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Nell Hill’s designer Anne and her family have lived in their Prairie Village, Kansas, home for almost four years. When the Epsteins purchased their nearly century-old home in the suburbs of Kansas, they knew it needed an update. Many big and little projects needed to get done. The ceilings were vaulted, kitchen entirely remodeled, even the location of the stairs to the basement were moved.
While Anne may tell you the house is still a work in progress, as any design is ever-evolving, I love that it is a true expression of her personal style. I positively pounced on the opportunity to bring you inside for a guided tour of her gorgeous home.
At the far end of the sprawling ranch-style home lies a bright and airy kitchen, outfitted with a sleek built-in refrigerator and six-burner stovetop perfect for whipping up meals for her busy family of five. Beautiful muted vintage rugs anchor the space; the runner was recently purchased from a vintage rug vendor on a buying trip to High Point Market for the shop. The stools are non-custom pieces that were reimagined with a beautiful Schumacher fabric and a breathtaking navy double-welt edge.
Anne lives for preppy chinoiserie, so a burnt orange vase makes perfect sense as the focal point of her kitchen island. Above it, she added brushed brass pendant
lights. To the right of the pantry is a rustic vintage-inspired buffet layered with everyday pieces and stacks of dainty dishes.
A sitting room is tucked off the side of the dining space, a favorite spot for the family to curl up and watch television at the end of the day. The walls are dressed in a rich navy that complements the buttery velvet ottoman in the middle of the room and sets the tone for a bold and vibrant space that still brings an air of relaxation. Black-and-white buffalo check curtains add a preppy detail and lend to the casual elegance of the design.
The back cushions of this down-stuffed ticking stripe sectional sofa is a favorite napping spot of Anne’s pup, Oliver. She loves the luxurious feeling that down offers but may warn you before selecting it for a high-traffic lounge spot if you aren’t prepared to deal with the maintenance it takes to keep it performing its best. (This does include regular cushion rotation!)
A monogrammed pillow made by Anne’s daughter brings out the lush pink tones in the matching tiger pillows custom-made from a famous fabric house. Carrying the preppy pink tones to the ottoman is a chinoise planter housing a blooming orchid. Her artwork, curated over time, is a beautiful combination of elements. The trays add texture, while the porcelain plates add dimension against the striking navy wall.
Upon entering the home, you’re greeted immediately by the open and welcoming dining room. Bamboo Chippendale chairs are pulled up to an expansive table, twin upholstered chairs in a coral colorway flank either side in a popular otomi pattern. Anne likes this fabric so much she’s actually used it several places in her home. The couch in the nearby living room features a pillow of the same fabric in green!
A Derby Day table is set with beautiful dishes Anne has collected over the years. On the mantel she’s tied in serveware as decor and incorporated New Traditional accents like laurel wreaths, slipcovered books, and blooms at varying heights. The vignette reads casual but elegant, perfect for an evening of entertaining family friends.
To the left of the hall on the way to the bedrooms is the guest powder room. The walls are covered in a faux grasscloth material that feels as luxe as it looks. The vanity, a chinoise-inspired piece with bamboo detailing, commands the space. The light fixtures, a preppy and chic Kate Spade design, bring the deep hues of the vanity up to your eyeline.
Earthy artwork complements the warm tone of the walls and furthers the juxtaposition of the inky black statement pieces. A decorative tissue holder and matching tray add a welcome pop of New Traditional blue
This is a partial list of all recorded residential sales in Santa Barbara County from May 30 thru June 2, 2023. While these recordings are public record, the News-Press receives this information from an outside source. This list does not represent all sales that occurred over this time period. Consult your REALTOR® for further information regarding home sales in your area of interest.
By Kelly G. Richardson,
Dear Mr. Richardson:
Management sent a budget notification to members with an agenda, date, time, and location. The board meeting was attended by the directors and several homeowners. The board met with the treasurer to go over the proposed budget and voted to accept one of several dues increase options. In the past, there was one meeting to approve a draft which was then presented at the next open regularly scheduled board meeting where it is ratified. It was not listed on the later board meeting agenda. When I asked why, I was told it was voted upon at the (previous) open meeting.
Dear L.B.:
– L.B.
