Tuesday, May 3, 2011

The Office-Part One: In On The Ground Floor

There are so many lines I could start this post with:

"Beggars can't be choosers", "Life is all about compromise", "You can't always get what you want, but if you try sometimes, well you might find you get what you need".So this is what my new office looked like the first time I saw it. I actually came to this building to look at another office upstairs. I fell in love with the building, it is an old school that they are redoing to be historically accurate (talk about speaking my language). However, I wasn't in love with the tiny space (not shown) upstairs. Between being pregnant, having a chronic back injury and knowing how many samples- fabric books, tile, etc. I carry in and out I was not thrilled to be up a flight of stairs.

However, when you have a small budget you can't be picky. But you never know what is just around the corner, or in this case just downstairs. The guy who owns the building gave me a tour and low and behold there on the first floor (unfinished they are completing the upstairs first) was a diamond in the rough. And as Mom always says, it never hurts to ask. So I asked him if I moved in to the unfinished office would he work with me...and he did. And just like that another dream started to come to fruition...

More to come in another post but this what it looked like when he handed over the keys. He did finish the floors and somewhat clean up the wiring but the walls and ceiling are still completely exposed. To be honest, except for the noise I would keep it that way forever.

23 comments:

Karen said...

The floors look beautiful. Hope you'll be very happy in the new space. Can't wait to see more.

carolyn bradford said...

This is wonderful! Can't wait to see more either!
Carolyn

Tiffany @ Savor Home said...

Love the exposed beams and the floors! Can't wait to see more! Hope you are feeling well!

Janell @ House of Fifty said...

I am so beyond thrilled for you, how wonderfully exciting!! It is already a great space, look at that light fixture. I hope you'll post often about this project and I can live vicariously through you! I had a clothing boutique in SF and have always in the back of my mind wished for some sort of office/shop here, but that will have to be left for another time. Thrilled for you!
Janell

Pickled Blu said...

That is so super exciting- Congrats to you!

Ashley said...

This is so exciting! The floors look fantastic and I LOVE the large windows and the chandelier. Cannot wait to see more!

lizziefitz said...

I couldn't imagine a better office for you! It is exactly what I pictured you would get. Love it. Certainly a space to keep the creative juices flowing:) congratulations.

Mary said...

You are on your way to a great office. Can't wait to see more. Is that chandelier yours or did it come with the space? Beautiful!

Melissa @ Veranda Interiors said...

So so so so SO exciting!!!!!!!! I love seeing dreams unfold for wonderful people! Congratulations!!!! :)

Luciane at HomeBunch.com said...

So much charm! This place will be amazing, Marianne!

Loved your "dream house" at "La Dolce Vita" today! :-)

xo

Luciane at HomeBunch.com

H.G. The Countess said...

It's been so inspiring watching your business grow through your blog. I'm so happy for you, an office is a big step!

Marianne said...

This space is perfect for you! I have no doubt it's going to be amazing when you're done with it!!!

KristiMcMurry said...

Congrats! It's a lovely space :)

Naomi@DesignManifest said...

so exciting!! It has great bones and I'm sure you will add more beauty to it.

Anonymous said...

I bought a 24' square brick 2 story brick box of a house built in 1940 just to remodel. I tore off 2 bedrooms, turned the roof 90 degrees and put in a 25 ' glass curtain wall in the front. Every bit of the interior I left exposed and stained it mahogany. All molding was 8" wide rough cut pine also mahogany stained. This little brick box ended up on the front page of the Washington Post Real Estate Section on Sunday.

I recount all this to tell you to follow your own dream. If you like - it leave. Ann

Jade @ Flip Flops + Pearls Design said...

Marianne-

I am so jealous! I love your new space...truly perfect for you!

I am so excited for you!

Jade

Unknown said...

Amazing! I'm so excited for you!

Bravehearted Beauty {formerly LLH Designs} said...

Kudos on your newest little haven!

Xo,
Linsey

Luke Hoy said...

This is a fantastic space! I love the exposed beams and EVERYTHING! Congrats!

traci zeller designs said...

Oh, Marianne, I am behind on my blog reading, but this is wonderful! So excited for you!!!

laxsupermom said...

Wow! What an incredible light filled space! Love the new floors! Just goes to show that it never hurts to ask. Can't wait to see more. Thanks for sharing.

Stephanie Sabbe said...

girlfriend! looks awesome! what a great space! jealous!

carolina postcard said...

it's going to be so cool & I love how industrial it feels. lucky girl!