The often unwelcome truth in this scenario is that even if you plan to borrow money to launch your brick and mortar venture, you will still need to invest in design fees upfront. I often refer to it as the chicken or the egg scenario of business lending because most people assume that they will be able to include design fees into their loan, and you can, but you’ll need to at least “loan” your business some cash upfront to get what you need to apply. Depending on the size and complexity of your renovation, you should budget between $5,000- $20,000 dollars to have a design team draft preliminary plans and perform a code review. In addition to interior design services, you may need an architect and/or engineers such as mechanical, plumbing, electrical or even civil.

Having your business’ plans in hand prior to negotiating a lease or securing a loan can be valuable in the early planning stages.

These preliminary plans and drawings will be the basis for the contractors’ estimate and will also help the lender visualize what you are proposing. In fact, some building owners require these drawings and their approval before extending a lease. Building owners want to see that you are serious and will be doing a professional renovation on their property. Plans can also be a good tool when negotiating your lease and will save you money in the long run. Once you know both the work required and the build-out costs, you can negotiate how much the landlord will cover or deduct from the rent if they are offering any flexibility.

Once the initial plans are finished, you’ll have a great starting point for your budget and a general contractor can begin estimating the cost of labor and materials. You will have cost estimates for furniture, fixtures, equipment, and rough dimensions for custom pieces such as a bar or checkout counter. All of this backup budgeting will be required by a lender and/or property owner. The actual buildout and construction of the space is one of the largest ticket items in your business plan and a knowledge of the nuance and the details of the process is of paramount importance.

Feeling overwhelmed? It is a huge amount of work to tackle, especially when you are more experienced at managing waitstaff than a construction team. But, that does not mean it’s impossible. As an entrepreneur, you are just starting the journey of many hats, and this is only one of the many obstacles you will successfully overcome. It will just take a clear goal and hiring the right team.

Or if you’d rather leave it to the pros, this is definitely something BMC can help you with. Working with entrepreneurs to launch or grow their business is some of the most rewarding work we do. We will assemble your design team, compile pricing form various trades into an organized and straightforward budget, create stunning visuals such as 3D renderings, and even pull it all together into a professionally designed package for you to confidently present. When you enlist our team, there’s no reason to feel overwhelmed. You’ll have everything you need to make your project a success. Contact us for more information and to schedule a consultation.

Yes, real fur and hides. Fur pillows, fur throws and even fur lamps…some of which were dyed crazy colors. Now this is the only thing I will not be “real” with you about…fur. Beyond the many ethical reasons I could spout, I simply think that it’s gross. But, fur is…interesting? Back around 2007-2009, I remember a short stint when cowhide was all the rage. People went crazy with it. Cowhide bowls, cowhide balls (Did I say balls?!) and anything decorative you could imagine. Thankfully, demand diminished quickly, and the trend fizzled out quickly. I’m hoping this neo-furrycolor-revival thing does, too.

Gone are the days of yester-grey…well, kind of. While I still noticed quite a bit of muted neutrals, color is starting to get back in the mix. Jewel tones mixed with their pastel counterparts created stunning visuals throughout the show. Colorful interiors have historically been the result of optimism returning to society after hard times. The grey/greige trend picked up in about 2010 when the recession was still full force and things were a little depressing all around. In hard times, people naturally cling to familiarity of simple things, and neutrals tend to offer stability. Given the rise of maximalism and bright colors, I’m hopeful that people are feeling more confident, adventurous and FUN with their design choices again.

Photo Credit: Miguel Emmanuelli

Renovations are nearly complete on the building that once housed the first medical facility to serve the African-American community in Jacksonville.

The long-vacant Brewster Hospital building, located at 843 W. Monroe St. in La Villa, will soon house the North Florida Land Trust’s offices.

Danis is the general contractor on the project, while Robbins Design Studio handled the architecture and BMor Creative handled the interior design.

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Main and Six Brewing Company

This quaint mid-century block building once housed a dental office, and was later a retail stationery store. Dennis and Cindy scooped up this little gem with the vision of bringing light to what was once just blight. Dennis, already a multiple award winning brewer, was ready to scale up his hobby. We focused on the Brewery first, to make sure there were plenty of tasty brews ready for the grand opening of the taproom. Extensive plumbing, mechanical and electrical modifications were required to accommodate it’s very specific industrial use. Finally the Brewery was finished and Dennis could get to work!

The design concept for the taproom was a modern take on nostalgia. This was reflected in the already perfected brand designed by Pat Carter of 63 Visual. We drew inspiration from this as well as charming details unique to the neighborhood. The iconic hex pattern found throughout Springfield is sprinkled through the interior in a variety of scales and shades. Warm classic copper and wood, punctuated with black steel elements give a masculine, yet comfortable vibe.

