it was another busy saturday at modmood with fun furnishings being sold and plenty of traffic from open to close, great sales and the “fiscal cliff” seemed but a distant memory

however, with a lot of customers it was time time to give our regular attention to cleaning  the bathrooms. although we rotate this bathroom cleaning responsibility daily among our staff it was time for our newest employee, cyrus bobo, to take his turn and learn the fundamentals of toilet cleaning, etc.

i’m sure cyrus wasn’t thinking of toilet cleaning when he asked to help at our  retro vintage, modern and contemporary studio and design center.

after jeanne, our resident bathroom guru, had finished teaching cyrus the abc’s of making our restrooms spotless and sanitary, i’m sure he felt more like mr. clean than an apprentice retail associate. however, for better or worse, richer or poorer, most brick and mortar stores try their best to make the shopping experience enjoyable for their customers.  even teaching their grandchildren how to clean toilets–welcome aboard, cyrus!

check out this great video by local film student, travis hubbard!

travis was looking for a local business to feature in a recent project of his and we were so glad when he chose modmood, it was a fun project to be a part of!

modmood: a modern fix

recently while traveling i was reading house beautiful.  this particular issue focussed on color and the articles reminded me how much i love color.  our store is full of color; teal sofa’s, orange chairs, vibrant rugs, tons of fabric, even the outside of our store is a great reddish orange.  as i often tell our customers it doesn’t take much to imagine a beige sofa but seeing an orange one…well sometimes you just have to touch and feel it to know it’s magic.

so many people love color and yet when it comes to buying furniture, painting their walls or actually using a color other than something very muted they shy away.

if you love color but are concerned about how to use it or whether you may tire of the color, here are a few ideas you can try:

paint – the nice thing about paint is that it isn’t crazy expensive and even less so if you do it yourself.  don’t be afraid to paint a wall, a ceiling, a half-bath or even a piece of furniture in a great vibrant color…you can always change it.

pillows – a great back drop for color is white.  paint a room white, the furniture white and then add some great colorful pillows to the bed.  if you tire of the color/colors you just have to change pillows.  you can also have a pillow and throw collection for all 4 seasons!

wall decor – posters, fine art and even your own painted canvases can add huge amounts of drama and color to your room without breaking the bank.  spray painting mirror frames and wall accessories are also a great way to add a punch of color.

rugs – company c is one of the rug lines that we carry and let me tell you they aren’t afraid to use color.  indoor outdoor rugs by company c and  loloi are a great way to add color in your kitchen and back entrance.  these rugs can take the abuse and bring you joy as you walk into your home.

note: when using color it is good to have some visual rest (areas that are “quiet” between the color) is important.

don’t be afraid to use color and  feel free to chat with me about it next time your in “the mood”.   there are so many colors to work with and ways to incorporate it.  i like what the artist melissa barbieri said when asked what was her favorite color:

…“why choose just one color when you can enjoy them all”

the modmood design studio is a sweet surprise.  when we first began working on our business plan and the floor place for the store there was a little area in the back that seemed to accommodate perfectly a small design area.  having had a design studio in knoxville, tn prior to joining the corporate life i was anxious to get back to my passion.

i can remember standing in the middle of this little space, once the fabrics, tile, rugs, paints and pillows starting coming in, and telling pat, “i don’t care if i ever do any business back here i just love being surrounded by all these things”.

needless to say, what is going on back in that little area is far above and beyond my expectations.  i guess it goes back to doing what you love and the success will follow.

the growth in our studio has required us to take a leap and that is to purchase another building (if you can believe we don’t have enough room in this one!) and expand our studio even further.  so…we have a place under contract and if all our zoning issues are resolved you will see further expansion of the modmood studio later this year.

most of the work we do in the studio comes from those who walk into the store.  you would think that since we have a lot of contemporary, vintage and mid-century modern in the store that the design opportunities would follow those styles.  however, much of our work encompasses MANY styles.  i was recently discussing this with one of our modmood fans and he said he thinks it is because there are so may people that want to get outside their style box but are nervous about it.  they feel comfortable with you and your team because your experience is in many styles and you can bring that modern edge to the more classic looks…hence our new tag line: modmood a modern twist to the classic styles.

check out our design page and see some of the things we’re doing.  there are a few photos of some of our work posted.  we will soon have a before and after segment but in the meantime have fun browsing at some of the photographed staged units.

