It’s time to order the furniture.
Category Archives: Arlington Rooftop
Playing Dominos on a Monday
Filed under Arlington Rooftop, Color, Current Projects, Design Principles, Flooring
Today was pretty productive already, and it is only 1 pm. My weekend was no different. My weekend was insane. I facebooked this morning that I needed a weekend from my weekend, and it was no exaggeration. Between this bar project, four other clients in the midst of projects, and producing another musical, I only sat still for about 10 minutes and slept little more.
I met with my restaurant clients to go over the drawings for the table arrangements. We made some decisions, and I tightened up some measurements.
We went to see Bud, who is crafting the bar, to finalize wood stains. True to form, this decision created a domino effect. I felt that the first selections of stains were too orange since the bar is being fabricated out of maple, which naturally has a reddish undertone. We decided instead on Old World stain, which is a wonderful rich brown, and not too deep to hide the grain. But as a result, this selection required that the floor stain now be changed to a slightly deeper tone, because the contrast between the floor and the bar stain was just too great.
Though it is never simple, I am really happy with the choices. This maple stain brings out the metallic highlights in the glass tile that will cover four enormous columns. And the new floor stain complements the wood-look tile planks perfectly.
Parched
Filed under Arlington Rooftop, Current Projects
If you manage a showroom, I have advice. Stock drinks.
We called it quits after three hours in a tile showroom today. I know my clients would have gone longer with a bottle of water. To be fair, our very hardworking salesman, Martin, went to the employee lounge and dug up three Styrofoam cups and some leftover soda. But large showrooms are dry and dusty, especially in the winter. And looking at selection after selection is grueling work. We had more to choose, but instead chose to do it another day.
My favorite retailer, Linda at Mr. Hydes in Canton, Ohio, always offers you a drink when you begin serious shopping. She has some of the most loyal customers in the world, and she’s worked to get there. When you are in her shop, the hours pass like minutes because you’re having so much fun and you are so…comfortable. But then again, buying a few beads is certainly easier than thousands of square feet of tile.
Paid to Party?
Filed under Arlington Rooftop, Current Projects
My appointment for this evening was rescheduled. The owner of the restaurant I am designing, the soon-to-be manager, and I were supposed to meet in Dupont Circle to bar hop. Yea, you read that right. I’m getting paid to order fancy drinks in cool, DC night clubs.
Okay, if I haven’t yet clicked away from my obnoxious bragging, I have to confess that it really isn’t THAT glamorous. My task isn’t to have fun. I’m along to catalogue the reactions of the others with me. And here comes the work: I have to take those reactions and apply them to our establishment.
LikesBottom line: It is apparent without any more gallivanting that a clean, masculine aesthetic will prevail. But we still need to check the competition.
Don’t blame me if I tap my toes and sip a trendy cocktail. It’s RESEARCH.
Revelation
Filed under Arlington Rooftop, Current Projects
I am sitting in the cool air on my balcony, staring at a blank sheet of paper. Well, actually a digital representation of a black sheet of paper, but you get the idea. It has been a long time since I felt the urge to write. And it isn’t just lack of sheer drive that has kept me silent. I haven’t HAD anything to write about.
This recession sucks. Business this summer was S L O W. My life was very busy, but that was about the all consuming activities of my children. This blog is a journal of my professional life. A REALISTIC one. I am not in an MLM. I don’t pretend to be successful when I am not. I write the truth, and when it’s ugly, I guess I just don’t write.
But this entry is not about doom and gloom, so don’t go clicking away to find a decorator with a sunnier disposition. There is news! I have something to write about!
Wednesday I met with clients I have had from day one of Decorate Your Space. They came to me by way of referral from clients from my former job. I have worked with them over the years on two houses and a minor commercial renovation. We have had an excellent working relationship, and I couldn’t have been more thrilled to hear about their latest business endeavor because I foresaw that it just might include me as well.
After 6 months through the county permitting process, construction has begun on a three level rooftop bar and grill. And guess who will be creating the high tech sports bar atmosphere?
* giggles of glee* Stay tuned!