The "old Newhall" home of Jeannie and Chris Carpenter is a delicate blend of history and modernity, family and community. "We did all of the decorating ourselves," says Jeannie Carpenter, who describes her house as "old-school California." "A lot of the things here are hand-me-down pieces that Chris's grandfather crafted; a lot of others, I picked up from the Assistance League thrift store in Old Town Newhall. And some of it's new! But not much," laughs the committed SCV non-profit volunteer.

The structure of this outdoor room was designed to add visual weight and interest to the plain rear facade of the home. The result? A simply-stunning space that is welcoming, warm and an all-seasons escape from life's hustle and bustle.

If you have ever dreamed of a home that is "perfectly yours," you know that striking the ideal balance between budget, style preferences, space limitations, utility needs and more can be quite the trial. It's often harder than it looks! But don't get discouraged. Take your home-improvement project one room (One corner, even!) at a time. Find something you love for another space? Grab it - and then stash it! The goal is to make your transformation one that is manageable and... fun!

This SCV oasis will inspire you to get working on the yard!

The Westridge estate belonging to Don and Cheri Fleming is a study in detail. The immaculate interior wows, but this time of year the yard is the star. "So much of what we love about this home can be found outside," says Cheri. "These are the places our beautiful grandchildren play, where we relax with friends, where we entertain for the charities we support."

What we love about this Placerita Canyon farmhouse.

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!

We just can't get enough of Pinterest and, it seems, neither can you! Our Pinterest boards are filled with images and ideas you've re-pinned and shared. Here's more to add to your collection! Pin these to your own boards by finding them at www.pinterest.com/insidescv.

Make your interior as pretty as a picture.

will use woodward pic - builder grade to beautiful
Stunning enhancements make for a better bath.

Spring into the season with gorgeous new tile trends, accessories and more.

Exterior Home Improvements for Fall

We just can't get enough of Pinterest, and, it seems, neither can you! Our Pinterest boards are filled with images and ideas you've re-pinned and shared. Here's more to add to your collection! Pin these to your own boards by finding them at www.pinterest.com/insidescv.

Smart ways to quickly improve your home's exterior.

Perk up your place with these innovative designs.

Your yard's improvements are made in the shade when you choose these options.

Spring into style with fresh new designs and the season's hottest trends.

Discover what's new in home design and improvement.

Home is where the heart is, which is why these
domestic gifts are perfect for Valentine's Day.

You do it every year (Or, um... we do?). You tell yourself that you're going to remodel the powder room/replace the downstairs flooring/upgrade the kitchen/redesign the foyer before you have people over for Thanksgiving/Christmas/New Year's. Then Halloween happens and every well-intentioned plan seems to go up in sugar-fueled flames.

But this year? Nope. This is your year! (And ours, too!). This is the year you start now. Are you with us!? (Good, because we're going to need some moral support. Tell us how you're doing at Facebook.com/insidescvmagazine!).

We're big fans of Pinterest - and we know you are, too! Many of our readers re-pin our stash of SCV's most stylish selections regularly. Do you? If not, see what you're missing at www.pinterest.com/insidescv. These newest home improvement selections will be there, along with other great finds and inspirational shots!

Interiors we love - all "pinned" for your pleasure!

Pillows pack a pretty punch, especially when different styles are gathered together to add texture, dimension and color to a space. Mix yours up by choosing from a variety of these puffy picks.

Pump Up the Pretty 3 Different Ways

Save money - and the environment - with these smart moves.

Improve your Home's Efficiency to Reduce Energy Costs

Special Water Conservation Required during Scheduled Maintenance

You do it every year (Or, um... we do?). You tell yourself that you're going to remodel the powder room/replace the downstairs flooring/upgrade the kitchen/redesign the foyer before you have people over for Thanksgiving/Christmas/New Year's. Then Halloween happens and every well-intentioned plan seems to go up in sugar-fueled flames.

But this year? Nope. This is your year! (And ours, too!). This is the year you start now. Are you with us!? (Good, because we're going to need some moral support. Tell us how you're doing at Facebook.com/insidescvmagazine!).

Improve the efficiency of your heating & cooling system before fall.

What you need to know about appraisals - now.

In Santa Clarita, it's often said that life is easier when "you know who you need to know." That certainly proves true when it comes to buying and selling real estate, especially considering our community's current shortage of homes for sale. "Right now, Realtors are networking with each other to identify available properties before they're even listed. There simply are not enough homes for sale to meet the current demand," says Kathy Watterson, one of RE/MAX of Valencia and Santa Clarita's most successful and respected Realtors.

Your dream home is only a phone call away.

Here's how to move your stuff - without losing your mind.

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 Santa Clarita & Valencia.

Your dream home is only a phone call away.