A beautiful guest room can be a wonderful addition to your Great Falls home. But far too often guest bedrooms get the short end of the stick. Mismatched furniture, abandoned exercise equipment and bedspreads and draperies from another era all come together to create a room that is less than inviting, let alone comfortable. Whether you’re thinking of building a room addition or remodeling a space you already have, you can easily create a place guests love to stay, turning that neglected guest room into a relaxing retreat.

A Great Night’s Sleep

Don’t outfit the room with a cheap mattress. If you wouldn’t sleep on the bed, why torture your guests? Invest in a good quality mattress, high-thread-count sheets, and a beautiful duvet. Add a spare blanket at the foot of the bed, and pile on a lot of fluffy pillows. Make sure there’s a pillow for every taste – flat, down, foam, etc. Dress the windows for sleeping in! Blinds, roller shades or blackout drapes will all help block out early morning sunlight so your guests can catch a few extra winks.

The Luggage Spot

Take some inspiration from hotels and save your guests the hassle of having to rifle through their suitcases on the floor. Invest in a sturdy folding luggage stand, or put a long bench at the foot of the bed. If there’s room, use both, which is particularly helpful if there’s more than one guest.

A Bedtime Story

Whether it’s a full wall of bestsellers, or a small bookcase of classics, offer your guests an interesting assortment of books and magazines to read. Add bedside lamps or reading lights with non-glare bulbs.

A Place to Hang a Hat

Make it easy for your guests to hang up purses, nightclothes, and robes on the back of the door. And be sure to have a good supply of hangers in the closet, including the clip ones for pants.

The Perfect Nightstand

Yes, lots of people now use their mobile device as an alarm clock, but it’s nice to place a small clock on the bedside table. Other considerate touches include a carafe for water, a bowl to hold small items such as jewelry, and an easy to use lamp. Fresh flowers and fruit such as apples are also thoughtful.

Just Like Home

Choose an attractive basket and stock it with guest towels and washcloths, a robe, and an extra blanket or two. That way your guests don’t have to go rummaging through closets or drawers looking for them. Take another cue from hotels and put together a small basket of toiletries and other items guests may have forgotten: toothpaste, emery boards, hair spray, and small bottles of lotion, shampoo, and conditioner. A small hair dryer is also often appreciated.

A Beautiful Reflection

Include at least one full length mirror, either inside the closet or behind the bathroom door. Make sure there’s at least one mirror that receives good lighting for makeup application.

What makes a guest room special? A feeling of warmth and welcome blended together with convenience and comfort. Design your home’s guest room with the same care as you would your own personal bedroom. And then give it a test run yourself. Spend a night in your guest room to gauge its comfort level. If something doesn’t feel right to you, you can bet your visitors will feel the same. In the end, all it takes it a little extra planning to make your guests feel right at home.

If you’re considering a room addition or adding a guest bedroom to your custom home, feel free to reach out to schedule a conversation with us.

Work with the right custom home builder, and you’ll see your dream home become reality. Homebuyers searching for the “right” home builder in Fairfax County might be unsure whether they should choose a larger, national builder, or a locally based custom design build firm. It’s always nice, of course, to have options, but how do you make the decision that’s best for your family? At Foley, we’ve spent over three decades providing Fairfax County homeowners quality design and building services from start to finish.

Choose Your Fairfax County Custom Home Builder Wisely

While large contractors are certainly bigger, it doesn’t always mean they’re better. Choosing a large contractor can also result in a more corporate approach to what should be a custom project. And the odds are good you will not get to personally know the real shareholders, or owners.

The Foley team was born of a family-owned business, meaning our firm has a real understanding of local construction practices. More importantly, because we are long-time members of the community, we consider our clients to be our friends and neighbors. We believe there are a lot of good reasons to choose us for your next custom home building or remodeling project.

