Jeff McNamara
Mid-sized elegant galley ceramic tile and gray floor dedicated laundry room photo in New York with white cabinets, a farmhouse sink, solid surface countertops, a side-by-side washer/dryer, white countertops, beaded inset cabinets and gray walls

A beautiful, clean, cool, classic, white Master Bath. Interior Design by Ashley Whittaker.
Small elegant master white tile mosaic tile floor bathroom photo in New York with an undermount sink, white cabinets, marble countertops, an undermount tub, white walls, raised-panel cabinets and white countertops

Example of a large farmhouse black two-story wood gable roof design in Seattle with a metal roof and a black roof

Transitional medium tone wood floor and brown floor great room photo in Austin with white walls

Inspiration for a transitional open concept dark wood floor family room remodel in Atlanta with white walls and a tv stand

Photo: Sarah Greenman © 2014 Houzz
Eclectic home office photo in Dallas

Photo: Monica Lee

It’s always a blessing when your clients become friends - and that’s exactly what blossomed out of this two-phase remodel (along with three transformed spaces!). These clients were such a joy to work with and made what, at times, was a challenging job feel seamless. This project consisted of two phases, the first being a reconfiguration and update of their master bathroom, guest bathroom, and hallway closets, and the second a kitchen remodel. In keeping with the style of the home, we decided to run with what we called “traditional with farmhouse charm” – warm wood tones, cement tile, traditional patterns, and you can’t forget the pops of color! The master bathroom airs on the masculine side with a mostly black, white, and wood color palette, while the powder room is very feminine with pastel colors. When the bathroom projects were wrapped, it didn’t take long before we moved on to the kitchen. The kitchen already had a nice flow, so we didn’t need to move any plumbing or appliances. Instead, we just gave it the facelift it deserved! We wanted to continue the farmhouse charm and landed on a gorgeous terracotta and ceramic hand-painted tile for the backsplash, concrete look-alike quartz countertops, and two-toned cabinets while keeping the existing hardwood floors. We also removed some upper cabinets that blocked the view from the kitchen into the dining and living room area, resulting in a coveted open concept floor plan. Our clients have always loved to entertain, but now with the remodel complete, they are hosting more than ever, enjoying every second they have in their home.

Small trendy medium tone wood floor entry hall photo in Boise with white walls and a white front door

This project wasn't just the ultimate in creating an open concept home -- it was a great team building exercise as well. This massive effort couldn't have succeeded without the contributions of everyone involved, and with a project of this scale it takes the entire team to get every last detail correct from start to finish. I particularly enjoyed the structural feat of making a massive 20' tall load bearing wall completely disappear and then seeing the impact natural light can have in an open area. We love challenges like this one!

Photo Credit: Alex C. Tenser Photography
Living room - transitional medium tone wood floor living room idea in Richmond with gray walls

Kitchen in the Birch model home at Larkwood in Raynham, MA — Larkwood's largest floor plan at 2,830 sq ft with 3 bedrooms + den, 2.5 baths, and an oversized two-car garage. Fireplace with custom built-in shelving and hardwood floors throughout the main living area. Every buyer works one-on-one with Thorndike's in-house interior designer Nikkie Gaitan on every finish selection — countertops, cabinetry, flooring, tile, and fixtures

Example of a classic built-in desk medium tone wood floor home office design in Denver

Hi everyone, I'm Sarah and Ogun we are here with fine line kitchens. So we are a couple working together. I do the interior design and remodeling of the space material selection meeting with the clients. And I handled operations outside, you know meaning all the construction work that is taking place the inside. The houses that we work in. I handle all the aspects of the construction, so today's project is very special. We're in Vienna and the client had a very big family. It's a family of seven that lives here. So we had a few aspects that we needed to keep in mind while designing this one. Having everybody be able to sit on the island. So we wanted plenty of seating all the way around. We didn't want anybody standing or anything like that. So what we did is we maximize the space. The center island is the biggest part of the kitchen. We use a natural stone to kind of give it a beautiful texture versus quartz. It's kind of standard white or kind of fabricated, so I wanted something very natural. We did this because I took my inspiration from the outside, so the inspiration if you look at the view right in front of me is there are so many greens there's a lot of brass accents and I wanted to bring this. Into this kitchen while designing it for my clients. She is very warm very. She wanted a very homey, comfy kind of look for the kitchen. So that's what we did today. As you can see, the cabinets are sage green, very light, so I still think it's a neutral, but it's a lighter color that again brings the outside in and we combine that with the oak right behind me so it's a slightly warm oak. It's not very dark. It's not very light. It's a medium brown and the same color went on the island. To kind of tie these two in and the backsplash, my favorite part is where you can see a little bit of design. It is, in my opinion still classic, but includes a pattern so the outside part is as we said in the beginning, is handled by my husband. I'd like him to speak a little bit about that. Thanks, Sarah, I want to talk to you guys a little bit about the construction part of this project. Originally this kitchen was located mostly in this area. They had their stove there sing. It was more of a peninsula layout in Sarah's and the customer vision they wanted. They wanted to get rid of the peninsula and they want to be able to have a huge island that can at least sit seven people because they're familiar with seven. So we wanted to make sure that we can achieve this design and bring it to life so that they can be happy with this layout. Some of the challenges we had, the house, the home being, you know, old home. There were a lot of you know the older electrical and plumbing that had to be replaced. We had to relocate the stove from here to this area. Over here we had put a nice foot fan that we had to relocate all the ductwork and the plumbing. Was being on the peninsula area. We had to relocate it to the center islands. So we achieved all this and kind of like bring it to bring in this kitchen up to date it looks beautiful. That's true, so yes, the old layout did not function for my clients because everything was kind of gathered on one side of the kitchen. So there was like a peninsula right there. So the end of this island kind of continued straight. And that was just the L shape. Kind of where everything was and there used to be another big table here, so they were using only kind of half of the space. So like I said at the beginning, our vision was to kind of feed everybody at the island, create some symmetry. 'cause I love that. So as you can see behind me, this is kind of the focal point symmetrical. Everything is kind of even we wanted to also panel the fridge here so it mimics the pantry and another size. So when you're looking at it, it is bringing again that symmetry back again. I hope you enjoyed this kitchen and this video and I'll see you soon. So how do you think this project turned out? It's nice. I like the color. I think it turned out nice. It's kind of like a little bit different color than what we always do. So I realize. Are you giving me a little bit of credit here that I did something different? Are you proud? I'm so proud of you. Other than that I like it. That they have kind of like a two sink. So if this was our kitchen, if we ever like you can have your own. I can have mine if we ever get into a fight then this can be like my own kitchen. Why are we gonna bring in a fight right now? So I'm cooking anyway. You're grilling most of the time, So what are you even talking about? My kitchen? That's my kitchen. You can just take the small sink. That's fine. It's always good to have your own space right there, so anyways. Thank you guys for watching. We hope to see you soon and if you have any questions please click the link below. It'll lead you to our website, house, YouTube and all of the social media is so nice to have you guys. We'll see you soon. Thanks bye bye-bye.

This project represents the evolution of a 10 acre space over more than three decades. It began with the pool and space around it. As the vegetable garden grew, the orchard was established and the display gardens blossomed. The prairie was restored and a kitchen was added to complete the space. Although, it continues to change with a pond next on the design plan. Photo credit: Linda Oyama Bryan

Flooring needs vary widely depending on the space. A homeowner seeking beautiful floors for their living room has different priorities than a business owner outfitting a commercial space. Yet in both cases, the right flooring well chosen and well installed makes an enormous difference. This guide looks at hardwood flooring for homes and flooring for commercial spaces, including the increasingly popular option of engineered hardwood, and what those in the Chicago area should know about each. The enduring appeal of hardwood Hardwood flooring has an enduring appeal that few other materials can match. It brings warmth, beauty, and a sense of quality to a home, complementing a wide range of styles from traditional to modern. Hardwood floors add character and elegance to a space, and they're often seen as a desirable feature that can enhance a home's appeal and value. For many homeowners, hardwood represents the ideal flooring choice. Part of hardwood's appeal is its longevity. Quality hardwood floors, properly cared for, can last for decades, and they can often be refinished over time to restore their appearance, extending their life even further. This durability makes hardwood a worthwhile long-term investment. Combined with its timeless beauty, this longevity explains why hardwood remains so popular despite the many flooring options available. Homeowners seeking this classic look often invest in quality hardwood flooring chicago for their homes. Understanding the enduring appeal of hardwood helps homeowners appreciate why it remains a favorite and consider it for their spaces. Flooring for commercial spaces Commercial spaces have their own distinct flooring needs, quite different from those of a typical home. A commercial environment whether an office, retail space, restaurant, or other business often sees high traffic, heavy use, and demands that residential flooring might not withstand. Commercial flooring must be durable, functional, and appropriate for the specific business and its needs, while also contributing to the space's appearance and atmosphere. Choosing flooring for a commercial space involves considering factors like durability, maintenance requirements, safety, appearance, and suitability for the particular use. The flooring in a commercial space affects not just its look but its functionality and the impression it makes on customers and clients. Because commercial spaces have demanding requirements, selecting appropriate, durable flooring and having it properly installed is especially important. Business owners in the Chicago area often work with professionals for their commercial flooring chicago needs. Understanding that commercial spaces have distinct flooring needs helps business owners make appropriate choices for their spaces. The rise of engineered hardwood For those who love the look of hardwood but want added versatility, engineered hardwood has become an increasingly popular option. Engineered hardwood features a real wood surface layer over a constructed core, offering the beauty of hardwood with some practical advantages. It provides the appearance of traditional hardwood while offering enhanced stability and versatility in certain applications. Engineered hardwood's construction gives it greater dimensional stability than solid hardwood in some respects, which can make it suitable for a wider range of applications and conditions. This versatility, combined with the authentic wood appearance, makes engineered hardwood an appealing option for many homeowners and even some commercial applications. It offers a way to enjoy the beauty of hardwood in situations where solid hardwood might be less ideal. Homeowners considering this option often explore engineered hardwood flooring Chicago for their spaces. Understanding the rise of engineered hardwood helps people consider whether it offers the right combination of beauty and practicality for their needs. Matching flooring to the space and use Whether for a home or a commercial space, matching flooring to the specific space and its use is key to a good result. Different spaces and uses have different requirements, and the ideal flooring for one situation may be unsuitable for another. A residential living room, a busy commercial space, and an area exposed to particular conditions all call for flooring suited to their needs. This is why understanding the demands of a space is so important in choosing flooring. Factors like the level of traffic, the type of use, exposure to moisture or other conditions, maintenance considerations, and the desired appearance all factor into the choice. Matching the flooring to these factors ensures a result that performs well and looks good over time. For commercial spaces in particular, the demands can be significant, making appropriate flooring choices essential. Understanding the importance of matching flooring to the space and its use helps both homeowners and business owners make choices that serve their needs well and provide lasting satisfaction. The value of quality installation For any flooring project, whether residential or commercial, quality installation is essential. Even the best flooring won't perform or look its best if it's not installed properly. Proper installation ensures the flooring is laid correctly, looks its best, and lasts as it should, standing up to the demands placed on it. This is especially important in commercial settings, where flooring endures heavy use. Different flooring types have their own installation requirements, and skilled installers know how to handle each properly, from preparing the space to executing the correct techniques. Quality installation involves attention to the details that make the difference between a lasting, attractive result and a disappointing one. Given the investment that flooring represents and, for businesses, its impact on operations and impressions ensuring quality installation is well worth it. Understanding the value of quality installation helps homeowners and business owners recognize why the choice of who does the work matters as much as the flooring itself. Making the right choice Ultimately, making the right flooring choice whether for a home or a business involves understanding the options, considering the specific needs of the space, and ensuring quality installation. Hardwood offers timeless beauty for homes, commercial flooring meets the demanding needs of business spaces, and engineered hardwood provides a versatile option combining beauty and practicality. The right choice depends on the particular space, use, and goals. Taking the time to understand the options and match them to the specific situation, rather than making a hasty choice, pays off in the quality and longevity of the result. Flooring is a significant investment that shapes a space for years, so getting it right matters. Whether outfitting a home or a commercial space, thoughtful choices and quality installation lead to results that look good, perform well, and provide lasting value. Understanding how to make the right choice empowers homeowners and business owners to achieve flooring results they'll be happy with for years to come. The bottom line Flooring needs vary widely between residential and commercial spaces, and understanding the options helps in making the right choice for each. Hardwood offers timeless beauty and longevity for homes, commercial flooring meets the demanding requirements of business spaces, and engineered hardwood provides a versatile option combining the beauty of wood with practical advantages. Matching flooring to the specific space and use, and ensuring quality installation, are essential to a good result in any setting. By understanding these options and priorities, those in the Chicago area can make flooring choices that serve their spaces well and provide lasting satisfaction. Whether the goal is timeless beauty at home or durable performance in a demanding commercial setting, thoughtful choices paired with quality installation deliver results that last.

Staging a home for sale or for a major transition is a strange in-between state. You are still living in the space, but you are also preparing it to impress strangers, support showings, and remain functional until the final move-out day. That tension between “home” and “product” is where storage quietly becomes one of your smartest tools. Used well, storage lets you reduce clutter, protect important items, and create the kind of rooms that photograph beautifully and feel calm when buyers walk through the door. A staged move is rarely just about shifting boxes from one address to another. It is about managing timing, presentation, and stress at the same time. When storage is built into the plan from day one, the entire process feels less rushed and more strategic. Rooms open up gradually, essentials stay accessible, and you never feel like you are drowning in half-packed chaos. Understanding how to use storage as a staging partner, not just a place to dump excess stuff, is what turns a messy transition into a controlled, professional-looking move. Why Storage Is the Backbone of Every Staged Move Visual space is emotional space. When every surface is covered, and every corner is full, buyers feel crowded before they have even evaluated the layout. Storage gives you a way to pull back without making drastic decisions about what to keep or donate. Seasonal décor, bulky furniture, duplicate items, archives, and personal collections can be moved out early, so the home reads cleaner and more open while still feeling lived-in. That balance between warmth and simplicity is exactly what good staging tries to achieve. In more complex situations, such as live-work properties or home offices, storage becomes even more important. You may need to keep a business running while also presenting a polished environment to viewers. Partnering with local movers in Boston makes it easier to shift equipment, files, and nonessential pieces into storage in phases, so work can continue while the visible areas of the property stay controlled and presentable. How Staging and Storage Work Together to Control Visual Impact Staging works best when every object in a room has a clear purpose. A sofa frames a conversation. A table suggests gathering. A lamp softens the mood. Everything else that is not essential to that story competes for attention. Storage supports staging by giving you a clean staging bench off-site, where nonessential items can wait without being constantly shuffled between rooms or piled into overstuffed closets. The art lies in deciding what stays and what goes. Family photos, extensive collections, excess seating, and rarely used appliances often move into storage first. What remains should be enough to show scale, comfort, and function without revealing the full weight of daily life. Commercial properties go through a similar filtering process. Extra desks, surplus equipment, outdated signage, and inactive files often move out early so the active workspace feels lean, efficient, and future-ready before a relocation supported by commercial movers takes place. Strategic Timing of Storage before the Actual Move The worst time to think about storage is when boxes are already stacked in the hallway. In a staged move, storage decisions ideally begin as soon as you know the property will be listed or the space will be transitioned. That might be a month or more before the main moving date. Starting early gives you time to sort, label, and prioritize instead of throwing things together in a panic. An early storage phase also helps you test how the home feels with less in it. You may discover that removing a few large pieces transforms a cramped room into an open, inviting space. For commercial spaces, early storage lets operations continue with fewer interruptions. Departments can send nonessential items out in waves. When the main relocation comes, much of the excess is already safely stored, and what remains is easier for a commercial movers Boston team to handle with speed and care. The Emotional Psychology behind Letting Storage Hold Your Belongings Letting belongings leave the house ahead of you can feel unsettling. There is always a quiet fear that once something is out of sight, it will be forgotten, damaged, or harder to reclaim. That is why some people resist using storage even when they know it would make the staging process easier. Acknowledging that emotion instead of dismissing it helps you plan more honestly and avoids last-minute regret. The reality is that good storage is not a black hole; it is a temporary pause. When items are packed thoughtfully, labeled clearly, and placed in an environment you trust, they become easier to manage than when they are tucked into random cupboards or stacked in spare rooms. For many people, living with fewer visible possessions during staging actually reduces tension. The home feels lighter and easier to maintain. Businesses notice the same effect when storage removes outdated equipment and clutter from the floor. The workspace looks more focused, and staff can concentrate on current tasks instead of navigating around accumulated history. Protecting Assets While They Live in Storage Sending belongings into storage is only a good idea if they come back in the same or better condition. That is where quality control matters. Furniture, textiles, electronics, files, and artwork each have different vulnerabilities. Moisture, temperature swings, dust, and rough handling can all damage them in ways that only become obvious later. Choosing the right type of storage and packing accordingly is central to the genius of using storage as part of a staged move rather than as a desperate overflow container. Climate-controlled units, padded wrapping, elevated pallets, careful stacking, and clearly marked boxes all reduce risk. The goal is to handle items fewer times, not more. When storage is integrated into the move plan, belongings can travel directly from the home to storage and later from storage to the new address with minimal extra movement. Many owners coordinate those transfers through a well trusted movers in Boston, so the same team that moves items out early also manages their final delivery, preserving continuity and accountability. How Storage Reduces Risk during Multi-Phase Moves Few staged moves happen in a single clean step. There are often gaps between listing and selling, between selling and closing, between closing and final move-out. If renovations, inspections, or office reconfigurations are involved, the timeline becomes even more layered. Storage absorbs those gaps, so you are not forced to live among towers of boxes or stack equipment in hallways waiting for the next phase. By treating storage as a flexible middle ground, you can move things out gradually while still having access when needed. For example, archived files can go first, followed by seasonal décor, then surplus furniture. As each stage ends, fewer items remain to be shifted on the final date. This phased approach reduces the risk of rushed, late-night packing sessions, careless stacking, and damaged items. It also makes it easier for commercial moving crews to work efficiently because they are handling a manageable volume of goods at each phase rather than everything at once. Using Storage to Maintain Clean Show-Ready Conditions One of the hardest parts of staging is keeping the property consistently show-ready. Every viewing becomes its own small event. Floors need to be cleared, surfaces wiped, and personal items tucked away. When too many belongings remain in the home, each showing takes a heavy amount of effort. Storage cuts that workload dramatically by taking nonessentials completely off the stage. With fewer items to move and hide, maintaining a neutral, inviting look becomes much more realistic. You are not scrambling to stuff things into closets or push items under the bed. Instead, the home sits closer to show condition all the time, and the final touches before a viewing are minimal. In commercial environments, using storage helps maintain a professional appearance for clients and staff, even while the space is being prepared for a larger transition. Active tools and furniture stay in play, while inactive pieces quietly support the future from storage. Storage as a Strategic Tool in Business Relocation Planning For businesses, storage is more than a convenience; it is part of risk management. Office relocations and staged commercial moves have to juggle lease deadlines, equipment deliveries, IT cutovers, and staffing realities. Trying to shift everything in one move often results in downtime, lost files, and strained teams. Storage turns the move into a series of controlled steps instead of a single disruptive jump. Unused furniture, archived documents, and non-critical inventory can be moved into storage weeks ahead of the main relocation. As the new space becomes ready, items can move out of storage and directly into position. This reduces double-handling and keeps the old and new locations from filling with half-unpacked material. A business that coordinates these flows with professional commercial movers in Boston usually experiences smoother transitions, because storage is treated as a working part of the operational plan rather than a leftover problem. The Hidden Cost Benefits of Proper Storage Planning On paper, storage looks like an extra expense. In reality, poorly managed moves cost far more. When everything is rushed into boxes at the last minute, items are damaged, misplaced, or transported multiple times. Extra labor hours, emergency packing supplies, replacement furniture, and extended timelines quickly outweigh the cost of well-used storage. Staging without storage also tends to keep homes and offices crowded longer, which can hurt impressions and, in the case of a sale, influence offers. When storage is integrated from the beginning, you minimize waste. You handle items fewer times, you know where things are, and you avoid paying people to shift the same objects repeatedly. Staged homes that look better often sell faster or draw stronger interest, which helps recover investment on the back end. Businesses benefit from less downtime, safer handling of equipment, and predictable work schedules. Those gains are why many clients prefer partnering with a commercial moving company in Boston that understands storage as a cost-control tool, not just a place to park overflow. Conclusion The true genius of using storage during a staged home move is that it quietly rewrites the rules of transition. Instead of treating space as something that must absorb every box and belonging until the last possible moment, you treat storage as a flexible extension of the home or office. This shift in thinking opens rooms, clears sightlines, and makes every phase of the move more intentional. Staging becomes easier, maintenance becomes lighter, and the stress of living in a half-moved environment drops noticeably. When storage is chosen carefully, used early, and coordinated with the overall moving plan, it protects both physical assets and emotional energy. Buyers and visitors see a calm, collected space. You experience a less chaotic path from “here” to “there.” Whether you are selling a home, repositioning a business, or managing a complex phased relocation, storage can turn a disruptive event into a managed, almost elegant process. For people who want that level of control and care during a staged move, Stairhopper movers have built a strong reputation by treating storage, timing, and transport as parts of one connected strategy. Their team is known for listening closely, planning around real-life constraints, and moving both residential and commercial clients through transitions with calm, steady execution. They approach every project as a partnership, aligning storage use, staging needs, and final delivery so that what matters most arrives safely, on schedule, and with as little disruption as possible. Frequently Asked Questions Q1. When should I arrange storage for a staged home move? Ideally, four to six weeks before listing or transition, so clearing, packing, and staging can happen gradually without rushed decisions or last-minute stress. Q2. Is climate-controlled storage necessary for staged moves? It is highly recommended for wood furniture, electronics, artwork, and documents, since temperature and humidity swings can quietly damage materials over time. Q3. How does storage help keep a home show-ready? By moving nonessential items off-site, daily tidying becomes simpler, and each room can stay closer to a staged condition between viewings or inspections. Q4. Can storage reduce the length of the final moving day? Yes. When many items are moved into storage in advance, the final moving day focuses on essentials, which shortens timelines and reduces physical and mental strain. Q5. Is storage useful for short-term business relocations? Even in short relocations, storage helps prevent overcrowded offices and allows departments to move in phases without interrupting everyday operations. Q6. How do I decide what should go into storage first? Start with rarely used items, seasonal décor, surplus furniture, and archived materials, then work toward pieces that are visually distracting or make rooms feel cramped. Q7. Will using storage make it harder to find things later? Not if packing and labeling are done carefully. Clear categories, room-based labels, and simple inventories make stored items easier to locate than when scattered at home. Q8. Does storage still make sense if my move happens in one day? Yes, because staging and preparation begin well before that day. Storage keeps the home functional and attractive during the weeks leading up to the final move.

Pull out knife block makes use of a small space while keep essential cooking tools close at hand. ~ Brian DalBalcon Photography
Kitchen - mid-sized transitional kitchen idea in Seattle

These three images serve as a mood board for our Los Angeles Redesign. Incorporating nature back into Los Angeles was at the fore-front of our redesign. The top image is from Avatar the Last Airbender, called the Banyan-Grove Tree. This tree drove our figurative narrative concept of "roots" that connect the entire 1x1 mile square we were tasked to redesign. In the show, the banyan tree expands its roots all across the swap to plant more trees. The last two images serve as a visual aid for the "Routes to Roots" redesign. Lots of trees with expansive roots Narrative: Many years ago, a vast tree once enchanted the plains of Los Angeles. Scientists could not track the tree's age, deeming it immortal due to its many deeply ingrained and expansive roots across the city. To this day, scientists are still uncertain about the tree's origin. Its roots and lush branches sprawled anywhere it could, engulfing anything in its path. The tree had unique properties; anyone who touched the tree's foundations could communicate with another person a mile away and, on special occasions, grant auspicious fortunes. The city worshiped this magical tree because it was the center of all life. Or so it was. The discovery of the tree's healing sap quickly drove people mad, and in a frenzy, people began to chop at the tree. The growth of filmmaking and Hollywood attracted many people to LA because of the great weather and diverse landscape. Oil was discovered near the tree shortly after. Finally, oil production was the tipping point, and these three factors led to the demise of the immortal tree. By 1950, the vast tree had no longer enchanted the city. Nowadays, problems with constant traffic, heavy air pollution, and past effects of redlining have all repelled the potential residents of the territory. Gridding lurks within the city, unconsciously controlling the movement of people. The severe health risks from these problems and the water scarcity and well-being are making researchers rethink the city's future. Due to this, the government tasks architects from all over the country to redesign Los Angeles, but it has to relate to the once immortal tree. At the same time, they are providing solutions to these five issues: redlining, heat severity, accessibility, open spaces, and lastly, preserving essential landmarks and bringing back the city's roots while still housing the population. Years later, a team of architects pitched their 200-year redesign, reimagining the superfuture of Los Angeles. The mission will be titled "From Routes to Roots". Here's what they pitched: