BEFORE and AFTER: Design Work for Motels, Hotels, Inns, Vacation Rentals

Who doesn't love a good before and after story.  So here it is. I have about 10 other projects I have not had the chance to get photographed yet -- so hopefully, there will be a sequel to this soon. But I thought it would be fun to compile a few of the fun renovation stories in the hospitality industry that I've been involved in.  I love redoing, renovating and refreshing  old outdated motels, boutique-size hotels and teaming up with amazing firms like TruexCullins Architecture and Interiors (who I've done 5 fun projects with so far and looking forward to many more) on design projects and refresh projects. These are just a few of the projects I've had the privilege of designing for -- whether it's just a budget-friendly refresh or an all out -- let's take it down to the studs -- I'm game! If you know of an amazing motel, small hotel, inn or bed and breakfast, that could use a little love -- let me know -- I'll help bring it back to life!  xoxo Joanne

Main and Mountain Motel, Ludlow, Vermont

It has been busy here! So thrilled and excited with everything that is going on:  First copy of Styling with Salvage book should arrive today, just named "one of the country's top creative people" by Country Living Magazine, design work --Bear Mountain Inn in Maine renovations started, Lawson's Finest Tap room is going up as I write this, the renovations to the bakery/restaurant now owned by James Beard Award Winner, Christain Kruse, Vergennes Laundry by CK, is complete, vacation barn/house redo mid-construction, Aspenti Health office spaces almost complete, and many more projects. But today, I'm exciting to share with you  -- Main and Mountain Motel in Ludlow, Vermont! (insert drumroll). Eliza and Justin have opened the bar and are about to open their motel rooms.  This place used to be called All Seasons and it sits on Main Street, just down the road from Okemo Mountain, the ski area.  So hence the awesome new name, Main and Mountain, Bar and Motel. Notice the Bar comes first...that is because is has the most amazing lounge/bar in town. We turned a tiny lobby and the managers apartment in a fabulous space for everyone to enjoy. We are even turning the overgrown front lawn into a hangout spot, with gas fireplace and all.  I can't wait for you all to see it... Opening January 2018!

Here is what the lobby used to look like! 

How cute are Eliza and Justin -- the first day I meet with them in the old lobby.  Now look at their cool space!

Almost done! Few design details to finish up :)

Before picture -- of one of the nicest rooms. 

Almost done -- the green plaid shower curtains have arrives as well as the new blankets for the ends of the bed -- to add some color!  Photo by Lindsay Selin.

Doors and frames removed -- faux paneling removed and real wood v-groove added. 

Only thing missing in this picture is the awesome painting of trees on the wall by the bed.  More pictures to come soon.  Photo by Lindsay Selin

Why I love what I do! It isn't just about a cool design. It is about helping people who really want to bring back to life an old motel, inn or hotel, restaurant but don't have a big corporate budget behind them. This is about people who work for themselves, who work really hard to make things happen in their local community -- who live and work there and want to create their own successful business.  I love this kind of work because I really am making a difference in lives and they truly appreciate what I bring to the table. Here I am with one of the owners of Main and Mountain (which used to be the run-down All Seasons Motel).  Eliza, is a lovely young lady and her partner, Justin, are a joy to work with--and that's what it is all about. PEOPLE.  Have fun. Work hard. Be Nice.                   Photo by Lindsay Selin

BOOK AVAILABLE FOR PRE-ORDER NOW.

If you are looking for a last-minute easy gift idea -- look no further than my latest book.  It comes out in April but the PRE-ORDER is available now :)  I've made a fun postcard (that gives the content chapter titles for you as well) and a holiday greeting from me.  It is as easy as a click to order your copy today!  Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.  xoxo Joanne

Motel Makeovers, Marina, Boat Club, Cottages and Vacation Rental Redos

Yes, I know I haven't written since April...where does the time go?  Be prepared for a long but fun post.  Gabrielle graduated high school and is getting ready to leave for college in a few weeks -- Wahhhhhaaaaa!  Thankfully, we had a great family trip before she heads out.  I'm not sure I'm ready but thankful I have some amazing projects to keep me busy.   

