Project Reveal: Mineralogy
Hello & happy Sunday!
I am SO EXCITED to kick off the first project reveal of 2022 with a very special space - say hello to Mineralogy. A special client, a very special project, and a special space that will forever hold a special place in my heart. Yes I said special four times in that sentence, clearly you know it’s a good one! I met shop owner & fine-jewelry-designer-turned-client-turned-friend Theresa back in February 2020, before the whole world shut down. I was able to go out to Chicago and meet Theresa, see the space in person, take all my measurements, and remotely run the project from afar for the duration of the project - after a series of unexpected twists and turns and hurdles (hi, COVID) and a LOT of fine-tuning, we took the time this special space deserved to hone in on every little detail. The space is small but mighty, and every decision needed to reflect both function and beauty, and elevate the insanely-beautiful pieces being displayed there. Ready for a mini e-tour? Let’s do it.
Lounge + Consultation Area
Where allllll the magic happens… AKA where you come and get cozy + soak up this dreamy shop, but most likely where you meet and look at stones and details for your new piece (OR soon to be engagement-ring!) Theresa already had this vintage ochre sofa that needed to stay, and it truly was the perfect piece for that little corner (it literally fit perfectly in that window nook!) We paired the ochre velvet sofa with a new coffee table, a cozy lounge chair, and carried the mirror and wall sconce theme from the other wall to this space to start to play off of other elements throughout the shop.
A Not-So-Average Checkout Desk
Well hello beautiful. A desk area but make it drop dead gorgeous (if I do say so myself!) This zone was meant to be a space for clients to check-out with any in-store purchases, and also a space for Theresa to work/ catch up on emails (computer not pictured!) we mixed materials, textures, and finishes in this zone to craft a dreamy custom ‘cash wrap’ decked out with a curved radius-end, honed-marble, custom-stained white oak, and a touch of zellige. Not to mention this arched door of my dreams - as you enter the shop, this wall is the first thing you see if you look straight ahead and we wanted this zone to the back storage to be as special as everything else in the space. An organic play on curves and softness is definitely a theme throughout the space that reflects those very elements of the handmade pieces in the shop.
The Fine-Jewelry Display
Last but not least, the fine-jewelry display case. Insert me drowning in a puddle of drool here. This piece was the big-kahuna of the shop, it houses the most beautiful pieces and engagement rings, and the elements around this space tie in selections throughout the rest of the storefront. And we have that full half-circle end with glass and real, honed marble…need I say more? With lockable inner storage and pullout trays for setting pieces on and writing notes, this custom millwork is equally functional as it is beautiful. The window partition behind the fine-jewelry display case was outfitted with zellige to tie in with the cash-wrap, a touch of marble, and the steel and glass partition above to create separation from the shop to the workbench area, while still allowing visibility in that corner and natural light to flow throughout the space. Knowing the special conversations and selections that will be made around this piece for the years to come is the true cherry on top. Click here for more dreamy shots and the full reveal!!
Shout out to local maker Sydello Designs for bringing all custom millwork in the shop to life for us, and Design Seed for the build-out! And if you’re ever in Chicago, go check out Mineralogy in person, pet the shop-dog Penny for me, and give Theresa a hug for me. XX
All photos taken by the lovely & talented Margaret Rajic.