Package Presents with Perfection this Season

By Izzi Diaz Young

As the holiday season approaches, gifts are being shipped around the world and wrapping paper is being purchased. However, when it comes to packaging said gifts, there are many ways to both fail and succeed at the task. It’s a tale as old as time: the annual huff and puff of gift wrapping that comes around, when both creatives and non creatives alike make it a mission to wrap their gift to the best of their ability, or at least, better than their other family members. 

But, whether it’s your first gift or last gift on the wrapping list, frustration starts to surface when a bow won’t sit right atop the present, or sorrow begins to sink in when the scissors cut a piece of paper too short—these feelings of animosity are all too familiar within the gift-giving months. 

So, what could possibly make this experience easier? The answer is more often than not, incredibly ambiguous. Some may argue that a certain type of ribbon is the difference between a perfect or imperfect gift, some believe it’s all in the type of paper—but thankfully, this year,
we don’t have to wonder. 

We caught up with Alex Wood at The Farm Basket to eliminate these questions, and instead, give some crystal-clear insight into gift wrapping so that presents of all shapes and sizes will look flawless underneath the tree. Read on for her best advice when it comes to gift presentations this year and beyond.

Be prepared. When starting the wrapping process, there are many materials needed to have on standby to ensure the gift on the table turns out ideal. Wood advised to make certain that all supplies are at the ready to kick off the operation. 

“A variety of box sizes, colorful wrapping paper, bows, tissue, tape and scissors should be on hand, as well as a clear flat surface to work with,” she noted. 

She recommends thick wrapping paper, as it won’t show creases or tear as easily. “Measure your paper with the box you are using, and make sure your scissors are sharp,” she advised. 

Nix the paper. Let’s be real: measuring, cutting, and calculating may certainly not be a person’s strong suit, so ditch the paper and instead, go buy a bag! 

“Sometimes it can be difficult to use traditional wrapping paper because either the package is too large or the shape is too tricky,” Wood expressed. “Gift bags are a quick and easy way to get the job done, pretty tissue and a bow will finish the gift.”   

Stick to cellophane. Most times, when opting for an easier way to bundle a present, one might default to a gift bag. Although this method takes some of the pain out of packaging, the type of bag acquired is incredibly important in this process. Some are more likely to break or tear than others, which is why Wood suggested the solution: cellophane. 

“Cellophane bags are a great substitute for a traditional gift bag,” Wood noted, as these particular casings are large and work beautifully when wrapping more than one item within the bag. “Gather the items you wish to wrap together and either place the largest item on the bottom of the cello, or place everything in a pretty basket and then put the basket in the cello.” 

She also reminded cellophane users to give the bag a “facelift” by smoothing out any wrinkles. She said to do this by placing tape on the problem areas and lifting the tape upwards. 

“Then, use a pretty bow to gather the sides together, and cut the top above the bow.” For secretive gift giving, Wood also mentioned, “If you want the gift to be a surprise, you can line the cello with tissue!”

Let the experts step in. Sometimes, there comes a point where enough is enough, and one must accept that gift packaging is just not their calling. This is when it’s time to pass the reins off to the professionals—thankfully, some of those professionals live right here in the city of Lynchburg! 

Wood shared that The Farm Basket will be hosting their own bow-tying lesson during its annual wreath making celebration in December! Details will be announced on their website, thefarmbasket.com, as well as over on their Instagram at @farmbasket. 

Gift wrapping is much easier said than done, so don’t let it get you down this holiday season. 

Whether these presents are underneath a tree or handed directly to someone special, stick to the above-mentioned simple tricks and tips to guarantee all of your presents will look immaculate,
no matter how big or small they may be.   

A Look Inside the Ever-Evolving Edloe Glades

Photos by Ashlee Glen

Approaching Edloe Glades is a transportation back in time.

Your feet pad softly along the grass while Antebellum-era boxwoods on either side guide your journey—their scent bringing to mind long, leisurely summers in a pre-war South. As the intricate gardens usher you along, you get your first glimpse of the 19th-century Federal-style home. Lace-like cast iron railings direct your gaze upward to the second-story entrance, an imperial staircase leading the way.

