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Transformed: Haystacks boutique in Traverse City

Sep 02, 2010

Last spring I started working with Lizzi Lambert, owner of Haystacks, on some graphic design projects. (That's what I do in my other life.) With a polished new identity, Lizzi took on another improvement to her unique casual-clothing business by opening a new store in Traverse City, expanding upon her established spaces in Leland and Suttons Bay. She asked for my help creating a plan to transform the former dark/earthy tea bar into a light, bright space that would show off her colorful prints and original designs. And, ever-ambitious, she wanted to open in 30 days.

I had to come up with ideas that would make the most impact in the shortest amount of time, and on a pretty tight budget. Covering the former chocolate-olive–terra cotta-mustard color scheme was most important, and it needed to be done quickly and beautifully. Black Oaks Painting did an excellent job, and the whole place was finished in less than two weeks, including the very high ceiling.

I also developed a color scheme for the exterior to show off the crisp new logo, designed a plan for a fitting room space that required no carpentry, and did some secondhand shopping for vintage seating that could be turned into bright little jewels for each fitting room. The Dwelement concept worked for Lizzi because she wanted to do most of the work herself. She paid for a creative plan and a bit of footwork, but saved the expense of installation and product mark-ups. She took some liberties with the plan, too, and I think that's great! It's another advantage of my "relaxed" interior design services— as opposed to being at the mercy of a designer with an all-or-nothing approach. You keep some control, if you want it.

Click to enlarge the before and after photos below, then stop in and see it for yourself at 232 East Front Street, Traverse City, Michigan. Haystacks is filled with fun, ever-evolving clothing designed and fabricated in Leland, Michigan. You can also shop online: haystacks.net.

Before

Before: The former Serenity Tea Bar had a color scheme befitting its product, but the beautiful tin ceiling was downplayed, and the space was all wrong for the Haystacks brand.

Before: The service counter would become the checkout area. What to do with those laminate countertops? See the solution below. (Hint: We used a product I've written about before.)

Before: A seating area would become fitting rooms. Without building any walls.

Before: Color scheme aside, this paint had taken a beating after seeing the likes of so many cups of matcha and rooibos.

After

After: The space is a bright but neutral backdrop for Haystacks' colorful knit clothing. Walls and fixtures were painted with Sherwin-Williams Alabaster, my favorite shade of white. It's a softened white without yellow undertones.

After: The front of the store is welcoming and has a view of the renovated State Theatre. I specified a gorgeous Candice Olsen chandelier for the front (at an unbelievable price!). It's still awaiting its moment to shine— for now we'll let the original ceiling be the star.

After: The hardwood floors are the only thing recognizable from the previous design. The tin ceiling and lighting fixtures were sprayed with a coat of Sherwin-Williams Pool Blue. The effect is like shopping under a clear sky.

After: Lizzi Lambert's original designs are crafted in Leelanau County. Shown here, a rack of Bias Skirts in her summer fabrics. Coming soon: gorgeous knits from France for fall!

After: A former seating area was transformed into a fitting area with conduit piping and cotton duck drapes, which Lizzi made herself. A long drape also conceals the business area of the store in back. Flooring in the fitting area is peel-and-stick tile, covering the former brown linoleum.

After: Each fitting room has a piece of vintage furniture painted in a juicy shade and reupholstered with Haystacks fabric. I found the furniture at Riverside Resale and Reclectia for $20-30 apiece. Lizzi did a beautiful job refurbishing it herself.

After: Fitting room draperies are hung from the conduit pipe using ball chain looped through grommets. This solution was fast, inexpensive, and do-able thanks to Lizzi's DIY skills. It also lends the space an industrial feel that contrasts nicely with the girly prints in the shop.

After: Countertops, formerly a shiny faux-stone laminate in a mustardy shade, are now pearl gray after a coat of Rustoleum Specialty Countertop Coating in Light Ash, a product I discovered at Lowes. Lizzi said the process was easy (though smelly), and the finish is holding up well despite a somewhat slapdash job. She plans to replace the counters eventually.

After: Space under the former bar is maximized as a merchandising area that customers see while waiting to check out.

After: The exterior stands out from its neighbors in a deep navy blue with white column accents. Stop and shop at 232 E. Front St., Traverse City. Also visit Haystacks in Leland or Suttons Bay, or shop online: haystacks.net.

ALL PHOTOS: Diane Kolak, Dwelement Home Design, LLC

Do you have a small business that could use a little design help? No matter where you're located, I can create a design plan for your space that you can manage and/or execute on your own schedule. Sometimes a commercial project is best handled by a full-service on-site designer, but if you're on a limited budget and you just need a creative nudge or a few ideas to improve the look of your space, Dwelement eDecor Plans are perfect! Email me for more details. —Diane

TAGS: traverse city michigan interior decorator designer commercial space cosmetic update haystacks clothing boutique store shop leland suttons bay design color consultation quick fast turnaround budget renovation rustoleum specialty countertop coating paint review sherwin williams pool blue alabaster painted tin ceiling diane kolak

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Painting Wood Paneling: It's okay.

Aug 29, 2010

Whitewashing is a big trend right now. In fact, according to the latest House Beautiful lying rumpled and tea-stained on my favorite porch chair, it's one of the top five current trends in home decorating. In all the shelter mags and blogs, we're seeing pale paint looking really good. But there's always a certain chunk of the population who hold fast to the tenet that wood (or even its ersatz equivalent) should never be painted. Here I offer visual evidence to the contrary.

Got paneling? Paint it. Hate your knotty pine? Get out the brush. The time is now, the look is classic. You won't be sorry.

