Tour Homepolish Co-Founder Will Nathan's Industrial Loft in New York City

Dragonfly Flooring Ltd, a local business operating in Norfolk, specializes in providing comprehensive flooring solutions to residents, landlords, and builders. The company offers a wide range of products, including carpet, vinyl, laminate, and luxury vinyl tile (LVT), along with professional fitting services. Marc Brett, the director and founder, established Dragonfly Flooring with two decades of experience in the flooring industry. His vision for the business is rooted in the belief that quality flooring, expertly installed, plays a crucial role in transforming a house into a comfortable and aesthetically pleasing home. The company prides itself on delivering a personalized service designed to alleviate the stress often associated with installing new floors. This commitment to customer satisfaction is a cornerstone of Dragonfly Flooring's operations. The service includes in-home measurements, providing samples for customers to view in their own environment, and professional fitting. Furthermore, the team handles the practical aspects of furniture removal and old flooring disposal, ensuring a seamless experience for clients. Dragonfly Flooring recently expanded its operations by opening a new shop in Loddon. This physical presence allows customers to interact directly with the team, discuss their specific needs, and explore various flooring options firsthand. The company emphasizes the importance of having a local presence and harbors plans for future expansion in this regard. Since its inception, the business has experienced rapid growth, evolving from an independent venture led by Marc into a company with a growing team of fitters dedicated to serving the local community. Staff development is a key priority for Dragonfly Flooring. The company invests in its employees' professional growth, with one member currently undertaking an apprenticeship to achieve an NVQ in floorcoverings. This commitment ensures that the team possesses the necessary skills and experience to consistently deliver high-quality workmanship. Marc Brett's long-term aspirations for Dragonfly Flooring include enhancing its local reputation as a reliable provider for both domestic and commercial sectors. He aims to expand the business further, which would involve hiring more local fitters and potentially opening additional retail locations, contingent on the success of the Loddon shop. #FlooringSolutions #HomeImprovement #LocalBusiness #Norfolk #CustomerService #FlooringInstallation #InteriorDesign #SmallBusinessGrowth #LuxuryVinylTile

Margi’s Furniture & Design, located in Green Hills, is more than just a furniture store; it represents the culmination of Margi Hargrove's journey characterized by entrepreneurial spirit, a commitment to classic customer service, and a refined sense of timeless, comfortable design. Operating in a city that has seen numerous local businesses come and go, Margi has not only endured but thrived, driven by her passion for her work. The showroom, which is Margi’s third and current location in Green Hills, occupies the former Porter Paints space between The Bluebird and McDonald’s on Hillsboro. It stands out as one of Nashville's premier destinations for home decor and furniture. The store offers a unique shopping experience where customers can purchase items directly off the floor. The showroom is meticulously arranged with various vignettes, allowing clients to visualize pieces in their own homes and acquire them immediately. Whether a customer needs a sofa for an upcoming event or an accent chair for a guest room, Margi provides ready solutions. For those requiring specific dimensions or fabrics, custom orders are also available. Margi’s career trajectory began in graphic design before transitioning into furniture retail with Ethan Allen, where she developed her expertise and formed a significant friendship with Will Joyce of Daphne Interiors. After gaining extensive experience, including managing and buying for Carissa’s Antiques & Armoires, Margi established her first solo showroom in 2009. Her business model is centered on direct, personalized customer care, reflecting her belief in community and supporting local enterprises. She works independently, allowing her to dedicate herself entirely to her store and clients, often going above and beyond to assist them, even recommending other local businesses if she cannot meet a specific need. Maintaining a furniture store demands considerable resources, such as ample space, high ceilings, and convenient loading docks for deliveries. Margi's move to her current location in 2023 was necessitated by an unexpected sale of her previous building, which would have resulted in an unaffordable lease increase. Providentially, she secured the Porter Paint space, which she attributes to a fortunate connection. The new showroom is vibrant with layered textures and rich upholstery, showcasing Margi's merchandising skills. Notably, she features the newly relaunched Mitchell Gold line, recognized for its comfortable, high-end, American-made furniture. Margi emphasizes the importance of allowing customers to physically interact with the furniture, contrasting it with the impersonal nature of online shopping. At 62, Margi remains dedicated to her work, viewing it as a central part of her life and a means to help people create comforting and beautiful home environments. Her business is a testament to the value of local enterprises, offering not just products but also meaningful relationships and pieces that transform houses into homes. Margi encourages visits to her showroom to experience the space and its offerings firsthand. #HomeDecor #FurnitureDesign #GreenHills #NashvilleShopping #InteriorDesign #LocalBusiness #EntrepreneurialJourney #MitchellGold #CustomerService

