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Home / 2026 / March

7:07 pm
March Publisher Letters

Publishers Letter

Ben Malkin, Publisher

It’s the start of Spring and time once again to look at our homes and decide what needs some sprucing up.

Some fresh paint inside or out? Give Felix at First Choice Painting a call. Replace worn-out carpet with classy wood flooring from Best Floors N More. Luis provides and installs premium flooring. Time for a new kitchen or bath? Darlene and Doug Kimbell at State Restoration can be counted on for the best quality, design, and efficacy. Their new studio in Thousand Oaks is the place to fulfill your dream of a new kitchen or sexy bathroom.

Is your furniture getting a bit shabby? Maybe the cat finally finished it off, or it’s simply time for a new look. Or maybe you’re ready to update the dining room. We have two very distinct choices for you: Paul Trent at The Sofa Guy has been serving our community with custom-built quality home furnishings for over 20 years; another very distinctive option is Mark Thomas Home—a family business for over 60 years, carrying national brands like Lexington, Hooker, and Hunter Douglas Gallery.

Moving outdoors, is your landscape and hardscape tired? At Cat in a Hammock Kristina and Alan Jones are waiting for your call. Also, make certain that you use the finest material from Angelus Block. Consider adding a premium barbecue like a Delta Grill from Thousand Oaks Fireside and Design to your outdoor enjoyment.

Are you a wine aficionado? Installing a custom wine wall from Cellar Masters is a great way to store those ageable Bordeaux. Why not? As Flip Wilson said many years ago (I am really giving away my age with this), “If you got it, flaunt it.” Including an amazing painting by Artist John Hanley would look very stylish in the same room.

On a more serious note, if a new roof is necessary, or perhaps a complete overhaul is needed, call on Top Armor Roofing to protect your home against leaks and fire.

If you are looking to buy or sell your home, look no further—Rosemary Allison at Coldwell Banker Realty is your first choice. The bottom line is that you come first. Always!

Here’s to our home sweet homes!

10:54 pm
Home • Design March

Mark Thomas Home

28448 Roadside Dr. Agoura Hills, CA 91301
Tel: (818) 991-4800 | markthomashome.com

Mark Thomas Home is open from Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Mark Thomas Home is more than a furniture store—it’s a place where design expertise meets personal connection. With access to hundreds of premier manufacturers and a team dedicated to helping clients create beautiful, livable spaces, we proudly carry forward the tradition started over 65 years ago.

Hours:
Monday-Friday 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Learn More about Mark Thomas Home

Written By Samantha Durbin,  Photography provided

Can you visualize your ideal living room? The whole vibe is comfortable yet refined, spacious and personal. The world out there is sometimes wild, so we want our interior lives to be as peaceful and beautiful as possible. That’s where Mark Thomas Home comes in.

A discerning shopper with a preference for mid-century modern furniture, I spoke with Mark Lasecke about the company’s story and the importance of investing in quality furniture. Family owned since 1957, Mark Thomas Home has built a reputation for exceptional taste and quality furnishings designed to last. Lasecke’s grandfather first opened the store in Santa Rosa in 1957 under the name Eastern Wholesale Furniture Company of California. The name was changed to Mark Thomas Home for brevity (and named after Lasecke, whose middle name is Thomas).

The company found its current space in Conejo Valley 3 years ago, positioning it as a “boutique designer gallery,” says Lasecke. The 35,000-square-foot showroom features over 185 fully styled room settings. Instead of scrolling through furnishing photos, you can see, feel and experience them in person. The showroom offers collections including bedroom, seating, dining, artwork, lighting, rugs and Hunter Douglas window treatments.

With professional interior designers on staff, guidance is always available, whether you need help choosing an accent chair or furnishing an entire home. For larger projects, in-home consultations with CAD floor plans are available for a $500 fee, refunded when purchases reach $10,000 or more.

