Total Make-Over

In case some of you were wondering what Mr. C 'does' - he owns an Auto Repair Shop. He bought it 16 years ago, and we actually met when I became his customer (technically...the story is more elaborate than that, because I used to work at this very shop when I was 18). Anyways......after living in Germany for 7 months, I walked into the shop yesterday and saw it with 'fresh eyes'. It was DISGUSTING. 

Full of clutter, knick knacks, car parts and just overall messy. It was in desperate need of a make-over. I started saying "let's do this", and "let's do that" - and he said 'OK'. I pointed, and he did it. It was that easy!

BEFORE: As soon as you walked in, it was BAM - the counter.



BEFORE: notice how there is stuff every where?? The walls were covered with random auto topics and repair posters. Back behind the counter on the right is a Rock Star cooler, an empty pepsi cooler and more 'stuff'.Not very inviting for customers. 



BEFORE: The lobby was scattered with random things. Notice the GROSS coffee cart? The fan isn't needed either - it's 36 degrees outside!

We Mr. C and staff pulled out the counter and turned it the opposite direction, which completely opened up the lobby. After that everything came off the walls and we started over.

AFTER: Originally the walls were gray top and bottom.  See how the white paint now makes the checkered tile stand out and also brightens the entire space?? Being iinspired by all of the wonderful chalkboard art in Germany, I taped off two large portions and painted with CHALK BOARD paint. This will be the new menu of services for the shop. It will  have a vintage kitchy-feel next to the checkerboard pattern.

I busted out my overalls and got to work.

Mismatched frames were given a shiny coat of black spray paint. I'm going to put BLACK and WHITE  PHOTOS of Mr. C and his two lead employees in the frames, and place them between the two chalkboards. I think new customers will enjoy seeing their photos.

 

AFTER: Chalk board paint is up! You have to work quickly with this stuff - it dries fast. Doesn't it look so much better already? The shop is clean, organized and looks very professional. Mr. C loves it! I will work on the Menu's this week as well  make signs for the restrooms (using the Vintage Finger Point sign, of course).



AFTER: Notice the coffee cart? Yes - that is the same cream/wood cabinet from above. Silver and black spray paint goes a long way!!!

AFTER: Doesn't it look 100 times better? The menu panels still need to written up and the employee photos added in the center.

PHEW - I'm tired. Let this posting inspire you to get rid of the clutter. It makes everything around you so much more enjoyable - and less stressfull.

xoxo
Michelle