• We understand the area. We know the most desirable places to build, and we can help you find the perfect location for your custom home design. Whether you want a property with a great view, one located close to great schools, or both, we offer uncompromising, personalized service with a dedicated attention to details.
• We’re committed to the importance of community. Foley doesn’t just build homes in Fairfax County, we live here, too. That means we care about the impact the homes we build will have for generations to come. We have embraced green building design. We participate in local events, and have won many local and national awards that reflect our good business practices, customer satisfaction, quality design and strong community ties.
• We offer truly personalized service and easy access to the people who have a stake in making sure your home is designed and built the way you want. Instead of dealing with a corporate office located outside the area, you have a local firm that is invested in being immediately available to personally answer your questions and concerns. Our design build process covers everything from initial meetings to handing you the keys to your new home.
• We try harder. Because we’re local, we believe we place a higher value on the quality of work we deliver and you deserve. We have a reputation for integrity and quality construction, and we work hard to maintain that standing in the community.
• Our testimonials are from local homeowners who you can more easily meet and/or view their properties.

Why Choose Foley

In the end, it isn’t the numerous awards we’ve won or even the long history we have of building custom homes in Fairfax County. What makes Foley the right choice is our service-oriented design and building process and, most importantly, our people. The homeowners we’ve worked with appreciate our professionalism, expertise, and friendliness. We have a fabulous group of people who share one goal: making the homebuilding process enjoyable and stress free.

To learn more about why you should choose Foley for your custom built home, download our free guide that lays out what we believe are the 10 most compelling reasons to do so. Then schedule a conversation so we can talk about all your family’s custom home needs and desires.

Green building as a concept is not new, but in recent years it’s definitely become more mainstream. Done right, a green home both conserves natural resources in the way it is built and how the land is developed. It also saves homeowners money through reduced energy consumption and lower utility bills, and does so without compromising on design, comfort, or functionality. Homes that are healthy to live in, energy efficient, and environmentally friendly appeal to a lot of Northern VA homeowners. But just what does green building mean?

Green is the Gold Standard

Green building – also also known as sustainable design – extends far beyond the walls of a home; it includes site, community, and land use planning as well. The goal is to increase the efficiency with which your home uses energy, water, and materials, as well as improve your family’s overall quality of life. Green homes typically feature better ventilation, lighting, and less indoor air pollutants. Thanks to today’s technology, we’re now able to build a custom home that satisfies a homeowner’s desire to lessen its environmental impact and leaves the world a healthier place for future generations.

If you and your family are hoping to build a green home in Northern VA, here are the criteria most experts, including the Green Building Alliance, agree make up the gold standard for sustainable design.

• Using products manufactured with environmentally sustainable components and techniques, including Energy Star appliances that promote energy-efficiency. Once focused on windows, heating and cooling, and ventilation, the Energy Star label now includes other components such as lighting and installation.
• Reduction and recycling of construction site waste.
• Positive impact on health and wellness factors, including air, water, nourishment, light, fitness and comfort.
• Adherence to the HERS evaluation of energy efficiency and forecasted energy costs within a home.

A Green Certified Home in Northern VA

Most of our clients are surprised to learn just how many shades of green there are in sustainable home design. At Foley, we rely on the standards set by the National Association of Homebuilders’ (NAHB) National Green Building Certification. Together with the International Code Council, the NAHB has established a nationally recognized standard definition of green building for homes.

• Energy Efficiency: Lighting that uses less energy and generates less heat; appliances that use less energy and water and reduce utility costs; tight air ducts that eliminate indoor temperature fluctuations, as well as excess moisture and dust; and properly installed insulation and air sealing.
• Water Efficiency: Low-flow plumbing fixtures and water conserving appliances that save water and reduce costs.
• Resource Efficiency: Added protection from rain intrusion into the home by using roof overhangs and drip edges.
• Lot Development: Tree preservation, which helps reduce storm water runoff and provides shading during the hot summer months; on-site storm water management that reduces the potential for flooding; low-maintenance landscaping; and building walkable communities that encourage a healthier, more active lifestyle of residents.
• Indoor Environment Quality: The use of Low-VOC materials that limit emissions of pollutants in the home and improve indoor air quality. These include paints, wood finishes, adhesives, and carpeting.

Learn More

At Foley, we believe the green movement is an important one and we encourage our Northern VA clients to learn more about it, including the tax credits that may be available to them. We invite you to schedule a conversation with us to discuss our approach to green design build, and we invite you to download our free guide that lays out the Top 10 Reasons to Choose Foley for your next home project.

