Business Insider

This Austin Design Firm Built a Business Model That Bends With the Market And Its Paying Off

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

So So Spiffy Austin is elevating the art of home staging with a signature blend of creativity, texture, and refined style. Known for transforming both new builds and character-filled older homes, the boutique design firm brings a fresh, organic approach that turns every space into a showpiece.

In a design economy where many firms are being forced to choose between creativity and commercial survival, So So Spiffy Austin is quietly proving that you can have both. The boutique staging and retail company has built a business model that fluidly merges high-end home staging with a shoppable design studio — creating a sustainable, dynamic approach to an industry often resistant to change.

Founded by Barbara Cooney, So So Spiffy has long been known for its fearless use of texture, organic materials, and subtle vintage character — a combination that resonates deeply in Austin’s eclectic luxury market. But what truly sets the company apart is its malleable business structure, which allows it to pivot seamlessly between staging, design, and retail depending on market shifts.

When real estate slows, the firm’s retail and design studio take center stage. When the market heats up, its staging arm drives demand. That dual identity allows So So Spiffy to stay profitable and relevant through the unpredictable cycles that have shaken much of the industry.

“Our model is built on movement,” says Barbara Cooney, Founder and Creative Director. “We’re not one-dimensional — we pivot based on what’s happening in Austin’s market. It keeps us resilient, and it keeps the work exciting.”

The approach works because both sides of the business feed each other. Each staging project becomes a living showroom for the shop’s curated pieces, while the retail side gives buyers and design enthusiasts a way to take So So Spiffy’s signature style home. It’s a loop of inspiration and commerce — a self-sustaining ecosystem that sets the brand apart from traditional staging firms.

“We design spaces that people want to live in — not just walk through,” Cooney adds. “That’s why our projects connect. They’re personal, layered, and real.”

As the design landscape continues to evolve, So So Spiffy Austin remains a case study in how creativity and commerce can coexist — and even thrive — when a company stays curious, flexible, and unafraid to rewrite the rules.

About So So Spiffy

So So Spiffy is a luxury home staging and retail design firm based in Austin, Texas. Known for its inventive approach, rich textures, and organic-meets-modern aesthetic, the company specializes in transforming overlooked spaces into magnetic, market-ready homes. By blending commerce and creativity, So So Spiffy continues to shape the future of design-driven business.

Company Details

Organization: So So Spiffy Staging & Design

Contact Person: Hannah Hite

Website: https://www.sosospiffy.com

Email: hannah@sosospiffy.com

City: Austin

State: TX

Country: United States

Release Id: 24102535990