Celebrating Mothers Through Space

Mother’s Day is a time to show appreciation for all the wonderful things moms do. What better way to honor the mothers in our lives than by creating a space just for them? Whether it’s a cozy reading nook, a vibrant craft corner, or a tranquil home spa area, dedicating a part of your home to mom’s relaxation and creativity can be a truly thoughtful gift. Here are some tips on how to transform a small space into a personal retreat for the special mom in your life.

Identify the Perfect Spot: Start by choosing a space in your home that can be dedicated to mom’s activities. It doesn’t have to be large; even a small corner or a window alcove can be perfect. The key is to find a spot that is seldom used and can be converted into a personal sanctuary.

Define the Space Based on Her Interests: Think about what mom loves to do during her downtime. If she’s a book lover, a reading nook with a comfortable chair, good lighting, and a small bookshelf might be ideal. For the crafty mom, consider setting up a crafting station with storage for her tools and materials. If she loves to unwind, a mini home spa with a cozy robe, scented candles, and soothing music could be perfect.

Focus on Comfort: Comfort is key in creating a special space. Invest in a good-quality, ergonomic chair for reading or crafting, or a plush armchair with soft pillows for a relaxation zone. Make sure the flooring is soft underfoot, perhaps with a stylish rug that also adds a touch of warmth and color.

Personalize the Décor: Personal touches can make the space feel even more special. Include framed photos of family memories, artwork that she adores, or items that reflect her interests, such as vintage craft tools or a collection of classic novels. Choose a color scheme that she loves to make the area truly hers.

Add Thoughtful Details: It’s the little details that can make a space feel truly welcoming. For a reading nook, add a small side table for her coffee cup or a stylish lamp. In a craft corner, include ample lighting and a pegboard for organizing supplies. For a spa area, place luxurious bath salts and fluffy towels to enhance the experience.

Keep It Organized and Clutter-Free: Ensure that the space stays relaxing and conducive to enjoyment by keeping it organized. Use smart storage solutions that minimize clutter. Decorative boxes, hidden compartments, and wall shelves can keep supplies out of sight but within easy reach.

Gift Idea: From Chaos to Calm: Master Home Organization like a PRO

Once you've created the perfect space for mom, help her keep it perfect with From Chaos to Calm, an eBook filled with expert advice on home organizing. This comprehensive guide offers practical tips and solutions to keep her sanctuary clutter-free and peaceful, making it an excellent Mother’s Day gift that complements any of these space ideas.

Creating a special space for mom not only gives her a place to enjoy her interests but also shows how much you care about her comfort and happiness. This Mother’s Day, let’s give mom something that keeps on giving—space to breathe, create, and relax.

Happy Mother's Day to all the amazing moms out there!

Project Tour: Girls Auto Clinic

Custom Nail Bar Designed by Sabine Hayes. Photography by Simone Merrique

As an interior designer, I love to create unique spaces that are customized to suit my client's needs. With that said, last year I had the opportunity to a meet female mechanic who was planning to open the nation's first female owned auto shop operated by female auto mechanics with a connected nail and blow-out bar. I was sold on the vision and uniqueness that I had to be part of this project. 

I am excited to share Girls Auto Clinic and Clutch Beauty Bar by Girls Auto Clinic, a company that empowers, caters and educates women about their cars. I had the pleasure of designing the complete interior of the auto shop and the beauty bar through my Full Service. 

Dilemma: How to take an existing male occupied auto shop with a connected storage warehouse and transform it into a female friendly auto shop that included a nail and hair salon. Patrice really wanted the salon and waiting area lounge to feel like a girls club house. A space that was comfortable, relaxing with an industrial, vintage edge.

Solution: The project consisted of 2 properties that were connected by 2 rooms, which were designed as a waiting area lounge and TV room. With my team of architects, contractors, electricians, plumbers, lighting designers, graphic designers, upholsterers, carpenters, and artisans we completely renovated a non-inviting group of rooms into a cohesive flow of spaces that serviced individual purposes. For example, when you walk into Girls Auto Clinic you can decide to wait in the lounge area and do some work on your laptop over a cup of coffee while you wait for your car OR just get a manicure and pedicure in the beauty bar without getting your car serviced. The flow allows for different needs to be met.

Presentation Board of Girls Auto Clinic designed by Georgette Marise Interiors

Before my team could start on constructing anything, I needed to sit down and develop a concept, a plan, a story, better known as THE DESIGN. This consisted of creating a floor plan using the blueprints of the existing building. Once the floor plan was developed it was time to select a color palette. Our color palette was inspired by Patrice's love of color and a wall mural we created that pulled in reds, oranges, soft yellows, and light blues. We used shades of gray as a neutral base for accents. We were then able to start specifying lighting fixtures, flooring, wall & ceiling treatments, furnishings, and accessories.  

BEFORE & AFTER: Girls Auto Clinic Front Entrance with custom vapor lights. Photography by Simone Merrique

BEFORE & AFTER: Girls Auto Clinic Repair Center

BEFORE & AFTER: Girls Auto Clinic Lounge with the Clutch Cafe and a custom work counter

It was important to create a welcoming environment as soon as you walk into the front entrance. We did this by keeping the majority of the walls white and painted the original tin ceilings a rich, gray color.

BEFORE & AFTER: Girls Auto Clinic Front Lounge with a custom built window seat

BEFORE & AFTER: Girls Auto Clinic TV Room with a custom floor lamp made of black pipes.

The TV room is a cozy, smaller room with a kids' table and an eclectic styled seating area for clients to relax while waiting for their car repair. 

BEFORE & AFTER: Clutch Beauty Bar by Girls Auto Clinic Nail Bar with the famous wall mural. Photography by Simone Merrique

When you walk into the beauty bar you are greeted by the focal point of the entire shop and salon. The focal point is the custom Girls Auto Clinic mural inspired by Patrice's love of vintage garages. 

In front of the rustic garage door mural, is an industrial styled bar that was designed to service client's nail care needs as they wait for their cars. The red painted bar stools remind you of classic Tolix metal chairs. The 9' bar has a sleek black top countertop with a diamond plate sheet metal front accented by wrench hooks for your bags and purses. 

Clutch Beauty Bar Hair Stations with red toolboxes

With a dedicated team of talented experts catering to the design, our vision was brought to reality. 

The same way a home is a reflection of its owners, a place of business is a reflection of its customers and workers. It's a balance of creating a space that services the customer's needs and wants while developing an environment where workers want to be. Interior Design plays a large role in a successful place of business. Leave a comment below of your thoughts on Girls Auto Clinic.

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