9 Grand Avenue.... a Classic Take on Contemporary
For the Past decade our Real Estate & Investment office was located at 5th Street and Grand Avenue, adjacent to the Post Office and Lou’s Grocery. Seriously, how convenient is it being next to Lou’s when you pour a cup of coffee and realize there’s no Half-n-Half in the Fridge?!? This Past year we moved our Office location to 9 GRAND AVENUE, previously a Bay Home located at the Corner of Grand Avenue and Bayshore Drive. This was an exciting move! For one, the Views are Amazing and the potential for this property is undeniable!
For my office, I chose one of the upper rooms that opens up to a Balcony over looking the Lawn to the Bay. Although the View was Amazing, the room was rather bare, white walls and dated floors. A....”vintage” drape hung over the double Window and the divided light patio door obstructed the view. I considered this an opportunity to show my ability in Design and Execution.
A Blank Canvas
First off, I needed a design concept for the new space....Pinterest, Pinterest, Pinterest, of Course! I would also spend time in the space, looking at the shapes of the walls, how does the room to flow best, what furniture could be accommodated without overcrowding or clutter, how could the view best be observed… questions worth considering when designing any space.
Trying New Techniques
For this project, I tried two new techniques, both trademarks of Ralph Lauren Home Paint Selection: Indigo Denim and Regent Metallics. As with all things, practice helps and a test run doesn’t hurt! The Indigo Denim Look was achieved with a weave brush. The varying lengths of bristles give dimension to the glaze coat and BAM - your wall looks like your Pants! I opted to have Rectangle Borders added to the walls of the entry, I felt adding the faux fabric dimension inside the frames, gave the room a sense of warmth upon entering. The Gilded Gold ceiling was achieved with the Ralph Lauren Regent Metallics Paint and the RL Sponge Roller. This was even easier than the Weave Technique! There are How-to Videos at Ralph Lauren Home. I was impressed with the Ralph Lauren Paints and tools, but most of all the Inspiration from the exclusive techniques and hues they offer! There is a black lacquer paint that is calling my name…. I see it in my near future, perhaps for small powder room on an upcoming project?!? Ralph Lauren Paints and Tools are available at Home Depot.
Choosing Paint is Difficult! Be sure to test colors at different times int he day to see how the Sun Light affects the Hue.
Ralph Lauren IndigoDenim Technique is Achieve with a bas coat and a glaze coat applied with a weave brush.
I fully took on the obligation of shopping for work…
And now to the most Fun…. Shopping! I fully took on the obligation of shopping for work… it was a tough one, not! Most of my treasures came from World Market, Wayfair.com and Target, as they have this contemporary meets vintage thing on Lock and are very affordable! I did had a few specials finds though… The Cow Hide that covers the entry floor was a steal from the Fredericksburg Trade Days- less than $300 for that Beauty! Another piece I am quite proud of is the Antique Chandelier that sparkles above my desk. As I wondered through Grand Treasures Resale Shop one day, I came across this chandelier, and knew I had to have it! I love wondering through the shops along Grand Avenue, you never know what inspiration or treasure is waiting for you!
A Bird of Paradise and a Rubber Tree from Jardina Garden Center liven up the Space. Round Copper Table top from one of the Grand Avenue Shops ($7!!!!)
Finding the Chandelier was one of those break-through moments when you are beginning to become discouraged and then there it is! I had this idea of Contemporary Simplicity meets Classic Luxe, what does that even mean?! Incorporating different styles proved to be difficult and at times I felt like I was making a mess of it! I kept my patients and in the end was happy with how it all came together.
Creating a Functional and Attractive work space was Fun, but....
Our Goal as a local Developer is to offer the Absolute Best Quality Services and Products to our Community, to Beautify Our Community, to aid in Strengthening our Local Economy and move towards a more Sustainable Society. There are Great Things coming to the Bay Area Community and we are Excited to be apart of it! ~A
