Transforming a Studio Space: The Birth of Niche, a Fashion Boutique

We embarked on an exciting journey recently, reinventing our former studio space. What once housed creative projects, DIY endeavors, and our dedicated workstations has been transformed into something entirely new – a retail boutique we’re incredibly proud to unveil. This transformation marks a significant chapter, and we are thrilled to share the story behind it.

For the past three years, this studio has been the official home of Curbly, providing an inspiring environment for the blog to thrive and evolve. However, as with all good things, change is inevitable. To make room for new opportunities and ventures, we began making subtle yet impactful adjustments. After several years of relentless growth, we decided to strategically slow down at the beginning of 2019. Both Bruno and I were simultaneously pursuing independent projects, and the blog felt like it needed time to recalibrate and adapt. We recognized the need to provide it with the space to do so, and we’ve both grown comfortable and confident in that decision.

Parallel to my work with Curbly, another compelling narrative has been unfolding. For the last two years, I’ve been developing a business, Niche, in collaboration with my friend, Molly. Initially, Niche was a side project, pursued in between other jobs and responsibilities. However, it has steadily grown, demanding more of our time and attention. Niche is centered around women’s fashion, and we’ve hosted weekend-long pop-up shops in our studio space each season for the past three years. Our studio has been an incredible canvas, and we’ve thoroughly enjoyed transforming it for these events.

Over time, we realized that we were ready for a permanent brick-and-mortar location. We searched extensively, but we were never able to find the perfect space. It soon became clear that the Curbly studio was ideally suited for our shop. The transition was seamless, and the transformation process has been exhilarating.

Repurposing the space in such a different manner presents both challenges and opportunities from a design standpoint. Molly and I have relished the creative process of building something new from something old. The space has been reborn, reflecting the changes occurring behind the scenes. This transition feels natural and timely.

With the invaluable assistance of Lamps Plus, one of our favorite Curbly partners, we’ve designed a beautiful shop. Take a look at the process and photos of our new space below…

As with any worthwhile transformation, ours began with a carefully curated set of mood boards.

And here’s how we brought our vision to life!

From the outset, our goal was to maintain the warm, inviting atmosphere that characterized the studio. We wanted to create a welcoming lounge area where women could gather, a space that felt more like a living room. The design prioritized comfort and creating a sense of belonging.

We selected a gorgeous, rich blue velvet sofa to anchor the lounge area. It’s both spacious and inviting, offering unparalleled comfort. The centerpiece of this area is undoubtedly the gallery wall. We created a wall of powerful women using an eclectic mix of vintage artwork and contemporary photographs of women we admire. Intentionally incorporating mirrors allows viewers to glimpse their reflection and become part of the display. The gallery wall fosters a sense of connection and empowerment.

Gallery walls possess a certain magic, primarily because they don’t adhere to rigid rules. Assembling this wall required minimal measuring and hammering (or, rather, re-hammering!). I arranged the pieces on the floor first, then transferred them to the wall frame by frame. The final result is visually appealing because, despite the lack of symmetry or uniform frames, it feels balanced. The balanced asymmetry creates an engaging and personalized aesthetic.

We fashioned a cash wrap using a vintage wooden bar from the 1980s (acquired via Craigslist!) and refinished it with black lacquer. Our goal was to create an open, inviting area, and the addition of a massive gold mirror amplified this effect. The vintage lines of the mirror beautifully complement the modern lines of the wall sconces. The juxtaposition of vintage and modern elements adds visual interest.

Our primary objective for the entire space was to cultivate a welcoming and familiar atmosphere. This sense of familiarity is reflected in the smaller details, such as the velvet chairs, the vintage candle sconces, and the blend of old and new artwork. These carefully selected elements enhance the overall aesthetic and create an inviting environment for customers.

We’re incredibly proud of this transformation, and we eagerly anticipate welcoming women into our new shop for years to come. We officially opened our doors on March 23rd! If you live in the Twin Cities area, please come visit us and make yourself at home in our new space. We’re excited to share our vision with you.

For those interested in the specific products we used in the space, here’s a comprehensive list:

Furniture & Decor

Sofa: Marilyn Velvet Blue Sofa
Gray Armchair: Tiffany Gray Tufted Armchair
Mirror: Melba Champagne Mirror
Coffee Table: Bennet Travertine Coffee Table (Sold out, here’s a similar one)
Accent Chair: Ink & Ivy Waldorf Alligator Chair (Sold out, here’s a similar one)
Rug: Safavieh Bijar Collection
Prints: Ordered from Etsy, Uncle Poster, Clare Elsaesser, and Juniper Print Shop
Candle Sconces & Brass Swans: Vintage finds on Etsy
Toss Pillow: Sold out, here’s a similar one
Bodice Vase: Female Form Vase
Face Planter: Head of a Lady Planter

Lighting

Sconces (flanking large mirror): Luna Antique Brass Wall Lamp
Sconces (flanking gold mirror): Caserti Globe Wall Lamp
Table Lamp: Ripley Gold Finish Lamp

This post was sponsored by Lamps Plus. All thoughts, opinions, and ideas are mine alone.