Telling Stories

Orange Grove Studios helps clients create their dream home

By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski

Stephen Lazar was designing and producing largescale events for global tech companies and financial institutions when he discovered his passion for interior design. It quickly became his next chapter.

“I was flipping homes for myself and working with others on similar projects, and I became captivated by interior design,” he says.

“Currently, I put all my energy into interior design, especially with a slant toward incorporating sustainable and vintage products in my projects. Life is so much better with a little patina.”

While producing large-scale events, he began Green Owl Design in the Bay Area. Eventually, he moved to Pasadena, where he founded

Orange Grove Studios.

“I am a mindful designer, concerned as much about the beauty of a design as I am about pragmatism and flow,” he says.

“My approach to design is open and explorative. Often I immerse myself in a project until I feel like I can move the puzzle pieces and shape the space. I don’t stop until I find an elegant modern solution that flows.”

Orange Grove Studios has evolved into a residential design firm that is focused on home, kitchen and garden living. Lazar and his team serve clients in Southern California, San

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Prominent Financial group has been serving our community’s real estate and mortgage needs for over 15 years. We are passionate about educating our clients and guiding them through the right steps of building wealth through real estate. We get many questions regularly from our existing clients, new clients, and our social media channels - so we are happy to share some of them here with you to help position you into a place where homeownership turns from a life-long dream to a attainable reality. Scan our QR code below to follow us on Instagram for ongoing updates and tips.

How are homeowners benefiting from the significant increase in equity that we saw over the past two years?

We have definitely noticed the spike in cash-out refinances, which have helped our clients in various ways. Some used that cash to pay off high interest debt, invest in home-improvement projects, and pay off student debt. While there are many different ways to utilize your home equity, investing in a rental property may be one of the most financially profitable moves. With rents being at an all time high, it’s no surprise that investment real estate is booming, with more homes being sold to investors than ever before. In the third quarter of 2021 alone, investors bought 90,215 homes, amounting to $63.6 billion.

How do I maximize my investment property profits?

Once you’ve decided to invest in a rental, it is important to diligently research the market trends by area including prices and vacancy factors, as well as checking for any city rules and regulations for short-term and long-term rental properties. One of the many factors of a successful rental is its design. When guests are looking for a place to vacation, they browse through hundreds of photos of competing properties until one of them wins the race. By creating a trendy and welcoming atmosphere, you are increasing your chances of getting that booking. One thing to keep in mind is the geographical location of your property as often times, it helps to have it influence your design decisions. For instance, properties in Joshua Tree, Palm Springs, and other High Desert areas follow a modern minimalistic theme with accents of green plants and decorative rocks that make you feel one with the landscape around you. Whereas a cabin in Big Bear will likely have a more rustic feel with lots of wood and decor to encourage a warm and cozy feel for its guests.

With interest rates going up, does it still make sense to invest?

Absolutely! If you are qualified and in a financial position to do so, investing in real estate is always a wise move. Not only is real estate a hedge against inflation, it is one of the fastest ways to significantly appreciate your assets overtime. Last year alone, the average annual gain in equity was $55,300 per borrower, which is a lot more than an average person could save on their own. With a well thought-out rental property, your mortgage could be paying for itself while you accumulate passive income and equity. By doing so, you allow yourself to build future wealth for yourself and generations to come. Even with the rate increases, cashing out your equity, especially on your owner occupied property - is still one of the cheapest ways to borrow money.

Do I qualify?

Good question! There are various factors that are evaluated in the process of obtaining a loan, whether it’s your primary residence or an investment property. However one perk of qualifying for an investment property is that we get to use the future rental income from that property to help qualify you as an investor. There are different programs available, both conventional and stated income - meaning less obstacles and more open doors that lead you to a healthier financial position in your life. At Prominent Financial Group, we are passionate about educating our community and being a valuable resource to you so call us with any questions and we’d be happy to consult with you for free, no strings attached.

Prominent Financial Group 535 N. Brand Bvld., Suite 290 Glendale CA 91203 t: 818-476-4133 www.PFG365.com

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The two firms were a long time coming. Lazar studied classical art and architecture at a small liberal arts college in the Midwest. He ended up in the hospitality world and learned the ropes of organization and project management.

“My design sensibility was rooted in organization and project management. And my experience in hospitality and events prepared me to create warm comfortable environments for clients.”

Lazar says planning large events use the same thought processes as interior design. He sees full home renovations as a largescale event with an emphasis on the four “Fs” — flow, function, feeling and fun.

He’s particularly proud of two homes he recently redesigned. In Pasadena, he renovated the entry, living and dining rooms for a couple in the entertainment industry. Lazar worked with the clients to reupholster and refinish existing furnishings; edit their large collection of ceramics and art; and add new furniture, flea market finds and vintage art to the space.

“We also added natural raffia wallpaper to the entry, a customized nickel gap wood wall treatment around the two-sided fireplace, and new stone for the fireplace mantels. It was great fun.”

Concurrently, he has taken on a full-home project in Rolling Hills.

“The couple is building their dream home for retirement with sweeping views of Catalina Island,” he says. “They went down to the studs as far as they could, and after year of construction they are finally at a point where the walls, windows and doors could be installed.

“I worked with them on the general space planning, interior design, furniture selection and oversaw all of the interior and exterior surfaces including walls treatments, flooring, tile, kitchen cabinetry, lighting and plumbing fixtures. It continues to be a challenging project, but we are close.”

With both jobs, the homeowners have significant input.

“The reality is my projects must reflect my clients. It tells their story of travel and family, their taste in art, their color and texture preferences. It’s my job to make sure all of the options I bring them are great.

“That way, when they’re making a decision, there’s no wrong way to go.”

“My own personal style is very eclectic, a mix of art and life’s treasures combined with traditional and modern pieces that tell a story about how people live. That’s my job: telling stories.”

Orange Grove Studios — Pasadena stephen@orangegrovestudios.com 415-535-2313