The Urban Frog: Lighting Ideas

So I’m trying to come up with some design and lighting ideas for the Urban frog that would be made from re-purposed materials, antiques, or something recycled. I was hoping to make something myself, but knowing that there are about 14 light fixtures, I don’t know if I would have the time (while I work 2 jobs…) So I was scouring the web for some awesome ideas. I want to keep the theme of the re-do very “Urban” (to keep with the name) and “Up-cycled” and fresh, fitting with the theme that the restaurant uses organic food stuffs, and has a lot of vegan and vegetarian options. Here’s a few things I found that I think would be fun:

This light fixture is made from zip ties. Via The Violet Hours Blog.

This bubble light is home made, check out the tutorial on Apartment Therapy’s Site.

I saw something like this done once on Design on a Dime. They took twine, lots of glue, and baloons to create this shape. Once the twine was dry, the baloon was popped and voila! Light Fixture! This one comes to you via Home Dzine.

As much as I love this idea, I fear that the jar wouldn’t provide the right kind of light in a large space. Brought to you by Many Hats of a Mom.

I LOVE this idea! How to create this Pottery Barn fixture… Hmmm… Take a rim of a lamp shade. Paint black. Get alligator clips. Paint those black. Attach clips to ring, and attach pages of old stories, music sheets, cookbooks, and children’s illustrations. Fire hazzard? Maybe. I would have to find a way to keep the light bulb from touching the papers.

I’m totally in love with, and must make THIS one. At least for my own home. It’s a faux capiz shell lamp made of wax paper, a planter and some ribbon. Genius!

I’m sure I’ll come up with something. Otherwise I’ll just leave the lights the way they are, and add tons of awesome accessories to make the place look smashing!

The Urban Frog: Paint Colors Selected!

So the progress of the Urban Frog Project is coming along nicely. Today the team here at Designs of the Interior helped finalize the paint selections, and locations of each color. We are going for an earthy, yet hip and relaxing vibe.

Our colors. Pretty Excited!

Our little layout sketch to place each color. We also have some ideas on how to make the space unique as well, those will be a surprise.

Some of my inspiration. This eco friendly coffee house has earthy tones, with a neutral calming color pallate.

This picture of a cafe near London inspired me to get a larger, school-house style clock. And the simple chalkboards, and baked good displays are appealing to me as well…

I’ll keep those of you interested in the progress informed with each step. Next, making flowy drapes, and shopping for accessories.

Design Challange: The Urban Frog

The Urban Frog! (Before Photo)

So one of my first solo responsibilities (woo hoo!) here at Designs of the Interior will be to help the “Healthy Deli” across the street, The Urban Frog, with a little Design on a Dime magic. The new owner Sue would like to give the place her own touches, since the current look is that of the previous owner. Given their budget, I (with some help from the team) have come up with a plan to give them the most bang for their buck, and turn them into a chill Organic/ Juice Bar/ Deli/ Cafe vibe, instead of a grade school day care vibe. I’ll shoot you some before pics, and keep you updated the whole way!

Before: The design goal here is to remove giant frog, and turn wall into a gallery for fresh art, or a do a cool wall treatment with either wood, or a collage of recipes.

Before: Kid’s Space: The Design goal for this area is to keep the area functional, but organize toys with baskets, replace art to something more modern, and add some flowy window treatments for accoustic purposes, and to soften the space.

Before: Counter Space. Goal for this area: To make more welcoming, and help traffic flow by moving the Juice Cooler. Paint walls a refreshing color and add some shelves for showcasing fun accessories.

Before: Counter/ Carry Out Area. Design Goal for this space: Move menu to a more convienient location, paint a cool color on back walls and add some neat signs showcasing words representing the company brand.

So, I can’t wait to get the ball rolling! Next step: Craft city. Making drapes and accoustic celining panels will be my job. I’ll also do some paintings that will be for sale on the walls of the re-vamped cafe. Should be pretty exciting! Photo Journal to come!