I saw this amazing transformation on the blog of Kansas City designer Jill Tran. She modernized this staid living room while keeping some of the major furnishings. Even in a room like this with rich-looking wood, paint can make all the difference. Read all of the details and see more photos on Jill's blog here.

BEFORE: Dark paneling makes the room look dated.

AFTER: Jill Tran's off-white-and-gray color scheme modernizes the space without losing the traditional look. Drapes are used effectively to visually expand small windows, and symmetry lends focus to the space. Notice how the same sofa looks more expensive in the new space.

BEFORE: An adjacent sitting room looks a little lonely, and the yellow paint is too bright and contrasty to work with this paneling.

AFTER: The softened color scheme and consistent window treatments tie the space to the living room. Check out the refurbished bench and armchairs. You don't always need to start over for a completely different look.

This before-and-after comes from the blog of home stager Judy Heinrich. Look how her recommendations made this knotty pine living room come to life.

BEFORE: Uninviting and monotone.

AFTER: Sunny, fresh, and up to date with a coat of Sherwin-Williams Softer Tan (SW-6141). Less wood on the walls makes the flooring stand out as an asset.

Still hesitant to paint wood paneling or trim in your home? My eDecor Plans contain multiple three-dimensional views of your finished space, so you don't have to wonder if you'll like the result— it's all in front of your eyes before you spend a dime on renovations. Very few online decorators or e-decorating services offer this feature, and those that do come in at a higher price point than Dwelement. Check out some samples to see the level of detail in Dwelement's eDecor Plans. Then email me to get started! eDecor Plans are $50 off for two more days, through August 31, 2010. —Diane

TAGS: painting wood paneling trim white whitewashing pale paint color trends knotty pine oak mahogany fake faux wood panels before and after photos inspiration rooms edecor edecorating e-decorating

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August Deal: $50 off eDecor Plans!

Aug 27, 2010

Been thinking about working with me to redesign your space? Now is the time. During August 2010, I'm offering a $50 discount on the following eDecor Plans:

Keep It Simple, now $450 (rooms 500 square feet or smaller)

Live Large, now $750 (combo rooms or rooms larger than 500 s.f.)

Spiff It Up, now $350 (cosmetic redesign for kitchens and baths)

Want to see some examples of eDecor Plans that I've designed for other clients? Click here to download actual plans in PDF format.

One of four Inspiration Board pages I created for Helen's Refined Revamp, a kitchen/dining/living room eDecor Plan. Read all about it and see more of the plan here.

To receive the discount, please email me. Questions? There is never an obligation when you contact me. Or check my FAQ page.—Diane

TAGS: edecorating e-decorating edecor discount sale deal room design plans online virtual long-distance decorating diane kolak interior decorator designer

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Style Steal: Furniture from JCPenney Studio

Aug 27, 2010

{Short & Sweet Friday}

JCPenney just launched Studio, a new line of home furnishings and decor items that they're calling "Relaxed Modern." I perused the whole set yesterday, and overall it's pretty nice for the price. Some of the pieces are trend-tired and a little copycat looking and others seemed over-priced, but there are a few gems that meet the Dwelement Style Steal criteria: A Style Steal must have a remarkable appearance of style and quality that belies its low price.

Here are a few pieces that made the cut.

Studio Modern Console, $110

Studio Swivel Bookcase, $110

Paris Director's Office Chair, $199

Studio Metal Magazine Stand, $24

Happy Weekend! Don't forget, just a few more days to get $50 off an eDecor Plan. If you've been hemming and hawing, now is the time. Just email me. —Diane

TAGS: jcpenney jc penney j.c. penney studio furniture bedding home accessories style steal look for less edecor edecorating e decorating

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Creative Homework Spaces

Aug 26, 2010

Back to school… that means time for homework! I don't have any kids grumbling about it myself, but plenty of my friends dread the task of getting their children to do homework. Here are some inspiring examples of spaces designed to make homework easier and more fun. Read on for ways to adapt a space for homework when you don't have a dedicated room.

Make Space in the Kitchen

If you have a built-in desk, dedicate it for homework space.

Photo: CWP Kitchens via Gold Notes by JG Kitchens

Under-stair Desk Nook

This space is often underutilized or turned into an awkward storage space. Open it up for an out-of-the-way desk space.

Photo: via Apartment Therapy

How About the Hall?

A wide hallway can be fitted with a desk and shelving to make it more than just a passageway.

Photo: via Remodelista

Best DIY Homework Table!

I first saw this project in Fresh Home Magazine, but the instructions are also online here. If you have basic woodworking skills and equipment, this multi-purpose, space-saving design could be the perfect solution for a lack of homework space (or dining space, bill-paying space, whatever). Folded down, it's a bar-height table for two. Folded up, it's a beautifully framed chalkboard!

Photos: via Home Magazine

Desk, Seating, and Storage in One Small Space

This storage bench tucks neatly beneath a sunny window-facing plank set between two bookcases.

Photo: via Martha Stewart Living

Keep it Simple

This is a great idea when you need space for multiple kids. A long, narrow counter with magnetic boards above is nothing fancy. When the kids outgrow it, turn it into a buffet space for entertaining.

Photo: via Remodelista

Need a little help rearranging a kids' room to accommodate homework/sleeping/storage/games/friends? I can help make the most of a small room with creative space planning and projects that are do-able and affordable. And I'll pull it all together with a look that satisfies you and your kids. Just email me.

TAGS: homework spaces desks kids rooms work space home office fold-up table diy design desk under stairs back to school interior design solutions

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