The entrance is where the historical accuracy ends, however. A keen eye will notice variations in the brick along the front facade, the first indication that the historic manor home has had a journey of its own.

“The house has burned twice,” explained Chloe Cubbage, owner of Edloe Glades along with her husband Doug. “It was fully rebuilt by the Earley family in the 1950s.”

The center footprint is original to the home; it’s one room deep and faces directly north and south so the winds cool the home in the summer and the sun warms in the winter. But after enduring the two fires, little remains beyond that of the original home. Expansions and extensions were made when the Earleys took ownership, including additional wings off the east and west side of the home, rounding out the square footage of the four-bedroom, five-bath home to just over 4,500 square feet.

Walking through the front door, sweeping 11-foot ceilings, built-up crown molding, and lavish floral wallpaper greet you to your left. The home has an impressive eight fireplaces, six of which—including the fireplace in the front room—feature ornamental mantles of imported marble from New Orleans. A gilded mirror is anchored atop the mantle.

“We literally wrote the mirror into the contract,” Chloe said, describing the process of buying the 1826 home back in 2020. “Lillian Earley owned this home before us and she was an eclectic collector. She brought so many beautiful pieces from the French Quarter [in New Orleans].”

In the front living room alone, evidence of Earley’s varying tastes can be found in every corner, from the cornice window surrounds that she sourced from a French chateau to the hand-painted grand piano, another piece Chloe ensured stayed with the home.

“The Earley family owned a cotton farm in Arizona, which is where they would spend their winters,” Chloe said. “Lillian would arrive here in March for Easter and leave right after Thanksgiving.”

There are marked similarities between the Earleys and the Cubbages, almost as if Edloe Glades itself has a type. Just as the Earleys only spent half of their year at Edloe Glades, the Cubbages also split their time.

“This was a pandemic purchase,” Chloe explained, as they purchased the home in 2020 just as the COVID pandemic took hold. “At the time, Doug worked for the Virginia DOT. We were living in Richmond and, once the pandemic hit, they transitioned their office to partially remote. Doug had lived in Lynchburg once upon a time and was always traveling outside of the city to be in the mountains so we thought, ‘why not find a house there?’ Doug wanted outdoor space, I wanted a space for a horse. When we found this place, we knew it was the one.”

Chloe resides at Edloe Glades almost full time, with Doug still shuffling in between the Amherst county home and their Richmond home. Eventually, the two will remain at Edloe Glades full time. 

Chloe isn’t your typical Southern estate owner, just as Lillian Earley didn’t seem to be. A North Carolina native, Chloe’s days are full, spiriting from one task to another, sleeves rolled up and farm shoes on. An avid thrifter and collector, Chloe has furnished the entire home from Facebook Marketplace and thrift store finds—the entire decor budget totalling just $10,000. When she’s not decorating her home or the home of clients via her interior design business, Hive Interiors, she’s tending to the myriad animals they have on the property. Guineas, goats, ducks, chickens, pigs, rabbits, birds, cows, horses, and one sassy llama pepper the 16-acre property. The Cubbages started taking in animals in 2021 when neighboring farms and animal owners had animals they could no longer care for or were too old to be productive on a working farm. In 2022, Liberty Meadows Farm Sanctuary officially became a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. They work with animal controls around Virginia and take in owner-surrenders.

Chloe’s interior design aesthetic reflects her personality—passionately curious, creative, and whimsical with a down-to-earth air that invites anyone and everyone (four-legged friends included) in.

“I knew I wanted to play in each space and I actively tried to make things look different than what you would see in a beige catalog page,” she said. “This house has given me so much flexibility to play. The downstairs and the library are much more my natural aesthetic—plaid, velvet, deep greens, rich wood.”

The house is still in flux, the Cubbages taking their time to meticulously work their way through renovations and interior upgrades. Chloe attributes the house’s own impermanence—its two fires and subsequent renovations—to the flexibility she’s had in designing a space she and Doug will love for years to come.