With a variety of seating options, you can have a totally different experience, whether sitting at the bar, at a booth, table, or even the back patio. We custom designed pieces and signage, working with local Springfield artisans to fabricate them. Local artist Josh Gaston supplied – from his own personal stash – plates of raw steel reclaimed from a 1920’s CocaCola factory. These slabs were cut to create the half-hex bar top and steel inlays in the concrete floor. A faux finish was then applied to the interior walk-in-cooler to replicate the look of the steel. Adorned with a custom sign by Forge, of the Main and Six seal, the backdrop was complete for the 16-tap serving station.

Longing for an alternative to the hard metal chairs that have become so fashionable, we decided to create an area with fixed soft seating. Not only does this provide a comfortable place to stay a while, but it also absorbs some of the atmospheric sound, allowing you to have a conversation. The custom wood ceiling is made from reclaimed oak, a perfect alcove for an intimate group. Custom wall panels by Sargent Upholstery gave a soft backrest, some sound absorption and a fun splash of pattern along an otherwise stark wall.

The tap list was a collaborative design with Forge; our goal was something flexible but appearing intentional. (Chalkboard paint was out of the question!) The result was a system of rails with prefabricated beer names that could slide in and out as available. Since Forge is a local company, Dennis can create until his heart is content, and have new signs fabricated with a quick turn around.

Specific attention was paid to the lighting scheme, which is closely coordinated with the furniture layout. Each patron has a distinctive splash of light on their table top. From the street, a dimly lit space, looks lively and full of dramatic interest. The traditional style exterior lights give life to the hand-painted sign by Grant Thornton. Reclaimed fence panels were used at the entry alcove to break up the monotonous texture of the painted CMU. The result is an intriguing facade that is difficult to pass by.

The grand opening took place during one of Springfield’s largest events, PorchFest. The place was packed and has been frequently attended by many ever since. Dennis has gone on to win two awards for his Handsworth Brown Ale at both a state and national level. We love seeing our Small Business clients succeed!

For more photos of this project, visit our portfolio.

The original Akra Bros Department Store, circa 1959.

Restoring a historic building is no small undertaking; on top of aesthetic appeal and modern amenities, restoration specialists must consider state and local preservation laws. We helped Crispens and his architectural team with the extensive design and planning required to bring this space into the 21st Century.

We knew there was great potential in these display windows.

Fortunately for us (and Crispy’s), preservation grants – including the first facade grant from Operation New Hope – and tax credits helped ease the financial burden, allowing the BMor Creative team to focus on restoring the splendor of the structure itself. Despite this windfall, grassroots funding was still a must; multiple fundraisers were held to create awareness and share our progress with the neighborhood, and residents came out in droves to support the soon-to-be local pizzeria bar and grill. It would still take months of elbow grease and persistence to bring this space into the 21st century, and transform it into Crispen’s dream restaurant and art gallery.

Setting up for a community FUNdraiser.

We wanted your first impression of Crispy’s to be both sophisticated and welcoming. One of our goals was to highlight the beautiful display windows and covered alcove by restoring the original tin and copper banding. We then incorporated copper accents into the sign and exterior lighting to create this striking, reflective entryway.

Inviting by day and somehow even more stunning at night!

Inside, we were fortunate to have nearly 6,000 square feet of space to play… err, work with. We were lucky to find several diamonds underneath the rough layers of the previous years, including terrazzo marble floors, a central grand staircase, and two second-story skylights.

We restored this neglected stairway into a central thruway to the upper dining level.

Since opening its doors just over a year ago, Crispy’s Springfield Gallery has been at the center of Jacksonville’s Urban Core revitalization effort. Crispy’s and the BMor Creative team opened the gateway, and more small businesses like breweries, restaurants, and coffee shops are popping up in the historic district, each offering unique, local flavor.

The alcove windows make a great live band stage, leaving the dining room space free for patrons.

The spacious, bi-level dining area is family-friendly and visually pleasing.

In 2018, Crispens was awarded the Jacksonville Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) Ignitor Award, which recognizes individuals who serve as catalysts for urban neighborhood development.

In February, John Crispens was awarded the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) Ignitor Award. This recognizes someone who has served as a catalyst for urban neighborhood development.

We were thrilled when the Jacksonville Historic Preservation Commission recognized our combined effort to revitalize Springfield’s commercial district and honored us with a 2018 Jacksonville Preservation Award, for “outstanding local achievement in the field of historic preservation.” Watching new life breathed into old buildings inspires us, and we love living in a city that recognizes the importance of preservation.

