BRIEFLY IN BUSINESS

Von Hemert store front to get Tuscan update

Von Hemert Interiors is getting a new exterior.

Robert A. McGraw Architect is changing the face of the 55-year-old store at North Coast Highway and Cliff Drive, with a classic Tuscan style.

McGraw collaborated with Barry, Mickey, Carrie and Kelly von Hemert “” the members of the von Hemert Interiors’ family-owned business “” to create a new presence for the store that would reflect the style of von Hemert Interiors’ sophisticated clientele.

“The simple, yet elegant style of Tuscan inspired architecture will provide a functional and aesthetically pleasing showcase for the imported and domestic home furnishings and accessories offered at von Hemert Interiors,” said Project Architect Robert McGraw.

The structure will also complement the Robert McGraw designed craftsman style building at the Rohrer Gallery across the street.

Robert McGraw’s design solution for the von Hemert Interiors remodel will maintain the same footprint and height of the former structure, but provide a stronger street presence for the 4,102-square-foot, one-level store through a faux second level.

The exterior will be composed of natural stone, Stucco plaster and a Mediterranean clay tile roof. Visitors will enter the store through custom mahogany and frosted glass doors adorned with decorative wrought iron grill work and surrounded by custom original tile from commissioned artist Omar Torres. Two large display windows on each side of the doors and smaller windows in the faux second level will be framed with matching wood. A trellis over each of the outlying display windows will provide symmetry around the central grand entrance.

Bob Kahle of Luminosity Lighting Design in Laguna Beach is providing the project’s interior lighting design. Through the mixed use of energy efficient fluorescent and low voltage spot lighting, Luminosity has created a glare-free look throughout the showroom. In addition, the two large picture box windows on Pacific Coast Highway will draw attention to the von Hemert’s varying designs during the day and night.

“Pay close attention at night, as the lighting in each window box will slowly change to showcase the furniture display differently throughout the evening,” said Kahle. “The ‘light show’ will begin at the same sunset level throughout the year, thus highlighting the showroom differently every half hour, while drawing unique interest to the display every night.”

A new Kalwall skylight will also be built to provide natural light to offset the artificial lighting. Interior design will be provided by von Hemert’s own interior design staff.

“The remodel of our Laguna Beach store will create a more pleasant and inspirational environment for our customers, so we can continue to provide exceptional customer service and an exquisite selection of one of a kind, hand crafted domestic and European home furnishings and accessories,” said Barry von Hemert.

A fourth-generation, family-owned business, von Hemert Interior’s has maintained a presence in Laguna Beach for more than 60 years; the first Laguna Beach store was opened by Barry’s father, Ted von Hemert, on Thalia Street.

“My family has grown up around the Laguna Beach store, and we are here to stay,” said Barry von Hemert. “We look forward to serving our clientele in a new store better suited to their unique styles and tastes.”

Modern Studio provides lounge for golf retreat

Modern Studio Furnishings helped host the celebrity retreat for the Athletes First Classic ‘09, a charity event benefiting Orange Wood Pals. The event took place at the St. Regis Monarch Beach on March 7 and 8.

For the event Modern Studio Furnishings made a relaxing subtle lounge reflecting a back-to-basics lifestyle using natural materials and colors.

Modern Studio Furnishings is at 290 Broadway. For more information, call (949) 376-0103 or visit modern-furnishings.com