=[object%20Object]📘 Facebookhttps://facebook.com/AKGDESIGNSTUDIO📸 Instagramhttps://instagram.com/theakgdesignstudioMixing wood tones in a kitchen doesn’t mean everything has to match. In fact, some of the most beautiful and timeless kitchens are designed by intentionally mixing different woods, painted cabinetry, flooring, hardware, and stone.In this episode, I’m sharing the design rules I use to mix wood tones and cabinet finishes without making a kitchen feel busy or disconnected.We’ll talk about the Rule of Three, why your wood floors and cabinets shouldn’t be an exact match, how to work with warm vs. cool undertones, and how countertops and hardware can act as a bridge to bring the entire palette together.Whether you’re planning a kitchen remodel or trying to choose finishes for your home, these tips will help you create a space that feels layered, intentional, and timeless.Serving homeowners throughout Northern Virginia, Washington DC, and Maryland, AKG Design Studio creates functional, distinctive interiors designed around the way you live.

The transformation continues! In this episode, I’m taking you back inside this Mid-Century Contemporary home renovation in Northern Virginia to see how the design has evolved and how some of the spaces we planned are finally coming together.From the kitchen to the fireplace and the overall flow of the home, I’m sharing the latest progress, the design decisions behind the renovation, and how we’re creating a space that feels modern, functional, distinctive, and timeless.For me, a successful renovation isn’t just about making a home look beautiful, it’s about creating spaces that truly support the way my clients live.If you’re planning a home renovation in Northern Virginia, Washington DC, or Maryland, follow along for more interior design tips, renovation inspiration, and real project transformations from AKG Design Studio.

More about me & AKG Design Studio:🌐 Read more!https://akgdesignstudio.com🖋️ Subscribe on Substackhttps://theakgdesignstudio.substack.com/subscribe?params=[object%20Object]📘 Facebookhttps://facebook.com/AKGDESIGNSTUDIO📸 Instagramhttps://instagram.com/theakgdesignstudio

More about me & AKG Design Studio:🌐 Read more!https://akgdesignstudio.com🖋️ Subscribe on Substackhttps://theakgdesignstudio.substack.com/subscribe?params=[object%20Object]📘 Facebookhttps://facebook.com/AKGDESIGNSTUDIO📸 Instagramhttps://instagram.com/theakgdesignstudioPlanning a bathroom remodel and trying to decide between a curbless shower and a traditional curbed shower? I love the seamless, spa-like look of a curbless shower, but there’s much more to consider than aesthetics alone.In this episode of Design Tips & Sips, I’m breaking down curbless vs. curbed showers and sharing what I consider when designing a bathroom, from construction and waterproofing to drainage, accessibility, cost, and everyday functionality.I’ll cover:• Curbless shower construction and structural requirements• Curbless vs. curbed shower costs• Linear drains vs. traditional shower drains• Bathroom waterproofing and water containment• Aging-in-place and accessible bathroom design• When I recommend considering a curbless shower• How I choose the right shower design based on the space and lifestyleI love creating bathrooms that feel beautiful and luxurious, but they also have to function for the people who use them every day. A curbless walk-in shower can be an incredible design feature, but whether it’s the right choice depends on your bathroom layout, existing structure, lifestyle, accessibility needs, and renovation budget.If you’re planning a bathroom remodel in Northern Virginia, Washington DC, Maryland, Reston, Fairfax, Arlington, Alexandria, Bethesda, or the greater DMV area, I hope this episode helps you understand what to consider before choosing your shower design.

More about me & AKG Design Studio:🌐 Read more!https://akgdesignstudio.com🖋️ Subscribe on Substackhttps://theakgdesignstudio.substack.com/subscribe?params=[object%20Object]📘 Facebookhttps://facebook.com/AKGDESIGNSTUDIO📸 Instagramhttps://instagram.com/theakgdesignstudioThis mid-century contemporary home renovation in Northern Virginia is officially underway, and one of the biggest transformations is happening in the kitchen and fireplace area.The original kitchen only had access from one side, which made the main floor feel more closed off. By opening the kitchen from both sides, we’re creating better flow and allowing easier access between the kitchen, living room, and surrounding spaces.In this first renovation update, I’m walking you through the demolition, the new kitchen layout, the fireplace transformation, and another smart use of space, converting a former closet into a new bathroom.These layout changes are all about making the home feel more connected, functional, and intentional while respecting its mid-century contemporary character.Follow along with AKG Design Studio as we transform this home and share the design decisions behind the renovation.Serving clients throughout Northern Virginia, Washington DC, and Maryland.

Planning a home renovation in Northern Virginia, Washington DC, or Maryland and wondering where you should splurge and where you can save?In this episode of Design Tips & Sips, I’m breaking down the renovation investments that truly make a difference in how your home looks, feels, and functions over time.As an interior designer serving Northern Virginia, Reston, the Washington DC area, and Maryland, I help homeowners prioritize their renovation budgets so they can invest in the details that matter most, without overspending on elements that can easily be updated later.We’re covering where it makes sense to splurge on:• Kitchen cabinetry and hardware• Countertops and work surfaces• Plumbing fixtures and shower systems• Waterproofing and in-wall construction• Flooring and other high-use materialsAnd where you can strategically save on:• Backsplash and decorative tile• Lighting accents• Cabinet fronts• Rugs, furniture, and artwork• Cosmetic finishes that can be changed over timeI’ll also walk you through my 80/20 renovation rule and explain how I balance foundational investments with a few high-impact design moments to create spaces that feel elevated, functional, distinctive, and timeless.Whether you’re planning a kitchen remodel in Reston, a bathroom renovation in Northern Virginia, or a whole-home renovation in the Washington DC metro area, these interior design tips can help you make smarter decisions with your renovation budget.A little splurge, a little save , just like a well-planned renovation. 🥂More about me & AKG Design Studio:🌐 Read more!https://akgdesignstudio.com🖋️ Subscribe on Substackhttps://theakgdesignstudio.substack.com/subscribe?params=[object%20Object]📘 Facebookhttps://facebook.com/AKGDESIGNSTUDIO📸 Instagramhttps://instagram.com/theakgdesignstudio#NorthernVirginiaInteriorDesigner #VirginiaInteriorDesigner #RestonInteriorDesigner #WashingtonDCInteriorDesigner #DMVInteriorDesigner #NorthernVirginiaRenovation #KitchenRemodelVirginia #BathroomRenovation #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesignTips #KitchenDesign #SplurgeVsSave

There’s something special about hearing a homeowner describe what it feels like to finally see her kitchen come together.For this green and white kitchen renovation, I wanted to create a space that felt elevated, practical, and completely personal to the way they lives.From the design decisions to the final reveal, every detail was thoughtfully considered to create a kitchen that feels beautiful and effortless to use every day.If you’re planning a kitchen renovation in Northern Virginia, Maryland, or the Washington, DC area, this is what a truly tailored design experience can look like.More about me & AKG Design Studio:🌐 Read more!https://akgdesignstudio.com🖋️ Subscribe on Substackhttps://theakgdesignstudio.substack.com/subscribe?params=[object%20Object]📘 Facebookhttps://facebook.com/AKGDESIGNSTUDIO📸 Instagramhttps://instagram.com/theakgdesignstudio#KitchenRenovation #HomeownerTestimonial #GreenKitchen #WhiteKitchen #LuxuryKitchenDesign #NorthernVirginiaInteriorDesigner #DMVInteriorDesigner #kitchenremodel