Thanks a Million!

My company, ROI HomeServices hosted our annual Thank You Luncheon last week. This year we selected the theme of “abundance” to put focus on the things we are thankful to have (opportunity for growth, deepened relationships, loyal clients), especially in these changing times.


We demonstrated the theme with bounteous food as décor (artichokes and berries included in centerpieces, petit champagne bottles as favors), and lushly layered accents (succulents, dahlias and hydrangeas nestled into overflowing vines; gift tags layered with textured paper and a vellum overlay, then tied with woven, metallic ribbon).

The color palette was kept tight and current: a sophisticated brown-plum, a nod to the current color of the season--purple, organic greenery and bursts of chartreuse, black and burnished gold as accents.

This week, give some thought to what is abundant in your own life (and who you have to thank for it)! Have a great, abundant, week!

Put a Fork in it

Feel that chill outside? It's officially fall--almost Thanksgiving--and that means not only more cozy-winter cooking but more formal entertaining. For impromptu dinner parties, flatware is the easiest decoration--it is like jewelry for your table, lending polish to each setting. Lately I have seen some inspired (and inspiring) alternatives to the classic forms. Here are my top five faves of the season:

1. Quill Flatware by Pottery Barn While it wasn't exactly love at first sight for me and these unique pieces when I saw them in the store, as I browsed the rest of the store, I couldn't stop thinking about them. At home, setting the dinner table, I found myself coveting pairing them with rich, regal colors like eggplant and peacock-blue (black dahlias would be divine) as well as a few organic elements such as nautilus shells or branches for a dark, enchanted, natural table that's a little bit proper, a little bit unexpected.

2. Hampton Flatware by Tiffany & Co. This flatware collection is simple yet speaks to so many styles--crisp, preppy, strong, masculine, feminine, traditional, modern. If you have the budget, this is a great classic collection for all occasions.

3. Wave Flatware by Cost Plus "Nuvo-modern" is what I like to call a softer brand of modernism. This lovely clean-lined set blends the right amount of youthful joie d'vivre and adult sophistication for a flowy, beachy elegance.

4. Kyoto Flatware by Crate and Barrel Don't get caught up in Bamboo's asian connotations--bamboo-pattern has been around for ages and has been paired with a wide range of styles, from traditional to modern, lavishly decadent to light and simple. Although it may not be your first thought, I love them with cream linens, white plates and peach roses. A single note of intricacy at a warm, traditional table.

5. Orleans (Plastic!) Flatware by Z Gallerie If you live in a warm climate like I do in California, some evenings are still warm enough for al fresco dining but summer style seems a bit out of place in autumn months. I love the baroque style of these plastic flatware. Separate by type and serve in decorative glass or silver cups. Pair with premium-quality white (or pink!) paper plates and napkins, and stemmed plastic wine goblets...even if you aren't serving wine.

Remember as you shop to handle all flatware before purchasing. Everything should feel great in hand. Note the weight, form and texture. What seems like a slight annoyance now will grow to gnaw at you mid-meal in the future.

Have a great week!

Quill Flatware by Pottery Barn: http://www.potterybarn.com/products/p11479/index.cfm?pkey=cplace%2Dsettings

Hampton Flatware by Tiffany & Co.: http://www.tiffany.com/Shopping/Item.aspx?sku=GRP00283&mcat=148209&cid=297597&search_params=s+5-p+1-c+297597-r+-x+-n+6-ri+-ni+0-t+

Wave Flatware by Cost Plus: http://www.worldmarket.com/kitchen-tabletop/flatware/Wave-Flatware-Sets-of-4/lev/4/productId/9194/No/0/Ne/1100001/Nao/0/pCategoryId/1100137/sectionId/2866/Ns/TOP_SELLER_INDEX1CATEGORY_SEQ_29830/N/1100140/Nty/1/categoryId/1100140/gpCategoryId/1100135/index.pro

Kyoto Flatware by Crate and Barrel: http://www.crateandbarrel.com/family.aspx?c=100&f=675

