Home Source, February 27, 2026

2

Too late for design school? Never!

In the year since I stopped writing my weekly column, since I stepped off the hamster wheel whose revolution went like this — come up with an idea, talk to an expert, find a high-res image, write something ideally interesting, add helpful tips, then do it again, for 20-plus years — I haven’t just frittered away my time doing word puzzles and working on my yoga poses, you’ll be happy to know, though there’s been some of that.

school. Every week I talked to experts to harvest the cream of their hard-won experience for your benefit and mine. But even after writing 1,086 columns, I had gaps in my interior design knowledge wide as the Sargasso Sea.

“What do you want to go to design school now for?” my husband legitimately asked.

“Because I don’t know what I don’t know,” I said. No one can argue with that.

Nope, over the past year, I went back to school and became a certified interior designer. I know! Most people get educated in a field then write about it. I wrote about a field then became educated.

So, in my backward way, I did something I’ve always wanted to do. Ever since I was a teenager and traded out my blue butterfly bedspread and coordinating custom window coverings for a tapestry (courtesy Pier 1 Imports) bedspread and matching drapes I made myself (not a great design decision), the power of transforming a space through self-expression has fascinated me. (God bless my mom for putting up with this, even after, during this same hippie phase, I left cone incense burning on the laminate counter in my bathroom, where it left a permanent mark.)

Because earning a living was something my practical parents wanted me to eventually do, and because I thought studying design was a luxury for kids who had trust funds, I studied journalism. And yet, over the past 40 years, in between writing articles about health, real estate, parenting and even crime, wherever I could, I finagled a way to write about home design.

Hence my home column, which actually was a bit like going to design

Free of my weekly deadline, I had this expanse of *gasp* free time, white space I hadn’t had since grade school summers. I knew just what to do with it. I enrolled in a nine-month, mostly online, residential interior design program through my local university. I spent much of last year reading design books, doing homework, attending online classes, creating design boards and taking tests. I learned about design principles, the history of furniture from prehistoric times, floor plans, color theory, fabrics and finishes, lighting in all its layers, accessories, accessible and sustainable design, and then incorporated all that into a final residential design project.

As I’d hoped, the program acted like a quilt stitching together and organizing the patches of my disparate design knowledge.

In November, the university declared me an officially certified interior designer, but I wasn’t done. At the program director’s prompting, I decided to take a national certification exam.

When my lawyer husband again asked why, I explained: “Passing the university program is like passing law school. Passing the national exam is like passing the bar.” Besides, I could hear my dad saying what he always told my brother and me: “Finish the job.”

A sum greater than its parts — Interior design school teaches you that while each design decision is important — from floor plan to finishes, fixtures, fabrics and flooring — even more important is how all the pieces work together.

Decor and Gifts

any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise,

Home Source

Continued from 3

So, highlighter in hand, I stuck my nose in a thick study manual. I could hear the rusty gears in my 60-something brain turning in a way I hadn’t asked them to since I was in college, back when Cleopatra was dating Mark Antony. Last month, I sat for the proctored exam. The next day the letter came anointing me as a Designer Society of America Certified Professional Designer, putting an end to my imposter syndrome. Last week I was in a home décor store browsing. A woman

Equal Opportunity Law

All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the federal Fair Housing Act which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, physical handicap, familial status or national origin, or an intention to make any such preferences, limitation or discrimination.” California also extends protection based on age and marital status. The Mountain Democrat makes every effort to comply with these federal and state regulations. We ask your assistance in maintaining an acceptable standard of advertising. While they may seem inconvenient at times, these laws are written to protect you, our readers and advertisers, as well as ourselves. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this paper are available on an equal opportunity basis. For further information, you can call the Dept. of Fair Employment & Housing at (916) 445-9918 or the State Dept. of Consumer Affairs at (800) 344-9940.Note: Rental ads that contain the phrase “Single Occupancy” refer only to the physical characteristics of the dwelling and are not intended to state a preference of either marital or familial status.

was considering a silk flower arrangement in a tall narrow vase to put in a rainbow-shaped niche over her mantel. Since I was standing there, she showed me a picture of the niche and asked my opinion. She probably expected some form of confirmation, but I told her the vase was the wrong shape, too vertical. She needed something lower and wider, preferably oval. She looked surprised by my directness and asked, “Are you a designer?”

