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We're More Than Staging.
We Solve A Bigger Problem.
Pre-Staging sets the stage for Staging+
​Case Study 1
From Cluttered to Compelling
A methodical clearing job where careful design turned a tired bedroom into a bright child's space
NEW YORK
UPPER WEST SIDE
2 beds
1 bath
"In the primary bedroom, we completely reimagined the space as a bright and inviting child's room, taking full advantage of the beautiful southern exposure and abundant natural light"
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The owner of this two-bedroom apartment had been facing significant health challenges for an extended period, leaving the home in need of substantial preparation before it could be brought to market. We began with our Pre-Staging service, carefully identifying and cataloging valuable items, separating belongings designated for the estate, and determining which items should be donated or discarded. This process required a thoughtful and methodical approach to ensure important possessions were preserved while clearing the property of items that no longer served a purpose.
Given the condition of the apartment, repairs and painting were not viable options. Instead, our design strategy focused on maximizing the home’s existing strengths. In the primary bedroom, we completely reimagined the space as a bright and inviting child’s room, taking full advantage of the beautiful southern exposure and abundant natural light. The transformation helped buyers see the room’s potential and contributed to a more compelling overall presentation.
One of the greatest challenges of this project was navigating the building’s requirements and approval processes. Multiple stakeholders needed to be informed throughout the project, making communication and coordination critical. The high-touch nature of the assignment required ongoing collaboration with building management and the executor of the estate to ensure every step was handled efficiently, professionally, and with the appropriate level of care.
​Case Study 2
Repositioning a Penthouse
A relocation project that saw a family move out-of-state and penthouse reworked to appeal to a broader pool of buyers
NEW YORK
UPPER EAST SIDE
Penthouse
"While the home was beautifully designed, interior decoration does not always align with the objective of preparing a property for sale. What works for everyday living is not necessarily what resonates with the broadest pool of potential buyers."
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This family was preparing to relocate out of state while completing construction on their new home. Their five-bedroom penthouse had been professionally furnished and decorated by a well-known New York interior designer several years earlier. While the home was beautifully designed, interior decoration does not always align with the objective of preparing a property for sale. What works for everyday living is not necessarily what resonates with the broadest pool of potential buyers.
Our initial scope focused on repositioning the apartment for the market. This included removing, replacing, and relocating furnishings, as well as coordinating repairs and painting to create a more neutral and universally appealing presentation. The room shown here is a good example of a space that, while thoughtfully designed, had become too personalized and worn to effectively support the sale of the property.
Because the family had already relocated, we assumed responsibility for managing the project from start to finish. This required ongoing coordination with building management, contractors, and vendors to ensure the apartment was market-ready on schedule. The building staff were exceptionally collaborative and frequently assisted with access, logistics, and repair work, helping to streamline the process and making this a particularly smooth project to execute.
​Case Study 3
Thirty Years, Fully Accounted For
A carefully managed co-op project where rigorous documentation brought order to thirty years of accumulated belongings
NEW YORK
UPPER WEST SIDE
Co-op
"In situations like these, we follow our One Chain of Custody policy, ensuring that all items are tracked and accounted for throughout the process."
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Our client was the executor of an estate, requiring a highly organized and carefully documented approach. Every asset within the apartment was cataloged in detail, and because multiple family members accessed the property at different times, maintaining accurate records was essential. In situations like these, we follow our One Chain of Custody policy, ensuring that all items are tracked and accounted for throughout the process.
The owner had lived in the apartment for more than 30 years, and the home reflected decades of accumulated belongings. The image shown here is representative of many of the rooms during our initial assessment. Our work involved identifying valuables, separating items designated for family members, coordinating donations and disposal, and preparing the apartment for sale while maintaining clear documentation at every stage.
As with many cooperative buildings, a significant portion of the project involved navigating building requirements and coordinating with management. Extensive communication was required to address approvals, access, logistics, and ongoing questions. While the work itself was straightforward, the administrative demands of the building made this a particularly high-touch project.
​Case Study 4
A Hamptons Home, Rental-Ready
A high-end rental prep where durable, flexible furnishings turned an awkward entry into an inviting first impression
NEW YORK
THE HAMPTONS
Vacation House
"Our goal was to create spaces that felt welcoming, functional, and adaptable to a variety of lifestyles."
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We prepared this home for the high-end rental market during the COVID period, with a focus on attracting families and pet owners. Our goal was to create spaces that felt welcoming, functional, and adaptable to a variety of lifestyles while maximizing the home’s usability for both everyday living and entertaining.
The room shown here presented a unique challenge due to its unusual proportions. Because it was one of the first spaces prospective renters encountered upon entering the home, it was important that it make a strong impression. We carefully considered how the space could serve multiple purposes and selected furnishings that were both practical and durable enough to support a tenant’s needs throughout their stay. Repairs and painting were also completed to ensure the property was presented at its best.
As a private residence, the project was free from the building restrictions and approval processes often associated with cooperative and condominium properties, allowing us to move efficiently from concept to completion. The realtor representing the property was managing multiple listings and rentals during a particularly uncertain period in the market and relied on us to provide the hands-on support needed to prepare the home quickly and effectively for prospective tenants.
​Case Study 5
Simple Space, Complex Building
A streamlined clearing and repair job that delivered a market-ready unit despite demanding building rules
NEW YORK
UPPER WEST SIDE
1 bed
"Although the physical scope of work was straightforward, navigating the building's requirements was considerably more complex."
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This apartment had been left largely untouched for many years. The owner was no longer living in the area and was not well enough to oversee the process of preparing the property for sale. The real estate agent referred us to the executor of the estate, the owner’s brother, who engaged us to manage the project on the estate’s behalf.
While most of the contents of the apartment were removed and discarded, a significant number of items were donated, generating a meaningful tax benefit for the estate. Given the strong demand within this building, staging was not necessary. The property’s low monthly carrying costs, ample parking, and reputation for selling vacant apartments quickly made it highly attractive to prospective buyers. As a result, our Clearing, Coordination & Logistics, and Repair Services were all that was required to bring the apartment to market.
Although the physical scope of work was straightforward, navigating the building’s requirements was considerably more complex. The property is part of a large residential complex with multiple buildings overseen by a centralized management team. Before any work could begin, we were required to comply with numerous rules, approvals, and operational procedures. Coordinating these requirements added significant administrative time to the project and required ongoing communication with building management throughout the clearing and preparation process.
​Case Study 6
Staged to Sell, Styled to Stay
A thoughtfully sourced staging project that served the sale and earned a permanent place in the owners' next home
SAN FRANCISCO
RUSSIAN HILL
3 beds
2.5 bath
"The homeowners kept the furnishings we sourced and brought them to their next home."
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The owners of this home were busy professionals who did not have the time to prepare their property for sale. Because the home was already minimally furnished and well-maintained, our Clearing, Coordination, and Logistics services were not required. Instead, we focused on our Bespoke Staging approach, carefully selecting furnishings, accessories, and finishes that enhanced each space while creating a warm and inviting experience for prospective buyers.
Window treatments played a particularly important role in this project, helping to soften the abundance of natural light and add scale and warmth to rooms with multiple large windows. The result was a cohesive presentation that photographed beautifully and allowed buyers to easily envision themselves living in the home.
An added benefit of this project was that the homeowners kept the furnishings and accessories we sourced and brought them to their next home. Unlike many co-op buildings, where approvals, access restrictions, and other requirements can complicate a project, this property allowed for a more streamlined process and helped us move efficiently from concept to market.
​Case Study 7
A Kitchen Reborn
A dated kitchen cleared, cleaned, and refreshed into a bright, contemporary space without major work
NEW YORK
UPPER WEST SIDE
2 beds
1 bath
"These improvements elevated the overall presentation without requiring a costly renovation."
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The kitchen presented a unique challenge because it was located directly off the apartment’s entrance, making it one of the first spaces prospective buyers encountered. Compounding the issue was an unusually narrow doorway, which created a less-than-inviting first impression and emphasized the room’s limitations. The owner was unable to clear the apartment prior to our involvement, leaving the space feeling crowded, dated, and disconnected from the rest of the home.
Our first step was to completely clear and professionally clean the kitchen, allowing its full potential to become visible. The space was then repainted to brighten the room and create a fresh, neutral backdrop. Updated light fixtures introduced a more contemporary feel, while a carefully selected dining table and chairs helped redefine the space and establish a sense of purpose. These improvements elevated the overall presentation without requiring a costly renovation.
Rather than focusing attention on architectural elements that could not be changed, such as the narrow doorway, our strategy emphasized the room’s strengths. By creating a clean, functional, and visually appealing environment, we shifted the buyer’s focus toward the lifestyle the space could support. The result was a kitchen that felt brighter, larger, and more welcoming, contributing positively to the overall flow and first impression of the apartment.
​Case Study 8
A Confident Path to Sale
A hesitant seller guided through every decision until an overwhelming move felt clear and manageable
NEW YORK
LOWER EAST SIDE
2 beds
1.5 bath
"By creating a clear plan and managing the details, we transformed what initially felt overwhelming into a manageable and successful process."
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A busy working mother was preparing to move to another part of the city to be closer to her daughter’s school. The apartment had been their home since her daughter was born, and like many homes filled with years of memories, it had accumulated a significant number of belongings over time. The emotional connection to the property, combined with the practical challenges of preparing it for sale, made the decision-making process difficult and created understandable hesitation at the outset.
Once the client understood that our role extended far beyond traditional staging, she felt comfortable moving forward. We worked closely with her to navigate both the emotional and logistical aspects of the transition, helping her make informed decisions about what to keep, store, donate, and remove. By creating a clear plan and managing the details, we transformed what initially felt overwhelming into a manageable and successful process.
The building had several apartments with the same floor plan on the market at the time. However, by thoughtfully preparing the property and presenting it in its best possible light, we were able to differentiate it from competing listings. The apartment sold within a week of being listed, and the client was delighted with both the process and the outcome.
​Case Study 9
Move-In Ready, Made Personal
A home prepared move-in ready for its out-of-town owners and designed around the apartment's original character
NEW YORK
GREENWICH VILLAGE
Co-op
"Working remotely with the clients, we coordinated every aspect of the project to ensure the apartment was fully furnished, functional, and ready to feel like home from day one."
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This apartment was purchased during the COVID period by owners who were not living locally and needed the property prepared before their arrival. Working remotely with the clients, we coordinated every aspect of the project to ensure the apartment was fully furnished, functional, and ready to feel like home from day one.
Using a thoughtful blend of the owners’ existing pieces and carefully selected new furnishings, we created a warm, inviting environment that reflected both the character of the property and the needs of its new owners. Rather than imposing a design concept, our approach focused on enhancing the apartment’s inherent strengths while creating comfortable, livable spaces.
The apartment featured several distinctive architectural elements that became central to our design strategy, including an original fireplace, abundant natural light from oversized windows, and an unusually configured floor plan. By embracing these features and designing around them, we transformed the apartment into a cohesive and welcoming home that felt both timeless and personal.
​Case Study 10
Handled, Start to Finish
A full-scope project — inventory, clearing, repairs, and approvals — that delivered a market-ready home for a distant owner
NEW YORK
UPPER WEST SIDE
Co-op
"Our inventory application proved invaluable, allowing us to catalogue and digitally document every item in the home. "
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The owner of this two-bedroom co-op was no longer able to live independently. The Realtor representing the property had heard about Chelsea and the comprehensive services we provide and engaged us to prepare the apartment for sale.
The living room was filled with books, papers, and furniture that created a cluttered and visually unbalanced environment. The family also needed assistance locating misplaced personal items and identifying important documents that needed to be retained. This required a thorough forensic inventory of the apartment’s contents.
Our inventory application proved invaluable, allowing us to catalogue and digitally document every item in the home. This gave our out-of-state client a clear record of the contents and made it easier to determine what should be retained, stored, auctioned, donated, or discarded.
The project also required extensive coordination with building management, including navigating documentation requirements, scheduling restrictions, and approvals. These complexities are common in many co-ops and condominiums and are something we routinely account for when planning our projects. Regardless of the challenges, our experience allows us to move projects forward efficiently while maintaining positive relationships with building management.
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