Design: cabinets, counter tops & fixtures
Now that construction has begun, the design process for picking out cabinet colors, counter tops, and light fixtures must be decided. The architect includes all features on the drawings, but he/she does not include color choices. Of course the architect does offer this service at a VERY hefty fee. Thank God for Pinterest!
See below- this is our architect drawings where you can see that there is no color or material selections.
Where does the design process start?
We had a meeting with the General Contractors in office designer to go over specifics and what our budget would allow for different types of materials. We may be able to have granite counter tops, but the design team will tell us what level of granite falls within our budget. We then go over the different color options for the cabinets. Since this is commercial construction, we must choose a thick laminate overlay verses a paint color. The laminate overlay will allow for wear and tear without showing chipped paint, scratches, etc.
What is our vision?
First thing you must do before you begin picking out your colors is to know your vision. What type of environment do you want your establishment to be? Blow Out! Beauty & Dry Bar encompasses luxury, prestige, class, and cleanliness. The vision is to bring an upscale atmosphere to York County, to not only provide traditional salon/spa services, but to provide salon/spa services in a luxurious setting. Think of Blow Out! as your Ruth Chris Steakhouse oppose to Outback Steakhouse. Allow your mind to envision this type of environment to impact the ambiance.
Below are a few of the visionary images that we used to portray our style.
How long did the Design process take?
Our initial meeting at the GC’s office was 4 hours long. By the time we left the office our eyes felt like they were crossing. We had viewed so many color choices, so many textures, so many materials that my head was hurting. I love options, but too many options is overwhelming! In that meeting we accomplished picking out the cabinet colors, the granite texture/color, the cash wrap colors, the wine bar colors and the paint colors for the hair styling area.
Now that the finishes for the cabinets and counter tops have been decided, we have to decide what lighting we would like hung and what type/color of hardwood flooring we want. I have my homework cut out for me!