The Longest Day

/

With the summer solstice arriving on Thursday, we’re gearing up for the longest day of the year and debating the best backyard traditions to enjoy with family and friends!

CHIC (Pearl)

If you read our posts regularly, you know I love to entertain. So this summer, you’ll find me setting up the string lights, popping a bottle of sparkling wine, and calling some friends for a backyard soiree. It’s my way of celebrating this place we call home, where you can sit outside at night in late June and not get cold!

GEEK (Kevin)

I’ll bet you thought I was going to go with barbecue. Okay, so I’m going with barbecue. I mean, what else is there to do when the sun is out until 8:30pm and you have a few pounds of meat in the fridge that somebody (not saying who) brought home from Costco? Clean your grill, fire up the coals, and let the sizzling commence!

Which President would you trust with your home?

/

In honor of Presidents Day, we ask the age-old question: If you could ask any U.S. President to assist with your home renovation, who would it be?

CHIC (Pearl)

For me, it’s an easy decision. I would go with John F. Kennedy, but not for him, for his wife. Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis was an icon of style and my favorite First Lady of all time. She made the White House into her own by leaning into color and pattern, breathing new life into an old, stodgy building. I would love to have her help when I redesign my dream home!

GEEK (Kevin)

There’s only one answer here, and it’s Teddy Roosevelt. T.R. liked to speak softly and carry a big stick, and that’s exactly the kind of person you need in charge of any major home project. With costs soaring and workflows in flux, it’s absolutely critical to have someone at the helm looking out for your bottom line and making sure things get done on time!

Treating Yourself to a Home Spa

/

These days, with the stress of pandemics and wildfires and uncertain markets bearing down, we could all use an escape from the world outside to focus on self care. A home spa is one way to bring more peace and tranquility to your life, and we have some tips for doing it right.

CHIC (Pearl)

First thing’s first: You need the right tub — something you can crawl into for a deep soak at the end of a long day. While you’re in there, light up some eucalyptus-scented essential oil candles to put you in the mood to chill. And be sure to have a stack of fluffy Turkish white bath towels handy. As for decorations, keep it clean and keep it simple, adding plants or fresh flowers for pops of color.

GEEK (Kevin)

If shutting out the world is your thing, I recommend ceiling lights with dimmers and “blackout” blinds for the windows. When I’m relaxing, I don’t want to know if it’s day or night. Working from the ground up on design, I’m a big fan of heated tiles and a wraparound steam shower. And because I’m usually exhausted by the time I hop into the shower, a wooden sitting chair is a must.