Black Plastic Flatware by Z Gallerie: http://www.zgallerie.com/pc-7166-28-orleans-flatware-set-of-4-place-settings.aspx

Feel Better About Your Space

Happy Belated Halloween! Hope you had a great time trick-or-treating. I was this close to being a nurse this year, but at the last minute couldn’t pull all the costume details together. Instead, I was a French maid (who doesn’t have a feather duster lying around?) But my almost-nurse momentum left me feeling ready for another installment of common style afflictions and Nurse Ashley’s prescriptions. Take two of these to start feeling better about your space by morning:

Thematrosis: The abuse of a theme or style.

Rx: Make one bold thematic statement or three more minor thematic statements. Then stop. For instance, to achieve a safari theme, go with bold zebra bedding or two zebra-patterned pillows and one painting. Then make sure that everything else is relatively neutral. As in, no theme, simple or no pattern. This will keep the overall message understated and authentic.
The liberal use of a stunning zebra rug in Domino Magazine's re-creation of a room designed in the 1920's shows how a bold (even over-the-top) use of a single, simple, strong item is enough to create a statement in a room.

Handmedownsis: A genetic disease, this condition consists of the inability to turn down or discard home furnishings given by family members and friends, resulting in a mis-matched furniture family tree.

Rx: Focus on function and scale. What does your space need? What does your lifestyle require? Depending on your space, the key is often to select only a few large pieces and forgo any smaller pieces. Then make the selected piece(s) the focal point of its room. With upholstered pieces, consider reupholstering and adding decorative elements, like nailheads. With wood pieces, consider painting or refinishing. Most important, use the pieces to create the style you envision; don’t base your style on what you’ve been stuck with. Note how a coat of black paint not only ties this spindle-framed armchair to other black elements in the room, but also focuses the eye on its interesting silhouette.

Rug and Art Disease: The fear of walls and floors, and the desire to insulate oneself from them.

Rx: Stick to a strict regimen of one rug per room and at least one art-free wall per room. Also, break up your regular art-and-rug routine with unexpected alternatives. If you have mainly rich wool rugs, consider placing natural fiber rugs in some rooms to lighten the mood. On walls, try a metal wall sculpture, wall sconces or a lovely framed mirror to keep it fresh. The negative space on this paneled wall adds to the drama of a beautifully-lit dining experience while the bare floor lends rusticity.

Have a great, healthy week!

Images courtesy of (top to bottom) Domino Magazine, Point Click Home, and Pottery Barn.

Anatomy of a Staging

Not all staging is glamourous. It's not always million-dollar homes and it's certainly not as simple as tossing fabulous furniture into a blank canvas. Around the office, we have a saying “It’s not just about making pretty. It’s about making money.”

Which is to say, most of the time, staging is about troubleshooting—assessing the best and worst features of a property and maximizing or minimizing accordingly. It is, in its essence, merchandising. Quality staging helps buyers dream… of what they could create with the home and what their life could become there.

Here is a recent home (perfect for a first-time buyer!) for sale in Benicia through Eileen Stern of Remax Gold (see link below). It is a perfect example of how staging can show a home’s potential.

Living Room: This long, narrow room is rounded out by an angled sofa vignette. Staging here focused on a single grouping of larger-scaled furnishings, showing buyers how easily character can be injected into even a smaller home.

Kitchen Nook: As the house does not have a formal dining room, we focused on showing how the eat-in kitchen could work for entertaining. Knowing our potential buyers would likely be first-time buyers or investors considering rental appeal, we aimed to design a youthful, cocktail-party atmosphere with a tall table, wine glasses and fun, fresh herbs. The art we selected is bold enough to neutralize the wallpaper yet itself neutral enough not to clash—that’s always a toughie!

Kitchen: The most impactful improve-
ment we made in the kitchen was to move the refrigerator from one side of the stove to the other (betcha didn’t know you could do that…) It opened up the entrance to the room, which is always key to making buyers feel welcomed in. It also takes the subconscious narrative from “What’s that dark hole to the right of the stove?” to “I wonder what we could do with this wall space—a bench? Storage? A bar? A desk area?”

