The Chronicles of Alliance Wellness' fabulous new office - Weeks 9 & 10

It's starting to resemble a bee hive at Alliance Wellness' new office at the Ruby condominiums on Eastlake!  Along with a new office, there's a new logo:

The cork flooring and carpet squares were installed last week....

 ....and the walls that haven't been wallpapered were primed..... and then painted.  The reception area is coming along nicely!  I'll be posting more frequently now that the changes are so dramatic ....

The Art of Textiles

I recently had coffee with Pat Nugent, owner of Patricia Nugent Textiles, in her charming. light-filled cottage/studio.  I was treated to a private trunk show featuring her extensive collection of antique textiles (dating from 1790 to 1970), vintage clothing, and hand-painted design documents.  The design possibilities were endlessly flowing!
(We had a delightful time, and had earlier discovered that we not only had many acquaintances in common, but that our children went to school together - what a small world!)

Garments from mid- 20th century, above, seem like new. 

The metallic and watercolor hand-painted design, above, is one of the first steps in a textile design - and is perfect for my living room just the way it is!

The samples, above, date from the late 18th century to early 19th.  They look so modern, particularly the geometric pattern.

Pat tells me that a certain national clothing retailer has recently purchased cabbage rose designs from her - think Ralph Lauren circa 1980's - and they will likely be used in new and different ways than the original, similar to the one below.....This is such a gorgeous, intricate pattern when viewed up close and like an Impressionist painting, becomes more clear at a distance.

The meticulously cataloged antique textiles are kept away from light and dust to maintain their pristine condition, like the sample below...

Even the bathroom at Pat's studio is filled with vintage books and artifacts......

 I can't help dreaming about the designers, the patrons, the lives involved in the production of all of these wonderful textiles - and how little things really change; they're just ever so slightly tweaked to become "modern".  Thanks for a glimpse into the past, Pat!

The Chronicles of Alliance Wellness' fabulous new office - Week 8

It's week 8 of the project and now the really fun stuff begins!

The ceiling has been painted.....

 .....Pete is efficiently and effortlessly, it seems, applying the wallpaper.....and what wallpaper!  Absolutely stunning stuff.

.....and there are even stairs built to the garage now.  

The interior design is emerging before our very eyes and, though the choices were intentional, seeing it suddenly there, in 3D,  it has an almost retro vibe.  The colors are reminiscent of early Mad Men episodes:  soft aqua, taupe, grass cloth, cork.  What began as inspiration is now becoming reality.....

 

.....it just gets better and better......!

The Chronicles of Alliance Wellness' fabulous new office - Weeks 6 & 7

Alliance Wellness' new office at the Ruby condominiums on Eastlake is proceeding on schedule!

All the walls are constructed and in the process of a "level 4 mudding", as the contractor tells me.  (That means very, very smooth, perfect for wallpaper. And we will have wallpaper!)  Above is the latest view of what will, eventually, be the new reception desk location.  I know it still doesn't look that fabulous, but it will in a very short time.

Imagine the finishes:  walnut veneer, Novustone counter top (a blend of concrete and recycled glass), cork floors, Lumicor panels (plexiglass embedded with natural elements), dreamy sea-blue sheers....and lots of wallpaper.  The palette was partially inspired by this fabric from Highland Court.

This will be a warm and welcoming office.  The interior will be a reflection of the natural world just outside the doors, capturing the essence of soothing water, glorious sunsets, and vibrant city life.  The location is incredible:  on Eastlake Avenue East, tucked between the UW and downtown Seattle.  The views of Lake Union, Gasworks Park, and Queen Anne are stunning.....and the staff is amazing!  What could be better?

Dr Viv checks out the view from her private office, above.....

.....while I'm thinking about window treatments....and dreaming of dust-free days....