--- title: "Martin Designs - Home Staging with a Vision — Home Stagers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/home-stagers/martin-designs-home-staging-with-a-vision-pfvwus-pf~788679268 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~788679268.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Martin Designs - Home Staging with a Vision" category: ["Home Stagers"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/0d73e54200685d9d_2527-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "Newmarket, Ontario L3Y 8C, Canada" phone: "(905) 717-7865" website: http://www.MartinDesigns.ca rating: 4.9 review_count: 148 best_of_houzz_awards: 12 followers: 171 last_updated: 2026-08-16 --- # Martin Designs - Home Staging with a Vision Original Houzz profile: [Martin Designs - Home Staging with a Vision](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/home-stagers/martin-designs-home-staging-with-a-vision-pfvwus-pf~788679268) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Home Stagers - **Location:** Newmarket, ON - **Serves:** Aurora, Bradford, Caledon, East Gwillimbury, Holland Landing, King City, Mount Albert, Newmarket, Richmond Hill, Sharon, Stouffville, Thornhill, Toronto, Unionville, Uxbridge, York Region - **Houzz rating:** 4.9 out of 5 (148 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 12 awards (2015–2026), for Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - 5 Star Houzzer - Recommended on Houzz - 250 Ideabook Saves Martin Designs specializes in Real Estate staging, vacant property staging, and staging for living. Our certified team of home stagers can assist you with color choices, furniture placement, lighting, traffic flow, positioning of art or shopping for that specific something to make your home special and provide you with “Home Staging with a Vision”. On average, a staged home sells 2-3 times faster than an unstaged home - let us help you maximize your return on investment before your home goes on the market. Lead designer of Martin Designs, Susan has persude her passion in home staging and interior decorating. She came by her artistic talents honestly. Her family has owned and operated Crema Furniture for the past 50 years with work found across Canada and the United States. With a background in Urban Design, Susan had the opportunity to expand her creativity in Urban and Landscape Planning while travelling and working abroad. Susan also has a passion for photography which accents her role as a stager. The creation of Martin Designs brings “HOME STAGING WITH A VISION” to this industry. ### Services Provided - Home Staging - Furniture Selection - Space Planning - Color Consulting - Decluttering - Furniture Rental - Art Selection - Downsizing - Bathroom Design - Consultation - Custom Bathroom Vanities - Custom Blinds & Shades - Custom Cabinets - Custom Fireplace Mantels - Custom Furniture - Custom Kitchen Cabinets - Custom Pantries - Custom Rugs - Custom Shelving - Exterior Redesign - Floor Plans - Home Staging Services - Kids Bedroom Design - Kitchen Design - Kitchen Remodeling - Lighting Design - Personal Shopper - Vacant Property Staging ### Areas Served - Aurora - Bradford - Caledon - East Gwillimbury - Holland Landing - King City - Mount Albert - Newmarket - Richmond Hill - Sharon - Stouffville - Thornhill - Toronto - Unionville - Uxbridge - York Region ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Martin Designs - Home Staging with a Vision | | Address | Newmarket, Ontario L3Y 8C, Canada | | Phone | (905) 717-7865 | | Website | http://www.MartinDesigns.ca | | Followers on Houzz | 171 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/ susan crema MartinDesigns - LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/martindesigns - Blog — http://www.martindesigns.ca/blog/ ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Martin Designs - Home Staging with a Vision](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/home-stagers/martin-designs-home-staging-with-a-vision-pfvwus-pf~788679268) - **Website:** http://www.MartinDesigns.ca - **Phone:** (905) 717-7865 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - Certified Staging Professionals CertificationMasters of Real Estate Staging DesignationCertified Eco Staging CertificationTrue Colour ExpertUrban Design Diploma, Fanshawe CollegeBA (bachelor of arts) Geography, Western Ont. University - **Best of Houzz:** 12 awards (2015–2026), for Service. **Affiliations** - [Real Estate Staging Association](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/real-estate-staging-association-pfvwus-pf~92455693) - [International Assoc. of Home Staging Professionals](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/international-assoc-of-home-staging-professionals-pfvwus-pf~1477727895) ## Reviews **Overall rating: 4.9 out of 5 — 148 reviews** *Aspect averages:* - Work Quality: 49.0 - Communication: 50.0 - Value: 49.0 ### Reviews **★★★★★ — Lisa, Feb. 2025** > I used Martin Designs to stage my house for sale. I loved having Susan give me a room-by-room extensive list of the ways I could make my home more appealing for potential buyers. In staging my home, she made sure my house looked bright, appealing and welcoming. And it worked. I know Martin Designs was crucial in selling my home. **Comment from Martin Designs - Home Staging with a Vision:** > Lisa, thank you so much for having us into your property to assist on the preparation and staging of your property. I was thrilled that you saw my vision for your home and trusted our process. Congratulations on doing amazingly well and selling for way over list price in Feb. 2025. All the best to you and the move to your new home. **★★★★★ — Wendy Comer, Feb. 2025** > I was doing a kitchen refresh and Martin Designs was brought in to help decide on the color palette. > We went over some different combinations and finally settled on one. > I am so incredibly happy with the results, the professionalism and knowledge that was imparted to me on which colors to choose was immensely helpful. > You may think it is only color, but the end result can make a big difference in how your project turns out and how you feel about it. > I am very glad Susan took the time to help me with the choices. **★★★★★ — Rachel Grimmer, Aug. 2024** > I could not rave about Susan and her team more at Martin designs! They came in and staged our condo and gave it the extra design and style it needed. The whole process was so easy and seamless from the initial consultation to the staging process. With her modern decor it allowed our home to appeal to buyers resulting in a great outcome for our sale. > I could not recommend them more! **Comment from Martin Designs - Home Staging with a Vision:** > Rachel, thanks so much for your very kind words! We were so excited to assist you on the staging of your condo... and we were even tickled pink on the end result. No surprise that buyers scooped this up so quickly :-) **★★★★★ — Donna C, June 2024** > I have given Martin Design a five-star rating. They did a wonderful job staging our home. It sold quite quickly and I am sure it was because it looked fabulous due to the staging. All steps of the process - consultation, staging day and tear down went smoothly as everything was very well organized. I really appreciated that during the consultation Sue gave me written to-do suggestions on a room by room basis that I could easily deal with. > Sue's ability to select pieces from her inventory and combine them with some of our belongings to create a picture perfect home is amazing. Sue and her crew were great to work with as everyone one was friendly, informative and respectful. > I would highly recommend Martin Designs. **Comment from Martin Designs - Home Staging with a Vision:** > Donna, It truly was a pleasure to work with you and your husband on the preparation of selling your home. You were very lovely to work with and we enjoyed getting to know you a bit better during this process. Thank you for your kind words - it is very much appreciated. We all wish you the very best ! **★★★★★ — L&R, May 2024** > Susan's use of colour and design are perfect. I was a little skeptical about staging prior to bringing her in, but she walked us through the process step by step and was always there to answer questions. Using a perfect combination of our current stuff and rented pieces, she turned out house into a show piece that helped us sell quickly and for over asking! Thank you **★★★★★ — Katie B, April 2024** > This was our second time working with Martin Designs and we loved our experience with Susan and completely trusted her and her vision for the staging of our house! She is very personable and enjoyable as a person, but also very organized, punctual, efficient and integral with her work. I appreciate how detailed she is and all the direction she offers with helping to prepare the house for selling. She is also always reachable for any questions, which is very helpful. Thanks to her vision and help our house sold in 2 days!! We HIGHLY recommend Susan and Martin Designs! **★★★★★ — Jen S., April 2024** > Susan and her team were excellent from start to finish. From our timely initial consultation with Susan, we knew we were in good hands. Her clear and concise advice and guidance helped us to prepare our home for sale. She was able to use some of our pieces and complemented them with others from her inventory to present a consistent look and feel to our home. Susan and team