The rest of the kitchen picked up where the nook’s entertaining theme left off, with bread ready to be served, a fabulous cookbook and wine rack. An urn of hydrangeas camouflages the exposed crevice behind the stove.

Bathroom: The only bathroom in the house is full of cottage charm. We replaced the vanity and flooring, then focused staging on opening up the small space. Towels and a textured shower curtain soften the space; a large scallop shell adds beachy polish while leaving the shower curtain half open, not closed, keeps the space from closing up. Coordinating shell paintings hung above the shower surround lift the eye up and out, making the room feel larger while taking pink tile from
“pepto-bismol retro” to “beachy-chic shell pink”.

Guest Bedroom: Working with the pink walls instead of fighting them, we installed a vignette that softly implies potential for many uses—a nursery, guest room or feminine home office. Once again, an oversized item—in this case the mirror—makes the room feel larger and more substantial than smaller items would have.

Master Bedroom: Youthful colors like lime, warm textures like rattan and fun
angles (the rug, throw, pillows and bed are all set at varying angles) create a space that feels larger and cozier—a space full of potential.

As in with all design, selection and placement are all about minimizing flaws, maximizing features, inspiring and comforting.

Have a great week!

ROI Staging Portfolio: http://www.roihomeservices.com/roi_staging/portfolio-main.html

228 Hillcrest, Benicia, featured by Eileen Stern: http://www.redfin.com/CA/Benicia/228-Hillcrest-Ave-94510/home/2373724

Recession-smession!

A recession you say? How can that be when life is just so good?! Even a girl on a budget can live well and love life with all the options available now. You just have to know where to shop. Here are my top five most fabulous budget finds for the season:

Synthetic or cotton rugs. I L.O.V.E. my heavenly-soft, machine-washable cream shag rugs from Target (right). I have one on each side of my bed. Just $29.99 for a 30 X 48”. (There are more sizes in the store than online.)

Sheets. Have you tired of me saying it yet? Jersey sheets are my favorite things ever. Many different labels now offer them everywhere from Macy’s to Bloomingdale’s, but mine are these, $19.99 from Target.

Throw pillows. While I appreciate a well-designed focal point, I also love to change up a room’s look quite often, which is easier when throw pillows are $30 than when they are $100. When looking for a discount-priced pillow, I often purchase silk square-, euro- and lumbar-sized pillows from Marshall’s, combining pattern with solid for a richer, layered look. Look for natural fibers and down inserts and no one will guess they're from a discount store. I also love Pottery Barn’s system of selling inserts separate from covers, so changing the look is less expensive since one need only purchase a new cover for a change (usually around $20-40).

Accent tables. I’m a big fan of accent tables with character. Nothing is more boring than two matching wood boxes on either side of a sofa. I like a drawer with a beautiful handle, or a piece with some texture or history. I also love “creating” accent tables out of (work with me here) stools, chairs, ottomans, dressers, even piles of books. I placed two of these woven stools ($119 each from Crate and Barrel) in front of an L-shaped sectional to form a casual "coffee table" at a client's house.

Candles. While nothing can compare to a fantastically scented triple-wick candle, you can still find a lovely zen moment with a budget version. I love Tocca’s $16 travel candles for a powder room or desktop (right).

But even if Wall Street is getting you down, be sure to keep certain standards up. Know when to skip the bargain-hunt and buy the well-made version. Never skimp on these items:

Upholstered Furniture, especially anything leather. Accessories come and go but a well-made sofa will last you years. Look for sinuous steel springs or eight-way hand-tied construction. Frames should always be double-dowelled. Cheap leather will crack and scratch; cheap fabrics will fade, sometimes unevenly. Look for analine-dyed leather and brand-name fabrics. Always ask for a few swatches before ordering, take them home, spill marinara on them, rub them with sandpaper, see if you can get your puppy to chew on them. It's the fastest way to tell the difference between fabrics. None will survive, but one may stand out as the swatch most likely to succeed daily torture in your household!

