How to Stage Your Dining Room for an Open House

As any real estate agent worth their salt will tell you, staging matters when selling a home. According to the National Association of Realtors, staging a home is a crucial step as it's proven to help potential buyers better emotionally connect with a home and visualize how a space can be optimized. Seeing a well-furnished space can also increase its perceived value, thereby encouraging buyers to place even higher bids. 

Having a well-staged home can drum up interest and hasten sales in an open house, where both serious buyers and casual visitors may drop by. Overall, staging has been found to help homes sell up to 30 times faster than nonstaged ones. Additionally, staged homes can sell for 20% more. Depending on your budget, you may choose to stage only select rooms. Given that around 78% of recent home buyers are families, it’s wise to focus your staging on communal spaces, like the dining room. But how can you stage a dining room so that every open house visitor can see themselves wining and dining in it? Read on below. 

Choose an inviting dining set

First and foremost, you need to have the right dining room set. Since this will be the room's focal point, you want a set that fills the room but doesn’t feel overwhelming. As a rule of thumb, you want your table to be large enough that the room is no longer cavernous but still has a lot of space to move around it. Apart from size, it would be best if you also considered the seating. Too many seats will look cluttered, but too few will look incomplete. Generally, a dining table with bench seating is a great middle ground. As seen on retailer Living Spaces, benches can seat between two to three adults and even more children. This flexibility helps buyers see how versatile a dining room can be for virtually any gathering. Since dining sets with benches tend to have a more casual vibe, it can help the space feel more inviting. These sets still come in different styles to suit the home’s overall theme. For instance, while the Titan Grey Faux Concrete model has a modern industrial style, the Felix Toasted Natural Oak is more mid-century Scandinavian. 

Decorate with an appropriate tablescape

Next, once you’ve got your dining room set, you need to decorate it. Remember, staging is all about creating a beautiful lived-in scenario that the buyer will want to be part of. With this in mind, create a tablescape that is aligned with the overall theme you're putting forward. For example, if the house is on a beachfront property, create a more sea-inspired tablescape with materials like rattan, shells, and linens. On top of this, you want to decorate in a way that suits the time your open house will be held. So, if you’re having an open house at night, ensure that your tablescape suits a more intimate evening affair. Designers at Lobster and Swan do this in their stunning tablescapes by adding more romantic touches like candles and herb sprigs. Adding a living table runner, like Finding Lovely’s greenery runners, can add life and color to an otherwise generic dining room. 

Upgrade with a light fixture

Lighting is not just for function but also for ambiance. In a dining room, you want your lighting to be bright enough that nobody is struggling to see but not overtly so that the space looks cold. Warm lights are preferable in a dining room since they add a soft glow that gives off a cozy atmosphere. This is why if you have access to natural light, you definitely want to take advantage of this by washing your windows to let in as much as possible. In many cases, though, realtors must also rely on artificial lights. Should this be the case with you, go for overhead light fixtures with dimmers. For instance, Wayfair’s chandeliers have dimmable bulbs that let you control the intensity of the luminosity. Just make sure that the style of your fixture matches your table to complement rather than clash. For example, the linear Pitman will work better with a rectangular dining set. You can properly illuminate and accentuate your dining area using the right light fixture. 

220 East 9th Street, Downtown's Next Iconic Condo, Now Under Construction

Downtown Manhattan is about to welcome a striking new addition with the arrival of 220 East 9th Street—a boutique, architecturally distinct condominium that blends classic industrial charm with modern luxury. Rising at the convergence of Astor Place, the East Village, NoHo, and Greenwich Village, this red-brick gem from Arcus, the team behind 150 Wooster and The Wythe Lane Townhouses, is designed to stand the test of time. The hand-laid façade features oversized arched and factory-style windows, nodding to the area’s iconic loft aesthetic while offering a refined residential experience unlike anything else on the market.

Inside, each of the 18 one- to four-bedroom homes is uniquely laid out and appointed with soaring board-formed concrete ceilings, custom oak kitchens, and American-made finishes that emphasize both quality and craft. With seven residences featuring large private terraces—including three exceptional penthouses—220e9th offers indoor-outdoor living that’s as rare as it is luxurious. Amenities include a 24-hour attended lobby, a fitness center with a dedicated Pilates studio, a sauna, a pet grooming station, and a Japanese-style viewing garden, all tailored to elevate the daily experience of its future residents.