“We don’t want to add chic modern finishes,” said Chloe. “Part of that means living in flux with terrible carpet or not having the budget to finish the stairs just yet.”

The work the Cubbages are doing—creating an animal sanctuary, designing a space that welcomes everyone, and forging their own aesthetic path in a pre-war plantation home—is a reminder that change can be beautiful and that writing a new story within a well-loved and -lived in space is perhaps what the future of a historic home is all about.  

Look What I Found!

Not sure where to start with that holiday shopping list? You’ve come to the right place! 

Our annual Holiday Gift Guide is an overview of unique gift ideas, all found in local stores.

So you’ll not only feel good about what’s under the tree, but you’ll also know your purchase helped support the local economy.

Unique woodburned ornaments

Photo by Ashlee Glen & Courtesy of Melanie Layne Hylton

Art has been part of my world since I was old enough to grasp a Crayola crayon,” said Melanie Layne Hylton.

“My mother, an introverted homemaker, was my earliest creative influence. A wonderful example in so many ways, she encouraged artistic expression from toddlerhood.”

A Bedford, Virginia, native, Hylton has had a long and meandering relationship with art, spurred along by supportive parents and teachers who championed her creativity. While Hylton has dabbled in many mediums over the years, one art form in particular sparked: pyrography. 

Pyrography, or woodburning, is a freehanded artform where the artist will create burn marks on wood or other materials to create intricate designs. 

“My familiarity with pyrography goes back to childhood when an older brother received a woodburner for Christmas,” Hylton remembered. “Mama warned us girls that the tool was not a toy and, like the hooks and lures in his tacklebox, we must leave our brother’s things alone. I fondly recall the sweet aroma while watching him burn simple lettering on a grainy round of wood. I was not allowed to get close, but the deliberate intensity of his hand fascinated me as it moved over tiny peaks and valleys in the grain.”

As Hylton grew older, she acquired a woodburner of her own and taught herself how to burn.

“Through experimentation, my own techniques emerged right away,” she said. “My lifelong signature style of hyperrealism transferred naturally to burning. I was completing large complex woodburnings at nearly the same skill level previously acquired in my drawings.”

While Hylton often completes detailed portraiture, landscapes, still life, and architectural subjects on large scale pieces of wood, she is also well-known for her wood-burned Christmas ornaments. She applies her same hyperrealistic focus to small pieces of wood, creating winter wonderlands, commemorative pet portraits, and custom designs to don customers’ trees. 

“Making art on organic material requires patience and flexibility,” she explained. “Dark streaks, knots, and checked areas are often visible upon inspection of a round of wood. But not all flaws are hindrances. Some prove to be assets, adding interest to a work of art.”

While some ornaments are left organic—with only the intricate burn marks—Hylton will often finish her ornaments with a pop of color.

“Second only to burning, color is the most joyous part of my creative process,” she said. “I thoroughly enjoy marrying the mediums to create special effects in my work.”  

To follow along with Hylton’s work, find her on Facebook at Olde Dominion Artworks. She is currently booked with commissions for the current holiday season.

As the leaves turn brilliant shades of red and gold and a crisp chill settles into the air, it’s time to embrace the warmth and comfort of fall within the walls of our homes. With a few simple tweaks and additions, you can create a cozy sanctuary that welcomes the season with open arms. Here are some tips and tricks to transform your space for fall.

1. Warm Up with Autumnal Colors

Swap out bright summer hues for deeper, richer tones that evoke the feeling of autumn. Think burnt oranges, deep reds, and earthy browns. Incorporate these colors into your decor through throw pillows, blankets, curtains, and even small accent pieces like vases or candles. These warm tones will instantly create a snug and inviting atmosphere.

2. Layer Textures for Added Comfort

Fall is all about texture, so don’t be afraid to layer different materials throughout your space. Opt for plush, soft fabrics like faux fur or velvet for throws and cushions. Consider adding a tactile element with a shaggy rug or woven tapestry. These textures not only provide physical warmth but also add visual depth and interest to your decor.