Wool Rugs. Cheap wool will shed, fuzz, fade and, worst of all, itch the bottoms of your feet!

Beds/Mattresses. Nothing is worse than a bad mattress. Nothing.

Structural Improvements. Countertops, cabinetry, flooring, paneling, fixtures, tile, etc. These things are a permanent investment in a property and so should be of the same quality as the home itself (if not better). Look for neutral, classic styles for the best investment.

Lamps. For safety reasons—always look for URL-listed lamps and avoid cheap halogen uplights in particular (you know, the ones so commonly placed in dorm rooms—the worst place ever for an unsafe lamp). I like Pottery Barn's lamp selection, specifically their classic Chelsea collection. You will rarely pay less than $100 for a Pottery Barn lamp, but it's a small price to pay for peace of mind.

Home Services. What’s the point of investing in your home only to negate said investment with a poor DIY job? Quality servicepeople are like insurance for your home improvements. Also, don’t be shy about milking your selected improvements for all they’re worth. For instance, white paint costs the same as a gorgeous designer color, so you may as well select a fabulous color if you’re going to paint...right? PS Email ROIHS at the link below if you need help with that color or setting up a quality home service.

Have a great week!

Email ROIHS: http://www.roihomeservices.com/contact.html

Target Shag Rug: http://www.target.com/Room-Essentials-Allure-Cream-30x48/dp/B000NGJ5T8/qid=1223263576/ref=br_1_5/601-1038609-2120136?ie=UTF8&node=10497651&frombrowse=1&index=tgt-mf-mv&rank=price&rh=&page=1

Target Jersey Sheet: http://www.target.com/Jersey-Sheet-Set-True-White/dp/B000O1TODO/sr=1-12/qid=1223263968/ref=sr_1_12/601-1038609-2120136?ie=UTF8&index=target&rh=k%3Ajersey&page=1

Pottery Barn Throw Pillows: http://www.potterybarn.com/shop/rugs-pillows-windows/decorative-pillows-throws/index.cfm?cm%5Ftype=gnav

Crate and Barrel Side Table: http://www.crateandbarrel.com/family.aspx?c=982&f=11528&m=taf&taf=1

Tocca Candles: http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P42934&categoryId=B70

Pottery Barn Chelsea Lamp: http://www.potterybarn.com/products/p8047/index.cfm?pkey=call%2Dtable%2Dfloor%2Dlamps

East Meets West (Conversations in Boston)

This weekend, I am posting from Boston, where I am visiting two of my most stylish friends, Jen (of New York) and Andria (of Boston). Both have spent quite a bit of time on the east coast, and are thoroughly interested in style--in particular, why things are the way that they are, i.e. the history, culture and essence of style. Over the long weekend, the three of us spent quite a bit of time musing over the differences between Califonia's casual, cool style and the east coast's formal yet cozy panache. Here, some notes I took from our favorite conversations:

Cars vs. Shoes and Bags (the difference that got us talking in the first place)

Me: There aren't as many luxury cars here. There are a few here and there, but it's not the sea of Mercedes, BMWs and Lexus ("Lexi?") that you see in every downtown in California.

Jen: You wear your money on the east coast. You drive your money on the west coast.

Me: Is it a status thing? Why do we do that?

Andria: Fewer people per capita have cars on the east coast, so what you're wearing becomes more of a statement about who you are.

Jen: Personal style comes out in the items that are practical and available. In Manhattan, it's all about really nice shoes and really nice bags. No one cares about cars because no one is really in them.

Darker Colors vs. Lighter Colors

Jen: I always think of the east coast as darker than California. You see more dark colors and fewer light colors--buildings, clothes, furniture... {like this Boston boathouse, right}

Andria: I think it has to do with the amount of sunlight. With a lot of sunlight, like in California, dark colors can be overstated, but in cloudy or rainy weather, darker colors are perfect while lighter colors blend.

