Transforming Spaces, One Story at a Time
The Dream in Cream project was a perfect example of how thoughtful staging can bring out the true potential of a home. From structural repairs to small styling details, every choice was made to create a warm, welcoming space that buyers could imagine themselves in. I worked closely with the homeowner to preserve what made the home special—while introducing design elements that feel fresh, current, and market-ready. Scroll through the before and after photos below to see how each room was transformed with intention, creativity, and care.
Before:
I asked the client to keep the original chairs—they were just right for the porch.
After:
To keep things casual and inviting, I sewed denim cushions for the chairs and added a soft pink throw. A few extra potted plants completed the cozy, welcoming look.
Living room
Before:
The room was in great shape overall. We repaired some cracking in the ceiling moldings, patched picture-hanging holes, and did a bit of spot painting. The original wall color—a very creamy cream—wasn’t what I’d usually pick for staging, but it happens to be on trend, so we carried it throughout the house.
After:
Mid-Century Modern furniture brought a fresh, updated energy to the room, anchored by a pair of iconic Barcelona-style chairs—new additions to my inventory. I custom-made all the cushions for this setup.
The homeowner lent us a striking painting of a seamstress workshop, which tied in beautifully with the vintage sewing touches I wove through the staging.
On the bookshelves: a curated display of cream-colored books, plants as bookends, and a silver teapot collection to add personality and charm.
Dining room
Before:
We removed a number of items fastened to the wall, including wooden display bars, and repaired the wall afterward. To create flow from the dining room and into the family room, we repainted the original mustard tone to match the soft cream color used throughout the home.
After:
This stunning dining table was handcrafted by my husband for our stagings. The vintage sewing machine base gives it character, and the two-piece tabletop makes it easier to move and store between homes.
Kitchen
Before:
We removed a number of items fastened to the wall, including wooden display bars, and repaired the wall afterward. To create flow from the dining room and into the family room, we repainted the original mustard tone to match the soft cream color used throughout the home.
After:
This home had plenty of open shelving, and the kitchen was no exception. I created a clean, cohesive focal point by styling the center shelves with simple mason jars—functional, timeless, and charming.
The photo shown here was taken during the agent-only open house.
Family room
Before:
Originally painted a dark mustard, the room reflected the homeowner’s artistic personal style, but for staging, we opted for a lighter, more universally appealing palette. A new wall color made a dramatic difference.
After:
To warm up the space, I introduced gentle pink tones and floral accents. One side of the room took on a subtle travel theme, with a map puzzle on the wall, a sailboat display, and a handmade cushion I sewed for the map nook.
Downstairs bathroom
Before:
This compact room had dark mustard walls and heavy decor. We filled holes, repaired a ceiling crack, and repainted it in a lighter color to brighten things up.
After:
A painting of peonies by Mother Ella—a family treasure—graces many of my stagings, bringing both beauty and meaning.
I also styled the space with eco-friendly “Who Gives A Crap” toilet paper, which comes in beautiful black-and-white wrapping. It’s a thoughtful, playful touch that supports sustainability and design in one go.
Primary bedroom
Before:
This space needed significant ceiling and wall repairs, plus touch-up painting.
After:
I featured one of my favorite photographic series—“Hat & Musician”—to set the tone. The high bookshelves were styled with black books and lush greenery for a clean, curated look.
Ensuite bathroom
Before:
This sunlit space only needed light repairs.
After:
Fluffy towels and small, vibrant plants added freshness and comfort—easy touches that make any bathroom feel spa-like.
Ensuite Plus One
Before:
Previously used as an office. This room only had light repairs.
After:
I transformed this room into a cozy dual-purpose space: part office, part nursery. I sewed custom bedding and bunting flags, and added a charming “Counting Sheep” mobile by She Sells Sanctuary.
Second floor bathroom
Before:
The original green walls gave this bathroom a fun vibe, but there was quite a bit of wall damage. Since we needed to repaint anyway, we chose to continue the soft cream color used throughout the home for a cohesive, calming feel.
After:
I styled the space with fluffy white towels and small green accents—artwork, soap, and a touch of greenery—to bring freshness and subtle color back into the room.
Middle room
Before:
This room had extensive built-ins and decorative shelving, which we removed. We repaired walls, replaced baseboards, and painted the deep pink walls a soft cream. The skylight required major repairs.
After:
I leaned into a vintage sewing theme with hints of black and cream Boho style. My husband built the desktop and the lamp, which showcases a vintage child’s sewing machine. The bookshelf by the stairs features a delightful collection of mini sewing machines.
Middle Room
Before:
The wall shown here is after all the built-in bookcases and over-stair shelving had been removed. Clearing these elements opened up the room and allowed its natural light to shine—especially once we completed repairs, installed a molding and painted the walls a soft cream.
After:
The bookshelf by the stairs now features a delightful collection of miniature vintage sewing machines—a playful and nostalgic touch that ties in beautifully with the home’s subtle sewing theme.
Front bedroom
Before:
Nearly move-in ready—just a few nail holes to patch. The green wall color stayed, as it’s currently in style.
After:
This room’s theme is “birds.” I reused handmade bird books from a previous staging, which look totally new in this space. A bird-themed lamp, a nest-in-a-book decor piece, and a cozy wool canoe pillow—gifted from my mother via a museum shop—add layers of charm.
Read more about the bird project HERE
Basement at bottom of stairs
Before:
The client left a trunk behind, and I moved window screens out of sight for a cleaner look.
After:
I wanted to introduce warm brown tones—on-trend this year—with a leather headboard and bench in the basement bedroom. I sewed a full set of cushions to coordinate, but I didn’t measure the low stairwell height and the headboard wouldn’t fit. It was a blow, but I pivoted. The extra cushions and faux fur became part of a warm, welcoming vignette at the base of the stairs.
Basement
Before:
My chairs were already moved when I took the photo.
After:
This little nook became a fun, flexible game night space—perfect for a playroom or casual hangout.
Basement Den
Before:
The space had visible large wall and floor damage. We patched, painted, and brought it back to life.
After:
I styled the room with a subtle music theme, including instrument bookends. Cozy layered bedding and warm lighting turned this once-cold space into a restful retreat.
Ready to Reveal Your Home’s Potential?
Every home has its own story—and the right staging can help buyers fall in love with it. Whether it’s a simple refresh or a full-scale transformation, I bring a hands-on, heart-led approach to every project.
If you’re curious what staging can do for your property, I’d love to chat. Let’s make your home shine for its next chapter.