Establishing a budget is one of the most important annual board decisions. Boards have the power and responsibility to determine what assessment increase is necessary to make sure the association can meet its anticipated expenses and set aside enough money to meet its reserve study recommended savings needs. Some associations with older governing documents have strict limits on how much the board can increase assessments each year, but Civil Code Section 5605(b) does not allow a cap on annual increases lower than 20%.
Increasing assessments by a figure of up to 20% can have a major impact on the homeowners (remember, the board pays that increase also), so even though the board has the power to pass a large increase, it is a good idea to take time to
explain to the entire membership why the increase is necessary. For example, many of my clients are suffering from major budget increases due to huge escalations in property insurance costs, and they are explaining this to their neighbors, so everyone understands.
Dear Kelly:
– Best regards, Kelly
As treasurer of an association, which is over one million dollars short in its reserve account, is there a process to enforce Section 5600(a) (the statute requiring associations to impose sufficient assessments to pay its obligations)? I submitted plans to raise the regular monthly assessments, but all of the other board members voted for no increase. Will the court issue an order to increase funding by 20% per year until all obligations of the association are funded?
Dear
– J.B.
Unfortunately, many boards pursue “target-based” budgeting instead of anticipating the coming year’s reasonably anticipated expenses. In that method, boards set a predetermined expense goal and expect the manager to create a budget meeting that target. I wish I could handle my household expenses that way, but utilities, maintenance, repairs, and insurance cost what they cost, and I can’t force them to accept less simply because I want to pay less. Some boards create ”zero-increase” budgets despite cost increases by reducing or eliminating the accumulation of capital
reserve fund savings. However, the HOA quietly falls into deficit by not setting aside money corresponding to the deterioration of common area assets calculated by the reserve study. That deficit isn’t felt until major refurbishment of common area elements is needed – then, the HOA suddenly feels the crunch it should have seen coming long beforehand.
Suing the HOA would be expensive and divisive, and your duty of loyalty as a director prevents you from doing so. There is a more cost-effective approach – encouraging neighbors to elect a more financially prudent board!
– Sincerely, Kelly
By Cathy Hobbs
By Cathy Hobbs
Homes make a first impression on visitors within seconds of entering the space. The foyer, or point of entry, serves as a sneak peek of what’s to come. The initial message can be warm and welcoming, bold and bright, or functional and inviting. Regardless of the feeling you want to convey, look for opportunities to introduce a sense of style to create a great first impression.
Continued on page 10
Ten years have passed since a new captain took the helm of the Santa Barbara Association of REALTORS®. The amazing Bob Hart stepped down this year, and we have a new AE, Association Executive, or Chief Executive Officer. The CEO oversees the organization’s staff and administration. Along with the staff, this position offers consistent leadership and direction supporting the yearly changes in the Volunteer President, leadership groups, and committees. I headed up a search committee composed of past presidents, directors, and other all-star REALTORS® and reviewed over 20+ Applicants from both local and outside of our area.
Please help me welcome our new CEO, Brian Johnson. Let’s learn more from Brian below as he answered some questions about the role, his passion, and life outside of work.
What is your background and previous experience? My background is in commercial real estate. I was involved with commercial leasing and sales from 2002 to 2022. My primary focuses were commercial leasing, commercial sales, and multifamily investment. Additionally, I had experience being General Manager for a local commercial real estate firm, Radius Commercial Real Estate, for over ten years.
What made you interested in joining SBAOR in this role? I first started volunteering on committees and on the Board at the Association in 2018. I was looking to be a bridge between the commercial and the residential sectors. I really enjoyed my time serving on committees and the board and traveling to represent our members at the state level. I was lucky enough to be the President of the Board in 2021 and although it was impacted by the pandemic, I’m proud of what we were able to accomplish for our members during that time. When I found out
about Bob Hart’s retirement I decided to try and bring my combined skills in real estate and management to this role. I feel honored and privileged to have been chosen to serve our membership at this level.
What do you hope to accomplish in your role here?
My immediate goals are to get to know our members better and find out what we can do as an association to best support them. I do have some ideas about trying to increase the resources that we have to offer through educational opportunities and similar programs. I also hope to do more to get our commercial practitioners involved. Our residential and commercial markets depend on each other to be successful, and we should be active in both to ensure the health and well-being of our community.