3. Embrace Natural Elements

Bring the outdoors in by incorporating natural elements into your decor. Pinecones, acorns, and dried leaves make charming additions to centerpieces or table displays. Consider filling glass vases with seasonal fruits like apples or mini pumpkins for a touch of rustic elegance. Additionally, introducing potted plants or fresh-cut flowers in autumnal shades can infuse your space with life and vibrancy.

4. Cozy Up Your Seating Area

Fall is the perfect time to create a snug and inviting seating area. Consider adding extra cushions to your sofas and chairs for a plush, comfortable feel. Drape warm, chunky knit blankets over the back of your furniture for easy access on chilly evenings. Placing a soft, fluffy rug beneath your seating arrangement not only adds an extra layer of comfort but also helps define the space.

5. Set the Mood with Lighting

Lighting plays a crucial role in creating a cozy atmosphere. Opt for warm, ambient lighting with table lamps, floor lamps, and string lights. Consider using candles or scented diffusers with fragrances like cinnamon, vanilla, or woodsy scents to evoke a sense of warmth and relaxation. Dimmable lights give you the flexibility to adjust the ambiance according to your mood and the time of day.

6. Add Seasonal Decorative Accents

Incorporate fall-themed decorative accents to infuse your space with seasonal charm. Consider swapping out artwork or prints with fall-inspired pieces, such as landscapes featuring autumn foliage. Decorate mantels and shelves with seasonal garlands, wreaths, or arrangements of dried flowers and twigs. Don’t forget to update your table settings with autumn-themed dinnerware and linens for a festive touch.

7. Create a Cozy Nook for Relaxation

Designate a corner or nook in your home as a dedicated relaxation space. Fill it with a comfortable chair or chaise lounge, a soft blanket, and a small side table for books or beverages. This cozy retreat provides a perfect spot for unwinding with a good book, enjoying a cup of tea, or simply taking in the beauty of the season through a nearby window.

8. Personalize Your Space with Memories

Displaying cherished memories and personal mementos can add a warm and nostalgic touch to your decor. Arrange photo frames, scrapbooks, or even a gallery wall featuring moments from past autumns. These personalized touches not only make your space feel more inviting but also serve as a reminder of the warmth and comfort that come with the fall season.

Incorporating these elements into your home decor will not only transform your space for fall but also create a cozy haven where you can fully embrace the beauty and tranquility of the season. So, gather your blankets, light a few candles, and let the magic of autumn fill your home. Happy decorating!

A Guide to Propagating Houseplants

Houseplants bring a touch of nature indoors, adding vibrancy and life to any living space. One of the most rewarding aspects of plant ownership is propagating new plants from existing ones. Propagation is not only a cost-effective way to expand your collection, but it also allows you to share the beauty of your plants with friends and family. Whether you’re a seasoned plant enthusiast or just starting your green journey, learning how to propagate houseplants can be a fascinating and fulfilling endeavor.

Understanding Plant Propagation
Propagation is the process of creating new plants from existing ones. It involves taking a part of the parent plant, such as a leaf, stem, or cutting, and encouraging it to develop roots and eventually grow into a new, independent plant. Houseplants can be propagated through various methods, including stem cuttings, leaf cuttings, division, offsets, and even air layering.

Selecting the Right Parent Plant
Before you begin the propagation process, it’s essential to choose a healthy and mature parent plant. Look for plants with vibrant foliage, sturdy stems, and no signs of disease or pests. Healthy parent plants increase the chances of successful propagation and produce strong, thriving offspring.

Materials You’ll Need
Gathering the necessary materials before you start propagation can make the process smoother. Some common materials include:

1. Sharp Scissors or Pruning Shears: These tools are essential for taking clean and precise cuttings.

2. Rooting Hormone (Optional): A rooting hormone can encourage faster root development in cuttings.

3. Pots or Containers: Small pots or containers filled
with a well-draining potting mix or water will be needed for
planting the cuttings.