i have been very fortunate to have worked with great design clients in the course of my design career.  just prior to making a career change 20 years ago from design to the corporate world of italian tile, i had a client that was pure heaven to work with and i chalked it up to my lucky stars never expecting to have another like her.

fortunately in those 20 years i didn’t get too far from my love and passion since part of my job was working with some of the great designers, architects and developers across the united states.  after 20 years in the corporate world, i’m back doing design work.

working with people, helping to define their space – whether it’s their home or office – is really fun!  it also has it’s challenges, as you can well imagine.  when we opened modmood i was able to take a small space in the back of the store and surround myself with fabrics, tile, textile, rugs, wallcoverings, etc.  the hope was that i would be able to once again work with people in selecting products for their space.  fortunately this segment of our business has really grown.

i find myself with not only one but multiple dream clients.  what makes a dream client for me?

one who actually listens to you suggestions: deborah and rusty are perfect examples.  i went to their home for a consult and we walked through and around their house looking at the things they had done.  as i made suggestions here and there she made her notes.  about a week later we spoke and she said she was ready to move to the next level as she had done everything on the list…i about choked.  how many times do people ask your opinion and then actually follow your advice?  this was so refreshing!

another instance – a client and i were talking about doing some things a bit outside her comfort zone.  i was listening to her as she was explaining to me why she wasn’t comfortable doing something different.  she stopped, looked at me and said “let’s do it!  why would i hire you if i’m not going to make changes?”  to which i say…if you always do what you’ve always done, you’ll always get what you’ve always gotten!

one who doesn’t breath down your neck: i’m currently working on a very large project in boulder.  this woman is very high powered, owning her own business with about 10,000 employees.  she is a dream client because she let’s me do what i do…design and decorate.  in the beginning she was more hands on, but once she felt more confident that i understood her needs and i had her best interest at heart, all she needed was a clear understanding of the concept.  ”what is the design concept?  what are the fabrics and colors?  what is the estimated cost?” then she would leave me alone to work out the details trusting in my abilities and expertise.  does it matter if the bedspread drops 14″ or 15″?  to me, yes.  to her….?

you are trusted to make it right: as much as i hate to admit it, not all jobs go perfectly.  there may be upholstery, drapery, rug, or production issues. the perfect client doesn’t go crazy and make your life a living hell.  you are given time to make it right.  have you ever heard the term “snake bit”?  it’s used when a job just seems to be destined for trouble.  no matter what you do to make sure everything is done correctly,  it just doesn’t matter – the fabrics out of stock, the manufacturers customer service entered the order incorrectly, the heartland is flooded.  a dream client understands that no one wants the installation to go more smoothly than the designer.  believe it or not, we care MORE than you. our name and reputation are on the job, not to mention our desire to please!

these are just a few characteristics of the dream design client, but i think you get the gist of it.  are you really going to do anything suggested?  do you really want something different than what you have? can you trust someone who does this day in and day out to do their job? and can you give them space to make it right when and if something goes wrong?

of course it goes without saying that all designers and decorators are not created equal.  it’s important to do your due diligence and make sure you and the designer connect, that they do in fact have integrity, and really care about your project.  once this is established, if you can say yes to at least 3 of the above questions, you can be someones dream design client!

as customer first to modmood and RETRO Consignment, i became passionate about this place! green, modern, vintage, stellar design team, outstanding customer relations, this place was dynamite! now…i am so exited to be a part of the team.

before I get ahead of my self, my name is michelle and i am working with pat (one of the owners) handling the vintage collectibles and  also with jeanne (the other owner) and the design team in developing our “style” profile and interning in the design department.

our collectible vintage collection continues to grow. we are partnering with a very reputable company vandm.com (vintage and modern) based out of new york. v and m is an online marketplace for vintage and modern designer furnishings and other pieces. this partnership has expanded our customer base by reaching many customers outside of colorado. just recently, we shipped a laverne & estelle chair to paris- even though I haven’t been YET, I couldn’t help but get excited with the notion.   we  also shipped some fab barstools to arizona, and while working with the customer, learned her sister was a wonderful regular to the store. check us out

after majoring in psychology,  i’m having so much fun working with the style profile  (not sure if that is really the word to be used…still working on that) it’s  a great tool to help people identify their style.  we understand people can’t be easily categorized, especially if you are like me and your style  is constantly changing but we are developing a fun and unique tool that helps you understand your likes and dislikes in your living environment. We developed a formula that combines (your root )where your heart is (your mood) what mood your in right now and your own personal edge (that thing that makes you unique).

