Downtown DC home-decor store RCKNDY (pronounced “Rock Candy”) tomorrow hosts a discussion and book-signing with architect and home-furnishing designer Lisa Roberts, author of Antiques of the Future. In her book, Roberts recommends more than 200 mass-produced products—such as office furniture, kitchen products, lighting, textiles, and clocks—with such noteworthy designs that they will increase in value over time.

If you haven’t had the chance to stop by RCKNDY, this would be a great opportunity to check out the 1,800-square-foot showroom, which owner David Dennis stocks with pieces by local, national, and international designers including XYdecor, Orange 22, MoxBox, PlushLiving, Blu Dot, Mint, and Mud Australia. The event is free, and complimentary wine will be served.

Friday, December 14 | 7 to 8:30 PM | RCKNDY , 1515 U Street, NW

The Box Score
Maryland: 5
Virginia: 3
DC: 2

$4,050,000—1034 Aziza Court, Great Falls
$4,000,000—2613 Dumbarton Street, NW, Georgetown
$2,300,000—14955 Neer Lane, Purcellville
$2,235,000—6922 Woodside Place, Chevy Chase
$1,775,000—5220 Nahant Street, Bethesda
$1,725,000—10509 Wynfield Woods Drive, Great Falls
$1,644,126—15604 Crimson Spire Court, Silver Spring
$1,600,000—5323 Carvel Road, Bethesda
$1,575,000—4600 Morgan Drive, Chevy Chase
$1,475,000—1414 22nd Street, NW, Unit 51, Dupont Circle

Photo by Anice Hoachlander.

Were you the kid who built forts out of cardboard boxes? Did you pass geometry with flying colors? Does the idea of cleaning out gutters make you cringe? If you answered yes to any of these questions, Wiedemann Architects’ Mohican Hills residence in Bethesda might be up your alley.

The brown, boxy, 2,100-square-foot display of modern architecture will appeal to those with an affinity for right angles and natural lighting. The jury at the Maryland AIA Design Awards said that the house “struck us right away as being just an excellently done, consistent modern residence. In particular the flow of space from the living room to the pool, the whole inside/outside relationship that is the hallmark of modern architecture is beautifully handled in this project.”  

Denise Willard says nature-oriented items like branches, berries, and faux feathers are replacing traditional tree toppers like stars and angels. When decorating this tree, she coupled a glass topper with faux icicle branches.

I don’t want to create the home-design version of a tacky Christmas sweater party. How do I keep it classy?

Denise Willard, principal and owner of Decor by Denise in Vienna: “Rather than selecting gold ornaments that are a super-shiny bright gold, use those that are from the old gold or copper families. They have a softer, more elegant appeal. For reds, opt for darker and deeper versions of the traditional bright red.”

Lisa Adams, principal of Adams Design in Georgetown: “Take a tall vase and fill it with Christmas tree balls—either blue and green, or gold and silver, or red and purple. If you limit the colors, it looks great.”

What are your best holiday-on-a-budget tips?

Sherry Ways, principal designer of Design Scheme Interiors in DC: “Use faux gifts. Wrapping empty boxes in colored paper and bows is a colorful and inexpensive way to make your decor look festive. Also, consider placing wrapping paper and bows over family photo frames that are already displayed on the wall. Choose wrapping paper that carefully coordinates with the colors and patterns of the room.”

Denise: “To save on tree decorations, forego purchasing ornaments. Instead, use your tree to display the holiday cards you receive. If you want a little more decoration, add a few large pinecones, which you may be able to find outside for free.”

I live in a studio—what can I do that doesn’t take up much space?

Lisa: “Put a little nail above your window and hang glass ornaments so they dangle down into the window. They’ll catch light during the day, and at night they’ll sparkle from indoor lights.”

Sherry: “Take advantage of your holiday food choices by arranging each dish colorfully. If you have a platter of cookies on your counter, decorate the plate with green and red candy such as peppermints. Pinecones and cranberries can also dress up food or dessert trays.”

Let’s say you can only recommend one decoration. What is it?

Denise: “A Christmas tree with simple, clear lights.”

Lisa: “Paper whites—those little bulbs that grow into beautiful white flowers. Most florists have them. They’re fun and pretty, and great for people of different religions. But once they grow up high they start bending and falling over, so it helps to put them in a tall vase.”

Sherry: “A simple, live evergreen wreath for the front door. The pine scent will welcome visitors and put all who enter in the holiday spirit.”

Where: 8603 York Manor Way, Potomac
Listing Price: $5,395,000
Time on the Market: more than four months
Bedrooms: seven
Bathrooms: nine

The two-story foyer of this 13,000-square-foot home has a winding staircase with wrought-iron railings and limestone floors. The living room has a ten-foot ceiling with wooden beams, a gas fireplace with a granite hearth, and floor-to-ceiling windows. The kitchen has cherry cabinets, granite counter tops, double wall ovens, two dishwashers, and a Sub-Zero refrigerator. There’s also a library, office, recreation room, exercise room, and four-car garage.

The Box Score
DC: 6
Virginia: 3
Maryland: 1

$7,000,000—3259 R Street, NW, Georgetown
$4,050,000—5044 Millwood Lane, NW, Kent
$3,500,000—2323 Wyoming Avenue, NW, Kalorama
$2,716,882—12506 Sycamore View Drive, Potomac
$2,690,810—3031 Gates Road, NW, Forest Hills
$2,610,000—601 Lloyds Lane, Alexandria
$2,550,000—3715 Idaho Avenue, NW, Cleveland Park
$2,474,292—4109 North Randolph Court, Arlington
$2,399,102—600 Barecroft Place, Alexandria
$2,322,500—3020 O Street, NW, Georgetown

The Skinny on Tree Taxonomy
Douglas firs are a good choice for those allergic to other varieties, such as pine or spruce. The slimmer Douglas firs also nestle into small spaces well.

Spruces are generally fatter at the bottom. A Colorado blue spruce’s branches are stiff with short needles—perfect for weighty ornaments. According to historical lore, German soldiers introduced the Norway spruce to the United States during the Revolutionary War. Known for its classic Christmas-tree shape, the Norway spruce doesn’t live as long as other tree types.

Pine trees are another type to consider. Families like white pines for their pretty, triangular shape and soft needles. Downside: They may not be able to support heavy ornaments. Scotch pines are a heartier alternative, but the needles are more prickly.

Do It Yourself: Christmas-Tree Farms
When you buy a tree at a farm, you’re buying the experience of spending time with family, hiking, searching out the perfect tree, chopping it down, and yelling “timber” as it falls.

“You’re not going to find the love of your life right outside your car,” says Frans J. Kok, owner of Middleburg Christmas Tree Farm, home to more than 2,700 trees on 125 acres in Loudoun County. Kok recommends wearing sturdy shoes, dressing warmly, and bringing a Thermos of hot chocolate.

Looking for something less time-consuming? Hardware stores and other vendors, such as local schools and Boy Scout troops, also sell trees throughout the Washington area.