4. Water Mister: A water mister helps maintain humidity levels for the cuttings, promoting successful root growth.

5. Transparent Plastic Bags or Domes: These create a
mini-greenhouse environment that keeps humidity high
around the cuttings.

Common Propagation Methods
1. Stem Cuttings: This is one of the most popular propagation methods. Select a healthy stem from the parent plant, usually a few inches long with a few nodes (areas where leaves attach). Make a clean cut just below a node and remove any lower leaves. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone (optional) and plant it in a pot with moist potting mix. Place a plastic bag or dome over the cutting to maintain humidity. Alternatively, cuttings can be placed in water with a few drops of liquid fertilizer and after a few weeks roots will begin to form from the nodes. Replace the water once a week or when the water becomes cloudy. Once the roots reach at least 3” the cuttings can be planted in soil.

2. Leaf Cuttings: Some plants, like succulents, can be propagated from individual leaves. Gently twist or cut a healthy leaf from the parent plant and let it callous over for a day or two. Plant the calloused end in a potting mix, keeping the leaf slightly above the soil surface. Over time, a new plantlet will sprout from the base of the leaf.

3. Division: This method is suitable for plants with multiple stems or clusters. Carefully remove the parent plant from its pot and separate the roots and stems into individual sections. Each section should have its own set of roots and stems. Replant these sections in separate pots.

4. Offsets: Some plants naturally produce offsets or “pups” that can be separated and grown into new plants. Gently remove the offset from the parent plant and plant it in its own pot with well-draining soil.

5. Air Layering: This method is used for larger plants with woody stems. It involves creating a small wound on a healthy stem, applying rooting hormone, and wrapping the wounded area with moist sphagnum moss. Cover the moss with plastic wrap and secure it in place. Over time, roots will develop within the moss. Once the roots are well-formed, cut the stem below the rooted area and plant it in a pot.

Nurturing the New Plants
After planting the cuttings or divisions, it’s crucial to provide the right care for their successful growth. Place the pots in a warm and bright location, but avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch delicate new growth. Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Mist the cuttings or use the plastic bag/dome to maintain high humidity, which aids in root development.

Patience and Persistence
Propagation is an art that requires patience. Not all cuttings will succeed, and it’s important not to get discouraged by failures. Some plants may take several weeks or even months to establish roots and start growing. Keep a watchful eye on the new plants, and as they grow stronger, gradually acclimate them to normal indoor conditions.

Propagating houseplants is a rewarding endeavor that allows you to connect with nature on a deeper level. It’s a journey of discovery, nurturing, and growth. As you explore different propagation methods and learn about the unique needs of each plant species, you’ll gain a greater appreciation for the intricate beauty of nature. With the right techniques, materials, and a sprinkle of patience, you can successfully propagate houseplants and contribute to the lush greenery that transforms your living space into a thriving indoor oasis.  

For many newly engaged couples, wedding planning seems like a dream—until you are faced with dozens of choices all at once. From the venue to the dress (and all of those little details in between), it’s hard to know where to start!

We are here to help. Our Best Of Bridal Picks list tells you who recent brides and members of their wedding parties recommend in 27 categories. Read below to see who made the list!

Interiors With A Little Bit Extra

Jewel-toned rooms, curated collections, dark color palettes, and bold accents own these stunning interiors from local interior designers. If you’re ready to achieve a moody and maximalist look for your home, look to these examples as inspiration.

Bold Bathrooms
“I designed this bathroom for a historic home in Boonsboro. The client was looking for the wow factor when walking in the space. We utilized a mural for the walls with rich jewel tones. Instead of a typical sink vanity, we retrofitted a console table from Arhaus with a limestone bowl sink on top. The back legs of the console were taken off and we had the base wall mounted. The scale of the console table helps balance the statement mural. We chose a tall mirror to reflect the light from the crystal chandelier.” – Agatha Interiors, www.agathainteriors.com

Rental Property Reno (Featured Top Photo, Courtesy of Agatha Interiors)
“We utilized pops of jewel tones in rich velvets for the furniture pieces, which make a big impact against the white walls due the high contrast. In lieu of art, a large, gold mirror was used which helps to visually fill the expansive wall and creates a focal point in the space.” – Agatha Interiors, www.agathainteriors.com

Curated Corners
“The Dragonfly basement was done for clients who had a sad, depressing space that hadn’t been touched since the 1960’s. As avid readers, it needed ample book storage as well as a dedicated reading area. As graphic designers they wanted to be surrounded with images that were inspiring to them, so we added cork treatments to the walls to allow for a rotating display of items that bring them joy. A black and white photo mural of the family takes up the darkest corner in the space bringing some contrast and interest to an otherwise lost area. 