Voted Best Furniture Store in the Conejo Valley for 2 consecutive years and most recently voted Best Mattress and Home Décor, the company has quickly received a warm welcome by locals.

Investing in Living

“Not every item in your home needs to be heirloom quality, but a few pieces should be,” says Lasecke. “Instead of mass-produced, fast furniture, these furnishings anchor your most used spaces, define your aesthetic and withstand years of wear.” He adds, “Choosing quality over convenience elevates your daily living, saves money over time by avoiding frequent replacements and is more sustainable.”

  1. Great Room or Family Room Sofa

The main sofa, as the heart of everyday living, should be an investment. A high-quality model with kiln-dried hardwood framing, premium cushions and durable upholstery will hold its shape for years.

Writer’s Choice: Bernhardt Aldo Fabric Power Motion Sectional 

  1. Primary Bedroom Bed Frame + Mattress Foundation

Your bedroom should feel like a retreat. Investing in a well-crafted bed frame and supportive foundation improves sleep quality and adds a sense of luxury.

“Tufted upholstered beds with wood on the sides and/or wood legs are in demand,” says Lasecke. “We’re seeing a preference for Amish beds. There’s nothing like the craftsmanship of the wood.”

Writer’s Choice: Gat Creek Bedroom Sunbury Platform Bed

  1. Dining Room Table

Dining tables host holidays, celebrations and everyday meals. A well-built table made from quality wood or premium materials can last generations, developing character over time. Rectangular dining tables reign, and Lasecke mentions that the majority of styles have leaf inserts to accommodate more people. For a modern alternative, there’s also round and oval shaped dining tables to consider.

Writer’s Choice: Bernhardt Casual Dining Modulum Table

  1. Front Entry Statement Piece

Entryway pieces are recommended according to your particular space. Whether a small or grand entry, a striking console table sets the tone for your entire home. Investing here creates an immediate sense of sophistication and a functional countertop for every time you walk in the door.

Writer Favorite: Hooker Furniture Melange Emma Console Table

  • A Thoughtful Delivery ExperienceWhen I comment that a stone table sounds very heavy, Lasecke chuckles, ensuring that their team knows how to handle it. Premium furniture deserves premium delivery, and Mark Thomas Home delivers nationally and internationally. The team inspects, prepares and blanket-wraps items, delivers them personally and carefully places them in clients’ homes.And that final detail completes the Mark Thomas Home investment experience.

© Copyright 2025 Targeted Media Partners LLC All Rights Reserved

7:53 pm
Home • Design March

Best Floors N More

5170 Kanan Rd, Agoura Hills, CA 91301
Tel: 747.222.2586 | bestfloorsnmore.com

Best Floors N More is open from Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

• Flooring Sales
• Flooring Installation
• Floor Refinish
• Flooring Repair

Leran Mor4e about Best Floors N More

Written By Alicia Doyle Photography provided

Craftsmanship at the Core

“We are a company dedicated to the sale and installation of engineered wood, solid wood, exotic wood, laminates and vinyl flooring, as well as the repair and refinishing of wood floors,” says Hernandez. Over the years, he has built a team focused on “unparalleled quality and unmatched craftsmanship” on every job, whether it is a single-room refresh or a whole-home renovation.

“With years of experience, we offer the best flooring and much more,” he explains. “Our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction sets us apart from all the rest.”

A Full Menu of Flooring Solutions

From the first showroom visit to the final walkthrough, Best Floors N More is designed as a one-stop resource for homeowners and businesses. The company’s most popular offerings include the sale of different types of wood, wall panels, cork, moldings and glues, as well as expert installation, refinishing and repairs.

“Our team of experts offers a wide range of flooring options to suit every style and budget, making it easy to find the perfect fit for your home or business.” From hardwood and laminate to carpet, his team helps guide clients through the choices so the final look reflects their lifestyle and aesthetic.

Installation is handled with the same attention to detail.