“Well,” I said, pausing a microsecond, “Yes. Yes I am.”

Though design is an infinite subject that I will never wholly master, here are some gems of knowledge I discovered this past year that have enriched my understanding of a world I love:

I discovered that … • … the difference between classic and classical is that classic

means timeless, and classical means it harkens back to ancient Greece or Rome.

Thus, classic solitaire engagement ring, and classical architecture.

•… if you ever want to break up a party, just launch into a discussion of the difference between Baroque, Rococo and Neoclassical furniture (the leading designs during the reigns of French kings Louis the XIV, Louis XV, and Louis XVI, respectively).

•… the arts and crafts movement, which started in the 1860s, was a reaction to the industrial revolution and mass production. It marked a return to hand-crafted furnishings.

•… there are more electric symbols that could go onto a building plan than parts to a car.

•… a Chippendale is not just a male dancer, but also a legendary style of chair designed by English furniture maker Thomas Chippendale.

•… dupioni silk comes from the threads of cocoons that belong to twin moths.

•… nothing is very important; that is, negative space, or the space between objects, is as important as the objects they separate.

•… good home design is for everyone whether small or large, ambulatory or in a wheelchair, young or old, so every occupant can live in a home safely and comfortably.

•… it’s never too late to learn.

Marni Jameson is a speaker, award-winning author of seven home and lifestyle books, including “Downsizing the Family Home” and “Rightsize Today for Your Best Life Tomorrow,” and a certified interior designer. If you have questions about home improvement, better living, downsizing or rightsizing, send them to marni@marnijameson. com.

www.americankitchencabinets.co

Saturday, February 28 • 1-3pm 9021 Fallsmont Dr., El Dorado Hills

55+ Four Seasons Community Beautifully Upgraded Home beautifully upgraded home Lake Tahoe model home. Thoughtfully updated with both style and this residence offers a move-in-ready opportunity for comfortable, modern living with landscaping. The kitchen has been completely refreshed with new quartz countertops and a counter that now features an open center island perfect for entertaining and everyday use. New pull-out drawers, and built-in knife storage add convenience and efficiency to the space. Updated the home enhance its bright, welcoming atmosphere. The living and dining areas are coverings, creating an elegant and refined ambiance. The interior and exterior have been a clean, cohesive look throughout. New laminate flooring, chosen for its superior water extends through the main living areas, while the bedrooms feature plush new carpet for Seasons at El Dorado Hills is a vibrant, resort-style community with a grand clubhouse, pool, pickle ball and bocce courts, walking trails, community garden + vineyard, and an active social engaging, entertaining place to enjoy life.

Asking $799,000 MLS# 226015361

Private Funding First Time Home Buyers FHA-VA-USDA Reverse Mortgage Tom Davis Jr. 916.804.9343 [Cell] TomDavisJrHomeLoans.com

“ is is the best realtor ever, and I’ve used several. Janine helped me purchase a complex property 8 years ago and recently represented me for its sale. Her best qualities include: exceptional property marketing skills, excellent communication, thorough knowledge of regulatory and contractual processes, tremendous work ethic, along with remarkable energy and enthusiasm. I recommend Janine Waggener to anyone who desires a top performer in realty services.”