It’s happened to many Northern Virginia homeowners we work with. Prior to building a custom home – or remodeling their existing one – they carefully study and choose floorplans they think will be perfect for their family. But once they move in they wonder why the layout just doesn’t work. The truth is, it’s not always possible to really know if your home’s floorplan is going to work until you live with it. If you’re new to the design process – or just hoping to avoid mistakes you’ve made in the past – there are some practical tips and tricks you can use as you prepare to dive into the process. To get you started, here are four common Northern VA floorplan mistakes to watch out for.

1. Forgetting to Consider Your Family’s Lifestyle. Picture your family actually living in the space. For example, if you’re choosing a floorplan that includes stairs, how will that affect you, your extended family, and your guests? Don’t sacrifice practicality for aesthetically pleasing or desirable elements that just won’t work. Try writing down an inventory of your family’s daily routine. What’s it like in the kitchen during meal prep time? How many bathrooms are in use at the same time in the morning or at night? Does the way you live work with an open floorplan? Let questions like these inform your layout decisions.

2. Falling in Love with a Floorplan that Increases Future Costs. It’s exciting to see stunning features on two-dimensional drawings, but some of those details, such as skylights or beautiful floor-to-ceiling windows, are not only expensive to install, they may have a significant impact on your future heating and cooling costs. There will also be expenses connected with insulation, floor and ceiling repair, structural renovation, and maintenance. Do your budget and yourself a favor by thinking of future costs when choosing or designing your floorplan.

3. Over or Underestimating Room Size. Make sure the room dimensions meet your family’s needs. If you’re bringing furniture with you to a new home, or using existing furniture in a remodeled space, make sure that not only will it fit, but there will plenty of space available to easily walk around it. And don’t go with more square footage “just in case.” There are some good reasons to go big:

• More bedrooms for a growing family, or an in-law suite.
• One or both adults work from home.
• You need space to entertain.

Otherwise, think about designing multifunctional areas: a home theater space that can double as a guestroom, for example. Does your family really need a kitchen that’s larger than one found in a big restaurant, or bedrooms that look like they belong in a fancy hotel?

4. Overspending on the Future. It can be easy to fall into the trap of thinking it’s ok to spend more money now because it will pay off down the road. Our experience-based advice? Stay focused on the present. You can always upgrade your home. Forego expensive finishes and furnishings if they take you over budget. The whole point of choosing or redesigning your home’s floorplan is so that your family can enjoy it. Don’t let money worries take that away from you.

Learn More

Great floor plans aren’t ones that are splashy or trendy – they’re the ones that fit your family’s lifestyle and make your home an enjoyable and comfortable place to be. A good floor plan can enhance your family’s life, maximize space, and create a natural flow between rooms. To learn more about choosing the right floor plan for your Northern VA home, contact us today. And don’t forget to download our free guide that lists the top 10 reasons to choose Foley for your next home construction project.

There’s a saying in real estate that “curb appeal is king.” And it applies whether you are gearing up to sell your Northern VA home or are remodeling and updating it to adapt to your family’s changing needs. Maintaining an attractive house and lawn has a wealth of benefits. Improving your home’s exterior may not be as exciting as putting in a more modern kitchen, but in many ways it’s just as important. A neatly manicured landscape, well-maintained shrubbery, and clean exterior show your neighborhood pride.

Curb Appeal Reflects Who You Are

When the exterior of your home is attractive to passersby, not only does it reflect well on you, but it also says a lot about the community you live in. Curb appeal is also an essential part of making your Northern VA house feel like a home. But curb appeal is not something that happens automatically, nor by planting a few shrubs and changing the house color. It takes planning, time and effort to create a home that lifts your spirits and makes a great first impression. Here are some ideas to get you started.

Take a Fresh Look

Look at your home as though you were looking at a neighbor’s. Are there overgrown bushes, faded paint areas, a loose or missing shutter, tired-looking mulch? Landscapers recommend your yard have a continuous and cohesive flow. You can accomplish this by using only a few different types of plants and then adding in some accent pieces to add color. A few strategically placed taller plants, along with subtle decorations or solar-powered lighting fixtures can create the same impression. Finally, make sure all the beds are freshly mulched, neatly edged and free of weeds.

