Home Source, March 22, 2024

Ilike interesting stories and I like interesting homes. I also like to believe I tell the former and have the latter. (Don’t we all?) So, when a book titled “Authentic Interiors: Rooms That Tell Stories” (Gibbs Smith, March 2024) hit my radar, I thought, “Shazam! My worlds collide!”

In ‘Authentic Interiors,’ author features rooms that tell stories

I dove into the 224page, picture-rich hardcover, then rang up the author, interior designer Philip Gorrivan, to see if I could divine the secret to designing rooms that tell not just stories, but our stories. (Face it. Despite what they say, a lot of designers tell their stories.)

In his introduction, Gorrivan cites the 20th century designer David Hicks who said, “The best rooms have something to say about the people who live in them.” The book then goes on to feature 14 client-inspired projects,

including the author’s own home.

“If you’re going to design your home, whether a grand house or a shoebox apartment, whatever the budget, make sure your interior space is an extension of who you are,” he said over the phone. “This, a er all, is where you come home, sleep and live.”

Few would disagree. However, this is one of those easy-to-say, harder-to-do design maxims. In the wrong hands, the result could be ghastly. Some people’s stories just aren’t pretty. I turned to the pages for clues. For one couple — a screenwriter and newspaper editor — Gorrivan used posterized black-and-white images of famous faces. For a Brazilian couple’s New York City apartment he incorporated saturated tones from the tropical rainforest, painting walls

A TROPICAL TOUCH

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For this Brazilian couple’s New York apartment, which overlooks 59th St. and 5th Ave., Gorrivan drew from the exuberant palette of Rio’s Carnival and Brazil’s tropics combining lush tones of emerald and fuchsia. Metallic accessories spell excitement.

Marni Jameson At Home

■ See JAMESON, page 4

Photo Read McKendree/ JBSA

State of the Union speeches usually set forth presidential priorities — perhaps a call for national unity when addressing a crisis or to con rm our country’s commitment to a cause. The best, I believe, are inspirational, o ering a hopeful vision for uni ed America.

Someone on the president’s State of the Union speech writing team must have read the results of the Red n February housing survey. Respondents said housing a ordability and mortgage rates will a ect how they vote for candidates in the upcoming presidential election. More than 53% of homeowners and renters say

housing a ordability is impacting their voting preference. Nearly two-thirds (64.2%) say housing a ordability makes them feel negative about the economy.

Red n Chief Economist Daryl Fairweather responded, “Elevated mortgage rates and home prices along with an acute housing shortage, have pushed the dream of homeownership out of reach for many Americans.”

Millennials and Generation Xers will gradually replace Boomers. They have expectations of a good job, their own family and a home. They are nding jobs.

The U.S Labor Department is reporting job growth is exceeding expectations with 3.1 million jobs created last year and 350,000 last month. The economy

Housing and presidential politics — words sometimes contradict actions

is running on all cylinders. The fourth quarter GNP was 3.3%.

Housing formation is the highest in years. Adult children are nally leaving the nest and establishing their own households. According to the Joint Center for Housing studies, there is an “unprecedented level of household growth.”

Increasing employment, a solid GNP and new household formations has always been good conditions for a strong real estate market and favorable approval ratings for presidents seeking a second term. However, Mr. Biden’s approval ratings are negative and sliding downhill.

A January NBC News poll shows 71% of Americans say the country is headed in the wrong direction. It was the eighth time in the last nine NBC News surveys

when “wrong track” has been above

70%. According to Chuck Todd with NBC news, “We have never before seen this level of sustained pessimism in the 30-year-plus history of the poll.”

The general dissatisfaction with housing opportunities is directly related to supply. According to a recent analysis from Harvard University, there isn’t enough housing supply and what’s available for purchase or rent isn’t a ordable to the average income family. This shortage is contributing to the falling rate of homeownership and disrupting the dream of homeownership.

“I’ve been doing housing work for 30 years. This housing a ordability challenge is the worst I’ve seen,” said Shaun ■ See

Jameson

from

in a lacquered emerald and incorporating fuchsia furnishings.