Now under construction, 220e9th is slated to launch sales this fall, exclusively with The Hudson Advisory Team at Compass (Clayton Orrigo & Stephen Ferrara). With private on-site parking and a location that blends the energy of Downtown with the tranquility of a tree-lined street, this development is already being hailed as one of the most thoughtfully designed new builds in the city.

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Designing and Developing 32-34 Walker Street in Tribeca

By Cedric Abboud, Principal of Urban Capital Group and SOMA Projects

Tribeca remains one of New York’s most architecturally distinct neighborhoods, celebrated for its 19th-century cast-iron buildings, loft style luxury living, and vibrant, close-knit community. For architects and developers, building in a landmarked district like Tribeca means more than creating something new. It means respecting the neighborhood’s industrial legacy while contributing thoughtful, contemporary design.

At 32 Walker Street, we faced a unique challenge, we set out to merge a historic cast-iron building from 1850, once a textile warehouse, with a new structure to create a unified building that is contextual, visually striking, and financially viable. The result is an irreplicable boutique luxury residence in the landmark district, offering ceiling heights ranging from 12 to 16 feet, direct southwest exposure, and rare unobstructed views within the architectural fabric of Tribeca.

By collaborating early with Higgins Quasebart, our historic Consultant, under the oversight of the Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC), we embraced a design approach that sought dialogue rather than disruption. We began by studying the block’s architectural DNA, repetitive window rhythms, and richly textured façades. Tribeca’s industrial buildings are timeless, defined by generous proportions, large volumes, and oversized windows. Our first move was to follow the window pattern of the original structure and align the floor levels, ensuring the new and historic elements read as a single, cohesive building.

Natural limestone gradually evolved as the right material choice, a subtle nod to the area’s classical heritage and the character of old New York. The design draws inspiration from Judd House, the quintessential cast-iron reference, as well as from Tadao Ando’s 152 Elizabeth and One Kensington Gardens in London by David Chipperfield, with an emphasis on simplicity and elegance. Inside, the architecture is guided by a principle of quiet luxury, with high ceilings, restrained detailing, and robust, natural materials. The interiors feature natural oak, natural stone, and top-tier fixtures sourced from some of the finest vendors and fabricators in the world.

Designing in a landmark district inevitably comes with challenges. A building’s bulk and visibility are closely scrutinized by the LPC. These factors directly impact sellable square footage and the overall feasibility of a project. There was significant skepticism early on about whether the penthouse floor would be approved as proposed. As the project advanced and gained traction as we partnered with Prosper Property Group on the development, and then engaged with The Turett Collaborative (TTC), a New York architecture firm with extensive experience in Tribeca to succeed in the process. The team’s expertise was instrumental in refining the design, addressing regulatory requirements, and navigating the Department of Buildings process.  Through close collaboration, we earned unanimous LPC support. 

Tribeca is not just a neighborhood. It is an archive of New York’s mercantile and architectural history. Every new project should enhance that legacy by being contextual to its neighborhood and a positive addition. At 32 Walker, we are proud to add a quiet, confident new chapter. By honoring the site’s history, simplifying complexity at every stage, and embracing collaboration, we have achieved an optimized design with layouts that support modern living, all while aiming to deliver the project under budget and at record speed for the historic district.

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The Unintended Consequences of Nominating a Socialist Mayor

As a longtime broker working with New York’s most discerning clients, I’ve come to recognize subtle shifts in psyche long before they materialize in market data. Following the results of last night’s mayoral election, one of those shifts is underway.

While no mass exodus is occurring, the conversations among high-net-worth property owners are different today than they were even a week ago. There is concern—measured but real—about the direction the city may take under this new administration. For many, it’s not just about politics; it’s about values, stability, and the long-term vision for the city they’ve invested in, both financially and emotionally.

Some are beginning to weigh their options. These aren’t panic-driven decisions, but calculated ones. The potential for increased taxation, changes to property policies, concerns for safety, and a broader sense of unease about the city’s leadership are causing people to ask: Is now the time to consider a change?

For some, that might eventually mean selling and relocating to states where the financial and political climate feels more aligned with their priorities. For others, it may simply mean watching closely and holding decisions for a later date. But the conversation is undeniably happening.

New York is always in flux—that’s part of its identity. What we’re seeing now is not an end, but a turning point. Whether this moment becomes a footnote or a catalyst will depend, in part, on how the election unfolds in the coming months.