Jen: It's more serious here. It's a faster-paced culture and that comes out in the style. Black is always in here, and I rarely wear black in California.

Loose vs. Tailored

Me: Whenever I come out here, I always finding myself packing my most tight, tailored clothes. On the other hand, if I'm going somewhere on the west coast, even if it's a place with east-coast weather, like Seattle, I pack more loose, easy-fitting clothing. Is it just me?

Andria: I definitely see that difference. I think it has to do with the European influence on the east coast."

Jen: It is definitely more European here. I also think it has to do with weather--California just calls for more of an indoor/outdoor lifestyle, so pieces are loose and easy to go with that. Also, in New York, fashion follows art--not so much museum art but what's happening in the underground galleries. And that can lead to a more tailored look because everything is tightly executed.

Andria: That reminds me of how Louis Vuitton did all those graffiti bags a few years ago. Now it seems like fashion is becoming more architecturally-driven, like Balenciaga's freestanding dresses. I agree that that direct influence makes it seem more tailored here.

Me: It's not just clothes--in interiors, there is an abundance of slipcovered sofas, sectionals, giant ottomans and kitchen islands in California, but in Boston, you see upholstered loveseats and trim cocktail tables.

Andria: I also think space has a lot to do with it. There's less space here--everything is older, so buildings, streets, and then cars, property lines, houses, closets are all tighter. In California there's so much space. It's like a goldfish--put him in a small bowl and he'll stay small; put him in a big bowl and he'll grow. That's also my theory as to why Texans are so tall. They are some big people!

Layered & Collected vs. Single, Substantial Pieces

Jen: When I moved to New York, I bought winter pieces for the first time. In California, layers do the job.

Me: Does that theory apply to all elements of style or just fashion? I definitely notice more homes with the personal, collected, almost shabby-chic look at home, whereas here things seem more "placed" and matchy.

Andria: It applies to everything. In New York, it's about a single investment piece. In California, it's more capricious. My roommate has a relatively small wardrobe, but her one coat is Prada, her one bag is Goyard. In California it's more capricious and fun. On the east coast, less is more. On the west coast, more is more.

Location vs. Quality

Andria: One huge difference I have noticed is that, while to an extent location matters everywhere, out here it trumps everything else. Sometimes it seems more important where something is than what it is.

Me: So it's all about the address?

Jen: Completely. For better or for worse.

Me: Well I guess that you could look at that as a good thing--people being more in touch with their communities and such. So I don't need personal style as long as I have a great address?

Both: Basically!


Have a great week!


Christian Louboutin Peep Toe Pump at Saks Fifth Avenue: http://www.saksfifthavenue.com/main/ProductDetail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524446193582&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=282574492709417&ASSORTMENT%3C%3East_id=1408474399545537&bmUID=1222662965140&ev19=3:6


Interior Image courtesy PointClickHome.com.

Burberry Coat: http://uk.burberry.com/fcp/product/clothing-and-accessories/Coats/CASHMERE-TRENCH-WITH-SATIN-TRIM/10000002625

Look Good, Feel Good, Be Good

Style is not just about fashion or interior design. The whole point of style—looking at it, talking about it, cultivating it, aspiring toward it—is to feel good.

You may have noticed that I have a new photo up this week. Last time I had a professional photo taken, I didn’t feel great. Standing in front of a camera doesn’t come naturally to me and I didn’t prepare myself appropriately for that discomfort. Instead of taking care to surround myself with the things that would help me feel calm and confident, I went with denial, faux-nonchalance and finally, inevitably, a little bit of panic. The results were photos that, although presentable, just weren’t me. Nothing stylish about that.

This time around, I did it differently. A good photographer helps--I used Ken Larson of Waterfront Creative. He keeps it casual and comfortable so it's easier to be yourself. I also thought about the things (clothes, music, ambience, even beverages—caffeinated, not alcoholic, of course) which would help me feel great, and thus bring out the best in me. They are the things I have learned to rely on for those moments in life when I can use a little extra confidence: preparing for an important meeting, recovering after a long and stressful day, and of course, smiling for the cameras. The difference is in confidence and relaxation, two things that style can and should help to bring you.