Spruce Up the Exterior

Make your home shine by brightening up its exterior:

• For a quick and easy fix that has a big impact, add eye-catching house numbers. From hand-painted tiles to aged metal, there’s a material that will perfectly complement your home’s architectural style.
• Give the front door a fresh coat of paint – choose a color that really “pops” from the rest of the house.
• Nearly every designer recommends a “touch of red” when decorating. Try painting a planter or your mailbox in a beautiful shade of this vibrant color.

Ongoing Maintenance

The beauty of newly replaced windows or an upgraded porch is more than skin deep. Attention to your home’s upkeep all year long is important in maintaining your property and ensuring adequate protection from the elements. Take a look at the roof, keep gutters debris free, and check the siding or paint. Updated trim, new shutters, or new paint can make all the difference in your home’s appearance. Another area that is often overlooked is the driveway and garage door. If there are cracks or other noticeable flaws, fixing them will dramatically increase curb appeal. Installing a border along the driveway gives it a crisp, elegant look. Try using bricks, pavers, or stones to make a boring asphalt slab come to life. If your garage door has seen better days, installing a new one with interesting architectural details can also improve the way your home looks.

Learn More

Improving your Northern VA home’s curb appeal certainly adds value, but more importantly it makes your home a more enjoyable place to live. Schedule a conversation with us today to learn more about incorporating curb appeal into your next remodeling project.
We also invite you to download our ebook covering one of our whole house remodel case studies. The guide lays out the solutions we brought and the special challenges we overcame while working on this beautiful renovation.

It’s a question we hear often at Foley: “Should I buy my lot first and then pick a plan, or choose a custom home design and then go in search of a lot?” The answer is, it depends. It’s a personal choice, but many people do choose a lot first. Since they’re custom designing their home, they can often adapt any plan to the lot. Whatever direction you choose, it’s important to consider your entire budget before making a choice. Land is the single largest item in any construction budget, typically making up one-quarter to one-half of your home’s overall price. As part of our custom home process, we recommend that homeowners meet with us to discuss design and budget considerations before embarking on a land search.

Build the Ideal Home for Your Lot

Lots and house plans fit together like a puzzle – if you try to fit a piece where it doesn’t belong, it’s going to ruin the entire picture. Finding a custom home lot in Northern VA isn’t difficult, unless you want to build in an area where few are available. Once you find the perfect lot, you’ll quickly realize there are a lot of factors that need to be considered before developing plans. Here are our three top tips for making sure you build the ideal home on your chosen lot.

Consider How the House Will Be Positioned on the Lot

Which direction your new home faces is an important design detail you should think about before starting to develop the plans. While the lot itself will likely dictate where you place the front door, it’s usually the sun that determines where other rooms will be built.

• Many designs favor more windows on the front of the house. A south facing home will get more hours of sunlight, which can mean lower heating bills in the winter. It’s also the ideal placement for installing solar panels. And don’t forget to think about how much sun you want coming into your bedroom windows.
• North facing homes have their own advantages, including less exterior wear and tear from long exposure to the sun.

Consider Lot Shape and Size

From a purely aesthetic point of view, the size and shape of your lot should determine the size and shape of your custom home, as well as where it will sit. For example, while wider lots can accommodate many different designs with large footprints, long and narrow lots are best suited to two-story or ranch-style homes. If the lot is small, think about whether you want a finished basement that adds livable square footage to the home. You’ll also need to check for easements and restrictions, as well as adhere to local zoning regulations.

Consider the View

Many people designing their custom dream home choose their lot for its beautiful views, so keep them in mind as you plan your layout. Place the rooms where you’ll spend the most time in positions that let you enjoy the nicest views. If your home will be located near a busy street, school, or shopping area, you might want to position bedrooms as far away from the noise as possible. If your lot is wooded or situated on a hillside, you’ll want to maximize the visibility of your natural surroundings.

Your Choice

One of the greatest benefits of designing a new custom home is getting to choose how you want to build on your lot. It allows you to express your individuality and creativity, while giving you and your family a space that perfectly fits your unique lifestyle. At Foley, we design custom homes that are best-suited for the lot they’ll be built on. Contact us today to discuss the location and size of your lot so we can help you determine the best approach to building your dream home. And if you haven’t found your lot, we can help you with that, too!