were able to meet our tight timelines and when we sold in 5 days, Susan and her team were able to quickly de-stage our home allowing us to proceed to the next steps in the process. We highly recommend Susan for her expertise, kindness and guidance. Thanks again! **★★★★★ — Brenda Engineer, Jan. 2024** > Martin designs did an amazing job staging our home. The home sold in 2 days! This was accomplished by the wonderful job Susan and her team completed along with a wonderful relator. We have a unique home and Susan was able to incorporate some of our unique decor with the more modern look. Her designs made our home sparkle!! It looked amazing. We are so appreciative of Martin Designs for their patience, professionalism and attention to detail. We would highly recommend this company for any staging and decor designs. Great job!!! > Cheers, Brenda **★★★★★ — lickyboy, June 2023** > Sue knows colors. Sue designs spaces. Sue creates themes that tie all the rooms in a house together. We have been consulting with Sue for years to completely renovate and eventually sell our house quickly and for top dollar. > We would always call Sue at the beginning of a project to help us imagine and design projects. Then we would have her in again mid way to guide our pick of colors, tiles, flooring, window coverings .... all the pieces to complete a project. > Sue staged our home for listing on the market and made it look much larger, brighter and more welcoming. It was well appointed upon staging and allowed prospective buyers to image what it could look like if was their own space. > > I cannot look at unfinished space and in my head vision what it would look like done, decorated and staged. Sue can. She gets quiet, rubs her chin takes her time and just starts the visioning process. Its a gift. **★★★★★ — Zahra Akhavian, May 2023** > Thanks Susan for the amazing job you did for staging our home > You are a very talented and excellent choice for improving the sale chances for any house. **★★★★★ — Gayle Enzel, Feb. 2023** > We had a wonderful experience with Susan and her company Martin Designs. They used a few our own pieces, and then enhanced with tasteful additions, that made our little home pleasant, pleasing to the eye and attractive. We had a few showings, an open house....and then it was over. > > Couldnt have done it without you. **Comment from Martin Designs - Home Staging with a Vision:** > Gayle, it was truly our pleasure to work with you. Thanking you for your trust, miles away..... **★★★★★ — Jamie Harkins, April 2022** > Susan has staged two of my houses, both of which showed exceptionally well brining it multiple offers and sold well over asking. I trust in her process, She is respectful and guides you through the important decluttering and editing out process to make your home look bigger and welcoming. She has an amazing ability to work with the furniture and pieces you have to keep the time and costs down. The bonus is, I've learned new ways to break-up and display my furniture and items when I move to my next house! In fact, I had less pre-staging prep homework this time around because I learned so much from working with her the first time! Then Susan and her team comes in with her staging team and items from the warehouse to prefect the look. The result is House + Home magazine, meets real-life livable. **Comment from Martin Designs - Home Staging with a Vision:** > Jamie, it was our pleasure once again to assist you on the sale of your home. You are such a great client to work with! Thanks for working with us and we truly wish you all the very best in your new home. ## Selected projects - [Oakville Vacant Property Home Staging](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/oakville-vacant-property-home-staging-pj-vj~1327425) - Location: Oakville, ON - Photos: 5 - Description: Fully renovated, beautiful home in the heart of a gorgeous city. Karen, our agent was amazing to work with. we gave this vacant property a very warm and inviting feeling for buyers. - [King City Retreat, Power Staging Project](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/king-city-retreat-power-staging-project-pj-vj~598136) - Location: King City, ON - Photos: 6 - Description: Buyers wanted to purchase this gorgeous farm house as is which included all of the staging that the Martin Design Team created. This is one of our best testimonials from a buyer. As horse farms typically sit on the market for quite some time, this property sold with a couple of weeks - [Richmond Hill, Baif Project](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/richmond-hill-baif-project-pj-vj~1572700) - Location: Richmond Hill, ON - Photos: 4 - Description: Condo underwent major renovations for resale. This