Do you remember this blog I wrote about a new retail boutique we were working on last year?  If you look at those ‘before’ photos, you might wonder, what was this client thinking when she bought that house?????

Well, she had a great vision of what she wanted to create and set about it; without fear.  This is the same client who filled out our design questionnaire and listed her desired style as: “Marie Antoinette meets Studio 54”.  I do not think I have ever had a more specific style inspiration description!

Well, after about eight months, this retail boutique, Found, finally opened with a grand affair and to much acclaim. I am excited to share professional photos (all shot by Casey Dunn Photography) as well as fun shots from the Grand Opening fete!

The new exterior:

If you appreciate historic preservation, as a reminder, this is what the house looked like the first time we toured it:

I’m not sure, but maybe it should have been on the condemned list!

And here it is now:

And now, the fun part: the interiors!

This is the South entrance through an amazing trio of steel and glass doors (seen on the right in the photo above):

The West entrance through the hot pink door seen in the photos above:

This is a full view of the interior space.  Raquel and I worked on the design together and selected a wood look floor tile for durability.  We also wanted to keep the interiors bright (it was very dark inside when we started).  The floor is set on a herringbone pattern which adds character and interest.  There are a number of different wallpapers used throughout, but they all flow together from a style and color point of view.

We also had the opportunity to design a variety of mill work details, such as molding for the walls and an antiqued mirror area for an inset arch.

We designed this cash counter to meet the daily needs of their retail team (hiding paperwork, a place for bags and tissue, a printer, etc.).  The architecture firm Clayton & Little and build group Burnish & Plumb were responsible for implementing the concepts and they did a fabulous job.

Behind the cash counter we used two fabulous buffet pieces topped by grand lamps and a Joyce Howell painting purchased at Wally Workman.   

Our client paid attention to every detail, thinking about what her customers would like best about their shopping experience. Each dressing room has a different wallpaper, mirror and lighting.  They have iPads on which one can select a playlist, as well as a ‘call for champagne’ button.  You can even order snacks and treats!

And, we did not forget the bathroom, either.  Finished in glam gold, we have a fabulous vanity, mirror and light fixtures.  Not to mention wallpaper and marble throughout!

And, because it was so much fun, I have to share some pictures from the ‘Grand Opening’.  Starting with the invite which certainly did not get lost in the pile of mail!

Live models were hired for the store front windows… That is Raquel and her husband Jacob out front of the shop.

and a pseudo Marie Antoinette was cavorting around the party (BTW Marie is a guy!).

The party drinks and appetizers were so creative!

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And Raquel and I had a blast getting our photo taken on the red carpet-

and so did Scott and I!

Raquel, Jacob, Scott and I had a grand time celebrating the success of Austin’s newest, locally owned, shopping destination.  Please go visit the shop and support their business if you are in Austin!  Raquel and I had a wonderful time working on such a creative and interesting design project.  Here’s hoping to more in the future!