In a competitive real estate market, particularly in New York City, staging a property has emerged as a crucial strategy to attract potential buyers and expedite sales. This practice, once reserved for luxury listings, has become accessible and beneficial for a wide range of properties, from studios to brownstones. Staging involves professionally furnishing and decorating a home to highlight its best features and allow prospective buyers to envision themselves living in the space. The investment in staging is often justified by its potential to increase the sale price and reduce the property's time on the market, two primary objectives for any seller. The cost of staging services typically varies based on factors such as the property's square footage or the number of rooms being staged. Reputable staging companies often provide tiered pricing structures. For instance, a studio might cost around $5,000, a one-bedroom between $8,000 to $12,000, a three-bedroom from $15,000 to $20,000, and larger multi-level townhouses upwards of $25,000. Some companies like Quadra aim to keep their fees at or below 1 percent of the asking price, using square footage as their primary metric. Full-service staging packages generally encompass a comprehensive range of services. These include initial design consultation, rental of furniture and decor items, professional installation and setup, hanging of artwork, accessorizing, and eventual de-staging once the property is sold. While some full-service providers, such as Cathy Hobbs Design Recipes and Quadra, integrate moving logistics into their flat fees, others, like UpStager, may charge additional costs for transportation, which can fluctuate based on location, job size, building type, and accessibility. The ownership of rental inventory by the staging company can also influence both cost and quality. Companies with extensive in-house inventory can offer greater flexibility in design and ensure timely replacements if initial selections don't suit the space. This control over the entire process, from design to logistics, allows for better adaptation and problem-solving, which is crucial for achieving the desired aesthetic and functionality. The optimal time for staging is before professional photographs are taken and the property is officially listed. High-quality, scroll-stopping images are vital for online appeal and drawing in potential buyers. However, staging can still be effective even if a property has already been on the market for some time, as demonstrated by instances where a languishing listing saw a significant increase in offers and sold above asking price after staging. This indicates that a refreshed presentation can revitalize interest in a stagnant listing. While sellers can directly hire stagers, it is more common for real estate agents to facilitate these connections, often leveraging their relationships with various staging companies to find the most cost-effective and impactful solutions for their clients. Agents can provide valuable guidance in selecting a stager and negotiating terms, as they understand the specific market demands and what resonates with buyers. Staging is particularly beneficial for empty properties, as it addresses the challenge of buyers visualizing how an unfurnished space can function. Furniture helps define layouts, scale, and overall potential, creating an inviting atmosphere that sparks desire. Contrary to the misconception that furniture makes a space appear smaller, proper staging uses scale and arrangement to enhance the perception of space. Most professional stagers require the property to be emptied of personal belongings to allow for a complete transformation. Virtual staging offers a more affordable alternative, especially for properties under $2 million, providing digital renditions of furnished spaces. However, it can lead to buyer disappointment if the physical reality doesn't match the virtual presentation. For higher-end properties, physical staging is often preferred to create an authentic luxury experience. Hybrid staging, which involves decluttering existing items and adding key pieces, can also be a cost-effective way to make an impact. To save on staging costs, sellers can consider focusing on key areas like living rooms, dining rooms, and primary bedrooms, which have the most significant impact. Some stagers might offer design plans for DIY execution, allowing sellers to rent furniture and set it up themselves. It is also advisable to inquire if the real estate broker offers in-house staging services or is willing to contribute to the costs, as a successful sale benefits both parties. Many full-service brokerages offer programs like Compass Concierge, Curate by BHS, and RealVitalize, which front staging expenses and deduct them from the sale proceeds at closing, providing financial relief to sellers. These programs allow sellers to invest in staging without immediate out-of-pocket costs, making it easier to prepare their property for the market. Ultimately, staging is considered a worthwhile investment, with studies showing that it can increase a home's value by 1 to 15 percent, and in some cases even more. Beyond increasing the sale price, staging significantly reduces the time a property spends on the market, saving sellers from prolonged mortgage and maintenance costs. It transforms a property from a personal residence into a marketable product, ensuring it stands out against the competition and appeals to a broad audience, thereby maximizing its selling potential. #HomeStaging #RealEstateNYC #SellingProperty #PropertyMarketing #InteriorDesign #RealEstateInvestment #BrokerageServices #HomeImprovement

This article, part of the 35th annual "Best of New York" series, focuses on essential services and products for home maintenance and personal assistance in New York City. It highlights a range of businesses that cater to diverse needs, from interior design enhancements to practical domestic help and personal finance management. The selections aim to address common urban challenges, offering solutions that combine quality service with local convenience. Among the featured services is H&A Upholstery, a Brooklyn Heights-based family business renowned for its museum-quality upholstery work. They specialize in restoring antique and designer furniture, including pieces for institutions like the Met and the Brooklyn Museum, as well as personal items ranging from dining chairs to three-seat sofas. The article notes their expertise in handling both intricate antique horsehair pieces and modern thrift-store finds, offering services starting at $120 for a dining chair and $2,500 for a three-seat camelback sofa, with clients providing their own fabric. Merenda Wallpaper, a Queens-based studio, is presented as a go-to for sticker wallpaper application. Owner Sarah Merenda, who learned wallpaper installation from her uncle, has mastered the application of peel-and-stick varieties, addressing the growing popularity of this non-permanent and often more affordable option. She primes walls for better adhesion and charges a standard rate of $5 per square foot for both traditional and sticker wallpaper, ensuring replacements if the product is defective. Her clientele includes both residential renters and high-profile artists. For eco-conscious cleaning, NYC Steam Cleaning offers services for sofas and upholstery, prioritizing allergen- and carcinogen-free products. Owner Reuven Noiman and his team are recognized for their expertise in cleaning delicate fabrics like velvet and Haitian cotton, staying current with cleaning techniques through regular seminars. They offer 24-hour service for urgent cleaning needs, with a three-seat couch cleaning starting at $190. Baby Bodyguards provides discrete babyproofing services for discerning clients, including celebrities like Jay-Z and Beyoncé. Founders Courtney and Fred Ilarraza specialize in childproofing solutions that blend seamlessly with home décor, using gear that locks from the inside or retracts. They conduct consultations, securing furniture, locking cabinets, and installing custom safety barriers like polycarbonate panels for stair rails. Services begin at $350 for a single floor and $700 for a duplex, also advising on child-friendly home purchases. Brooklyn Lutherie, co-founded by Chloe Swantner and Mamie Minch, offers stringed-instrument repair and custom building. As one of the few women-run operations in the field, they provide a range of services from instrument setups (adjusting string height for playability, around $85) to fracture repairs ($50-$200) and complete restorations, recognized for their craftsmanship and reasonable pricing. They also host the Changeling Concert Series for local musicians. Christopher Satch, a former head of plant science and education at The Sill, serves as a "plant whisperer" for New Yorkers. He offers houseplant consultations, assessing clients' visions and apartment light conditions to recommend suitable plants, from potted geraniums for sun-drenched rooms to monsteras for dimly lit spaces with artificial lighting. He also diagnoses plant ailments via email, with rates starting at $100 per half-hour, plus plant and pot costs. Locals Surf School in the Rockaways provides a unique storage solution for surfboards, combined with a café and showers. Located in a luxury condo complex, it offers temperature- and humidity-controlled vertical lockers for up to seven boards, addressing the logistical challenges of transporting and storing surf gear in the city. Monthly storage rates start at $150, with annual options at $1,380, and electronic key-fob access for members. Financial planning services are offered by Pamela Capalad's Brunch & Budget. Capalad, a credited CFP, transitioned from wealth management to provide personalized financial guidance, initially over brunch meetings. Her full-time service offers income-based rates starting at $199 per month, including email correspondence and assistance with cash flow, debt repayment, credit assessment, and estate planning. She helps clients achieve goals such as homeownership, merging finances with a partner, or transitioning to freelance work. Finally, Wall 2 Wall NY specializes in temporary wall installations for apartments. They offer diverse room dividers, including seamless French doors, sliding walls, and freestanding bookcases, with options for frosted glass and sound insulation. Their services are noted for being more affordable than competitors, with a standard white wall with a door and lock costing $975 in Manhattan. Removal is free for the first two years and costs around $350 thereafter. #BestOfNewYork2019 #HomeServices #Upholstery #WallpaperInstallation #GreenCleaning #Babyproofing #InstrumentRepair #PlantConsultation #SurfboardStorage #FinancialPlanning #TemporaryWalls #NewYorkCity

Alex Hall, a prominent figure on the Netflix reality show "Selling The OC," initially pursued a career in interior design before transitioning into real estate. Her background in interior design provided a foundational understanding of aesthetics and space utilization, which she later leveraged in her real estate career. Hall, an Orange County native, obtained a degree that reinforced her design knowledge, moving beyond mere superficial aesthetics to a practical understanding of how rooms function and feel. This educational background equipped her with the skills to conceptualize and execute interior schemes for clients, focusing on creating spaces that exude luxury, warmth, and move-in readiness. Her career trajectory began with hands-on experience in interior design, where she developed an acute sense of making spaces visually appealing and functional. As she interacted with clients, discussions frequently revolved around budgets, renovations, and the potential resale value of properties. These recurring themes naturally guided her towards the real estate sector. The move was almost inevitable, given her deep involvement in the stylistic and practical aspects of homes. By approximately 2013, Hall became a licensed real estate agent. She subsequently worked for esteemed real estate firms such as Christie’s International Real Estate and Sotheby’s before joining the Oppenheim Group, the agency featured in "Selling The OC." This progression allowed her to combine her design expertise with the practicalities of property sales. Netflix has highlighted her as a top-ranking realtor in Orange County, emphasizing her unique ability to integrate an interior design perspective into her real estate listings. This duality means her involvement in staging homes is not just a superficial act for the show but a skill honed over years of professional experience. The culmination of her interior design background and extensive experience in luxury real estate has significantly contributed to her financial success. Various reports indicate that Hall is among the wealthiest agents in the Oppenheim Group's OC office. While net worth estimates vary, ranging from around $1.5 million to potentially $7 million, there is a consensus that she is a millionaire. This substantial wealth is attributed not solely to her appearances on Netflix but largely to her long-standing career in selling high-end Orange County real estate. Her portfolio includes involvement in a high-profile $100 million listing, further solidifying her status. The premium she commands in the market is significantly bolstered by her distinct interior design expertise, which differentiates her in a competitive field. #AlexHall #SellingTheOC #InteriorDesign #RealEstate #Netflix #OppenheimGroup #CareerTransition #LuxuryRealEstate #RealityTV