“Our team of skilled professionals is dedicated to providing efficient and reliable flooring installation for all types of properties,” Hernandez says. “We use only the best materials and techniques to ensure a flawless and long-lasting finish,” he adds, noting that the goal is always prompt, hassle-free installation “with minimal disruption to your daily routine.”

Bringing Tired Floors Back to Life

For many Conejo Valley homeowners, the most dramatic changes come not from new floors, but from reviving the ones they already have. At Best Floors N More, refinishing and repair services are designed to breathe new life into worn, scratched or dated surfaces.

“We specialize in high-quality floor refinish services that will leave your floors looking brand new,” Hernandez says. His team uses top-of-the-line equipment and products “to remove scratches, stains and other imperfections from your floors, leaving behind a smooth, polished and durable finish.” On the repair side, the company can tackle everything from minor damage to more extensive issues across a variety of materials.

“Our team of experts specializes in flooring repair, ensuring that your floors are restored to their former glory,” Hernandez says. “With years of experience in the industry, we guarantee top-notch quality and excellent customer service,” he adds, noting that they use “the latest technology and techniques to repair any damage, big or small, on any type of flooring.”

Mission, Vision and Values

Underpinning the day-to-day work is a clear mission that guides how Hernandez and his team show up for clients.

“Providing excellence in flooring solutions and customer service through our knowledgeable team and top-quality products, ensuring complete satisfaction with every step,” he says, quoting the company mission.

The vision reaches beyond individual projects.

“To become the leading provider of high-quality flooring solutions, we strive to continuously innovate and exceed customer expectations through exceptional service, a wide range of products and a commitment to sustainability and affordability,” Hernandez explains.

“Discover the transformative power of floors with Best Floors N More,” he adds. “Our team is dedicated to delivering exceptional results, built upon trust, expertise and quality. We understand the importance of creating a beautiful and functional space, and we have the skills and experience to make your vision a reality.”

© Copyright 2025 Targeted Media Partners LLC All Rights Reserved

7:02 pm
Home • Design March

Cellar Masters

Climate-controlled custom wine cellars and wine storage solutions. Regularly serving Ventura, Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, Orange, and Riverside Counties since 1990,

2088 Anchor Court, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320
Tel: (805) 375-5040 | cellarmastersinc.com

CLICK HERE: Learn More About Cellar Masters

By Greg Barnett

Photography by Greg Barnett and Scott Berry

How did your wine collection get started? You began drinking wine with friends, attended wine tastings at wineries, then joined a wine club, and suddenly, you find yourself building a collection. You might start with a small wine rack, then a wine fridge, and eventually think, “I really need a wine cellar.”

This is when Cellar Masters owner Scott Berry receives those calls. The homeowner or business owner contacts him with an idea, and Scott, along with his team, collaborates to find the ideal climate-controlled solution. Having Design and Build services in-house at Cellar Masters helps ensure project quality and keeps the project on schedule. During the initial walk-through at the home or business, you might find it’s an existing room, a closet, or a basement in a historic home, a country club, or a restaurant in Beverly Hills. Sometimes, it’s right within the homeowner’s living space, like a wine wall in the dining room, kitchen, family room, or den. Cellar Masters calls these Wine Features, where you can conveniently view and enjoy your collection every day.

Scott Berry says, “I just love the challenge of creating something amazing and really enjoy the design process with our clients, seeing how excited they get when they realize they have enough space to create one.”

Cellar Masters was founded in 1990 with the goal of sitting down with clients, listening to their needs, and creating a climate-controlled wine storage experience they can enjoy every day. As passionate wine collectors, winemakers, and restaurateurs, our design-build team uses its knowledge and experience to craft wine features tailored to each client’s specific needs.

Cellar Masters recently finished a wine feature in a home in North Ranch, designed to create an impressive cellar where the homeowner can enjoy viewing their collection from the home bar on one side of the wall and choosing their favorite wine from the kitchen on the other. The oil-rubbed bronze steel frames included locking, dual-pane glass, and adjoining doors that swing open, revealing their 587-bottle mahogany-capacity cellar (326 750ml bottles, 21 1.5L bottles, and 20 case storage) with triple-deep side-label display racking and LED lighting. “It turned out beautiful, and the homeowner was so pleased with the results,” says Scott Berry.

