HouzzTV: See the cats in action: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=okOVxfuSYPk Plants, animals, playful colors, and every electronic gadget you can think of has been incorporated into every aspect of this home. From the underwater camera in the Koi pond, to the built in cat walks and fully integrated appliances this home meets every imagination. © Holly Lepere

Example of a transitional freestanding desk dark wood floor home office design in Salt Lake City with white walls

http://www.houzz.com/pro/scottlawrencephoto/scott-lawrence-photography

Beautiful French inspired home in the heart of Lincoln Park Chicago. Rising amidst the grand homes of North Howe Street, this stately house has more than 6,600 SF. In total, the home has seven bedrooms, six full bathrooms and three powder rooms. Designed with an extra-wide floor plan (21'-2"), achieved through side-yard relief, and an attached garage achieved through rear-yard relief, it is a truly unique home in a truly stunning environment. The centerpiece of the home is its dramatic, 11-foot-diameter circular stair that ascends four floors from the lower level to the roof decks where panoramic windows (and views) infuse the staircase and lower levels with natural light. Public areas include classically-proportioned living and dining rooms, designed in an open-plan concept with architectural distinction enabling them to function individually. A gourmet, eat-in kitchen opens to the home's great room and rear gardens and is connected via its own staircase to the lower level family room, mud room and attached 2-1/2 car, heated garage. The second floor is a dedicated master floor, accessed by the main stair or the home's elevator. Features include a groin-vaulted ceiling; attached sun-room; private balcony; lavishly appointed master bath; tremendous closet space, including a 120 SF walk-in closet, and; an en-suite office. Four family bedrooms and three bathrooms are located on the third floor. This home was sold early in its construction process. Nathan Kirkman

Inspiration for a coastal freestanding desk dark wood floor home office remodel in Los Angeles with white walls

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

A growing young family with two daughters, this couple hired Brandi to complete their home’s interior decor. She loved working with these fantastic clients – they eagerly embraced a playful use of color and bold design choices! Finished in a colorful traditional style, this home is full of timeless architecture mixed with modern details. From a navy and bright orange office to a green floral dining room, each room on the main floor makes a unique statement but flows together through similar artwork and rugs. Upstairs, the master bedroom is a serene sanctuary. Brandi added wood beams, handmade wall coverings, and an extra custom-built closet. The two girls’ bedrooms are all about fun trends, personalized touches, and plenty of storage for their many prized possessions.

Inspiration for a timeless one-car garage remodel in New York

Photo Credit: Paul Dyer Interior Designers: MANSFIELD + O’NEIL
Example of a transitional living room design in San Francisco with white walls, a ribbon fireplace and a wall-mounted tv

Having successfully designed the then bachelor’s penthouse residence at the Waldorf Astoria, Kadlec Architecture + Design was retained to combine 2 units into a full floor residence in the historic Palmolive building in Chicago. The couple was recently married and have five older kids between them all in their 20s. She has 2 girls and he has 3 boys (Think Brady bunch). Nate Berkus and Associates was the interior design firm, who is based in Chicago as well, so it was a fun collaborative process. Details: -Brass inlay in natural oak herringbone floors running the length of the hallway, which joins in the rotunda. -Bronze metal and glass doors bring natural light into the interior of the residence and main hallway as well as highlight dramatic city and lake views. -Billiards room is paneled in walnut with navy suede walls. The bar countertop is zinc. -Kitchen is black lacquered with grass cloth walls and has two inset vintage brass vitrines. -High gloss lacquered office -Lots of vintage/antique lighting from Paris flea market (dining room fixture, over-scaled sconces in entry) -World class art collection Photography: Tony Soluri, Interior Design: Nate Berkus Interiors and Sasha Adler Design

Kitchen - transitional kitchen idea in Boston

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.

Everyone needs a little space of their own. Whether it’s a cozy reading nook for a busy mom to curl up in at the end of a long day, a quiet corner of a living room for an artist to get inspired, or a mancave where die-hard sports fans can watch the game without distraction. Even Emmy-award winning “This Is Us” actor Sterling K. Brown was feeling like he needed a place where he could go to be productive (as well as get some peace and quiet). Sterling’s Los Angeles house is home to him, his wife, and two of their two sons – so understandably, it can feel a little crazy. Sterling reached out to interior designer Kyle Schuneman of Apt2B to help convert his garage into a man-cave / office into a space where he could conduct some of his day-to-day tasks, run his lines, or just relax after a long day. As Schuneman began to visualize Sterling’s “creative workspace”, he and the Apt2B team reached out Paintzen to make the process a little more colorful. The room was full of natural light, which meant we could go bolder with color. Schuneman selected a navy blue – one of the season’s most popular shades (especially for mancaves!) in a flat finish for the walls. The color was perfect for the space; it paired well with the concrete flooring, which was covered with a blue-and-white patterned area rug, and had plenty of personality. (Not to mention it makes a lovely backdrop for an Emmy, don’t you think?) Schuneman’s furniture selection was done with the paint color in mind. He chose a bright, bold sofa in a mustard color, and used lots of wood and metal accents throughout to elevate the space and help it feel more modern and sophisticated. A work table was added – where we imagine Sterling will spend time reading scripts and getting work done – and there is plenty of space on the walls and in glass-faced cabinets, of course, to display future Emmy’s in the years to come. However, the large mounted TV and ample seating in the room means this space can just as well be used hosting get-togethers with friends. We think you’ll agree that the final product was stunning. The rich navy walls paired with Schuneman’s decor selections resulted in a space that is smart, stylish, and masculine. Apt2B turned a standard garage into a sleek home office and Mancave for Sterling K. Brown, and our team at Paintzen was thrilled to be a part of the process.

Entryway design with blue door from Osmond Designs.
Hallway - transitional light wood floor and beige floor hallway idea in Salt Lake City with beige walls

Example of a transitional home office design in DC Metro

Inspiration for a contemporary built-in desk dark wood floor study room remodel in New York with white walls

The kitchen includes cabinets by Columbia in two different colors. The cabinets are maple with a furniture finish. Some of the upper cabinets were finished out with clear glass. The custom granite countertops installed by Bay Works unify the space with an eat-in area and dramatic lighting completes this lovely remodel. The Zephyr Venezia exhaust fan adds a nice finishing touch. Treve Johnson Photography HDR Remodeling Inc. specializes in classic East Bay homes. Whole-house remodels, kitchen and bathroom remodeling, garage and basement conversions are our specialties. Our start-to-finish process -- from design concept to permit-ready plans to production -- will guide you along the way to make sure your project is completed on time and on budget and take the uncertainty and stress out of remodeling your home. Our philosophy -- and passion -- is to help our clients make their remodeling dreams come true.

This project reimagines a 1940s Maple Leaf residence for a young family of four—transforming it into a modern transitional home that feels timeless, warm, and truly lived in. The goal was to balance character with comfort, creating spaces that support daily family life while remaining refined and enduring in design. Our approach focused on optimizing the space plan to improve flow, storage, and functionality throughout the home. Every decision was guided by how the family lives, works, and gathers, ensuring each room feels intuitive, comfortable, and purposeful without sacrificing beauty. A cohesive, nature-inspired palette ties the home together. Warm whites and oak tones form a calm foundation, layered with greens and soft blues for depth and balance. From the serene, color-drenched primary bedroom to the playful nursery and the productivity-focused home office anchored by a landscape mural, each space was designed to elevate everyday living while feeling effortlessly welcoming.

Everyone needs a little space of their own. Whether it’s a cozy reading nook for a busy mom to curl up in at the end of a long day, a quiet corner of a living room for an artist to get inspired, or a mancave where die-hard sports fans can watch the game without distraction. Even Emmy-award winning “This Is Us” actor Sterling K. Brown was feeling like he needed a place where he could go to be productive (as well as get some peace and quiet). Sterling’s Los Angeles house is home to him, his wife, and two of their two sons – so understandably, it can feel a little crazy. Sterling reached out to interior designer Kyle Schuneman of Apt2B to help convert his garage into a man-cave / office into a space where he could conduct some of his day-to-day tasks, run his lines, or just relax after a long day. As Schuneman began to visualize Sterling’s “creative workspace”, he and the Apt2B team reached out Paintzen to make the process a little more colorful. The room was full of natural light, which meant we could go bolder with color. Schuneman selected a navy blue – one of the season’s most popular shades (especially for mancaves!) in a flat finish for the walls. The color was perfect for the space; it paired well with the concrete flooring, which was covered with a blue-and-white patterned area rug, and had plenty of personality. (Not to mention it makes a lovely backdrop for an Emmy, don’t you think?) Schuneman’s furniture selection was done with the paint color in mind. He chose a bright, bold sofa in a mustard color, and used lots of wood and metal accents throughout to elevate the space and help it feel more modern and sophisticated. A work table was added – where we imagine Sterling will spend time reading scripts and getting work done – and there is plenty of space on the walls and in glass-faced cabinets, of course, to display future Emmy’s in the years to come. However, the large mounted TV and ample seating in the room means this space can just as well be used hosting get-togethers with friends. We think you’ll agree that the final product was stunning. The rich navy walls paired with Schuneman’s decor selections resulted in a space that is smart, stylish, and masculine. Apt2B turned a standard garage into a sleek home office and Mancave for Sterling K. Brown, and our team at Paintzen was thrilled to be a part of the process.