Residential Homes

$508,000 6589 Primavera Ln 2 2

$350,000

$399,999 2725 Yuma Ct

2 (2 0) 1284 0.78 226017450

$445,000 3424 Orinda Cir 3 3 (2 1) 1873 0.14 226018638

$472,000 2537 Chesapeake Bay Cir 3 3 (2 1) 1358 0.06 225070863

$495,000 3369 Melodye Ct 3 3 (2 1) 1865 0.09 226015227

$519,999 3002 Tri Ln 3 3 (2 1) 1542 0.08 226002508

$525,000 2960 Pasada Rd 3 3 (2 1) 1882 0.3 225140034

$539,000 2805 Alhambra Dr 5 3 (3 0) 1858 0.33 225126176

$560,000 3691 Hampton Ln 3 2 (2 0) 1712 0.49 225130313

$575,000 2435 Sandpiper Way 4 3 (2 1) 2096 0.25 225149100

$599,000 3831 Sheridan Rd 3 2 (2 0) 1500 0.32 225082214

$625,000 3980 Rustic Rd 3 2 (2 0) 1644 0.37 225105626

$649,900 3463 Orinda Cir 3 2 (2 0) 1711 0.34 226009461

$650,000 2886 Knollwood Dr 3 4 (2 2) 1930 0.35 226012285

$669,000 2406 Knollwood Dr 3 3 (2 1) 2360 0.28 225099853

$739,500 2836 Clemson Dr 5 4 (3 1) 2677 0.26 226012572

$749,000 2779 Osborne Rd 4 4 (3 1) 2392 0.35 226018266

$795,299 7967 Stone Ranch Dr 4 2 (2 0) 2321 0.267 225143486

$835,000 3505 Fairway Dr 4 5 (4 1) 2363 0.37 226011972

$839,000 6007 Connery Dr 4 3 (3 0) 2915 0.23 226019548

$854,437 7850 Stone Ranch Dr 4 2 (2 0) 2321 0.23 225138155

$891,529 7878 Stone Ranch Dr 4 2 (2 0) 2515 0.222 225139619

$899,000 3257 Chasen Dr 5 3 (3 0) 3521 0.38 225147066

$980,000 3300 Woodleigh Ln 4 3 (2 1) 2690 0.55 225153945

$999,999 3810 Bilbao Ct 5 4 (4 0) 3173 0.26 225119102

Residential Homes

Pomeroy Ln 2 3 (2 1) 1712 0.11 226001803

$689,000 4004 Prairie Falcon Dr 4 2 (2 0) 2080 0.2 226004449

$699,500 7358 Grassy Creek Way 2 2 (2 0) 2229 0.14 226006441

$700,000 737 Cresta Ct

$714,950 4975 Del Mar Dr

$719,900 8536 Avelin Pl 2 3 (2 1) 1712 0.11 225153484

$725,000 9010 Fallsmont Dr 2 2 (2 0) 2229 0.15 226003267

$725,950 4977 Del Mar Dr 3 3 (2 1) 1642 0.14 226001419

$730,000 4537 Monte Mar Dr 2 3 (2 1) 2329 0.19 226005741

$749,000 1814 Darwin Way 3 2 (2 0) 1849 0.27 226016618

$750,000 1098 Yucca Dr 4 4 (3 1) 2100 0.11 226017170

$750,000 699 Montridge Way 4 2 (2 0) 2296 0.26 225121138

$760,000 4820 Monte Mar Dr 2 2 (2 0) 2229 0.18 226002135

$769,000 2007 Santa Rita Ln 2 2 (2 0) 1813 0.13 226013080

$769,950 4987 Del Mar Dr 3 3 (2 1) 1784 0.14 226001425

$790,000 1333 Downieville Dr 4 3 (3 0) 2061 0.21 226017179

$799,000 9021 Fallsmont Dr 2 2 (2 0) 2229 0.14 226015361

$799,000 912 Yosemite Ln 4 3 (2 1) 2013 0.29 225147764

$800,000 1244 Uplands Dr 3 3 (2 1) 1605 0.94 226016755

$819,900 2158 Beckett Dr 3 3 (2 1) 2457 0.18 225139534

$830,000 7137 Cinnamon Teal Way 3 3 (2 1) 2434 0.2 225109655

$839,000 906 Landsdale Ct 3 3 (2 1) 2533 0.16 226019336

$839,900 6013 Ventura Way 4 3 (2 1) 2456 0.13 226008952

$845,000 3182 Birmingham Way 4 3 (3 0) 2859 0.27 226001790

$845,000 1247 Senegal Way 4 3 (3 0) 2370 0.1 225139695

$849,000 2880 Springburn Way 4 2 (2 0) 2201 0.33 226020328

$849,000 8004 Damico Dr 4 3 (3 0) 2799 0.23 226014396

$849,000 4897 Danbury Cir 3 3 (3 0) 2665 0.27 226003684

$849,999 3660 Waldwick Circle 3 3 (2 1) 2714 0.31 225123345

$850,000 377 Platt Circle

$855,000 2518 Wycliffe Way

$859,000 3539

$874,999 2322 Carlisle Ct

Beckett

$2,199,000 4182 Greenview Dr 4 4 (3 1) 3781 0.69 226010457

$2,199,000 3321 Greenview Dr 4 5 (4 1) 4420 0.4 226004271

$2,199,000 1781 Rocky Springs Ct 5 4 (4 0) 4199 5 225111030

$2,349,000 4930 Greyson Crk 5 5 (4 1) 4634 0.6 226021349

$2,388,000 4185 Greenview Dr 5 5 (4 1) 5250 0.61 226006268

$2,900,000 3215 Bordeaux Dr 4 4 (3 1) 4433 0.46 226001711

$2,950,000 3268 Bordeaux Dr 5 6 (5 1) 5084 0.52 226008543

$3,075,000 4970 Greyson Creek Dr 4 5 (4 1) 4762 0.56 226021163

$3,099,777 1401 Fredlena Way 4 4 (3 1) 5020 3 226018049

$3,100,000 4805 Moreau Ct 5 6 (5 1) 7144 0.73 226011087

$3,149,900 4934 Breese Cir 5 6 (5 1) 4669 0.71 226008182

$3,199,000 4245 Raphael Dr 4 6 (4 2) 4406 0.54 226003771

$3,250,000 721 Shoreline Pointe 6 5 (5 0) 7381 1 225096863

$3,299,000 4160 Raphael Dr 5 7 (6 1) 5379 0.52 225129104

$3,499,000 325 Kimberlite Way 4 5 (5 0) 4717 0.52 226007176

$3,500,000 4150 Raphael Dr 4 5 (4 1) 4602 0.53 225114344

$3,500,000 4000 Errante Dr 4 6 (5 1) 6245 0.58 225101925

$3,599,000 5001 Bent Creek Ct 4 5 (4 1) 5368 0.95 226013729

$3,750,000

(5 1) 7319 0.76 225139670 $3,850,000 1022 Via Treviso 4 4 (3 1) 4407 1.04 226005076

$3,900,000 4573 Greenview Dr 4 6 (4 2) 4523 0.52 226011688

$3,900,000 4141 Greenview Dr 6 7 (5 2) 7365 0.51 225111741

$3,950,000

Residential Homes 12603

Residential Homes

Residential Homes

Residential Homes 12701 Residential Homes

$795,000 3710 Lakeview Dr 3 2 (2 0) 1340 4.18 225142144 $825,000 5200 Deerwood Dr 3 2 (2 0) 2257 3.86 225144874 $875,000 3515 Linda Vista Dr 2 2 (2 0) 1144 1.01 225144081

$1,100,000 5117 Cutty Sark Ln 3 4 (3 1) 3436 5.47 226004281

$1,100,000 5161 Coyote Pass Rd 2 2 (2 0) 2120 4.59 225145533

$1,289,000

Home Source Serving El Dorado County

Residential Homes

12802 Residential Homes pollock pineS

$424,900 6240

$499,000 4321

Residential Homes

story duplex with garage separation on over an acre of usable land. Great Investor opportunity or live in one side while renting out the other side to pay for most of your mortgage. Very convenient location with lots of parking. Owner is willing to rent back parking space to make your Gross income over $50,000 per year. One unit was just nished last year and is completely new inside, upgrades include, Granite counters,

and

Plank Vinyl ooring. the other was refurbished about 3 years ago. The Roof is re retardant and only 4 years old. The Electric panels and Ductless HVAC were replaced about 4 years ago. This is turn key! The exterior has newer Hardi-plank siding and new windows in front, and the entire home was freshly painted about 3 years ago. Think that Gold and the stock market has run it course, This is an investment that yields, monthly income, appreciation, leverage, equity build up and tax bene ts.

Licensed by the Department of Business Oversight under the California Finance Lenders law - #6073455. CA Department of Business Oversight - 866-275-2677. California - Bureau of Real Estate Branch Of ce License Endorsement #00988341 1-2026