Batten x Bubbles in NYC

We Battened, We Painted, We Clicquoted.

If you would’ve told me I’d design a décor scheme for a New York City hair salon, on the East side of Manhattan I’d never believe you…

But here we are.

One of my best college girlfriends is a talented natural hair stylist in New York City. She recent broke a wall down to expand and make room for additional stylists and called me up to design her space. I immediately thought to incorporate Japanese design textures through the use of wood and creating a batten wall. I’m no contractor and couldn’t DIY the batten board wall, as much as I was prepared to attempt to if I couldn’t find a capable contractor. I had about six phone calls trying to find THE one. When I was losing hope, I bullied my dad into trying to create this wall with me. Thank God I found an impeccable contractor, I’ll leave it at that.

I found out later through my friend that one potential contractor thought me and my idea were “crazy", after seeing the finished wall (that he ultimately wasn’t hired to do — I wasn’t feeling his energy) he said he “gets it now” I must say his doubt almost had me (not really) but I remembered interviews from more seasoned designers who always say, “contractors will try to discourage you, but contractors are not designers” That kept me going, to be honest and it paid off. So thank you to the many designers before me for imparting that wisdom on the internet.

The major pushes in the décor will be complete in the first week of March 2021. Styling will be done by the end of March. Fingers crossed that I can shoot the space at the end of the month.

A happy dance after the batten wall was installed. It was an eight hour process. Terrifying, exhilarating, awesome. Can’t wait to wrap this project up and get professional photos.