As with any author I interview, but especially this one, I was curious to learn the writer’s story. Where is he coming from? So, I asked Gorrivan, who has a home in Connecticut and an apartment in Manhattan, that and a few more questions:

Before we talk about other people’s stories, what’s yours? What was your early home like?

Because my parents had di erent interests, our house was a mix of antiques and modern furnishings. It was by no means “decorated.” We lived in Portland, Maine, where we had these long bleak winters. My family had this old farmhouse, which became a repository for family hand-me-downs and heirlooms. To amuse myself, I spent hours exploring all these pieces. I became visually tuned into furniture at a young age. I may have been the rst 10-year-old to ask for a subscription to Architectural Digest.

Interior design wasn’t your rst career. When and why did you switch?

A er college, I worked in sales, got married, had children and was working to pay the bills. When 9-11 hit, we were living in New York. It made me rethink everything. I decided then to do what I loved. I went to work for an interior design rm to learn the ropes and a er two years went out on my own. My break came when House & Gardens magazine asked me to design a room for a show home they were putting together. They had one room le , a 12-foot by 8-foot laundry room, the smallest room in the house. I made the most of it.

Although your rooms tell your clients’ stories, you clearly have a signature look. How would you describe it?

I come from a love of textiles and fabrics, color and pattern. I like to align with great design rms of the 20th century to create a look I call classic modern, a mix of periods that speak to both the home and the homeowner. Color indeed! Not everyone can pull o Chinese red lacquered walls.

While I have a lot of respect for neutrals and earth tones, I especially like mixing in strong color. Color is powerful and transformative. The chapter titled “Reinvention,” for example, features a New York apartment we made over a er the owner got divorced. He was living

in the same place he’d shared with his ex-wife and wanted it to feel completely di erent. Painting the walls bright spring green felt like a new beginning.

Beautiful interior design books cover co ee tables everywhere. Why another one? How is your book di erent?

The word “authentic” is in the title because it’s important to me. We see a lot of pastiche in the design world, where designers copy and paste the work of others. Authenticity is critical in any creative endeavor. I wanted to convey that and emphasize that a successful interior should speak to the architecture of the house or apartment, to the surrounding geography and ultimately to the homeowner.

What if the homeowner is a couple with di erent interests and tastes?

Every couple disagrees on looks. We negotiate. A successful home design includes elements that re ect all inhabitants, which ultimately makes the interior even more unique.

What makes you cringe when you walk into some homes?

Furnishings that are totally out of scale. A sofa that is way too big or art that is too small can ruin a room.

How can we inject our story into our homes, whether that re ects our professions, interests or heritage?

Think of what you love and want to surround yourself with: your children, your pets, your travels, your roots. It may not be your profession. Some clients don’t want any reminders of their work once they get home. And you’d be surprised how many want to decorate using the colors of their favorite sports team. Heritage also matters. I always want to know where my clients grew up.

What do you want readers to take away?

Though the book is lled with pictures, I hope readers look at the words, too. I hope they read the di erent stories and see how stories can come alive in design. I hope they see how the best designs come from the inside out, and come away thinking, maybe I can do this, too?

Donovan, housing economist and former secretary of HUD in the Obama administration.

Higher mortgage rates are further stressing the housing market for millions of Americans. Mark Zandi, chief economist at Moody’s Analytics, said the outcome of the November election could ultimately depend on the path of 30-year mortgage rates. “Given the current housing a ordability crisis, higher rates will make owning a home completely out of reach for nearly all potential rst-time homebuyers. Since homeownership is a key part of the American dream if it appears unattainable, this will deeply impact voters’ sense of the economy.”

It was disappointing that Mr. Biden didn’t address a few non-partisan issues, including illegal immigration through our

open borders, the rising crime rate in our major cities and a $34 trillion de cit. He did, however, propose his solution to our housing problem. Not surprisingly, his proposal o ers more government spending, increased government regulations and federal intervention into local housing policies.

Biden’s housing plan calls for a $10,000 tax credit for rst-time buyers and a seller tax credit of up to $10,000 for “middle class” families who sell their “starter homes,” de ned as homes below the county’s median home price.