This space is ‘curated, moody Scandinavian.’ The clients love raw, natural wood, texture, simplicity but also cozy warmth and a collected feel.”  – Skylark Designs, www.instagram.com/Skylarkdesignsllc.

Moody Main Floors
“The moody main floor bathroom is actually in my own home. This bathroom serves as an ensuite for a guest room as well as the main bathroom for the main level of the house. The vanity and top were here when we moved in and were in good condition so the dark wall color (Knoxville Gray by Benjamin Moore) was chosen to help them blend into the space better. The collage of art is a conglomeration of lots of things: Old family photos, cheap Hobby Lobby finds, antique art, silhouettes, China plates, and even some needlework. It was all about finding things with the right ‘tone’. My motto: things don’t have to match, they just have to complement one another.”
– Skylark Designs, www.instagram.com/Skylarkdesignsllc.

Luscious Libraries
“The library bedroom was a pale lavender little girls’ room until recently. I wanted it to be a cozy, peaceful space you could curl up and read in all day and no one would find you—a secret library. I wanted this space to feel curated and not matchy-matchy, like pieces have been acquired over time so there is a natural variation in the pallet: the bed quilts are made out of recycled Saris from India, but the couch and light fixtures feel more modern. It’s a wonderful room that feels like a warm hug and invites you to sit, relax and discover something new.” – Skylark Designs, www.instagram.com/Skylarkdesignsllc.

Stylish Starters
“This was a design project for clients in Lexington. The space was small so using the darker colors on the walls as accents rather than the entire room was important, as well as keeping our ‘collections’ (wall murals, bookshelf design, etc.) a bit more reigned in for a more refined look. A little reading corner with deep green velvet chairs fills the far end where the windows are covered with warm gold velvet drapes. In the bedroom, they were afraid to commit to the darker wall colors and lose the beautiful light, so instead we brought in the deep greens with a wall treatment we created with sconces and warm green velvet drapery on all the windows. The gold sconces sparkle beautifully against the deep green (Tarrytown Green by Benjamin Moore) and the wood molding gives the space the architectural detail it was so desperately lacking.” – Skylark Designs, www.instagram.com/Skylarkdesignsllc.

A Groomed Suite
“Every bride wants to feel special on their day, but equally so does the groom and what’s better than giving him a brag-worthy space for him and his groomsmen? We made this space dark, moody and perfectly masculine! Since the room is small, we opted for a single black textured feature wall instead of going dark in the entire room to still maximize light. In the space, we brought in rich textures that provide a dark and masculine mood—from leather lamp shades with metal rivets to luxe velvet window treatments layered over warm textured shades and of course a classic Chesterfield style sofa. Just add in a craft beer or a glass of whiskey to cheers your favorite friend, and the room is complete! All of these elements marry each other to create the perfect moody space to gather with your boys.” – Curtains, Blinds & Bath, curtainsblindsbath.com

Bridal Beauty
“Just because this room is bright doesn’t mean it’s not moody! This space is a whole mood in itself because of some big time texture! We created so much visual interest in this room by keeping things flowing in neutral colors, yummy textiles, and very intentional pops of soft color—think your favorite hotel, where you go in and expect a welcoming and trendy vibe! While the room feels full, your eyes don’t land necessarily on one specific spot because we intentionally left it soft and soothing to compliment any bride’s color story. We left plenty of walking room once the girls add in their garments, bags, and all the getting ready supplies. Plus, we had to have a floor mirror moment for the bride in her dress, or a champagne toast boomerang!”
– Curtains, Blinds & Bath, curtainsblindsbath.com

Perfect Powder Rooms
“We were channeling an organic, timeless look in this small (we mean very small) bathroom. We kept the room moody by layering warm greens and grays that veer more on the brown undertone side and paired them with a mid-tone wood vanity to complement each other.