See a slideshow of my entire photo shoot here: http://www.kodakgallery.com/Slideshow.jsp?Uc=bugqdfv.95bche3v&Uy=-551fl1&Upost_signin=Slideshow.jsp%3Fmode%3Dfromshare&Ux=0&UV=665955065731_307809483307&mode=fromshare&conn_speed=1

This week I thought I would ask my most stylish friends what elements of style help them feel most confident. Here’s what they said:

Chrissy Bovo
ROIHS Principal and Creative Director, my business partner and lifelong style mentor
“Anything crisp, clean and white. Like my Michael Kors white linen jacket.”

Jenna Pachucki
New Yorker, Museum Historian, had the "Katie Holmes bob" before Katie Holmes did
“Wearing my grandmother’s jewelry. It’s different and fun and unique to me. It connects me to her—just knowing how thrilled she’d be that I’m wearing it gives me an inner sense of confidence.”

Stephen Goularte
Nightclub Impresario, Man about town, Owner of EOS in Santa Barbara
“Something over the top. Maybe an ascot. Maybe a puff collar. Maybe an all-white suit. Something that will 'bling it to the table'. ”

Mimi Marinchak
ROIHS Decorator, Fabulous mom of three, purveyor of preppy style
“Fresh flowers {tulips, hydrangeas, orchids} and scented candles {Diptyque, Votivo, and even Pottery Barn and Target}”.

Kristin Burk (on left)
Restaurant Biz Wiz, my best friend, luxury label lover
“Hair is important. If my hair looks good, I feel put-together. It frames your face, so it’s more important that what your wearing.”

Kim DiPaola
ROIHS Sales Rep, gardening enthusiast, perfect hostess
“Jogging or going to the gym and running on the treadmill. I go for a short jog in the morning and I am like Superwoman.”

Prim Eisemann

Aveda Beauty Expert, Beach girl, true domestic goddess

"My diamond pendant from Tiffany's, Kai oil perfume, and a clean, organized home. I cannot survive, or imagine doing so happily, without these."

Brooke Bovo
ROIHS Principal, genious Corporate Facilitator, ROIHS “Team Mom”
“Wearing my favorite color, green, always makes me feel good. Also, the view out my back balcony gives me confidence. I stand there and think ‘whatever happens, this river will still flow, the ships will continue to pass by, the world will go on.”

And my top five confidence boosters {including the ones that helped me stay cool and calm in front of the camera}?

1. A soundtrack. Kanye West in the car, Coldplay at home on the weekends. Don’t underestimate the potency of a great soundtrack. In college, my best friend and roommate, Kristin, and I used to listen to the same song whenever we were getting ready to go out for the evening. It was our “going out” song, and to this day it reminds me to relax and enjoy life whenever I hear it. The other day, Kristin texted me the following words: “What was the name of that song? You know, that song we like?” I knew exactly the one.

2. A nice watch. Everyone needs a simple, good accessory that can polish off any given outfit. I find that the best, easiest one is a good watch. Skip gold and go for silver.

3. A decent haircut. I know, it feels a bit obvious to include this, but this is a seriously underrated possession. As you can see from my photo, above, I believe in working with what God gave you, in my case very curly hair, making a good cut and style of the utmost importance.

4. A signature scent—NEVER tell. Mine is a closely-guarded secret. {I’ll give you a hint—I’m not the first to be closed-lipped about this scent. Scent was so personal to it's creator that she wore it exclusively herself for years before decreeing that it be unveiled and released by her company upon her death.}

5. An important memento. When I managed my first design project on my own, Chrissy left me a note on a paint chip that said “Good luck Ash. You’ll do great!” It’s still on my bulletin board in my home office.

This week, give some thought to the things in your life that bring out the best in you.

Have a great, confident week!

Waterfront Creative Photography: http://waterfrontcreative.com/