Trudi’s Blog

The Ultimate Bathroom: Hits & Misses

When it comes to renovating or designing a bathroom, the details really do matter. Some features can elevate your daily routine into a luxurious experience, while others might not hit the mark as expected. Here’s an insider look at what made the cut for an ultimate bathroom upgrade and what didn’t, straight from a new […]

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So what is an ADU?

An Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) is a secondary living space located on the same property as the main residence. They’ve become very popular in California in recent years, especially during the pandemic when everyone was desperate for some extra space.  These structures are great for rentals, guests, in-laws, college students or home care providers. They […]

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Storage Tips Whether Storing at Home or in Self-Storage!

After over 25 years in the self-storage business, we have learned a lot about what not to do and what to do!  These suggestions would apply to items stored in your garage, closet at home or in your self-storage space. 1. Rugs. Our go to expert is Star Rugs locally. They suggest, “Always have your […]

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Insurance Nickel Knowledge for 2023

I am certainly not an insurance expert in any way but I have recently learned about many new insurance issues from our agents Melissa Hodak and Lisa Blackwell of Brown and Brown insurance that I thought worth sharing. As the saying goes, “things aren’t like they use to be”. Think floods, fire, home offices, renting […]

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Design House Event to Benefit The Scholarship Foundation of Santa Barbara

The Santa Barbara Design House event was the brainchild of its lead sponsor, Ferguson Bath, Kitchen and Lighting Gallery. Its architectural collaborators, Blackbird Architects and The Carey Group Inc., hosted exclusive tours on March 17th and 18th, welcoming more than 400 visitors, along with members of the Bartron Real Estate Group who served as docents and sponsors. […]

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Want better coffee or tea at home?

As we all know, Hope Ranch has very hard water. Recently I interviewed Jay Hellenbrand, the owner of Advanced Water Solutions on the best approach to treating hard water. I was recommended to them by my good friend Gordon Hardy, co-owner of Jeannine’s Bakery. They and Renaud’s Bakery are long-term clients of Advanced. As water […]

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Supply Chain Issues

If you have an appliance on its last leg, you may want to order a new one in advance due to supply chain problems. You will be surprised when you can’t walk into a showroom and buy a dryer of the brand you want. Today due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Ukraine war, and China’s […]

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Trends that are on their way out in 2023!

COWHIDE PRINTS Cowhide prints use to be very popular and now they are considered to be one of the worst interior design trends of all time. Typically, used as a statement piece in the entry, den, kitchen or hung on the wall as artwork – cowhide is no longer the statement you want in your […]

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Want to add a little panache to your home?

Pool Coping to match patio color

Custom Cast Stone – pool copings, family crests, windowsills, balustrades, venetian palace, statue of your dog? “Cast Stone” is made from crushed limestone and white cement, the closest product to real honed limestone (beware of imitators, who just acid wash regular precast to imitate cast stone). Custom molds are designed and the material is poured […]

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Carpet is Making a Comeback!

Grid patterned throw rug, layered over wall to wall carpet

As we all know, hardwood and stone floors are gorgeous but do not overlook the benefits and beauty of carpet  Believe it or not, carpet can be the statement piece in any given room. The carpet industry has evolved in recent years and customizing capabilities are endless.  Some recent trends include bold trims and/or implementing […]

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