The concept of multiple generations living under one roof is not a new one, but in order to meet the modern family’s needs, the idea is becoming increasingly popular in Northern Virginia custom home design and building.

One of today’s most frequent requests is a layout that accommodates a multi-generational lifestyle. The contemporary family dynamic is a diverse one. Whether it’s older in-laws living with their children, recent graduates coming back to live with mom and dad, or the newly married saving up to build their own home, there are many ways to build a custom home that will keep everyone comfortable – and afford a certain level of privacy.

Multi-Generational Living is Back

According to the Pew Research Center, nearly 61 million Americans live in a home with at least two adult generations. That’s almost 20% of the entire population. Part of this has to do with the “Sandwich Generation” – Baby Boomers who have children still at home as well as elderly parents. Another driving force are the so-called “boomerangs,” or kids who move back home because they’re unable to afford a place of their own. Finally, many families see it as smart economics to make it possible for the older generation to stay at home, rather than live in an assisted living facility or nursing home.

Comfort and Privacy

There are multiple ways to design and build a custom home for multi-generational living. One of the most popular layouts is one that incorporates a first-floor bedroom with attached full bath and, perhaps, a sitting area. A first floor suite that includes aging in place features is the perfect way to offer older family members easy access and privacy in a still-busy household. Other popular choices include removing some physically challenging aspects, such as stairs, from certain floorplans. Bathrooms can also be designed to accommodate special needs, with doorless showers with zero-entry curbs leading the requested features.

How to Make Multi-Generational Living Work

Just because it’s multi-generational doesn’t mean a custom home can’t be on the cutting edge of design. Multi-generational floorplans often include apartment-like living areas with a bedroom, full bathroom, separate entrance, and sometimes a laundry room or kitchenette. Other homeowners choose to build detached or semi-attached guest quarters for extended families. At Foley, we believe the ideal solution is the one that best serves your unique family needs. No matter which options you choose, you probably want to make sure everyone feels comfortable and at home. Here are some tips to help you design a custom home that does just that.

• Encourage open communication and take the time to talk with your entire family about the design. Topics for discussion may include the use of space, boundaries, individual and group responsibilities, and how expenses will be handled.
• Establish boundaries and expectations early on in the process so that all family members know what to expect.
• Incorporate personal space in the design so that all family members have an area where they can spend some “alone time.” One of the greatest benefits of multi-generational living is family game or movie night, but having a place to go for some quiet reflection is important for making it work.
• Think about your building options. Is there space on your lot for a guest house? Do you want separate entrances? Many decisions come down to personal preference, so gather the family and come up with solutions that make everyone happy and comfortable.

Design the Perfect Multi-Generation Home in Fairfax County

At Foley, we make it our top priority to provide homeowners with quality craftsmanship, dedicated customer service, and unmatched design build expertise. Our custom home process is designed to help you make the best decisions for your family’s unique needs. Schedule a conversation with us today to learn more about building a multi-generational home that provides your family with flexibility, convenience, and financial benefits that will last a lifetime.

At Foley, one of the most frequent questions we hear from first-time clients is “How much does new construction cost per square foot?” We agree that it might make building a new custom home a lot simpler if there was a way to calculate the cost in this way – but there is no easy answer.

There are many factors involved and steps to consider when building a custom home and estimating how much you’ll spend. While there’s really no way to predict the standard cost for a custom home in Fairfax County, we can show you how to break down the process in a way that gives you a framework for better estimating your final budget.

Standard Cost of a Custom Home

By its very definition, a custom home is unique. What your new home will cost to build depends on many things. For example, do you want to use limestone or imported Carrera marble? A whole-house or standard ventilation? Most people build custom homes to get exactly the features they’ve always dreamed of having – inlaid hardwood floors, custom cabinetry, even indoor lap pools.

Over the years, we’ve developed a process that helps homeowners comfortably navigate the custom home building process. From buying the land to choosing finishes, building a custom home in Fairfax County is a complex undertaking. But that doesn’t mean it has to be overwhelming. Here are the top 5 considerations to think about before getting started.

