Which President would you trust with your home?

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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

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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.

Hello, Fall.

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The cool, crisp autumn wind has arrived, the leaves are turning, and everything from chai lattes to pork rinds seems to have a pumpkin spice variation. What do you look forward to about Fall?

CHIC (Pearl)

There’s a day every September when the Bay Area dress code shifts from summer dresses to cozy sweaters, and we got there a little earlier than expected this year. But you won’t find me complaining. I love waking up to morning frost and a warm cup of coffee while I snuggle in a blanket and catch up on email. It definitely beats waking up in a cold sweat when it’s 72°F before sunrise.

GEEK (Kevin)

For DIY home improvement types – like yours truly – this is prime time for cleaning, inspections, repairs, and other annual upkeep that you’ve been putting off all Summer while you played golf and sat by the pool working on your non-existent tan. It’s especially important to check your heating system now before things get really chilly, when repairs cost more and take longer.