Gail and Marvin Smith have called their 4,900+ square-foot estate in Newhall "home" for over a remarkable-by-SCV-standards 35 years. In comparison to how old most of the pieces inside the formal French house are, though, that's just a drop in the bucket of life.

This may be our most wow'ing holiday home feature yet!

On Saturday, September 22, Preston and Nicole Geeting presented the perfect late summer evening soiree for their gathering of guests in celebration of their Stevenson Ranch home's first hillside vineyard harvest. Nine varietals - four of white, plus five of red that are necessary to craft a French Bordeaux - bore their first fruits, a symbol of the loving labor invested in the outdoor space.

The Santa Clarita home of John and Michelle "Shelly" Whelchel was bought "as is," which, a decade later, Shelly only partially jokes, "is never a good idea." "It was a struggle to get everything going. This was a really misunderstood home, but we saw an opportunity to make it beautiful." Upgrades went slow, thanks to unforeseen expenses hiding behind the buttoned-up exterior.

Matt and Nicole Dierckman hired my RRI interior-design team to create spaces that reminded them of their home away from home, Ojai Valley Inn. The popular getaway is the perfect mix of modern Mediterranean with a touch of farmhouse - a perfect partner to their SCV abode.

What we love: Open, airy spaces!

"Designing a bathroom or powder room is the perfect opportunity to intimately reflect your personality and preferences," says Rebecca Johnston, owner of MIX by RJohnston Interiors. "Because of the relatively small space, you can invest more in materials and accessories that have a big wow factor. That designer wallpaper you covet may be $90+ a roll, but one roll might be all you need for your entire powder room. Even the most exquisite selections become a steal in small but impactful spaces. This is the place to really express yourself and what you love. It's just for you."

Life is better when you love where you live.

Here's the best way to make your home even happier this holiday.

Happy Home Improvements to make Before Thanksgiving.

Everything Old is New Again

In September, we adjust to our new "back to school" post-summer schedules. In October, we begin the 31-day candy binge, which is pretty much the only thing that gives us enough energy to get through the haunted decorating, costume searches and numerous parties that require us to put our hands in bowls of cold spaghetti (It feels just like brains?!). November doubles up our duties; now we're shopping for December gift-giving holidays and prepping for the familial circus that is Thanksgiving. And don't get us started on what December entails. Conclusion? If you're going to upgrade, accent, fix up or DIY anything in your home before the close of 2017, the least-stressful time to do it is... now. So - ho, ho ho, it's off to our favorite home and decor stores we go!

It's time to start planning with great gardening tips and possibly a pool this year!

It's time to plan for pools, improve water use and more.

Why is it that, even with Santa Clarita's 300+ days of annual sunshine, our nearest resort escape is also the one we think of as a last resort? It's time for a perspective, and yard, upgrade. Big or small, our outdoor areas are pricey pieces of our lot square footage that can expand our living space - and our quality of life. Add some quality deep-seated furniture that can go blow to blow with our winds, a cozy all-season fire feature, bold accents that remind us of our favorite outside-SCV vacations and plants that provide a tropical touch.

Don't let Fourth of July fireworks be the only bright spot in your yard this summer. Here are four sparkling ways to help your space shine.

Pretty up your place for the best summer stay-cations.

You don't have to scrimp on style to save water.

You probably already have a standard set of resolutions for the New Year that affect your happiness and health... now it's time for resolutions for your home.

Open your doors with confidence this year, dear host with the most. You've got this! We're here to help.

They say that first impressions matter the most, which is why we suggest going for big, noticeable - and quick to execute - home improvements that don't set the budget back.

We love the idea of Southern living - energetic, colorful prints coupled with laid back style - in the comfort of our Santa Clarita homes. Here's a few of our favorite things.

Metallic finishes are so hot, they're cool - and these fine finds can all call your address home before your guests plug your digits into Waze.

It's a tale as old as time - there are beautiful, and beastly, aspects of maintaining a home. This month, we pick two of each. Consider this your yin/yang of SCV living.

Trying to get everything done by that sweet-spot time when guests have yet to arrive and you still have a minor grip on your sanity? We are, too.

Forget the presents under the tree. We're more interested in what's around it. Gift yourself with holiday ambience that cheers the soul - from the day after Halloween to New Year's!

It's time to prepare for the holidays - here's what you need now.

Get your pumpkin-spice fix year-round with these flavorful finds. They're #psl approved!

The Paint-it-Forward winners, plus a national Flooring of the Year Award.

What your Home Improvement Choices Say About You

You really should look into a second home in Channel Islands - now!

It's been a busy year for RE/MAX owner Dave Rendall, who now counts four RE/MAX offices as his homes away from home. RE/MAX of Santa Clarita, Valencia, Gateway and Elite West of Malibu each serve their immediate communities, an expansion that reflects a brand that's in high demand.

Ready to meet your new dream home?

Considering selling your house? Read this first.

The next time you're out and about supporting one of Santa Clarita's many non-profit organizations, take a closer look at the commemorative booklet, signs and volunteers - because it's likely that you'll see a familiar business name: RE/MAX of Valencia, Gateway and Santa Clarita.

Your next home might be one click away...