We're just a few short days away from completing two restroom remodels in a commercial building near Newport. Design plans were pulled together before the holidays and after a few months of scheduling and reviews the client was finally ready to pull the trigger. These old restrooms were in pretty dated shape. They sit on the first floor of a shared office building that's home to a financial group, doctors offices, psychologists, boating and marine offices, a sushi restaurant and even a coffee place. It's a great "U" shaped building that really needed some help in updating its facilities for the tenants. Here are a few before images:
Its hard to tell in pictures, but the wallpaper is a blue haze that's held up well, but needed a color replacement. The stalls are in such rough shape, a small windstorm could blow them down. For our updates, we have an amazing crew of contractors that removed everything so we can start from scratch. They've built out custom partitions made of strong maple that will be painted in a Sherwin Willams Black Fox semi gloss for durability. The walls will be done in a complimentary light gray to oppose the dark partitions. New Corian countertops will dress up the dated laminate sink and in the womens bathroom, a soffit will create a focal point at the vanity.
Just a few more days and we'll have our finished product.
- Amber
If you have a commercial space that needs updating, contact me. Complimentary consultations are a great way to get the ideas flowing and to asses the potential within your space.
Its never to early to start planning your outdoor space. Spring is just around the corner even if it doesn't feel like it. If
your anything like us, we live in our backyard once the weather
breaks. If you spend as much time outside as we do, why not make that
extension of your home really feel like one by creating an outdoor
living room feel.
Shopping for your outdoor space is a great
weekend project and is a great bonding time for a couple or even two roommates. There's
something for everyone in building an outdoor space. You may enjoy finding the perfect outdoor pillows, but maybe
your partner is into the decorative outdoor lighting.
Pulling together a look can be accomplished in four easy steps.
1.
Agree on an overall look and stick to it. If you have a inspiration you photo found in a magazine, study the colors and elements you most love about the image. From there, you can replicate those pieces to create your own version. If you know you really want to make a Trina Turk feel with oranges and blues, find an example of that color scheme and let that guide you as your shopping.
2. Build a base. You need furniture to sit
on right? You don't have to purchase all new furniture to create a new look. If last year's furniture is in good shape build upon that. In my case, I built pallet furniture last year and it
was a big hit. When making an investment in outdoor furniture, puck
items that are comfortable, durable and versatile. The accents you add
in will be the elements you can change year after year to get a fresh
look. Before you add in the fun, make sure you have these basics: a good umbrella, a table and
chairs for dining and playing cards, lounge chairs or sofas for
relaxing, a cocktail or end table for drinks, a fold down or mobile table for quick bar service and serving apps.
3. Add in the
style! Start with one piece you love and let that steer all other
choices. Whatever you find first typically determines this in many cases. You
can find excellent outdoor pillows at Homegoods with style and
character. Add an outdoor rug if you have a patio. Add a ceramic stool in
your accent color for an extra seat or drink table when needed. Find an
additional set of pillows in an opposite but coordinating
color/pattern. Oversize floor pillows are great for grass lounging and
travel well to picnics. Find a drink bucket in a bright color to keep beverages cold at parties. The container could also hold towels off duty if you have a
pool. Another great way to update old items: add a coat of spray paint.
4. Fill in the accents for that lifestyle "lived in" feel.
Add plants of various size and texture, add hurricane vases and lanterns
for candles at night. Garden objects, sculptures of you liking and
maybe even a wind chime. If your theme is nautical, find a large
clam shell for your cocktail table and fill it with succulents. Add objects of interest like old buoys hanging on the fence or place found driftwood along a garden boarder.
Don't get discouraged if you don't find everything all at once. The fun thing about design is that it accumulates over time and is perfected. Keep your eyes open for inspiration wherever you go. In the end, you'll have a space your family and friends can enjoy all summer long.
- Amber
For help sourcing any specific items shown, contact me.