The proposed tax credits for buyers and sellers will bene t a few individuals but will not solve the problem. That’s because we don’t have a housing demand problem, we have a supply problem. Providing buyers with a tax credit incentive will further increase demand for a limited

supply, driving prices up further.

More tax credits to build 1.2 million low-income housing would be continuing a failed program. According to the American Enterprise Institute, these units are more costly to build, in poorly targeted locations, bene ciaries are o en not low-income and the program su ers from substantial corruption.

The proposed Neighborhood Homes Tax Credit, providing incentives for building and renovation of starter homes, has a proven failed history. Meeting the required environmental compliance regulations and prevailing wage is unattractive to builders and homeowners.

The president’s plan for the federal government to act as the rent police will not solve a rental shortage. “We’re cracking down on big landlords who

break antitrust laws by pricexing and driving up rents,” he said. California landlords are already the most regulated in the country. Most large cities have some type of rent control and the addition of millions of illegals who need a roof ampli es the rental shortage.

Even if Congress passed every one of Mr. Biden’s proposals, neither home prices, rents or mortgage rates would go down. Bidenomics has increased the federal de cit by $3 trillion, which has increased in ation and resulted in higher mortgage rates. A balanced budget, energy independence and reducing burdensome regulations would lower rates and be the incentive for more new housing.

Ken Calhoon is a real estate broker in El Dorado County. He can be reached for questions and comments at ken@kencalhoon.com.

Saturday, March 23, 2024

11-2 1281 PLEASANT VALLEY RD #20, DIAMOND SPRINGS $215,000

Delightful 3bd/2ba mobile home awaits the young at heart (ages 55 & over). Spacious doublewide mobile haven boasts new heating & air systems 2017 and a stylishly upgraded roof circa 2016. Prime location, situated just across from the recreational center and pool hall. Before you start planning your housewarming party, snagging this gem requires a nod from the park management.

CENTURY 21 • HELEN RIVARD (530) 409-2687 & ASHLEY CAMPBELL (530) 391-4058

Saturday, March 23 & Sunday, March 24, 2024

12-3 6193 SPECKLED ROAD, POLLOCK PINES $450,000

A Beautiful Mountain Chalet in the woods! 3-4 beds/ 2 baths 1800sf, on .28 usable acres. Tons of character with Tin-Metal and comp roof, Beautiful open beams, updated kitchen with granite and Hickory cabinets, pellet stove, ceiling fans, hardwood and carpet oors, 4th room is a workspacepotential 4th bedroom with high ceilings and light and bright. Tons of storage. Usable land with fenced backyard. Carport is 10’ front, 9’ back with RV hookup. Private yet close to amenities.

3440 VERANO WAY, CAMERON PARK

3 BEDS, 2 BATHS 2,238 SQ.FT. MLS#224008772 $700,000

Inside laundry room.

JUST LISTED!

794 KANAKA VALLEY ROAD, RESCUE

6 BED |3 BATH | 3,777 SQFT MLS#223103750 $1,999,999

Exciting opportunity to nish this amazing home with phenomenal 180º views of the river & surrounding beauty! Home under construction, sale is as is. Brazilian Teak solid wood oors. Kitchen nished with Brazilian granite counters, 4 ovens, gas cooktop with hood over, hand pounded copper sink & 6 sided waterfall edge island. Space for future display wine cellar separates kitchen & large family room with gas replace. Appr. 1300sf Primary suite with outside access to 1000sf balcony. Primary bathroom features live edge counters with backlit vanities & 2 oversized walk-in closets.

Abundance of natural light & updated vinyl plank ooring throughout main living areas. Kitchen has been updated with re nished countertops, tile backsplash, farm sink, & gas cooktop w/hood over. Primary suite on main level with closet & updated attached bath w/tile shower w/sliding glass enclosure & dual sinks. Downstairs features 2 bedrooms, updated full bath, separate living area, laundry/mud room & access to 2 car garage w/workshop. 2 wood burning replaces, one on each level. Mini split systems offer both heat & AC on each level.

