A Soothing Sanctuary
One couple breaks the cookie-cutter mold
___ The soothing effect of Regina and Frank Ruopoli’s cozy, comfy abode washes over you upon entering the front door of their tastefully-lit living room and looking into the faces of the two impish, shelf-supporting gargoyles that Frank, a graphic artist/designer, has had for years. On the way to the bedroom, Donnie and Marie Osmond grin at passersby from an old-fashioned record player-in-a-box that Frank picked up as a present for Regina. Their bedroom is like a softly-lit cocoon, with the walls painted “Grape Smash” and the subtle lighting hidden behind the bed, which sits catty-cornered between two windows and is opulently gigantic and awfully inviting. A large candelabra provides more soft light, which plays off of the gold pillows and throw decorating the bed. The cushioned headboard was created by the creatively crafty Ruopolis, as were the small canopies over each window. “We don’t want cookie-cutter stuff, we’d rather scour antique stores,” Regina says. “To me it’s like a challenge.” Frank adds, “A lot of stuff you can find and convert it to make something of your own.” If the couple that plays together stays together, the Ruopolis are well on their way to a long and fruitful partnership.
___ In their bedroom hangs a painting (by their friend, architect Steve Coe) of the Unitarian church in downtown Charleston, where they were married. In the dusky orange, speckle-painted guest room, Regina lovingly shows off a whimsical children’s book they collaborated on called “The Munch Bunch,” featuring a variety of animals eating foods that rhyme with their names.
___ They also spend time together in their band, Vintage Velvet; Frank plays bass while Regina handles the singing. As might be expected, their West Ashley home lends itself to parties and group gatherings, and hanging directly above the centerof their dining room table is a sure conversation piece: a wooden lighting fixture with crisscrossing sticks and bows of sandy wood (also designed by Coe) created without the aid of nails or glue.

-Sara Miller
Charleston City Paper