“One of the wine cellar projects I always find to be very creative and fun to design is when we install one under the stairs, whether large or small. It’s about how many bottles we can fit, how to access it, and how to keep it climate-controlled,” says Scott Berry. “Sometimes this is the only space within the home that is available.”

Protect Your Wine Collection

Whether you’re a winemaker, collector, or restaurateur, storing your wine collection is always a concern. Keeping wines at the right temperature and ensuring easy access are essential. At Cellar Masters, they offer climate-controlled storage at their Newbury Park location, ranging from 12 to 250 cases per locker, including custom wine lockers and a concierge service to handle all your wine club deliveries.

Call Cellar Masters at 805.375.5040 or visit CellarMastersinc.com to learn more.

© Copyright 2025 Targeted Media Partners LLC All Rights Reserved

6:55 pm
Home • Design March

State Restoration

3350 Willow Lane, Westlake Village, CA 91361
Tel: (805) 379-1276 | staterestoration.com
Showroom hours: Monday-Friday 8 am – 5 pm

CLICK HERE: Learn More About State Restoration

By Tracy Marcynzsyn, Photography by Cameron Knudsen

Far more than a place to live, our homes reflect how we gather, relax and express our personal style. When it comes to interior spaces, kitchens and bathrooms have the greatest impact on both daily comfort and long-term property value. Updating these essential rooms with high-quality materials and thoughtful design is one of the most impactful investments a homeowner can make, especially when guided by the experienced professionals at State Restoration, headed by husband and wife duo Darlene and Douglas Kimbell.

With more than 25 years of experience, State Restoration specializes in helping homeowners design and build kitchens and bathrooms that are visually striking and made to withstand daily demands while also reflecting the homeowner’s personal style. As kitchens and bathrooms experience constant use and exposure to moisture, heat and changing conditions, material selection and craftsmanship are critical.

Often the hub of the home, the kitchen is where we cook, connect and gather with family and friends. Updating cabinetry, countertops, flooring and appliances with quality materials can dramatically improve its function and feel. State Restoration’s expert team consults with homeowners to create kitchens that are both highly functional and inviting, with smart layouts, custom cabinetry and finishes that elevate the entire home. Their designers work closely with clients to ensure every element supports the way the household lives, while also adding lasting value.

Bathrooms, while more private, are equally important. A well-designed bathroom offers a sense of comfort and retreat, combining practical features with refined style. State Restoration’s expertise in bathroom remodeling allows homeowners to transform outdated spaces into modern, spa-inspired environments using premium tile, stone, fixtures and cabinetry. Careful planning ensures that moisture resistance, ventilation and long-term performance are built into every design.

One-Stop Shop

One of the key advantages of working with State Restoration is their ability to manage the entire renovation process from start to finish. With an in-house team of designers, architects, engineers and project managers, the company provides a seamless, one-stop experience. This integrated approach allows for better communication, accurate timelines and consistent quality throughout every phase of construction.

Beyond daily enjoyment, kitchen and bathroom upgrades offer significant financial benefits. These two rooms rank high on the list when it comes to return on investment. State Restoration helps clients make strategic material and design choices that appeal to current tastes while remaining timeless, ensuring renovations add both immediate and long-term value. Their extensive showroom allows homeowners to see and compare materials firsthand, making confident decisions that align with both vision and budget.

Detailed planning and precision execution are hallmarks of State Restoration’s work. From initial measurements to final finishes, the team’s attention to detail helps prevent costly delays and ensures projects stay on schedule. Their long-standing relationships with trusted suppliers also allow them to offer competitive pricing without compromising on quality.