The curbless shower was soldier-stacked with a glossy subway tile to help bounce the light around, while the continuous warm floor brings in a slight maximalist vibe with the pattern. Matte black and a warm brass play into the moody aspect of the design, rather than pulling in cool tones of chrome or nickel. The granite selected for the countertop and shower shelf also tie in the gray greens of the room. Overall, the dimmable lights and warmth of the space give off a moody modern New England vibe.” – Curtains, Blinds & Bath, curtainsblindsbath.com

Inside Joshua & Deidre Stone’s 19th Century Home

Peeking out behind a boxwood hedge in College Hill is a whitewashed stone cottage crested by a green metal roof and accentuated by black window shutters. A black and white cat sunbathes on the stoop, acting as the unofficial guardian of the home. On a still, quiet morning, the faint sound of a record can be heard emanating from behind the arched glass transom and, if you stand up on your tip toes and hold your nose just right, you may catch the subtle whiff of sandalwood. 

It’s an idyllic scene to stumble upon—the exterior of the home giving the impression of a place frozen in time. But if you step through the front door, you’ll be greeted by its current owners, Deidre and Joshua Stone, and realize that the space isn’t frozen in time at all. Rather, it’s a work in progress—a constant evolution of creativity, eclecticism, and whimsy.

Deidre, dressed in a thrifted kimono with a large bronze ankh necklace draping from her neck, lights incense in the front living room while Joshua, shirt buttoned behind a bolero tie, switches the record on the record player. The two move about the home in sync with one another, with the ease of a couple who has been together for 17 years. Their energy is effortless, with a spark of expressiveness and curiosity that is infectious but unrepeatable. Within the walls of their 200-year-old home, everything is a canvas, everything is an opportunity, and everything is art.

“We purchased the house in 2018,” said Deidre, “after living in an apartment that had flooded multiple times. We knew we needed to move.”

“We weren’t looking for a house,” Joshua continued, “instead we were looking around at other apartments. The flooding happened on a Sunday, and this house was listed on that Wednesday. We looked at it, loved it, put an offer on it that Thursday and it was accepted the next day.”

“We closed and moved a month later,” Deidre concluded.

The house was move-in ready, though it had been vacant for ten years. But while it was move-in ready in the practical sense—replacement windows, central air conditioning—the Stones knew they were embarking on a journey to marry their aesthetic with the circa 1815 home.

The front part of the cottage—the living room, front bedroom, and second floor—are all original to the home, which is one of the oldest remaining homes in Lynchburg. The kitchen and bathroom were added sometime in the early 20th century. When the Stones purchased the home, they immediately ripped up the carpet and painted over the pale blue walls.

“I was hoping that there was goodness underneath all they had covered up,” Deidre remembered. “There were drop ceilings everywhere and layers and layers of wall and wallpaper.”

And goodness was in fact discovered as the Stones started stripping away two centuries worth of renovations. The original fireplace was unmasked after hiding behind plaster walls for decades. Sweeping ceilings and stunning wood beams were unearthed beneath drop ceilings. Original heart pine floors were waiting, perfectly preserved under beige carpet. In each room, the Stones meticulously rediscovered the original beauty of the home.

“I still think there’s a lot that we haven’t uncovered,” Deidre acknowledged.

Then, the Stones got to work making the home their own.

“Admittedly, all of this work and this vision is hers,” Joshua said, nodding toward Deidre.

“I love darker, moodier vibes. I like to think the house is an extension of my personal style. I fit in well with the decor,” Deidre laughed.

The Stones wanted to create a space that felt cozy, moody, and dark, but remained welcoming.

“It’s a marriage of style and aesthetic, but also comfort and livability,” explained Deidre.