As you saw from the last post, it was an honor to be a part of the TruexCullins design team for the MOTEL MAKEOVER in Jackson Hole, Wyoming and their website is live.   Check it out... Mountain Modern Motel.   The MARINA store remodel at Gaines Marina, in New York is also finished! Visit their facebook page for all the fun things they do. 

I love that Motels are making a come-back.  Bringing these oldies but goodies back to life is one of my favorite things to do.  I'm currently mid-way through a ROADSIDE MOTEL renovation in Okemo, Vermont.  Stay tuned.

Looking for a VACATION RENTAL in Lake Fairlee, Vermont?  You will love the new kitchen design and the fabulous birch tree wall in the bedroom (already a huge hit on Instagram).  We are just days away from the completion of the remodel. I'll post the rental link when it's up! 

The remodel makeover continues at BASIN HARBOR CLUB  with more updated cottages to dream away in and the BOAT CLUB BATHROOMS were fun to design.   Check out the renovated LODGE ROOMS, LOBBY and CLUB ROOM...so much to see and do at BASIN HARBOR CLUB .  

STYLING WORK for Gardener's Supply Company, Eating Well Magazine, and Verilux Lights has continued to inspire me...check out the pictures below.

Next...I'm about to dive into a VACATION HOME renovation (barn converted into home), cool designs have begun for a TAP ROOM for one of your favorite Vermont specialty beer companies, early-phase of design connecting for a complete makeover for an INN in Maine, and beginning a RESTAURANT project for an incredible chef!   Don't forget to come and visit me at my upcoming DIY and Design PRESENTATION for the next COUNTRY LIVING MAGAZINE FAIRS (September in Ohio).   

PHEW...this should keep me from crying in my soup when Gabrielle packs her bags for college.   Who am I kidding?   I'm going to bawl like a baby.   

But enough words -- here are a few fun iPhone pics.  (Professional shots coming soon).    

xxoo

Joanne

One of the guest bedrooms in the vacation rental on the lake -- keeping the costs down with some really simple -- yet bold -- decorating ideas -- including a photo wall mural of birch trees! More to come on this as well. 

This vacation rental redo will be really fun to tell you about soon!  Almost done.

With all the rain this summer, my peonies were amazing!

The DIY's at the Country Living Fairs sponsored by Jo-Ann's Fabrics have been a huge success. I'm doing two more at the fair in Columbus in Septemeber. 

We were able to get away on a family vacation and we sailed the Greek Islands on the Sea Cloud -- trip of a lifetime!

I know, you guys rarely get to see my guy.  Here we are in Santorini!  :) 

Close Up Details of the Updated Historic Lodge Rooms at Basin Harbor Club. Again, apologize for the bad IPHONE pictures -- better pictures to come.

The renovated lobby, including the new art gallery wall!

The new boat club at Basin Harbor, including a large dock for 60 boats, has its very own bathrooms with showers and a lounge room. LOVED doing these spaces!  

Cringing at my bad info pic -- but you get the "picture". The new boat house bathrooms for the docks on Lake Champlain!

Gaines Marina Store in Rouses Point, New York, is just about done in this picture. Needs a little styling touch -- which will come soon in another post with an awesome before and after of this dock side marina and boat store!

CREATIVE CONSULTING, MOTEL MAKEOVER in JACKSON HOLE

What an honor it was to be asked once again by the amazingly talented folks of TruexCullins Architecture and Interior Design to be a part of their interior design team for a motel redo in Jackson Hole. Formely known as The Painted Buffalo Motel, it is now the amazingly cool, Mountain Modern Motel. This project was right up my alley-- budget-friendly project with fun and funky ideas, including reusing some of the materials already in the building. Thank you to Kim Deetjen and the entire team at TruexCullins and the folks in Jackson Hole for having me play a key role in this design process. I'm looking forward to seeing the finished product this summer. Wait till you see the LOBBY too!  #motel #makeover #consulting #design #budgetfriendly #Jacksonhole #salvage #reuse #hip #lodging

BEFORE PICTURE 

Photo from a great Country Living Magazine Blog Article about Motels Making a Come Back.  http://www.countryliving.com/life/travel/a42036/motels-are-making-a-comeback/

CHECK OUT THE GALLERY OF PICTURES on the NEW MOUNTAIN MODERN MOTEL (formerly known as the PAINTED BUFFALO MOTEL)  http://mountainmodernmotel.com/#