1244 COLD SPRINGS ROAD, PLACERVILLE

3 BEDS, 2 BATHS 1,891 SQ.FT. MLS# 223107982 | $725,000

Gorgeous panoramic views. Beautifully updated. Kitchen w/granite counters, updated cabinetry, ss appliances, island with dining bar & large dining area. Spacious living room with newer wood burning replace. Primary suite with outside access to large paver patio and garden area. Large primary bath features granite counters, tile, dual sinks, separate vanity, soaking tub, walk-in shower with multiple shower heads and large walk-in closet. Separate laundry room with cabinets and solar tube. Custom built catio/animal enclosure.

JUST LISTED!

4040 HAWK VIEW ROAD, EL DORADO HILLS

2 BEDS, 2 BATHS | 1,2OO SQ.FT. MLS#223082075 $1,500,000

Unique opportunity for developers & investors. Approximately 9 1/4 acres of land that can be developed as part of the Bass Lake Hills Speci c Plan. There has been substantial high end development and growth in this area with more to come. Property is situated on a hilltop and offers phenomenal views with beautiful sunsets! There is an existing 1200 sf, 2bd/2ba home, with a well & septic system. Multiple access roads. EID water is stubbed to property in 2 separate locations. Property is partially fenced and accessed through a private gate.

3220 GRAYBAR

7541

YOURGUIDETO

YouR Guide to PRoPeRtY listinGs

You may also find it helpful to browse listings by the type of real estate you are interested in buying. To find the geographic location, look at the classification heading and locate the matching zone number on the El Dorado County Map.

You may also find it helpful to browse listings by the type of real estate you are interested in buying. To find the geographic location, look at the classification heading, and locate the matching zone number on the El Dorado County Map.

To find property by geographic location, use the following reference table. Each category is separated by the zone number, type of real estate, and location in El Dorado County.

TABLEOFCONTENTS by type of listing

Residential

Mobile Homes in Parks .

Vacant Land

Information contained in Home Source MLS Listings are accessed each week, neither Home Source, Mt Democrat or McNaugthon Media /Publishing nor its authors guarantees the accuracy or completeness of any information published herein. Home Source, Mt Democrat or McNaugthon Media nor its authors shall be responsible for any errors, omissions, or claims for damages, including exemplary damages, arising out of use, or with regard to the accuracy or sufficiency of the information contained in Home Source. All rights reserved.

Page 25-26

. Page 26-27

All properties are listed by price, address, acreage, listing number, and the Realtor’s office number. If you would like more information about a property, call the relevant office number for that listing.

To find a property by geographic location, use the following reference table. Each category is separated by the zone number, type of real estate, and location in El Dorado County. Properties are sorted by price, in ascending value.

12601 RESIDENTIAL HOMES GREATER CAMERON PARK

This representation is based in whole or in part on data supplied by MetroList©. All information provided by seller/other sources has not been verified by broker. All interested persons should independently verify accuracy of above information. Copyright ©2002 – MetroList Services, Inc.

$799,000

595000216Knapp

5999002085Moonstone4325800.33550029586916-933-1400

6490004556Dunnwood5331980.19850031461916-985-2255

6490006029Brogan

6495003028Birmingham4224570.26850032447530-295-8440

$1,280,000

$1,349,000

223098118

12604 Residential Homes

resCue/luneman

$1,450,000 4281

12605 Residential Homes

12701 Residential Homes

Greater PlaCerville

12703 Residential Homes

Pleasant valley, PlaCerville soutH

12705

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15, Cameron Park, CA 95682. NMLS #705400.

by the Department of Business Oversight under the California Finance Lenders law - #6073455. CA Department of Business Oversight - 866-275-2677. California

Phone:

Cell:

Fax:

David

David.Crofut@lhfs.com

NMLS/CA-DBO

Leo

David

Office:

Cell:

Fax:

Cell: 530.409.7508

Fax: 530.683.4044

David.Crofut@lhfs.com

Leo.Pacheco@lhfs.com

Cell: 530.586.0923

NMLS/CA-DBO

Fax: 530.683.4044

www.HomeLoansbyLeo.com

David.Crofut@lhfs.com

NMLS/CA-DBO

NMLS/CA-DBO #290764

Janelle