Technically, each of these functions could take place in the same vanilla box. But the spatial considerations for a yoga studio vary greatly from those of a coffee shop. If you remove the table and chairs from a restaurant and replace it with cubicles – could it serve as an office? Perhaps, but it would suffer functionally, with a good amount of the space dominated by a now irrelevant commercial kitchen and other unnecessary elements. In turn, your staff and work product would suffer.

Photo: John Fountain

A well-designed space should project and serve its intended purpose. Successful brands have tuned towards this mentality, using their spaces to create an experience and elicit specific responses from employees and customers. These cutting edge companies stay at the forefront of their fields by designing spaces that promote positive, productive employees, and interactive environments for their customers.

Employers can fall short when they view a workspace as solely a space in which to work. In this case, we ask what their goal is for their employees: Do you want workers? Or do you want productive, focused individuals, capable of providing an amazing customer experience? One of the often overlooked considerations of a workspace is employee comfort. Do they have adequate lighting, acoustic privacy, and access to other resources needed to be efficient? Is there enough storage or do unsightly stacks of paperwork clutter every visible work surface?

Before & After

You may have recognized the obvious solutions to these common issues, but even designers can fall victim to disorganization and discomfort. While I am generally organized and most of my files and projects have a home, today the clutter creature was intruding on my focus. It was distracting, and I couldn’t afford to put it off any longer, so I took some time to spruce up my desk before getting down to business. Not only did it take way less time than anticipated, but it helped me to actually stay focused when I started working.

Photo: Miguel Emanuelli

Never underestimate the effect a well-designed workspace can have on your ability to focus and your productivity. Not to mention … your employees and your sanity will thank you!

Paint and color are one of the least expensive and most impactful ways to customize your space. Color is not simply used to dress up a room. Color is used to shape energy and sway emotions. It can reflect a person’s personality, express individuality, and can shift a person’s mood. Color can be what helps set your space apart, and make people remember you. And in a world where everyone seems to just want to fit in, we encourage you to stand out!

As designers, we take a thoughtful and precise approach to color choices and it’s all about achieving the desired effect. Did you know that the right colors can actually change the look and feel of your space? Did you know that color can actually change the way you feel? This is not some new-agey hype, experts have been studying ‘Color Theory’ since the early 1400s. Color and the way it is applied, are principles considered by Interior Designers, Graphics Designers, Marketing Teams, Product Designers, and Fashion alike.

There is a wealth of information available about color symbolism and meaning. Every hue has its own characteristics, and every variation has a purpose. When it comes to design, it’s not just about picking a color; it’s understanding how that color – and its variations can affect space and create a mood. At BMor Creative, we feel the ultimate goal for any renovation, whether it be a local eatery, small business office space, or historic home, is to express the personality of its inhabitants and contribute productively to how they use their space.

Temperature
Colors are classified by temperature: warm to cool. On the spectrum, blues, purples, most grays, and blue-greens are considered cooler colors; while reds, yellows, yellow-greens, oranges, browns, and tans are considered warmer.

Cool colors are known for their calming effects. They invoke mental pictures of water, mountains, wintertime, or an overcast sky – Natural Elements. And just as in nature, these elements can have relaxing and calming effects on a chosen space. Cool colors also tend to make a space feel larger and more expansive, receding visually. This makes cooler colors a good choice for smaller spaces and rooms or any environment you want to promote as calming or relaxed.

Main and Sixth Brewing, Historic Springfield | Jacksonville, FL | Photo: Miguel Emmanuelli

Warm colors tend to bring out a sense of excitement, physicality, and energy. Think of the sun, sand, red clay, or fire – Natural Elements that embody warmth, physically and psychologically. Warm interiors make spaces feel more inviting and comforting. Often you’ll find public spaces in homes, restaurants, hotels, and nightclubs dressed in warm colors. And while cooler colors help expand a space, warmer colors help make larger rooms more intimate, creating a more human scale. Super high ceilings in a living room? Paint the walls and ceiling a warm neutral – it will suddenly feel more intimate and cozy.

King Residence, Historic Springfield | Jacksonville, FL | Photo: Miguel Emmanuelli

Now that you’ve narrowed down the color, it’s time to pick the perfect shade. But how do you know which green will work when there are over 50 to choose from? Understanding saturation can help.

Saturation
Saturation is best described as the intensity of color. Bright and bold colors, the purest and least modified from their true hues, are highly saturated. Softer, more muted versions of the same colors, created by adding black or complementary colors, are less saturated.