Choose a Floor Plan

Start out by selecting a floor plan. Because Foley is a design build firm, we offer homeowners the convenience of an in-house team of design professionals who assist with every phase of the custom build process. We can show you dozens of plans in a wide range of styles and sizes and discuss which ones might work best for your lot and, most importantly, for your family’s lifestyle.

Set a Realistic Budget

Once you’ve chosen a design, you can begin to plan a realistic budget for your new custom home. Arriving at an exact figure at this stage isn’t always possible, but you can get a good idea by talking with your builder about size, style, quality, and features you would like to include. Whatever your budget, it helps to know what you can realistically afford, as well as what you’re willing to splurge or scrimp on.

Factor in Style, Quality, and Features

Your final cost is not all about size. Style, quality and features must also be taken into consideration.

• Style refers to the architectural elements. For example, homes that are square or rectangular tend to cost less. On the other hand, designs that require roofs with specially designed trusses will cost more. The more angles and corners you add to your home, the more labor and materials will probably cost.
• Quality is about the materials you choose for construction. Flooring, paint, shingles, cabinetry, and appliances are just some of those choices. The higher quality you choose, the higher your costs will be.
• Features are design considerations like roof pitches, staircases, and vaulted ceilings, all of which can add to your bottom line.

Have a Contingency Plan

You’ll want to leave room in your budget to accommodate additional construction costs. These can include site preparation, permit fees, and even the time of year you’re building.

Be Proactive

The better you plan with your Northern VA builder in advance, the less likely you’ll be overwhelmed by choices and decisions that need to be made during the actual construction. Some of the common issues that may occur include landscaping costs, utility connection and septic system costs, as well as unexpected changes or additions to the original floor plan.   

Learn More

There may be no standard cost for a custom home in Fairfax County, but that doesn’t mean you need to be in the dark about how to plan and budget for it. Foley Development has been designing and building beautiful custom homes in Northern VA for over 30 years. To learn more about how to plan, design, and budget your Fairfax County custom dream home, contact us to schedule a conversation.

Brilliant foliage, a crispness to the air, and scarecrow and pumpkins abound. When you and your family make a move to Fairfax County, you’ll find there’s a lot to love about the fall here. Along with the cooler temperatures comes an abundance of Fairfax County fall festivals and other outdoor events. You won’t have to venture far to find a county fair, arts and crafts show, music festivals and more. Here are just some of the events taking place in the upcoming months.

August Events

August 13-14: Federal and Confederate troops create Civil War daily life at the Sully Historic Site Civil War Days. Learn about a soldier’s lifestyle during this challenging time in our nation’s history. There’s live music, as well as house tours and rare artifact exhibits.

August 12-20: The Prince William County Fair is the state’s largest and includes livestock exhibits, tractor pulls, a rodeo, demolition derbies, home arts exhibits, live music and lots more. Upwards of 100,00 area residents are expected to come along to enjoy the events, games, and carnival rides.

August 17-21: Head out to the Arlington County Fair to take part in a wide variety of entertainment options for all ages. From pig races to fun pony rides, there are activities for the whole family, including competitive exhibits, indoor and outdoor entertainment, rides, and a parade. Admission is free!

September Events

September 5: Celebrate Labor Day at the annual Herndon Labor Day Festival. It features unlimited Virginia wine tastings, great music, a craft show, delicious food, and local craft beers. The event takes place on the Herndon Town Green from 11 to 5.

Are antique cars and chili more your idea of a great way to spend Labor Day? The annual Clifton Labor Day Car Show takes place from 8 to 3. The open-air show is located in Fairfax and includes street rods, muscle cars, motorcycles, and foreign, custom and antique vehicles. Along with great food and music, there are raffles and awarding of trophies. All proceeds benefit local charities.

September 10: The Virginia Indian Festival at Riverbend Park includes eight area tribes exhibiting Indian crafts, dancers and drummers, pottery and music. Live demonstrations and informative talks by local archaeologists and tribe members offer a fascinating look at tribal life. Try your hand at building a  dug-out canoe, or watch exciting spear throwing and bow and arrow shooting events.

