A Vision Comes to Life
Installation day is always filled with excitement. Following months of detailed planning, watching a mood board and presentation come to life is simply thrilling! The realization of all that hard work is a sight to see.
Today I’d like to take a quick journey back to a wonderful West Coast installation. As I share some of the details, you will also see and experience how my team and I bring a vision to life.
A gorgeous Uber ride to see the site. We really had our work cut out for us...only 3 days until the opening party!
The Consultation - Gathering Information
Swing dress, comfy shoes and great shades in hand, my trusted measuring tape and I walked into a fantastic historic building in need of much love – I already saw its potential. The conversations with my client, a sweet southern friend from Augusta, Georgia, were joyful and filled with anticipation as I learned her wants and needs for the space. We were planning to turn it into one of West Hollywood’s most sought after boutiques, a place whose interior would offer a nod to Regency Modern and a hint of Art Deco. Yes, just think, classic Hollywood!
The Presentation - What is The Vision?
Creative juices on overdrive, with thoughts of opulent blush fabrics accented with luxurious gold, I returned home and began the planning process. It is here where the vision was born! A mood board was put together, organically created as different pieces came to mind, including vintage finds from buying trips and travels. My team and I began layering our design with the perfect accessories mixed with the permanent fixtures and new architectural interests, including arched openings into private dressing rooms. A floor plan was in the works but we still needed that Wow factor!
It was important for my client to show her Southern heritage and love of home. We wanted an iconic print that everyone would come to love, exclusive to SUTTON, the boutique name that would soon emblazon a gorgeous vine covered brick wall. My dear friend and talented artist, Kat McCall, and I developed the Cherokee Rose print for MIMI Couture (another one of my design endeavors). The timeless opulence of this bold black and white pattern would soon adorn the walls and other small accents to create a fabulous and impactful statement to future boutique shoppers.
Now we were on a roll. Spacial planning, necessary elevations, and sketches were completed…things were beginning to shape up.
Presentation Necessities
The Call
Awaiting the call or email from a client and accepting our proposal is also part of the thrill. I hope they are equally excited and passionate about the designs I create. My client was in love with the captivating design for her soon-to-be store (Yeah!). It was now time to review the floor and electrical planning, finalize lighting, plumbing fixtures, furniture pieces, and selections for all the pretty fabrications. Measurements were confirmed. The SUTTON Concept was in the making.
Our WOW Factor
Ordering & Installation - Finalization
Behind the scene buzz is now in full swing. Phone calls and meetings with contractors and project managers for all construction decisions take much time, patience, and attention to detail. Orders are placed while setting up shipment, storage, and delivery services. Installers for fabrications and artwork are typically the last on the to-do list for the delivery and installation of any project.
The BIG Day
Once again on a plane in my sundress, comfy shoes, and shades, we were off to realize this amazing project with only four short days to install. It goes without saying that things are not always absolutely perfect and without a hiccup, especially in a large installation. Ultimately, we had great success; our photos of this quintessential West Hollywood boutique speak for themselves. A sophisticated, chic, and wildly divine warm interior is what Sutton now calls her personal sanctuary, all while offering clients an exclusive shopping experience.
Item Placement and A Little Last Minute Shopping
Wonderful To See The Construction Progress and Beginnings of Installation
Sutton Strake, Nick Gentile and Myself Celebrating During the Installation