Highly saturated colors are visually stimulating and give off a sense of energy, excitement, and optimism. Think of an exercise gym, a Miami nightclub, or a children’s daycare center – places where energy and enthusiasm are implied and intended. It’s easy to envision those places with bright and bold color schemes. Saturated colors are also used to highlight an area or as an accent, drawing attention to a specific spot or room.

As designers, we love using bursts of color to act as signage, as well as contrast to shape large spaces or make a certain color really pop! However, you must proceed with caution. Too many bright colors or colors paired with its complementary companion can be overstimulating. The objective is to create a place for the eye to rest, not a sense of visual anxiety.

Trinity Baptist Pre-K | Jacksonville, FL

Less saturated colors are more peaceful and serene and provide a calming effect. They promote rest and relaxation and help lower negative emotional responses such as anxiety and fear. Is it any wonder these colors are commonly used in spas, mental health facilities, and areas of tranquility in homes, such as bedrooms and bathrooms? Just as too many bright colors can be overstimulating, too many muted colors make a room depressing. So, keeping it to a splash of color is sometimes what you want when looking to liven up a room.

Archer Residence | Jacksonville, FL | Photo: Miguel Emmanuelli

Still not sure?

Are you stuck between a few options? Color is one of our specialties at BMor Creative. We have years of experience in selecting the right palette for each client’s unique needs and personality. If you are feeling overwhelmed, you’re not alone. One of our clients’ biggest fears is picking the wrong colors. Not only do we offer full Interior Design, including Project Management and Construction services, we also offer color consultations.

Not sure how to pull it all together? We would love to share more of our passion and expertise in the world of color with you! Schedule a consult with us today, we’d love to help.

BMor Creative is a full-service interior design firm, specializing in commercial interior design and historic preservation for small business.

Becky Morgan, an interior designer with BMor Creative, said she drew design inspiration from the signature hexagon paver seen throughout Springfield and that the brewery will feature “a modern take on a nostalgic feeling.” Morgan and many other members of the build-out team are Springfield natives.

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The old entry to Springfield on West Pearl Street. Established in 1869, Springfield is the state’s largest historic district.

The renewal of Springfield has had its share of obstacles the last two decades. Today, skyrocketing home values and substantial Main Street business investments indicate the current turnaround may be sustainable.

After the 1960s, when the urban middle class began to flee to the suburbs, Springfield experienced decades of neglect. But the neighborhood always had its charms.

Changing perceptions

In 2010, Southern Living and Florida Trend magazines touted one of Springfield’s comeback attempts.

Becky Morgan moved to Springfield that same year. Having lived in a gated community with a long list of restrictive covenants, she appreciated the neighborhood’s “free-spirited nature.”

Becky Morgan and John Crispens outside Crispy’s at 1735 N. Main St. Crispens plans to open the 150-seat restaurant this month.

“Everyone does their own thing,” she said.

At the time, Morgan said, Springfield had a “charming commercial corridor that was crumbling to pieces.” While that might have repelled many, Morgan — an interior designer with a passion for historic preservation — saw the potential.

“It’s just a vibe,” said Morgan, who opened her Springfield interior design company, BMor Creative, in 2014. “I want to be part of the action and the change.”

During the last three years, she has helped John Crispens build his 150-seat restaurant, Crispy’s, in the old Akra Bros. Department Store.

To return the building to its 1933 art deco style, Crispens restored the sleek black tile exterior and entryway features, such as the architectural glass and zigzag, copper-on-nickel trim. He also preserved the building’s skylights, staircase and terrazzo floor.

Crispens had not visited the neighborhood until about a decade ago.

“We came and fell in love with it,” he said. “We’ve been living here nine years now.”

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By May, John Crispens hopes to renovate his vintage Springfield building at 1735 N. Main St. into Crispy’s, a restaurant, bar, art gallery and dry-cleaning service.

“I’ve been wanting to start a business in Springfield for quite a while,” said Crispens, 46, who moved to Jacksonville from Long Island, N.Y., in 1992 and has been a Springfield resident for more than six years.

Crispens said he wants to contribute to the level of development along that part of Main Street, which is north of Downtown. He considers himself lucky to have found the almost 6,000-square-foot building, which he bought last year.

“The building is over 80 years old, with many unique architectural features including terrazzo marble floors and two giant original skylights,” he said.

In addition to the floors and skylights, the grand staircase to the second level also will be restored.

The city is reviewing a building permit application for Johnson Home Builders Inc. of Yulee to convert the space. Plans show the renovation would turn the first floor into a dining room, bar, kitchen, business area and storage. The partial second floor would accommodate more dining, as well as live music and private events.

BMor Creative Inc. is the interior designer. Baker Klein Engineering and The Ohmega Group are the engineers for the plans. All three are based in Springfield.

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