was the second project we worked on for these clients. They emailed us after the sale of the project to tell us that the staging had a very big role in the sale of the condo. We were very happy to hear that our work makes a huge difference in the sales of properties in York Region - [Newmarket - Skinner project, SOLD 100% of asking](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/newmarket-skinner-project-sold-100-of-asking-pj-vj~1572671) - Location: Newmarket, ON - Photos: 7 - Description: Lovely semi detached home sold in 3 days for 100% of asking. - [Holland Landing Transformation, SOLD in 1 day](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/holland-landing-transformation-sold-in-1-day-pj-vj~597954) - Location: East Gwillimbury, ON - Photos: 4 - Description: We worked with the sellers on this project for 3 years. Our clients replaced the tile flooring, added hardwood flooring , added new carpet in the basement, new lighting, painted kitchen cabinets and finally we staged the property to see a huge return in their investment. This house sold in 1 day for 102% of the asking price, (almost $10,000) over. - [Newmarket, Leslie Valley, SOLD in 3 days](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/newmarket-leslie-valley-sold-in-3-days-pj-vj~1453729) - Location: Newmarket, ON - Photos: 6 - Description: Property underwent major renovations in only 12 days, sold in 3 days for 100% of asking price. - [Newmarket (Stonehaven) SOLD $24,900 over asking](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/newmarket-stonehaven-sold-24-900-over-asking-pj-vj~706562) - Location: Newmarket, ON - Photos: 3 - Description: The owners of this property saw the value in renovating and staging. After living in the property for 25 years and not doing any renovations, they invested $25,000 in hardwood flooring, carpeting, lighting, painting to our specific colours, replaced some windows and did all minor repairs . The end result - sold in 3 days! - [Newmarket, Osmond](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/newmarket-osmond-pj-vj~1598179) - Location: Newmarket, ON - Photos: 8 - [Brampton Vacant Condo Staging- SOLD 100% of asking on day 1](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/brampton-vacant-condo-staging-sold-100-of-asking-on-day-1-pj-vj~794236) - Location: Brampton, ON - Photos: 4 - Description: This condo was completely renovated by the owner. Martin Designs assisted in the selection of the flooring, paint colours and overall theme. We staged the property and it sold on the first day on the market for 100% of asking. - [Sharon, Mount Albert Side Road- SOLD in 1 day for over asking](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/sharon-mount-albert-side-road-sold-in-1-day-for-over-asking-pj-vj~705975) - Location: East Gwillimbury, ON - Photos: 3 - Description: This property was staged with inventory by Martin Designs. The front living room was transformed to look like a $1M property and sold in only 1 day for 101% of the asking price. Properties that are move-in ready sell the fastest! - [Toronto, Cabbagetown - Contemporary Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/toronto-cabbagetown-contemporary-home-pj-vj~794153) - Location: Toronto, ON - Photos: 4 - [Stouffville, Condo](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/stouffville-condo-pj-vj~598170) - Location: Whitchurch-Stouffville, ON - Photos: 7 - Description: This condo was a rental unit and the owner wanted to sell it. By staging this property, we brought buyers in the door. - [Toronto, Upper Beaches - Vacant Staging](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/toronto-upper-beaches-vacant-staging-pj-vj~597943) - Location: Toronto, ON - Photos: 3 - Description: great location, totally renovated from top to bottom. Martin Designs was brought in as the house was being renovated. It was an exciting project to stage in the downtown Toronto market. - [Haliburton - Haliburton, Cottage Renovation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/haliburton-haliburton-cottage-renovation-pj-vj~598192) - Location: Haliburton, ON - Photos: 8 - Description: Reflection Bay on Kashagawigamog Lake has been transformed into an updated retreat. When this property was first visited, we saw the potential with renovations and the ability to turn this property into a viable rental retreat. - [Sharon, Redesign Project](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/sharon-redesign-project-pj-vj~119966) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 2 - Description: kid's bathroom, 1980's bathroom brought to an updated look - [Newmarket (Ferndale) Home Staging](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/newmarket-ferndale-home-staging-pj-vj~1262532) - Location: Newmarket, ON - Photos: 4 - Description: This property went through many renovations before it went on the market in a very short time. These clients saw the potential to increase their investment on the sale of the property by following our recommendations to the "T". It all paid off in less than I week. - [Aurora - Custom Window Treatments](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/aurora-custom-window-treatments-pj-vj~816784) - Location: Aurora, ON - Photos: 2 - [Newmarket, Gagnon Home Staging](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/newmarket-gagnon-home-staging-pj-vj~1013665) - Location: Newmarket, ON - Photos: 6 - Description: This property went through many changes before it went on the market. Martin Designs chose new colours for the family room to pop the beautiful fireplace, new colours for the dining and living room area to blend with the rest of the house and staged the spaces to attract a younger buyer to this beautiful family home - [Newmarket, Buckle](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/newmarket-buckle-pj-vj~1424144) - Location: Newmarket, ON - Photos: 1 - [Holland Landing, East Gwillimbury, Oak Ave.](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/holland-landing-east-gwillimbury-oak-ave-pj-vj~1424148) - Location: East Gwillimbury, ON - Photos: 4 - Description: Staging project- sold for over asking. Most of the house was vacant except for a few pieces of furniture that the homeowner left in the house. We brought in furniture and accessories to make this property feel like a home and buyers loved it! [See all 50 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/home-stagers/martin-designs-home-staging-with-a-vision-pfvwus-pf~788679268) ## Ideabooks - [Wish List](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/158245875/list/wish-list) — 1 idea - [fireplaces](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/34798397/list/fireplaces) — 9 ideas - [basement man cave](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/6440425/list/basement-man-cave) — 4 ideas - [Lighting](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/33887557/list/lighting) — 2 ideas - [historical collection](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/8180373/list/historical-collection) — 3 ideas - [exterior homes](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/4849618/list/exterior-homes) — 10 ideas [See all 6 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/martindesigns) ## Community Q&A **Q: Wall Paint and Finish** *(in Photo Questions)* Hi What is this wall paint? It’s beautiful! A: Thanks for asking, this project was competed about -9 years ago and we did not keep records of the consults like we do now sorry that I cannot help you . if you are local I could assist with a consult for you? **Q: what is the paint color in this room?** *(in Photo Questions)* Wondering what the paint color is. Thanks! A: I am not sure, sorry. It was painted before I staged this property **Q: where is the table from** *(in Photo Questions)* A: hi there, thank you for contacting us at Martin Designs. This particular table was the owner's so I do not know where it was purchase, if it was at all. These homeowners were very hands on and they could have made it themselves. The rest of the room was staged by us, **Q: Dark grey or light grey countertops?** *(in Design Dilemma)* We are remodeling our laundry room and can't decide whether to use dark or light grey countertops. The floor tiles are lightish grey. Our washer and dryer are grey. So we could either do a lighter grey counter that blends in and matches or we could do a darker one that stands out more? Which do you think would look better? A: darker! if everything is light, it will all float away! Grounding with the dark is a good choice **Q: Help glamming up this living room space** *(in Design Dilemma)* Hi, I want to glam this formal living room up and need some help deciding how to do. I am ready to invest in some pieces possibly a credenza and a an affordable art piece/ large mirror, new throw pillows and table top accessories . I Have tons of ideas but want to put it together just right. Please help by telling what you think of my ideas or by sharing your ideas. A: a large piece of artwork where the skinny mirror is now, there is a lack of colour and pop.... **Q: How are the paddles hung?** *(in Photo Questions)* I don't see any hooks or hangers. I have a handmade wooden kayak hanging on the sunporch wall. I plan to hang to two halves of the paddle beneath it on the wall, and am still looking for good ways to do that. Thank you! A: is there an answer for hanging the paddles? --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-08-16.*