— Steven Cohen

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Managing Diet Changes During Surrogacy: Nutrition Support Services in New York

Surrogacy is a profound journey that encapsulates hope, love, and responsibility, especially from the perspective of the surrogate mother. As surrogates embark on this important journey, adjustments in diet and nutrition become crucial in ensuring both their health and the baby's well-being. In New York, where surrogacy is actively supported by agencies and healthcare professionals, tailored nutrition support services play a significant role in navigating these diet changes.

Tailored Nutritional Plans for Surrogates: How Agencies in New York Support Diet Changes

Understanding the unique nutritional needs of surrogates is essential in promoting healthy pregnancies. Agencies in New York offer customized nutritional plans that align with the specific requirements of each surrogate, taking into account their personal preferences and any dietary restrictions. The goal is to create a balanced diet that supports both physical health and emotional wellness throughout the journey.

Such tailored plans often emphasize a variety of food groups to ensure that surrogates receive comprehensive nourishment. These may include protein-rich foods, whole grains, healthy fats, and an abundance of fruits and vegetables. By working closely with experienced nutritionists, surrogates can be confident that their diet is optimized for both their and the baby's health.

Moreover, providing ongoing support is central to these nutrition services. Surrogates often face unique challenges, including cravings and nausea, which can impact their dietary choices. Agencies ensure that surrogates have access to resources that help them adjust to these changes and maintain a healthy eating pattern throughout their pregnancy. According to High Rock Studios, the most engaged audiences spend 76 times more on advertised products and services online, highlighting the importance of effective communication and support in reaching surrogates with the right nutrition information and resources.

Key Nutrients for Surrogates: Ensuring Optimal Health Throughout the Pregnancy

A well-balanced diet during surrogacy not only supports the health of the surrogate but also contributes to the baby's development. Certain nutrients are critical during this period, including folic acid, iron, calcium, and omega-3 fatty acids. Surrogate mothers are encouraged to prioritize these nutrients to promote a healthy pregnancy and ensure optimal health outcomes.

In fact, according to Elevate Baby, surrogate mothers must have a BMI of less than 32, which reflects the importance of maintaining a healthy weight through proper nutrition. This alignment of nutritional goals with the surrogate's overall health status is pivotal for a successful surrogacy experience. Nutrient-dense foods can help surrogates reach their BMI goals while also nurturing their bodies and the developing fetus.

Additionally, hydration plays a vital role in nutrient transport and overall health. Surrogates should aim to drink plenty of water and avoid excessive caffeine or sugary drinks. Having an understanding of key nutrients can empower surrogates to make informed choices that facilitate a smooth and healthy pregnancy.

Collaborating with Dietitians: The Role of Nutrition Professionals in New York Surrogacy

The integration of professional dietitians into the surrogacy process can significantly enhance the dietary choices made by surrogates. These nutrition professionals provide guidance tailored to individual needs and help surrogates stay on track with their nutritional goals. Their expertise enables surrogates to navigate challenges surrounding cravings and nutritional deficiencies effectively.

In addition, dietitians can help surrogates understand how to incorporate diverse foods into their diets creatively. They offer meal planning services and cooking tips to ensure that healthy choices are also enjoyable. This collaborative approach to nutrition is particularly beneficial in a bustling city like NYC, where food accessibility and variety can contribute positively to the surrogacy experience.

Furthermore, staying committed to a structured dietary plan can alleviate stress often faced by surrogates. The support from nutrition professionals can empower them, ensuring they feel confident about their food choices. This positive reinforcement helps maintain motivation and commitment throughout the pregnancy journey, resulting in better health outcomes for both the surrogate and the baby. Similarly, according to a 2023 Statista survey, about 50% of homeowners upgraded their outdoor spaces, and many choose to start gardens to grow fresh, nutritious food. Surrogates can benefit from cultivating their own gardens, providing them with access to healthy, homegrown produce while promoting relaxation and connection with nature.

In conclusion, managing diet changes during surrogacy is an integral part of ensuring a healthy pregnancy. The combination of tailored nutritional plans, knowledge of key nutrients, and collaboration with dietitians creates a supportive environment for surrogates in New York. With the right guidance and resources, surrogates can navigate their dietary changes with positivity and confidence, fostering a successful and fulfilling surrogacy experience.