this tool will enables us to understand you and your style better so that we can work with you to create a space that reflects the uniquely wonderful you. it is still in development but should be completed by mid-month and we look forward to sharing more with you.

everyday is a new day here. the customers/clients, consignors and artists are all so intriguing and i love to listen to the dialogue, especially “my mom had one of these!” people get excited and are having fun! right now, as I type, we are being serenaded by a customer and he is spelling mississippi and many other words backwards—i love it.

i’m excited to be a part of the team and look forward to you meeting you on your next excursion to “the mood”.

by pat gooch…

since we’ve  just completed our first full year of business i want to recognize those players whose contributions made us so successful.  the nominees for our MVP AWARD are:

samantha b.– she tags/prices most of our merchandise, enters purchase orders into our cumbersome system, greets everyone who comes into our store, keeps our store clean and tidy despite every attempt by me to bring more clutter and inventory whenever and wherever i can, oversees our advertising including craig’s list postings, twitter tweets and facebook frequencies.  she makes vendors accountable for shipping issues and defective products, merchandises our vignettes, makes contributions to our future e-commerce presence and does such mundane tasks as making sure our restrooms are suitable for shoppers and our furniture is spic and span.  she is a friendly multi-tasker who balances her responsibilities at work with the demands of our 3 grandsons.  high five for samantha!!

tim tebow – if you haven’t been tebowing lately we’ll forgive you “non-believers”.  it was a storybook year in broncoland until the clock struck midnight last saturday in new england.  was it just coincidence that during the broncos great turnaround and improbable victories we were setting sales records to match?  that first play of overtime against the steelers was one of the most exciting in colorado sports history.  the tebow to d.t. catch and touchdown created more euphoria in denver than i’ve seen in years and it contributed to a supercharged , spirited and uplifted business climate as well. thank you tim!!

will bobo – transitioning from ameristar chef to our star “schlepper” was our best trade. pound for pound he is one of the strongest men I know.  he’s upbeat even when handling the most difficult tasks, he has a terrific sense of humor, is super smart, deals with my ever changing priorities, has mastered the trailer maneuvering course, shovels snow, empties trash, recycles our cardboard, balances the end of day reports in record time, fixes lamps, legs, leaks and loads.  he’s an up and coming salesperson, “no” is not in his vocabulary and he is our consignor’s best friend. he’s a wonderful dad, cook and hip-hopper and maintains a year round vigil for his beloved washington redskins. GOBoBo!!

jeanne – she is our heart and soul.  she has the gifted ability to connect with all customer types, a networker supreme, handles our IT,  she creatively merchandises our  windows and showroom (our push, pull and drag queen), heads up marketing, has outstanding personal and professional virtues, is a gifted designer who satisfies customer styles from post-modern to traditional and everything in between, she closes virtually every deal, never complains (unless she is tired or hungry), has 20/20 business vision, always prompt to our 5:00 am sales meetings, a risk taker but a methodical decision maker, she is responsible for our incredible vendor relationships, she            purchases inventory creatively and correctly, enjoys color, texture, style, her new lifestyle and fast cars. slow down GiGi!

connor g. – he is the best bookkeeper that never took an accounting course.  ambitious, diligent who can balance college curriculum and business responsibilities.  he’s easy going, a long distance commuter, art work display specialist and conscientious.  he is loyal, a math maven, dependable, flexible, tech savvy, carries a lofty GPA, keeps me abreast of the sport’s world, installed our security system and has never had a complaint from a customer.  he has a mr. universe bod and mucho karma to match.

give me a C-O-N-N-O-R!!!

…the envelope please…the winner of the modmood/RETRO Consignment MVP AWARD is (drumroll please)…OUR CUSTOMERS!!!!!!  Yeah! Yeah!

you win and it’s absolutely true.  you have made it all possible for us.  without you we could not buy great inventory, have done the outstanding remodel project just completed (for which we won a big award and now we share with you), every other improvement we made and every upgrade we did, all the groceries we purchased, our health insurance, our retirement fund contributions, the utility bills, all of our mortgage payments, the lines of credit, going out to dinner, paying the kid’s tuition, the car payments and every damn thing we have we owe to you.

so it is my honor to present this award to each of you who have and are making our business possible, successful and fun. cheers and thanks!  as a token of our appreciation and as a reward for whomever read this, my first BLOG, please take an additional 5% off any purchase without restrictions until the end of january 2012 by simply saying during the transaction “i’m the MVP!”.

