The best solutions don’t just look good, they solved underlying problems, which aren’t always consciously understood by the person, or apparent in the Before photos. The process of going from oh no to wow is may not be extraordinary, but it’s deeply personal, then celebratory when done well. Here are some stories behind the pictures.
QUAKER RIDGE COLONIAL
This home was priced right and on paper had lots going for it, but there was little traffic and no offers. The owners were minimalists. Their home was exquisite in person but flat and underwhelming in photos.
Background: Although painting is the quickest, most effective and least expensive ways to change or update a room, it’s the recommendation that usually garners the most resistance. Anticipated cost is usually part of it, as is the hassle; but fear … Continued
Background How someone lives in their space is ALWAYS fine; but if they want to sell, home staging creates photos need to show the most value and expected use Challenge A single parent was living in a big house, sharing … Continued
ST. JOHN THE EVANGELIST CHURCH
A busy 1890s church in downtown White Plains had frayed carpet and a badly failing 1960’s vinyl tile floor. Challenges included aesthetics, future maintenance, budget and logistics.
DOBBS FERRY ESTATE PROPERTY
Every issue, emotion and challenge sellers face is exacerbated when the property is being sold because of divorce, illness or death.
YORKTOWN FUNERAL HOME
A modern, nicely done but unpopular diner closed. The new owner had a very different purpose, and needed to reinvent the image as well as the physical building.
RAISING THE BAR IN THIS CORTLANDT CONTEMPORARY Background The investor was an accomplished flipper. House was neglected, needed lots of work. As GC, he always made his own decisions, but wanted to take this project higher via the details and … Continued
HASTINGS FRONT TO BACK SPLIT
It was the dreaded ‘off-season’…but sellers had already found the new house of their dreams. To sell this one quickly and well, we needed an infusion of charm and character in this 1960s front to back split.
INFAMOUS CLUB TO NOTED RESTAURANT Background This former…ahem…gentleman’s club was a colorful part of local history, and a rite of passage for several generations of area males, but had been abandoned years ago. The new owner was an experienced and … Continued
OVERLY PERSONALIZED WHITE PLAINS CONDO
The condo market was saturated, he was already in contract to buy another property, and he did not believe his décor could be so distracting to buyers.