October Events

October 7-9: Learn all about the successes – and failures – of the Founding Father’s wine endeavors at the Mount Vernon Fall Wine Festival and Sunset Tour. There’s live blues music and actors playing George and Martha. Guests can also enjoy an evening tour of the Washingtons’ Mount Vernon home, including a visit to the basement where our first president stored his wine.

October 15-16: The Northern Virginia Fall Brewfest celebrates its 10th year by offering up a fantastic beer sampling event that focuses on microbrews. Visitors can try beers from more than 40 of the world’s best breweries, and there’s plenty of food to complement the suds, as well as entertainment provided by outstanding local and regional bands.  

All Month: The Cox Farms Fall Festival and the Fields of Fear has been a Northern Virginia family tradition for over 40 years. Attractions include the famous hayride, giant slides, a cornfield adventure, hay tunnels, and more. When darkness falls, it’s time for the Fields of Fear! The Halloween extravaganza has over 20 acres of terror, including the Dark Side Hayride and the Cornightmare.

In addition to all these fun special events, Fairfax County has a wealth of local farmers’ markets that offer fun fall activities for the entire family.

If you’re ready to make the move to Fairfax County, contact us today to schedule a conversation about how Foley can help you design and build the home of your dreams. Happy Fall!

Just as the perfect accessory can take an outfit from simple to simply stunning, the backsplash you choose for your Great Falls home remodeling project can significantly boost your kitchen’s appearance. Elegant or funky, neutral or colorful, the look you choose to highlight the wall space between the countertops and cabinets – as well as above the range – is the perfect opportunity to inject some personality into your kitchen design. The backsplash is often one of the last details homeowners select for their kitchen remodel, but that doesn’t mean it’s any less important than the other choices you make.

How to Pick the Perfect Backsplash

Because it gets no foot traffic and little water spray, practically any material can be used for a backsplash, though most homeowners choose something that is easy to clean. The main purpose of a backsplash is to protect your kitchen walls with a splatter-proof surface, but it is possible to beautifully blend form and function. To that end, we’ve rounded up some great suggestions for choosing the perfect backsplash material and color that complement your kitchen’s look, your personal style, and budget.

• Marble: An attractive, low-maintenance material, marble is an elegant look that is easy to clean. If you have a neutral color scheme in your kitchen, try using a marble that has warm shades of grey in the veining to lend a bit of color without distracting from the overall look.

• Ceramic Tile: It comes in a wide range of colors, textures and finishes, and is a favorite choice of many homeowners. While a tile surface makes for easy cleaning, the grouting must be regularly scrubbed and resealed. Try a black glazed tile to make a dramatic statement, or pair soft yellow tiles with a metal range hood in a traditional or French style kitchen.

• Glass: Whether you choose plate glass or tiles, glass has a reflective quality that makes it a popular material choice. Glass can be easily scratched, but it’s easy to clean and resists stains. A gorgeous blue tile can mimic the look of sea glass, while a bright pop of turquoise adds a fun touch to an otherwise traditional design. Try placing a vintage poster or favorite piece of fabric between two pieces of glass for a one-of-a-kind backsplash.

• Brick: A timeless material, brick can add a warm, homey feel to traditional or historic style kitchens. Brick’s rich color tones artfully tie together different wood shades used for cabinetry and trim.

• Chalkboard: If you want to add a bit of whimsy, cover at least one area with chalkboard. Kids can create mini-masterpieces while meals are being prepared, or family members can leave each other colorful and fun messages.

• Mirrors & Aluminum: Modern kitchen designs can add a little shine by using brushed aluminum tiles or by adding a mirrored backsplash that gives the illusion of more space.

Budget Savvy Backsplashes

At Foley, our remodeling process starts with setting a budget. Here are a couple things to keep in mind when budgeting for your backsplash:

• Trendy tiles tend to be more expensive than classic white ceramic ones. No matter which you choose, don’t skimp on the grout – you want to ensure the tiles stay firmly attached to the wall.
• Know what you’re willing to compromise on. Flexibility on tile size, color, or texture can mean the difference between getting the look you want or having to settle for your second choice.

If you’re ready to move forward with your Great Falls home remodeling project, contact us today to schedule a conversation. We look forward to meeting you!