First Impressions: Entry 2

After:  resurfaced driveway and entry, with Mediterranean planting by SVA Home and Garden

Garden before

The entry to this Malibu home was looking tired.  Repaving the driveway with pervious paving stones is a dramatic improvement that has the added advantage of allowing the rainwater to percolate into the soil, thus preserving rainwater and avoiding runoff issues.  Limestone pavers begin at the porch and carry throughout the interior.  New plantings by SVA Home and Garden complete the look, along with Gracie, the dog.

Before: old blacktop

Before

This half wall closed in the entry and made the living/dining seem smaller.   Removing it made the new great room  spacious, welcoming and flexible.   Chair and pillow fabrics are from JAB;  sofa's is from Pindler & Pindler.

after

Panasonic plasma, B&W speakers,  downlights to highlight the artwork and an inviting fire all welcome you to the Great Room.

before

Moving the doorway to the kitchen provided space for a table and chairs in the kitchen, and a wall to receive furniture in the dining. Downlights bring life to the artwork.  Michael Taylor chairs, Jab fabrics, table from Crooked Roots.

After

Stanford Remodel

before

This home needed a major update prior to movein.  Doorways were moved, half walls removed, floors, walls, ceilings resurfaced.  The fireplace had a facelift, new shelving installed and recessed lighting transformed space at night.

after

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Kitchen Rehab

First Impressions: Entries

Whether your home is a castle or a condo, a California ranch or Spanish Colonial, the entry to your home is the first step in establishing the impression guests will take home with them.  If you are staging your home to sell this is especially important.  Make sure it is the impression you want to make!

This entry was a disaster.  With stains on the concrete and nothing of interest to catch your eye, it is way beyond boring and well on the way to depressing!  Susanne Vaughn of SVA Home and Garden painted in saltillo tiles on the diagonal, added a new mat, topiaries  and a seasonal wreath to provide  a warm welcome.