Is there anything specific you would like to learn or develop while working here? I am excited to learn about the challenges that our members face in a market like we have today. Our profession is always evolving and I hope that
we can recognize that we should be prepared to embrace the future while at the same time remembering the overall mission of supporting our members
Are there any particular goals or targets you have set for yourself in this position? Yes. I like to set short, medium, and long-range goals for myself at the beginning of any new assignment. One immediate goal that I have is to look at a redesign for our Association website. It’s already a great source of information for our members and the public but I can see it being a “one-stop” destination for everything that our members could need. I also have a goal of trying to harness the energy of our members through a revitalization of our Young Professionals Network. It is a place where our members who are new to the profession or who are just young at heart can go to network, get mentorship, learn, and be involved in our REALTOR community. One final goal would be to drive engagement with our membership to bring in more volunteers to our committees and Board. We are a member-driven organization and our success depends on our members being active and vocal.
Who is Brian Johnson outside of work? I’m a husband and father of two. I’ve got a son headed off to Purdue in the Fall and a daughter who is involved with VADA at Santa Barbara High. I love staying active in our community by hiking, going to concerts, and grilling a tri-tip or two during the summers.
Thank you, Brian for your dedication, and I am looking forward to another 10 years PLUS of solid leadership and I am excited to have you as the new CEO of the Santa Barbara Association of REALTORS®.
With Gratitude, Todd Shea
Begin by standing in the space and consider how you want guests to feel upon entering. What do you need to make the space function? Is this a space where you need to leave keys and hats, or do you want it be more of a design statement?
DO’S
Do use art to introduce color and graphics. Artwork in entryways can create a bold design statement and wow factor.
Do use seating to add an element of function and design.
Do use mirrors to open and brighten a space.
Don’ts
Don’t overcrowd an entry with too much furniture.
Don’t use colors or style elements that are not in line with the overall decor of the home.
Don’t create an entry that is dark or gloomy. Look for ways to add light and bright elements.
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Symmetry and neutrality help create an inviting entryway.
As you plan out your space, consider these Design Recipes do’s and don’ts.An entry feels warm and inviting accented with a pop of color. Photo courtesy Handout/TNS Black-and-white photography makes a bold statement upon entry in a downtown urban loft. Photo courtesy Scott Gabriel Morris/TNS
PREPPY HOME continued from page 4
The home opens up to the living room, where a bold expression of texture and color greet you at the door. The room is an absolutely lovely combination of preppy and New Traditional elements that are perfect for Anne. The walls are dressed up with a botanical-inspired Schumacher wallpaper in a cool and casual colorway. The artwork adds in a dash of prep to the space. The rug’s blues and greens are well at home in this vibrant space. In fact, Anne has been known to bring a lucky client or two over to see it before ordering it for their homes.
Twin chairs sit opposite the couch, green gimp and nailhead trim adding a stately detail to the delicate pair. A pair of pillows complement them, their flange tying into the little pops of pink that are found throughout the space. The coffee table and buffet add in rich warm tones that mix with with the bright upholstery in a bright and cheery way. Tucked under the console are a pair of ottomans covered in a dazzling green animal print, the legs painted navy for an extra layer of customization that makes them stand out. Not only do they add a fun detail to the space, they’re easily accessible for additional seating if needed.
The console is topped with traditional elements; a collection of blue chinoiserie taking center stage, including a tiny delicate tea set that has been in her family for years. The scene is flanked by a pair of lamps that feature a dazzling collection of insects and vintage-inspired concrete statues.
I hope you enjoyed this lovely amble through Anne’s happy and stylish home. To me, her house is a testament to the fact that what you like is always in style. I hope it inspired you to think outside your comfort zone and not be afraid to inject your personality into your spaces.
Adapted from nellhills.com. Katie Laughridge is the owner of Kansas City interior design destination Nell Hill’s. For more information, contact Katie at info@nellhills.com.
©2023 Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
In the dining room, bamboo Chippendale chairs are pulled up to an expansive table, twin upholstered chairs in a coral colorway flank either side in a popular otomi pattern.
To the right of the pantry is a rustic vintage-inspired buffet layered with everyday pieces and stacks of dainty dishes.
Anne lives for preppy chinoiserie, so a burnt orange vase makes perfect sense as the focal point of her kitchen island. Above it, she added brushed brass pendant lights.
and BHHSCP do not guarantee accuracy of all data including measurements, conditions, and features of property. Information is obtained from various sources and will not be verified by broker or MLS. Buyer is advised to independently verify the accuracy of that information.
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