Blanton Design & Staging

Susannah Blanton
President, CEO

Long before home staging became an industry standard, Susannah saw it as an opportunity to tell the story of a home.

After moving to Austin with her husband, Baird in 2005, the couple began renovating and flipping houses. When the housing market shifted in 2008, they pivoted, recognizing that exceptional presentation could be the difference between a home sitting on the market and one that captured buyers' imaginations.

At a time when staging often meant filling rooms with generic furniture, Susannah took a different approach. She sourced quality furnishings, layered in original artwork from Austin galleries, and curated each home with collected pieces that felt personal rather than prescribed. Every space was designed to complement the architecture, reveal the home's character, and invite buyers to imagine a life unfolding there.

That philosophy quickly resonated. What began as a practical response to a changing market evolved into a thriving business built almost entirely on referrals and long-standing relationships. Realtors came to rely on her instinct for creating interiors that photographed beautifully, showed effortlessly, and left a lasting impression.

Nearly two decades later, Susannah has staged hundreds of homes across Central Texas, earning a reputation for thoughtful design, uncompromising quality, and an unwavering attention to detail. While trends have come and gone, her guiding principle has remained the same: every home deserves to be presented at its very best, with interiors that feel both elevated and deeply authentic.

Amanda Ciotto
COO

Amanda serves as Chief Operating Officer, bringing more than a decade of real estate experience and a keen eye for both design and execution. Her career began in New York, where she built a successful real estate business while renovating short-term and long-term rental properties, developing a comprehensive understanding of what makes homes both functional and marketable.

Grounded in an appreciation for architecture, Amanda approaches every project with equal attention to form and purpose. Her design philosophy blends clean, modern sensibilities with timeless elements, creating interiors that feel current without sacrificing longevity. From construction materials and color palettes to furniture selection and spatial planning, every decision is made with intention.

Her greatest strength lies in understanding how buyers experience a home. By thoughtfully balancing scale, flow, and visual impact, Amanda creates environments that invite connection and inspire confidence, helping properties stand out in a competitive market.

As Chief Operating Officer, Amanda oversees the company's daily operations while leading teams with a collaborative, solutions-oriented approach. Her commitment to quality, efficiency, and exceptional design ensures every project reflects the high standards that have become synonymous with the company. Passionate about transforming spaces into unforgettable first impressions, she remains focused on delivering results that benefit both listing agents and sellers alike.