Home Tours MARYLAND

58th Potomac Country House Tour & Festival
October 4 & 5; potomaccountryhousetour.org
A tour of four diverse Potomac homes, from a sleek contemporary to a reimagined Williamsburg Colonial, extends into a day of family-friendly activities including a luncheon hosted by local restaurants. Sponsored by the St. Francis Episcopal Church, the event benefits several charities.

VIRGINIA
73rd Annual Historic Alexandria Homes Tour
September 27; thetwig.org
Six of Old Town Alexandria’s most beautiful homes and gardens are showcased during this walking tour, which benefits Inova Alexandria Hospital.

13th Annual Reston Home Tour
October 18; restonmuseum.org
Five private homes varying in architectural styles will be open to the public for self-guided tours. The event is followed by a gourmet tasting presented by the South Lakes High School Culinary Arts Program.

WASHINGTON, DC

Dupont Circle House Tour & Tea
October 19; dupont-circle.org
The 12 homes participating in this tour include a modern row house and a recently renovated town house with exquisite designer finishes. Tour-goers can also enjoy afternoon tea at the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia.

On the Bookshelf RECIPES FOR SUCCESS
Award-winning Chevy Chase kitchen designer Jennifer Gilmer has released the ultimate guide to planning and designing the perfect kitchen. The Kitchen Bible, written by Gilmer with Barbara Ballinger and Margaret Crane, provides inspiration, resources and crucial tips on working with a kitchen designer. With more than 250 photographs, it takes readers through important steps to ensure that their kitchen reaches its full potential. Images Publishing, Australia; June 2014. $45. 

FINNISH STYLE
In Patterns: Marimekko showcases the history of the Finnish textile and clothing company celebrated around the world for its bold, vibrant motifs. Readers learn about the founders' original vision and how they translate a simple sketch into an elaborate fabric design. The lavishly illustrated book marks Marimekko’s 50th anniversary. Chronicle Books, San Francisco, CA; September 2014. $35.

BEHIND THE SCENES
Documenting 15 houses designed by the renowned New York firm Robert A.M. Stern Architects, Designs for Living provides an in-depth look at each project and the architects’ design process. Readers will discover an array of spectacular homes, from a mid-19th-century town house in New York’s West Village to a hilltop residence on a windy road overlooking Sonoma Mountain, California. The book also explores how each home clearly reflects its environment and the local vernacular. The Monacelli Press, New York, NY; May 2014. $75.