In today’s evolving insurance and building standards, keeping kitchens and bathrooms updated has become increasingly important. Aging plumbing, electrical systems or worn materials can pose risks if left unaddressed. State Restoration’s experience in renovation and restoration allows them to identify potential issues early and incorporate upgrades that protect both the home and the homeowner’s investment.

Ultimately, updating kitchens and bathrooms is about more than aesthetics—it is about creating spaces that enhance everyday living and support long-term peace of mind. With decades of experience and a reputation for craftsmanship, State Restoration continues to help homeowners transform these vital spaces into beautiful, functional environments designed to be enjoyed for years to come.

Schedule a complimentary consultation today at 805.379.1276 or visit StateRestoration.com to learn more.

© Copyright 2025 Targeted Media Partners LLC All Rights Reserved

5:27 pm
Finance March
Learn More About Montecito Bank & Trust

For the 23rd year and counting, Montecito Bank & Trust awarded local nonprofits grants to support their efforts to uplift the area’s most vulnerable residents.

“You and your teams are resourceful problem solvers; often the first to see a need and step up to meet it,” acknowledged Chairman and CEO Janet Garufis. “You respond to crises at hand, work to find long-term solutions and to help empower individuals and families so that they have the tools they need to not just survive but thrive. You feed the hungry, house the homeless and heal the hurting… You listen to your community, engaging with them to better understand their needs, collaborate with partners… and advocate for changes to enhance the quality of life for all segments of our community. THANK YOU!”

Montecito Bank & Trust’s Annual Community Dividends® Awards Luncheon, held last November at The Hilton Santa Barbara Beachside Resort, recognized 188 local nonprofits’ amazing work, distributing $1.2 million in awards to help support their programs. Since its launch in 2003, the Community Dividends program has invested more than $24 million in over 300 nonprofit organizations. In 2025, its total charitable giving exceeded $1.7 million, with funding directed toward organizations serving low- to moderate-income individuals and families across both counties.

Nonprofit executives, frontline staff and volunteers gathered alongside 68 Montecito Bank & Trust associates, the Bank’s executive leadership, Board of Directors and Emeritus Director Pete Jordano to celebrate the organizations. Throughout the year, Bank associates contributed more than 5,500 volunteer hours to many of the organizations represented.

In addition to awarding Community Dividends grants, the Bank chose two nonprofits to receive the Michael Towbes Community Impact Dividend, established in 2019 to honor the Bank’s founder. The annual award directs at least $100,000 to nonprofits delivering essential, sustainable services to large numbers of vulnerable residents.

This year, rising demand and a shifting funding environment made it difficult to prioritize a single area of need.

“Identifying one pillar where the need was clearly greatest—food insecurity, mental wellness, housing and healthcare—proved to be an impossible task,” Garufis said. Thus, the Bank opted to strengthen the community’s safety net by investing in two trusted local foundations: Santa Barbara Foundation and Ventura County Community Foundation. Each received $100,000 for emergency response funds, bringing the Impact Dividend total to $200,000.

This decision “demonstrates MB&T’s unwavering commitment to our ENTIRE community. Mike always hoped that our Philanthropy would ‘model the way’ for others in the community,” said Garufis. “We believe this is one of those moments where MB&T can make a powerful statement about the urgent need for support.”

Attendees received a surprise treat from students at the Music Academy of the West’s SING! Program, who performed Shalom Chaverim, a Hebrew folk song, and Kuwa Furaha (Be Joy) by Jim Papoulis, drawing a standing ovation from the audience. The free after-school program primarily serves students from Title I schools & is supported by Montecito Bank & Trust.

The event concluded with another unexpected nod commemorating the Bank’s 50th anniversary—five “golden tickets,” each representing a decade of service, were tucked into the Bank’s 2025 Community Impact Report distributed at the event. The nonprofits who discovered them received an additional $500 donation.

The afternoon demonstrated the importance of service and recognition as well as the mutual benefits that result when local institutions work with area nonprofits to invest in the well-being of the place we call home.