Throughout the home, inky walls offset velveteen and metallic textures. In the living room, a plush brocade sofa from Gold Tusk Vintage sits amongst scented mystical candles. Geodes, tarot cards, and plants line metallic shelves. Celestial brass wall hangings dot the walls while dried flowers hang like fragile banners across windows.

Every element is a nod to Joshua and Deidre’s life and tastes. Deidre, the owner of Storm + Stress—a shop devoted to mystical jewelry, candles, art, and home decor—peppers her pieces throughout the home.

Her original artwork trails up the tiger print lined stairs. A brass tarot card from her shop hangs against an ebony wall. Joshua, who owns Stone Spice Company and sells his rubs and seasonings at the Forest Farmer’s Market, brings home a bouquet of flowers to dry each week—each one unique and delicate. When a corner of the home isn’t styled with elements from the Stones own hands, thrifted pieces take their place.

“It’s rare that I purchase anything new, unless it’s handmade,” said Deidre. “I think of myself as an intuitive thrifter. I let pieces come to me. I have an idea in my mind of what I need and I don’t try to rush it. I just wait until it presents itself. You don’t always get instant gratification that way, but when you do find the right piece it’s amazing.”

Much like their mentality with decorating and embellishing their home, the Stones are intuitively letting their home show them what’s next. It’s a constant evolution of projects—from the smallest of paint upgrades to plans to build out a commercial kitchen so Joshua can run Stone Spice Company entirely from their home.

“There’s no need to rush things,” Deidre concluded.  

Follow along as Deidre and Joshua continue to transform their home. Find them on Instagram at @blackmoonstonecottage.

Fall Gardening and Prep for a Successful Spring and Summer Season

Aaahhh, autumn in Virginia.

Before you pull your mittens over those green thumbs, there are a few things you can do to get ahead of the game and be in top shape for the arrival of spring. 

First of all, the growing season doesn’t have to come to a screeching halt. In fact, I LOVE winter vegetable gardening. So many cool weather crops grow well here in our region, and with fewer weeds and less humidity, it makes for a more pleasant gardening experience.

Now is a great time to get your fall/winter brassicas established. To give your cool season garden a head start, you can often find already-established plants at local garden centers and skip the process of starting from seed. Broccoli, kale, kohlrabi, and others grow very well in the fall, and even in frost and snow!

In fact, they sweeten with the colder temperatures. Other options like carrots, parsnips, and even tender greens can grow through the fall and winter, especially with the help of a hoop house or cold frame. In fact, sweet and snow peas will grow through the fall as long as you protect them from frost. Many of these veggies are quick to mature, so plant in succession as long as the weather allows. 

There are lots of simple, cheap options for plant protection on bitterly cold days. A quick Google search on DIY hoop houses, cold frames and mini green houses will turn up plenty of results, and you may have the necessary tools and materials just lying in your garden shed! 

As for your non-edible landscape, a little attention now will serve you well when warm weather returns. September is a great time to plant trees and shrubs. Gentle pruning is also recommended this time of year. Take some time to remove the dead and brittle branches, and shape up your canopies and bushes. For the rose gardeners, now is a good time to give your roses their last feeding of fertilizer and allow them to harden off. You can, of course, continue deadheading and think about collecting those rose hips (if your shrubs produce them) for later use in herbal teas, hand-made soaps, and other fun crafts.

A favorite fall gardening activity for many people is, of course, planting bulbs. There are so many options for fall planting that will provide bright bursts of color in the earliest days of spring. A few regional favorites include daffodils, tulips, alliums, lilies, hyacinth, and crocus. Bulbs are great fun for those who enjoy landscape design. Consider using different colors and flower heights to create interesting patterns. It will be exciting to see your hard work popping up after along winter.

These are just a few things you can do to clean up your landscape and dive into the fall gardening season. It’s also a good time to pull any unwanted weed invaders, separate crowded perennials, and give your lawn a little love by testing and adjusting your pH levels (between 6.2 and 6.5 is desirable), dethatching, and aerating.

We wish you happy gardening and a lovely fall season!