Before and After Condo Makeover in Waikiki Hawaii!

Aloha Michele, thank you. The kitchen was original to the property (1971). Unfortunately, many investor clients tend not to schedule regular updating to maintain their properties and this property had a few minor updates but desperately needed more. It actually went under contract but the inspection sent the buyers packing and that's when they called us in.

Aloha Beverly, mahalo for your most excellent question. There are several reasons we didn't use Stainless Steel which is a popular choice here in Hawaii, as well. The first is we were on a tight budget that required us first to replace the flooring in the entire 1200 sq ft apartment including the lanai's, replace the kitchen counter top, sink,vanity in the bathroom, and a number of inspection issues. So the budget wasn't there. The frig was replaced last year and was in good condition and is white. I always try to match appliance's so stainless was out. Also when you live near the ocean stainless steel rusts quickly unless you maintain it. Since this particular property is an investment property, tenants are not exactly in the mind set for maintaining stainless steel. As merchandisers we pay close attention to durability and easy maintenance so as to reduce the capital required to maintain the property over time.

Aloha Lori, Thanks for visiting. Replacing the vanity added some valuable square footage to the room making it appear much more spacious.

Aloha Chris, I've finally got around to using the slide show for marketing properties. It's a whole lot more engaging than just photos. Mahalo for stopping by!

Aloha Kathy, The art prints are photos of flora from my yard when I lived in Makaha. The chairs I refurbished; they were a dingy off-white originaly and I stumbled upon the pillows, that matched perfectly, while shopping for a slip cover for the sofa. I had very little money to stage the property so I had to be very creative with what I had.

Aloha Awapuhe, Yes keeping the stainless from oxidizing is a constant, I like using stainless steel cleaner or pledge which works well in cleaning granite too. No cork used in the flooring just laminate with a bamboo pattern. I've yet to work with cork so I don't have any advice on the sand situation. There are great vinyl products that are soft and super durable but if your looking for the warmth and the eco friendliness that cork provides I'd get a sample and test it out. The palm matting head board was re-purposed, it was the previous tenants beach mat. The paint in the Bath is Lotus Blossom by Behr.

Aloha Sharon, mahalo for the positive feed back. The bathroom is such a money maker it has got to look Fab.

Aloha Cathy, mahalo nui loa! It's amazing what paint can accomplish.

Aloha Connie, thanks it was fun wearing the re-purposing hat in this project. When we finally figured out how much money would go to staging I was a little worried, but it all worked out in the end.

Aloha Terrylynn, thank you, you are too kind.

Aloha Mary, a very happy footed day to you and thanks for visiting.

Aloha Michelle, you have the bitter cold to deal with for months at a time, I would gladly trade cold for a little oxidation any day. There are many REAs here in Hawaii who think staging is a waist of money, shocking I know but provential attitudes abound in our archipelago.