2012 is here and we have all made our resolutions, right?  was one of yours to do something with the space you live in?

mine was…you would think since i do a lot of the designing and merchandising for the store that my own home would be a showplace.  but in fact the old adage, “the cobblers children have no shoes” is alive and well at my home. hopefully this year i can get a few more things done and practice what i preach.

sermon #1 – layering

it doesn’t have to happen all at once.  just as in nature, layer by layer we can build our space and environment.  we can do a few things first, live with it, then add the next, and the next, and so on.  often, when we try doing too much too fast, we can end up with an overly decorated space AND furnishings and accessories that don’t really speak to us or about us.

i had one client recently tell me that his impatience is probably due to the fact that he watches too much HGTV and wants to have it done in a weekend like all those home makeover shows.  i say, go away for a weekend, leave your credit card and we could do just that.

but, do you really want to have it decorated and done or would you rather have something that is an extension of you?

my husband and i were talking this morning about how much we enjoy working with the folks that come into our store…  our customers and clients are very connected to their homes and each piece and thing purchased is a treasure.  they aren’t just filling their homes with truckloads of furniture but are deliberately selecting and examining each piece to make sure it’s the right one.  a far cry from those who fill up there homes with pieces, designs and colors only to impress or worse just to get it done (mark it off their list).

so, let us help you jump start your resolution and come into modmood and RETRO Consignment and enjoy our

design services and design department

beautiful new and used furnishings and accessories

our vintage collectibles (also can be seen on v and m)

great collection of consignment furnishings

register on our contacts page for our monthly promotions.

and….if you keep us busy enough i won’t have to feel guilty come 2013 when i haven’t completed by home make-over!

hopefully you are surviving phase one of the holiday season!  are you looking forward to the new year?
we are!  2012 looks very exciting for modmood and RETRO Consignment.  can i give you a few hints?

expansion

modmood studio

modern shed

custom furniture

buy it on-line

auctions

fabulous sculpted wall panels

you’ll be hearing more about each of these in the coming months.  our goal is to  offer the friends of modmood and RETRO Consignment unique experiences and products.  we know the economy  and the stresses of our daily lives can take it’s toll and we want to make your home and businesses special, exciting and fun.

we are so appreciative to all of you who have faithfully supported our new business this year.  2011 was a very successful year for us, not only have we exceeded our overall sales goals, developed some wonderful vendor relationships, met some of colorado’s great local artists, but we have met so many new friends who have become a regular part of our lives.

it is an added bonus for all our hard work when you spread the word to your friends and it is especially exciting when you bring your out of town guests, friends and family to experience modmood and RETRO Consignment.

thanks so much for making 2011 a good year and we are wishing you and your all the very best in 2012!

the season of gift giving is here.  one of my favorite things about about gift giving and the holidays are the packages.  it’s not what is in the packages that i love so much but  the presentation.

i like it when thought has gone into the “decorating” of the package.  i love beautiful and unique paper, ribbons and bows.  if you don’t like to wrap boxes you can always use a gift bag, just be sure and use alot of tissue paper and curly ribbon.  bright colors, whites, greens, reds, golds and of course you have to love those great “kids” wrapping papers.

i remember one year wrapping all the packages in elaborate paper and wonderful bows to match the decorations on the tree.   of course this was back in the early 80′s and i was living in the south….all “gussied” up,as my grandma would say.  it did look magical.  btw, i think that was the year our little toddler (now much older with toddlers of his own) pulled the tree over and crushed all those beautifully wrapped packages.

then one christmas i used all kraft paper to wrap and green and red “curly” ribbon on everything. that year i used the natural wood carved ornaments as decorations of the tree.

my daughter in law, kotomi yoshida (btw a great clothing designer), always puts so much thought into the packaging.  her cards are hand made and she creates envelopes and special wrapping for all the gifts she gives. it’s a treat every time you receive anything from her.

things have changed now, i hardly have time to buy presents, much less wrap them creatively.  but i am learning to use what surrounds me daily.  we have so many things in our vintage section that can serve as wonderful “decoration” for gifts, and then the wrapping actually becomes another gift itself, many times costing less than wrapping paper and ribbon.

here’s a few “wrapping” ideas:

using vintage pieces to “wrap” is good but they also make excellent gifts, particularly for those people who seem to have everything.  nostalgic pieces always make good presents:

modmood has added some great gift items for children for the holidays, some new-some old:

books and puzzles are always fun during the holidays:

and of course new items work also if they are unique: