The texture of the wicker baskets provides balance to the luscious stained bench seat. Just off the garage doorway and laundry room, this is the perfect landing spot for the day-to-day needs of life!

Success Floors LLC
Minimalist staircase photo in New York

Casey Dunn
Inspiration for a contemporary entryway remodel in Austin

finished project.
Example of a large backyard deck design in Other with no cover

Staging an occupied home demands you think outside the box! In this case, the homeowner had already installed the vibrant pink chalkboard. By "shopping" their daughter's closet the two handbags became instant art. Poof! Bobbie McGrath / Successful Staging

When Staging a home for sale the exterior photo is the most important photo to be taken. It generally serves as the first photo in any marketing program online or in print. Attention to details, such as the edging of the lawn, pressure washing the driveway and fresh mulch can make all the difference! Bobbie McGrath / Successful Staging

Our client knew exactly what they wanted and we showed them their dream as they co-designed it into reality.
Mid-sized minimalist backyard stamped concrete and rectangular pool photo in Dallas

Scott Braman Photography
Example of an arts and crafts exterior home design in DC Metro

Customizing your home to fit your lifestyle is important! These homeowners converted an unused living area into this lovely office. Note how the touches of blue draw your eyes around the room. The simple color palette is both stylish and calming. What a great space to be creative or to complete your next project. There were only a few edits to be done to this space to make it photo ready! Photo by Charles Dickens Photography

This modern townhome infill project was a huge success. One unit sold prior to hitting the market and the other sold with in just a few days after completion. It brought a sprinkle of modern into a vintage neighborhood in the heart of Portland. It was a pleasure working with George Hale of H Hudson Homes on such a successful project.

Staging- Staged4Success Photography- Natalia Robert photography
Inspiration for a transitional formal and open concept dark wood floor and brown floor living room remodel in San Diego with blue walls, a standard fireplace and a stone fireplace

The finishes of this gorgeous bath demanded simplicity in the Staging. Strong colors would have overwhelmed the classic details. Photo by Marilyn Peryer

4 Steps to Achieving a Rewarding Cost Effective Home Renovation 1 Home Renovation an Introduction A home renovation due to changes in family needs and space requirements can be a challenging, but also a rewarding experience. As a homeowner, gathering and coordinating resources and possibly help from professional consultants are required. Once the construction phase has started, patience, endurance and commitment to follow through are necessary. Despite the challenges, the rewards of a well-planned and successfully completed project are meaningful, adding aesthetic and economic value, also providing the opportunity to personalize a home, encompassing the function, comfort and aesthetics to accommodate individual taste and lifestyle. A renovation of an existing home is a viable alternative to moving or building a new home, assuming that a home is structurally sound, the expenditure to enlarge or improve can be a cost effective alternative. A home possessing charm, style, historical significance, established landscaping or an exceptional location could be a significant motivation to consider purchasing another home with the intent to renovate. The complexity of a project could be relatively simple, changing the use of a room, consolidating two rooms into one, or opening up a room to the outdoors. It could also be a more involved task requiring planning, design and construction documents to build a second floor addition, the addition of a new wing or completely gutting the interior. Some projects could be completed in a weekend’s work or more complex projects, using a “Master Plan”, a plan which provides overall guidance; a renovation can be accomplished all at once or divided into manageable projects over a period of time. With the home evolving gradually allowing the renovation to be planned, timed and tailored to meet individual needs and circumstances. The due diligence phase should precede the decision to renovate whether it’s an existing home or a home that is purchased with the intent to renovate. The due diligence phase will reveal the factors affecting the nature and scope of the project or if a renovation makes sense. Every renovation project is unique relative to personal requirements, architectural style & construction type. This guide will be helpful in developing an understanding of the preliminary groundwork required to realize a successful project. If properly planned, a home renovation project can be a positive and rewarding experience resulting in a comfortable, practical and an attractive living environment. The first step of the planning process is documenting the goals and long-range plans referred to as the “Project Program”. This will dictate the nature, scope and feasibility of the project. Providing a guide to achieving defined goals, the timing or phasing of the project and budget required to achieve the desired end result. 2 Documenting Existing Conditions Once the “Project Program”, has been established, the next step is to determine what there is to work with. This requires documenting the home’s floor plan and site elements which includes drawing an “as built” floor & site plan consisting of the existing exterior walls, interior rooms, doors, windows, etc. and surrounding site elements, landscape and other significant exterior features. Additionally understanding and noting on the “as built” plan, the structural, mechanical and electrical systems as necessary. Gathering the “existing condition” information defines what there is to work with, creating the framework from which to facilitate and organize the decision making process and develop effective “project program” solutions. 3 Evaluating Existing Conditions The goals and long-range plans have been established, and the existing floor plan and site elements have been documented. Before developing design solutions, the next step is to evaluate existing conditions. The evaluation includes: a detailed analysis of the structural, mechanical and electrical systems, determining the condition of the house, noting functional and aesthetic deficiencies. At the same time recognizing the home’s strengths, assets and evaluating its relationship to its site. The remaining parameters will be defined by the local jurisdiction’s zoning regulations, these regulations will define the “envelope”, within which the proposed project will be required to fit: •required front, side & rear yard setbacks •maximum allowable lot coverage & height The previous three steps have provided the necessary foundation to start the design phase. The goals and long range plans have been established, existing conditions have been documented and the evaluation of what there is to work with are now in place. This will provide the framework from which to facilitate and organize design solutions. The consolidation of this information is manifested in the development of the “Master Plan” which will become the road map by which sound decision-making can be made as a home renovation evolves. Keeping the project, on a linear path, avoiding redundancies and back tracking, on time, within budget, concluding with a well crafted finished product. After all the “up front” research and documentation has been completed, the design phase of the project can now precede, with the creation of diagrammatic design drawings. Organizing interior spaces, taking into account the external elements, prevailing breezes, solar orientation, view, existing outdoor features, etc. Through the development of schematic sketches themes will emerge followed by design development drawings. Wise planning and renovation decisions can save money and time at the same time provide a well crafted finished project. The “Master Plan” provides a strategic path in the planning and decision making process leading to a successful and rewarding home renovation, which will add value and considerable enjoyment, for many years, living in a newly renovated home. By virtue of having gone through these steps, frustrations sometimes encountered during a home renovation will be minimized, allowing the renovation to be a gratifying and rewarding experience. Being aware of the process allows one to become an “Educated Client,” which is worth quite a bit more than one might realize. The uneducated client may not realize the benefit of going through the planning, evaluation and documentation groundwork. He will only realize its benefits after having completed a prior renovation project. This rational approach keeps the design process on a direct path to achieving prescribed goals. 4 Exploring Design Solutions & Developing a Master Plan The previous three steps have provided the necessary foundation to start the design phase. The goals and long range plans have been established, existing conditions have been documented and the evaluation of what there is to work with are now in place. This will provide the framework from which to facilitate and organize design solutions. The consolidation of this information is manifested in the development of the “Master Plan” which will become the road map by which sound decision-making can be made as a home renovation evolves. Keeping the project, on a linear path, avoiding redundancies and back tracking, on time, within budget, concluding with a well crafted finished product. By virtue of having gone through these steps, frustrations sometimes encountered during a home renovation will be minimized, allowing the renovation to be a gratifying and rewarding experience. Being aware of the process allows one to become an “Educated Client,” which is worth quite a bit more than one might realize. The uneducated client may not realize the benefit of going through the planning, evaluation and documentation groundwork. He will only realize its benefits after having completed a prior renovation project. This rational approach keeps the design process on a direct path to achieving prescribed goals. After all the “up front” research and documentation has been completed, the design phase of the project can now precede, with the creation of diagrammatic design drawings. Organizing interior spaces, taking into account the external elements, prevailing breezes, solar orientation, view, existing outdoor features, etc. Through the development of schematic sketches themes will emerge followed by design development drawings. Wise planning and renovation decisions can save money and time at the same time provide a well crafted finished project. The “Master Plan” provides a strategic path in the planning and decision making process leading to a successful and rewarding home renovation, which will add value and considerable enjoyment, for many years, living in a newly renovated home.

Inspiration for a timeless living room remodel in Los Angeles

Unusual details, such as the built-in bookcase in this kitchen, demand an answer of how best to use them when a home enters the market. The use of glass jars, simple contrasting boxes and wrapped cookbooks provide the answer while still allowing for a clean photo. Bobbie McGrath / Successful Staging

Example of a 1950s l-shaped medium tone wood floor and brown floor kitchen design in Raleigh with green cabinets, an island, a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, white backsplash, stainless steel appliances and white countertops

Elegant kitchen photo in New York

The perfect farmhouse kitchen! Slate floors, marble countertops and white cabinets tell the story of great meals waiting to be created. The simple barstools and colorful accessories add the "sizzle" needed for the all important marketing photos! Photo by Marilyn Peryer

This open floor plan was tied together by the palette coffee table designed and created by the homeowner. For Staging purposes, the addition of the greenery in the foreground and the clear sight lines to the kitchen provide context for the home shopper. Simple is always best! Bobbie McGrath / Successful Staging