Most Dramatic Renovation: The Luxe Design Group

The Luxe Design Group is a Houston-based full-service staging and interior design firm for investors, builders, realtors, and homeowners. Their monumental makeover of this Texas listing earned them the Tastemaker Award for “Most Dramatic Renovation.” This was the biggest house principal designer, Marissa Sorola, has ever flipped – and it certainly paid off. This house closed in 11 days, and our esteemed judge Nigel Maynard, editor in chief of Custom Builder Magazine, PRODUCTS, called it the “most well-rounded project” in this category.

“What I really love about this space is that the designers did just enough but not too much. The gray cabinets and tiles are timeless, plus the choice of the black wrought-iron light fixture adds a transitional element that will likely look fresh 10 or even 15 years from now,” said Nigel.

Read on for more details from Marissa on this dramatic renovation:

Before:

After:

Q&A with Marissa:

We got to discuss this winning project with Marissa. Here’s what she had to say:

Tell us a little bit about you and your company:

I’ve been at The Luxe Design Group for 14 years. I started out doing staging and merged into interior design. I loved staging more than anything, because it still utilizes my look and ideas. I have been doing high-end luxury staging for the past five years as well as flips and remodels. We have had our hand in a bunch of different cookie jars.

Can you walk us through this particular design project?

This was a huge deal for me personally and professionally. This was the biggest house I have ever purchased to flip. It was tumultuous to say the least. I purchased it (I’m a former realtor). I bought it without an inspection report, and it ended up being one thing after the next. Everyone tells you when you flip houses, you have one nightmare project and this was it. Back in the 1950s, this particular street was called the “Parade of Homes;” all of the architects got to build with the latest features at the time. Now, everything needed updating. It was really important to reconfigure everything for a modern family today.

What was the design concept you went for?

RIght when you walk into the home, the first view you get is the kitchen, so I wanted it to be impactful. There was a window that was right there, but I knew it was important for symmetry to close off the window. But I made up for it with the roof; I have skylights all over the roof.

What Wayfair products in it are your favorites?

All the light fixtures are from Wayfair, and I love them. I get the most compliments on the floating shelves in the kitchen (also from Wayfair). They are reclaimed wood, honey-colored, and they are very natural. When I did my open house over the weekend I had so many people asking where I got them from. The wagon-wheel fixtures are also from Wayfair.

How did Wayfair Professional or your Account Manager help with this project?

Wayfair has been instrumental in helping me build my design business. My former Account Manager was fantastic. She helped me so much and was on call whenever I needed something. She would always find four or five solutions for problems, give me great deals, and work around the clock. She would often text me after hours to get things done. I’ve had nothing but wonderful experiences.

Have you gotten feedback on the space?

It’s been overwhelming. I’ve had at least 30 people wanting to hire me to renovate their homes. I’ve had a handful of people ask me to build them a house. That was very exciting, I wasn’t prepared for as much fanfare as I got. But since we had so many issues, it ended up taking two years, so I was so overwhelmed with the positive response. We sold it within two hours; we put it on the market and we got over 17 offers and closed in 11 days with a cash offer. We have a really good market right now, but it was really great to finalize this and have the big win.

Any plans for the prize credit?

I am going to be totally selfish with it. I am going to buy a desk and some furniture for my office. I’ve been meaning to get a console in the back. And possibly new desks for my assistants!

Congratulations to Marissa! Click here for more on our other Tastemaker winners.