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Inexpensive Vinyl Flooring Looks Bellissimo in Catbird’s New Italian-Inspired Store
Catbird, a Brooklyn-based jewelry company, recently relocated its flagship store to a larger space in Williamsburg, aiming to infuse the new location with a distinct design aesthetic. Chief Creative Officer Leigh Plessner envisioned a space that blended elements of a haberdashery, a millinery, and curious museum displays. To bring this vision to life, Plessner collaborated with Spencer Alton and Alex Bechara of Alton Bechara design firm. Their collective effort resulted in a 1,400-square-foot store that evokes the ambiance of an old-timey bank and a vintage Italian pharmacy.
A key design decision, driven by both aesthetic and practical considerations, involved the flooring. Instead of opting for luxurious materials, the designers chose classic Armstrong vinyl squares arranged in a black-and-white checkerboard pattern. This choice not only provided a durable and cost-effective solution but also paid homage to New York City's iconic black-and-white cookies. The designers initially considered wood for a similar effect but ultimately found vinyl to be the superior choice, highlighting its versatility and affordability.
Further emphasizing a mindful approach to budgeting, the team prioritized sourcing vintage furniture over new pieces. Plessner, an experienced thrifter, regularly explores estate sales in Atlantic City, New Jersey, and shops in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, to uncover unique finds. Examples of these curated pieces within the store include a round metal patio table and a $30 card table adorned with a floral design. This strategy allowed them to furnish the space with character-rich items without incurring significant expenses.
The store's walls feature an array of found mirrors, predominantly sourced from Etsy. This collection of mirrors serves a functional purpose, allowing customers to view themselves wearing Catbird's delicate jewelry, and adds a decorative element that reinforces the vintage aesthetic. Remarkably, nearly all the mirrors arrived intact, showcasing the success of this sourcing method.
A striking visual element in the store is the vivid green jewelry display. This particular shade of green, inspired by cabbage and a dress worn by Gwyneth Paltrow in the film *Great Expectations*, is Benjamin Moore’s Baby Fern. This specific color choice also provides a visual link to Catbird’s SoHo store, creating a cohesive brand identity across its retail locations. The color scheme is further enhanced by stools reupholstered in vintage French ticking, adding another layer of historical charm.
To balance the store's vintage elements, such as the original knobs inherited from the previous tenant, the designers incorporated modern updates. These included replacing a chunky banister staircase with a sleek railing and integrating new lighting and windows. This blend of old and new elements culminates in a store that is described as a 'jewel box of treasures,' reflecting a thoughtful design process that marries historical inspiration with contemporary functionality and budget-conscious choices.
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